Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/community-opinions-on-safety/page/2/)
The government uses fear-mongering to advance mass incarceration even with the Covid-19 pandemic. This writer seeks to quell the hate flowing from some fear-mongering by providing an inside perspective, based on his personal experience, on how the pandemic threatens the incarcerated, and by transmission to staff, the entire community.
In Orange County, an expectant mother must attend a check-in with ICE on Tuesday March 31st where she risks deportation and being separated from her four children during the COVID19 pandemic.
Douglas B. Davidson, Board President of Community Legal Aid SoCal writes that too many people are unable to achieve their full potential due to the past convictions that hold them back. Expunging these convictions can open new opportunities, but many are unaware of their eligibility or have difficulty navigating the process.
While the legislature continues to discuss ways to provide relief to those with convictions, individuals need not wait. They may be eligible now. The sooner they get assistance, the sooner they can remove barriers to employment, housing, and other necessities. Services like those offered at legal aid organizations across California, including Orange County, can assist them through the process.
Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill writes that reform of civil asset seizure is an issue that unites many Americans from The Heritage Foundation and ACLU, to the Los Angeles Times editorial board and noted conservatives George Will and Steven Greenhut.
Santa Ana City Council Candidate Paul Gonzales weighs in on whether voters are ready to elect an openly LGBTQ city councilmember.
Long time Santa Ana resident Dale Helvig argues that the developer of 2525 Main Street must seek a zone change in order to build high density units. Residents of the North Santa Ana Preservation Alliance have been protesting this development.
Joe Byrne, long time resident of Yorba Linda alerts the public that the Esperanza Hills project is coming before the OC Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The developer has lost two legal battles. The project site is also a known fire corridor.
Hairo Cortes, executive director of Chispa, writes that the future of Santa Ana is in the hands of the voters and their ability to hold their elected officials accountable.
Roberto Herrera, who works in Santa Ana as the Community Engagement Advocate for Resilience Orange County, argues that Santa Ana City Council members need to get out of the jail business and start investing in other strategies that enhance public safety.
Claudia Perez, who directs the Santa Ana-based advocacy group, Resilience Orange County, challenges Santa Ana city council members, asking whether they will allow their former police chief – who is suing the city alleging corruption – to seek his day in court or instead settle his case, hiding the true nature of political power in Santa Ana from local taxpayers.