District Attorney Gascón To Dismiss Nearly
60,000 Cannabis Convictions
District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office – with support from The Social Impact Center – has identified nearly 60,000 cannabis convictions that will be dismissed as part of his ongoing efforts to reverse the injustices of drug laws.
“Dismissing these convictions means the possibility of a better future to thousands of disenfranchised people who are receiving this long-needed relief,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It clears the path for them to find jobs, housing and other services that previously were denied to them because of unjust cannabis laws.”
Read more…
 En Español
 In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LADA staff are leading fundraising efforts to support domestic violence shelters throughout the county.
The office’s Victim Impact Program (VIP) at the Airport Courthouse in Westchester is collecting supplies and raising funds for Sojourn Domestic Violence Services in Santa Monica.
The Antelope Valley VIP is collecting funds and essentials for the Valley Oasis shelter.
The VIP unit in Compton is working with Operation Be Kind to support area shelters.
The Family Violence Division is conducting a clothing drive and having a bake sale for the 1736 Family Crisis Center in Los Angeles.
The Long Beach Branch Office’s VIP is selling masks with the important message #NoExcuseForAbuse. Proceeds are going to WomenShelter of Long Beach.
The Norwalk VIP is collecting clothes and raising funds for the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Shelter in Whittier.
In Pasadena, the VIP unit is supporting Peace Over Violence.
The Pomona VIP is collecting funds and essentials for the YWCA Wings Domestic Violence Shelter.
Several fundraisers are being led by the San Fernando VIP for the Haven Hills and the Child and Family Center shelters.
In Van Nuys, funds and items are being collected for the YWCA Glendale and Pasadena.
District Attorney Tours Offices
 District Attorney George Gascón met with prosecutors, investigators and professional staff at the San Fernando and Van Nuys branch offices on Oct. 6, continuing his tour of all LADA facilities in his first year in office. LADA is the largest local prosecutorial agency in the United States, serving the nation’s most populous county.
District Attorney Gascón Seeks To Reduce
Catalytic Converter Thefts
District Attorney George Gascón is asking automobile manufacturers to work with him to explore creative solutions to address the rise in catalytic converter thefts across Los Angeles County and the nation.
“Catalytic converters are quick and easy to steal, and thieves can quickly turn them into cash,” District Attorney Gascón said earlier this month. “In addition, the lack of unique identifiers makes it virtually impossible to prove in court that a particular catalytic converter was stolen.”
Read more….
 With a $200,000 federal grant, LADA will launch an innovative two-year, post-conviction pilot project that aims to curtail hate crimes and xenophobia at a time when such crimes have surged.
"Whether it's the AAPI, Jewish or LGBTQ community, this is a cutting-edge approach to protecting specific communities being targeted with crimes of violence or crimes of property," said Deputy District Attorney Paul Kim, who secured the funds from the Department of Homeland Security.
Read more…
District Attorney Gascón-Sponsored Bill
Protecting Crime Victims Becomes Law
A bill District Attorney George Gascón sponsored protecting victims of domestic abuse, stalking, elder abuse and other crimes has been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“This bill plays a significant role in protecting some of our most vulnerable victims of violent crime,” District Attorney Gascón said of the legislation signed on Sept. 22. “It’s crucial that victims do not suffer any further trauma.”
Read more...
Reaching Out to the Deaf Community
 Deputy District Attorney Alice Kurs and victim services representatives took part in a Deaf Awareness event hosted by the Sheriff’s Department.
At the Sept. 25 event, they learned about how the office may better serve the community’s needs and discussed ways LADA may collaborate with community leaders to improve access for deaf victims of crime.
“The takeaway was: There is a lot of work to be done, and we are ready to listen, learn and do better,” Kurs said.
The prosecutor is forming a new working group, Deaf Access to Justice, to make the legal system more inclusive and accessible to members of the community. Those interested should contact Kurs at AKurs@da.lacounty.gov.
Redondo Beach Homeless Court
Visited by District Attorney
 |
|
District Attorney George Gascón joined Supervisor Janice Hahn, Public Defender Ricardo García, Alternate Public Defender Erika Anzoátegui and other officials on a tour of the Redondo Beach Homeless Court. Redondo Beach City Attorney Michael W. Webb hosted the tour.
The successful pilot program provides defendants the option to have their cases dismissed if they complete judge-assigned programs like substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health counseling and provides wraparound services with various providers directly on-site.
|
|
