| July 12, 2018 |
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Volume 6 Issue 23 |
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| ‘Mental Disorder’ Now a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Card |
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Photo courtesy of OC Register. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s opinion, as published in the OC Register:
https://www.ocregister.com/2018/07/07/mental-disorder-now-a-get-out-of-jail-free-card/
Wedged between discussions about MediCal and diabetes prevention is a primer on how to saturate our communities with felons who have had mental health problems. This radical new law is contained in the omnibus health trailer budget bill, Assembly Bill 1810, but it has little to do with health.
The little-known bill was signed June 27, inserted into unrelated legislation at the last minute by an unknown author. That gives even more felons a get-out-of-jail-free card.
It works like this: while awaiting trial, defendants claim that their crimes were committed because of a mental health issue and they get an agreement from the judge that they can go through diversion. Diversion is normally a way of working off a sentence. But in this case, the criminal would presumably receive counseling and if it was deemed “successful,” his or her record would be sealed as if the crime never happened. The criminal would walk out of court free and clear.
No victim protection, no restitution, no justice.
The only caveat is that diversion has to be less than two years so a mass murderer won’t likely be cured in two years. However, the bill doesn’t limit the type of crime involved so in theory this could entail a killer who claimed he or she was mentally unstable at the time.
All of this is done without any input by prosecutors, who would have no chance to cross examine the psychiatrist to determine whether the report is actually valid.
There are plenty of felonies that qualify for this program because charges often get downgraded in the court process and murders are no exception.
Under the law, defendants who fall within the category of “mental disorder” include those who have the following illnesses: male hypoactive desire sexual disorder; sexual sadism; voyeurism; pyromania; oppositional defiant disorder; and kleptomania.
Currently, defendants undergoing diversion — which can occur pre-trial or after a guilty plea — still have their charges publicly displayed. Now, due to this law, the public is not protected as a whole new class of mentally ill criminals will enjoy a life where no one will learn about their sordid past.
The language in the bill only stipulates that the defendant “substantially comply” with diversion to earn a dismissal. What is the standard for “substantial”?
You will never know, as his or her record was expunged by a judge who gave this person an incredible break by allowing this two-year diversion program.
I’ve fought the scourge of crime my entire career, first as a prosecutor then as a state assemblyman, and it’s a constant battle.
While in the state Assembly, I chaired the Select Committee on State Prisons and was a member of the Public Safety Committee. The unjust way that the pendulum swung in favor of defendants over victims led me to champion several laws, including Marsy’s Law, which is a crime victim’s bill of rights that has been thwarted under this new law.
I realize that defendants with a true mental illness do not undergo a criminal trial until they have the psychiatric help to make them understand our legal process. This is the law.
To that end, I now co-chair Orange County’s “Stepping Up Initiative” along with the sheriff — a national program to identify jail inmates with mental health issues, which makes sure they get the care they need. This is a responsible program, unlike AB1810 which gives a one size fits all approach to a huge sector of defendants without legal checks and balances.
Just as our prisons and jails were cleared out because of legislation softening the punishment for sexual assault and drug crimes, this is yet another tool for activist judges who believe defendants with a violent upbringing or some other sort of trauma is an excuse for criminal behavior.
I’m hoping this damage can be undone by either a voter referendum or judges who see this law for what it is and refuse to grant diversion.
Sacramento has yet another example of how the criminals win and increase crime in our communities while the victims lose. |
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| Spitzer Invites the Public to Attend the OC Parks Summer Concert Series |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer welcomed the crowd to OC Parks Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 5. |
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Concert attendees dance to Stone Soul’s live music at Mason Regional Park. |
Supervisor Todd Spitzer welcome several hundred people who attended OC Parks Summer Concert featuring the band Stone Soul at Mason Regional Park in Irvine on Thursday, July 5.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series continues at Mason Regional Park on Thursday, July 12 with Flashback Heart Attack from 5—8pm.
For a complete list of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series, visit http://www.ocparks.com/civicax/inc/blobfetch.aspx?BlobID=75507.
Each event will offer free live music and food trucks under the summer sky on Thursday evenings through August 23.
Doors will open at 5pm for guests to enjoy the beer garden, food trucks, and to save their spot on the grass for the concert! All concerts are from 6-8pm, free and open to the public of all ages. Bring your family and enjoy live music under the stars with OC Parks this summer. |
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| Donate to Receive Free Admission to the OC Fair! |
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The OC Fair offers free admission during “We Care Wednesday” when guests donate to the weekly donation drive supporting a local nonprofit.
Donate for FREE admission to the OC Fair and one carnival ride per person. Valid noon to 3 p.m. Donations are accepted at public entrances (Blue Gate, Yellow Gate or Green Gate). Donations are not accepted at Gate 5 off Arlington Drive, and free admission will not be honored after 3 p.m.
| When |
Drive |
What to Bring |
Nonprofit Partner |
| July 18 |
School Supply Drive |
New school supplies valued at $5 or more, such as pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks (items must be sealed; no coloring books or workbooks) |
Share Our Selves |
| July 25 |
Canned Food Drive |
5 canned food items |
Second Harvest and
OC Food Bank
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| August 1 |
Children’s Book Drive |
3 new or gently used children’s books |
THINK Together |
| August 8 |
Clothing Drive |
5 gently used clothing items |
Goodwill OC |
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| Take the OC Summer Breeze Bus |
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Third District residents can take advantage of a free shuttle bus to Laguna Beach now through September 2. The Summer Breeze bus runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am—midnight, and parking for the bus pickup location in Irvine is free.
