VAN NUYS : D.A. Urges Support for Tax Extension

Los Angeles Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti has issued a plea for support for a half-cent sales tax extension that could reverse $25.7 million in proposed county budget cuts for his office that would end misdemeanor prosecutions from petty theft to shoplifting.

Speaking at his first family forum targeting the San Fernando Valley, Garcetti told the audience of about 75 at Mulholland Junior High School in Van Nuys that the proposed 16% cut in the district attorney’s budget is already being celebrated by convicted criminals.

“When the news went out, they were high-fiving each other in jail,” Garcetti said. “I need your assistance in this way and I need it immediately. You have to write your legislator and governor.” The proposed cuts would force the layoff of approximately 251 prosecutors, 98 other staff members and 28 investigators countywide, Garcetti said. The reductions would mean the closure of the 13 district attorney’s offices, including those at Newhall and Glendale municipal courts, and the end to approximately 300,000 misdemeanor prosecutions involving nonviolent crimes countywide.

An additional $11.1 million could also be slashed from the prosecutor’s budget if county workers do not approve an 8 1/2% pay cut, meaning closure of offices at Van Nuys and San Fernando Superior courts, according to Garcetti’s office.

The only way to prevent the cuts, Garcetti said, is for the state to extend half-cent sales tax for six months beyond the deadline of June 30, then allow counties to vote for a permanent half-cent sales tax in November.

Garcetti said he will make his second trip to Sacramento this week to lobby Gov. Pete Wilson and state legislators on the tax, but that the people must voice their concern, as well.

“All of us are going to be affected by the budget crisis,” he said. “What are merchants going to do when they find out we are not going to prosecute petty thefts?”