Public Safety

Overview

Public Safety

Article Features

Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards Highlight Exceptional Efforts

Launched in 2014, the awards highlight cities and counties using innovative projects to achieve safety, preservation and sustainability goals for the local street and road systems.

Article Legal Notes Christi Hogin

Sober Living Businesses in Residential Zones

This article presents the current legal constraints and considerations related to local regulation of sober living homes and residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities, which is limited…

Santa Clarita Uses Community Approach to Strengthen Neighborhood

The city partnered with residents to find creative ways to address tough challenges.

Article Everyday Ethics for Local Officials

When Tragedy Strikes: A Leader’s Role, Revisited

When a tragic event occurs and an investigation follows, it’s helpful for elected local officials to keep a few key issues in mind.

Article Features Kirstin Kolpitcke

Regulating the Massage Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

In 2008 the massage industry helped craft SB 731, which established a voluntary certification process for massage professionals through the California Massage Therapy Council. The bill’s intent…

Article President’s Message José Cisneros

California’s Crumbling Infrastructure: An Urgent Priority

For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the League has identified infrastructure investment as one of its top priorities. You don’t have to look far to understand why.

Article Features Yvonne Hunter

Understanding the Basics of Public Safety Realignment

Under realignment, state prisons will house the most serious offenders while county jails will house lower-level felons. This article examines which offenders are covered, sentencing, post-release…

Article Features

2013 League of California Cities Annual Conference Resolution #2

At the League’s 2013 Annual Conference, the League General Assembly approved Resolution #2, related to public safety realignment.

Article Features Steven R. MeyersBritt K. Strottman

Under California: Knowing What Lies Beneath

Most people are generally unaware of what lies beneath the streets they travel on each day. Understanding the sub-surface infrastructure is an important local government consideration.

Redlands311: Smartphone App Serves Residents

The app provides a way to report a wide range of issues, including potholes, vandalism, water leaks and more, directly to city staff.

SmartRiverside Transforms Community and Fosters Innovation

SmartRiverside has helped transform the city by promoting high-tech businesses, encouraging collaboration and creating a forum for communication between students and high-tech organizations.

Article Features Jennifer ArmerSteve Sanders

Partnerships Make Roadways Safer

In tough economic times expectations remain high for cities to provide quality public services and facilities, though resources to fund desired projects are scarce. One strategy for overcoming…

Article City Forum Jennifer Whiting

New Report on Roads: Fix Problems Now or Pay More Later

Pavement conditions are deteriorating throughout California, and while the costs are high for even the most basic repair and maintenance, the price tag for waiting is far higher, from both an…

Article Legal Notes Brian I. Hamblet

Making Drug Dealers Pay For Law Enforcement

Cities are increasingly using civil actions rather than criminal prosecution to curb illegal drug sales within their borders. Often such actions are taken either under general nuisance laws or the…

San Carlos Adopts Innovative Contracting Techniques to Maintain Service Levels

Like many California cities, San Carlos has faced some serious budgetary challenges in recent years.

Article Features Eva Spiegel

New High-Tech Tools Keep Residents Safe, Informed and Engaged

High-tech tools are making it possible for cities to issue alerts in real time to their communities, respond more quickly to emergencies and maximize scarce resources.

Article Legal Notes Matthew R. Silver

Realignment: How Cities Can Maximize Existing Powers and Recover Costs to Fight Crime

Cities can draw on their own police powers and state laws to abate problems from drugs and prostitution to graffiti and gangs.