Proposed Citizen Initiative: Public Safety Transparency and Local Cooperation Ordinance

Section 1: Editorial Disclaimer (VERY IMPORTANT)

Put this at the very top:

Editorial Disclosure: This content is being published for informational purposes only. The proposed initiative below was drafted by Rebecca Canales in her personal capacity. Whittier 360 News Network is not affiliated with, endorsing, or opposing this initiative and is providing this information to allow the public to review the proposed text.

Section 2: Summary

Summary of Proposed Measure: This initiative would: Require public reporting on interactions between the City and federal immigration authorities Establish standards for how City resources may be used Create a community oversight process Provide guidance to residents about their rights and responsibilities Include provisions addressing impacts on families and access to services The measure is designed to operate within federal and state law.

Section 4: Text

Full Text of Proposed Ordinance: PROPOSED INITIATIVE ORDINANCE

CITY OF WHITTIER

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF WHITTIER DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. TITLE

This Ordinance shall be known as the“Whittier Public Safety Transparency and Local Cooperation Ordinance.”

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Ordinance is to:

• Ensure compliance with federal and state law;

• Establish standards governing the use of City resources;

• Require transparency in interactions with federal immigration authorities;

• Promote accountability and public trust;

• Provide clarity regarding lawful and unlawful conduct;

• Mitigate adverse impacts on children and families consistent with applicable law.

SECTION 3. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW

Nothing in this Ordinance shall:

A. Prohibit or obstruct the lawful operations of federal agencies;B. Require any City officer or employee to violate federal or state law;C. Restrict cooperation required by law, including but not limited to:

• Judicial warrants;

• Court orders;

• Final orders of removal.

SECTION 4. USE OF CITY RESOURCES

A. The City shall not use personnel, property, or funds to assist federal immigration enforcement activities except:

1. When required by federal or state law; or

2. When directly related to a legitimate local public safety purpose.

B. Nothing in this section shall prohibit cooperation in cases involving:

• Violent crime;

• Public safety threats.

SECTION 5. TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING

A. The City shall prepare and publish a quarterly public report detailing:

1. Requests from federal immigration authorities for City cooperation;

2. The legal basis for each request;

3. The City’s response;

4. Any agreements or coordination efforts with federal immigration agencies.

B. Reports shall be:

• Posted prominently on the City’s official website;

• Made available for public inspection upon request;

• Distributed through additional public communication channels as determined by the City, which may include local media outlets.

C. Incident Reporting.The quarterly report shall include a summary of reported incidents involving alleged interference with law enforcement operations within the City, including:

• The general nature of the incident;

• The legal basis for any enforcement action under applicable state or federal law;

• The disposition of the incident, if known.

SECTION 6. COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

A. The City Council shall establish a Community Oversight Committee.

B. The Committee shall be appointed by the City Council through a nonpartisan selection process.

C. Appointments shall be based on:

• Qualifications;

• Community representation;

• Demonstrated interest in public service.

D. The City Council shall not require disclosure of political party affiliation as a condition of appointment.

E. The Committee shall:

• Review reports issued under this Ordinance;

• Receive community concerns;

• Review reported incidents involving alleged interference with law enforcement;

• Provide advisory recommendations to the City Council.

F. The Committee shall be advisory only and shall not interfere with lawful federal operations.

SECTION 7. DETENTION FACILITY TRANSPARENCY (IF APPLICABLE)

To the extent permitted by law, if an immigration detention facility is proposed within the City:

A. The City shall require public disclosure of:

• Facility conditions;

• Health and safety information;

• Capacity and occupancy levels.

B. The City shall advocate for independent inspections conducted by appropriately licensed professionals, including:

• Licensed medical professionals for health-related conditions;

• Licensed building or safety inspectors for structural and facility conditions.

C. The City shall advocate for:

• Access to legal counsel;

• Reasonable family visitation and communication.

D. This section shall not be interpreted to regulate federal detention operations beyond the City’s lawful authority.

SECTION 8. FAMILY IMPACT ASSISTANCE

A. Intent.The City recognizes that immigration enforcement actions may have indirect impacts on children and families residing in Whittier and seeks to mitigate hardship in a manner consistent with applicable law.

B. Assistance.Subject to available funding and applicable law, the City shall make reasonable efforts to facilitate access to services for affected children and families, which may include:

• Information and referrals to legal assistance providers;

• Referrals to social services, including food, housing stabilization, and medical care;

• Coordination with nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

C. Prioritization.The City shall prioritize:

• The well-being of minors;

• Continuity of schooling;

• Access to basic necessities.

D. Administration.The City Manager or designee may establish guidelines and partnerships to implement this section.

SECTION 9. FUNDING AND FISCAL IMPACT

A. No Mandatory New Tax.Nothing in this Ordinance shall require the imposition of any new tax.

B. Use of Resources.The City may implement this Ordinance using:

• Existing appropriations;

• State or federal grants;

• Private donations;

• Partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

C. Budget Authority.Implementation shall be subject to annual budget appropriations approved by the City Council.

D. Cost Efficiency.The City shall prioritize cost-effective methods, including coordination with existing service providers.

SECTION 10. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE

A. The City shall make reasonable efforts to provide clear, publicly accessible information regarding:

• Lawful and unlawful conduct related to interactions with law enforcement;

• The rights of individuals, including the right to observe and record public officials where permitted by law;

• Applicable state and federal laws governing interference with law enforcement.

B. Such information shall be:

• Published on the City’s official website;

• Updated periodically;

• Written in clear, accessible language.

SECTION 11. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.

SECTION 12. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall take effect in accordance with California law following voter approval.

Section 5: Call for Co-Sponsors

Registered voters in the City of Whittier who are interested in reviewing or potentially serving as proponents may contact Rebecca Canales directly on Facebook for more information about the initiative process.

Section 6: Neutral Closing

Whittier 360 News Network will continue to provide neutral coverage of this and other local issues.