Now you can enjoy all of Laguna Beach without driving and parking hassles. Climb aboard the Laguna Beach Summer Breeze (OC Bus Route 689) at the free Laguna Canyon Rd. parking lot in Irvine and travel all the way to the beach!
Stops include: Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Playhouse, and Laguna Beach Bus Station.
From the Laguna Beach Bus Station, you can connect with the free Laguna Beach Trolley. The trolley connect with shopping and foodie destinations along Pacific Coast Highway. The beach is only a block from the Laguna Beach Bus Station.
For a schedule and directions to free and convenient parking for the Summer Breeze, visit http://www.octa.net/Bus/Routes-and-Schedules/Special-Bus-Service/Laguna-Beach-Summer-Breeze/. |
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| Happy Independence Day! |
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L to R: Orange Councilmember Mike Alvarez, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Murphy, Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Mayor Tita Smith, the Orange mascot, Councilmember Kim Nichols, Councilmember Fred Whitaker, Ms. City of Orange Eileen Kim, and Assemblyman Steven Choi. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer hopes everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Supervisor Spitzer spent the holiday celebrating with family, friends, and neighbors at the spectacular fireworks shows at Orange and Yorba Linda. Read on to see photos from each of these events.
Orange Third of July and 130th Year Commemoration Ceremony:
Supervisor Spitzer led the pledge of allegiance at the Orange Third of July ceremony. |
Supervisor Spitzer was honored to spend the Third of July in his hometown of Orange to celebrate two significant events: the City of Orange Third of July Celebration and the city’s 130th Year Commemoration Ceremony. The dual celebration honors both Orange’s rich history and its residents’ proud patriotism.
Spitzer led the pledge of allegiance, a great honor during this holiday marked by patriotism and respect for our nation’s colors.
After, Supervisor Spitzer thanked Mayor Tita Smith for her leadership, as this was her last Independence Day celebration as mayor. Orange City Council Members Mayor Pro Tem Mark Murphy, Mike Alvarez, Kim Nichols, and Fred Whitaker were also in attendance for the festivities and fireworks display.
Yorba Linda Fourth of July Celebration:
L to R: Yorba Linda Mayor Gene Hernandez, Councilmember Peggy Huang, Supervisor Spitzer, and Louise Hernandez. Photo courtesy of Facebook. |
Supervisor Spitzer thanked Mayor Gene Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Tara Campbell, Councilmembers Beth Haney, Peggy Huang, and Tom Lindsey, and every resident who came out to Veterans Park in Yorba Linda to celebrate Independence Day.
Supervisor Spitzer offered his sincere respect to the Veterans in attendance who fought to protect the freedoms that are celebrated on the Fourth of July. |
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| OC Animal Care Offers Adoption Fee Waivers |
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Due to an abundance of dogs, cats and other animals, OC Animal Care will begin waiving fees for pets adopted by residents across Orange County.
The waiver includes all regular adoption fees with the exception of a $27 charge for rabies licensing. The waiver will remain in effect until the capacity at the shelter drops below 60 percent.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the Fee Waiver Resolution in 2016, which calls to forego regular adoption costs when shelter capacity reaches above 80 percent. The resolution also applies when the shelter is expecting to see a sharp increase in numbers such as that during the Fourth of July holiday.
OC Animal Care has been dealing with a busy kitten season and has seen an increase in overall intake numbers since moving into its new facility in Tustin. Numbers have hovered around an 80 percent capacity and have now reached 93 percent.
OC Animal Care is also encouraging animal lovers to temporarily foster a shelter pet to help ease the load during the Fourth of July holiday. The days surrounding this holiday have historically been the busiest days for OC Animal Care, with intake numbers more than doubling due to escaped and lost, frightened pets.
The new OC Animal Care shelter is located at 1630 Victory Road, Tustin 92782. Learn more at http://www.ocgov.com/gov/occr/animal/. |
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| Silverado Summer Concert Series: Saturday July 21 |
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| San Diego Creek Sediment Removal Project |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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| Pet of the Week |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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| Events Around the District |
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Anaheim
Magician David Skale - Where in the World is Dave’s Bunny?
Wednesday, July 18, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 East Santa Ana Canyon Road
Preschool Storytime
Friday, July 20, 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Anaheim Canyon Hills, 400 Scout Trail
Irvine
Movies on the Lawn: The Greatest Showman
Saturday, July 14, 6:30 pm
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way
Sizzlin’ Summer Concert: Tijuana Dogs (Dance Party Rock)
Sunday, July 22, 5:30 pm
Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Road
Orange
2018 Summer Reading Club for Adults: Reading Takes You Everywhere
Now—July 28, 10:00 am—6:00 pm
Library Community Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Mandala Rock Painting
Saturday, July 28, 11:00 am—12:30 pm
Library Main Community Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Silverado
Family Drop-In Crafts
Saturday, July 14, 11:00 am — 2:00 pm
Library of the Canyons, 7531 East Santiago Canyon Rd.
Tustin
Family Sunset Storytime
Wednesday, July 18, 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Tustin Library, 345 E. Main Street
Movies in the Park: Life of Pi
Thursday, July 19, 5:30 pm
Peppertree Park, 230 West First Street
Villa Park
Let’s Learn a Language!
Thursday, July 12, 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Family Funtime – Kidzapalooza Concert
Thursday, July 19, 3:00 pm — 3:45 pm
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Highway
U.S.—China Workshop: An Emerging Technological Arms Race
Friday, July 13, 1:00 pm—2:00 pm
Richard Nixon Library and Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
For questions or comments regarding Spitzer’s E-Newsletter
please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3330 or Montana.Sudul@ocgov.com
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