Long Beach : Council Calls for Report on City Prosecutor’s Record

In the wake of a controversy over Long Beach City Prosecutor John Vander Lans’ recent handling of a misdemeanor case, the City Council is asking him to prepare a report on his policies and prosecution record.

Vander Lans is to review his office’s handling of cases and report back to the council’s Public Safety Committee within the next few weeks. The council request was made at the instigation of Councilman Les Robbins, who last month severely criticized Vander Lans for not pressing theft charges against two men arrested in July for allegedly stealing hundreds of golf balls from the pond of a Long Beach golf course. The two were instead charged with trespassing after Vander Lans concluded that the ownership of the golf balls was unclear.

Robbins has contended that he has heard numerous complaints around City Hall that Vander Lans does not prosecute cases as vigorously as he should. Vander Lans, who is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes in Long Beach, has said he is not aware of any such dissatisfaction with his office.