Governor Signs Curbs on Gangs, Drugs

Gov. George Deukmejian on Saturday signed into law a 12-bill bipartisan legislative package designed to step up the fight against “the scourge of drug abuse” and gang violence.

The state will spend $184 million this fiscal year--a 9.4% increase over last year--to combat drug trafficking, substance abuse and related gang violence, the governor said during his regular weekly radio speech.

“Two of the deadliest threats to the safety and well-being of our young people are the lures of criminal gangs and illegal drugs,” Deukmejian said. “As long as some of our young people are involved in drugs and gang activities there can be no positive future for them or their victims.”

He said drug abuse is directly related to criminal youth gang activity because many gangs “are heavily involved in and dependent upon illegal drug trafficking and use.”

Among the bills signed by the governor were measures sponsored by Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn and Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner to stiffen penalties for gang-related crimes and to make it a crime to participate in a street gang with knowledge that its members intend to engage in criminal activity.

Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Van Nuys) and Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) introduced the two measures.

Deukmejian also signed a bill by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda) and Sen. Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) to strengthen the state’s ability to seize the assets of drug dealers.

“Now, when we catch drug kingpins, we will be better able to take their cars, planes, boats, cash and other property, and to give the proceeds of these assets to local law enforcement,” the governor said.

Young Drivers

Another new law by Sen. William Campbell (R-Hacienda Heights) will require the courts to suspend or delay the driving privileges of youths convicted of using illegal drugs or alcohol.

Two bills to increase the criminal penalties for those who sell drugs to minors on or near school property are also included in the package. They were sponsored by Sen. Ed Davis (R-Valencia) and Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria).

In other action, Deukmejian also signed into law a bill calling for a study of ways to improve rail service between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The measure, authored by Davis, also would require studies of the San Bernardino-Los Angeles and Riverside-Orange County rail corridors.

Also signed was a bill by Assemblyman Steve Clute (D-Riverside) to provide a $2.2-million appropriation to select a site for a state veterans’ home in Southern California. The state already has a veterans’ home in Yountville in Northern California.

The governor vetoed a bill by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles) to require businesses to use carbonless credit card forms that would not reveal the cardholder’s account number. The bill was intended to cut down on credit card fraud.

In his veto message, Deukmejian said he feared the bill would be viewed as “overregulation of private industry.” He said the measure would “punish business people for credit card fraud instead of the criminal.”

Also vetoed was bill by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) to require state office workers to answer their telephones within 10 rings during regular working hours.

The governor said the measure ignored emergencies or employee illnesses that could prevent such a prompt response.