Four candidates already declared as AmCan election filing period looms

Another key goal is creating programs for the safe and successful release of offenders back into the community.

Cindy, are you kidding? Maybe you and Pastor Curry are closer than I thought. I am stunned.

Congratulations on coordinating a wonderful 4th of July event.

The 4th is the best fun to bring the community together and each year the challenge is to include new components to keep folks excited. Thanks to all of the Business Donors and to all of my volunteers who show up on "D" day to get it done and those who "pitched in" when they saw a quick need.(You know who you are!)

As for the offender rehabilitation, this is one sentence taken out of a three paragraph response. As a member of the Public Safety Policy Committee for the League of California Cities I am priviledged to learn about public safety issues oftentimes before our police department and Chief. As you know there is legislation pending to conduct an early release of offenders in California. It could be as many as 60k potential early release offenders. Currently there is no type of notification process to the communities, no support for families receiving them, no community support for transitional services for counseling, housing or jobs. This doesn't include violent offenders, domestic, armed robberies, sexual predators. This includes people who commit lesser offenses, multiple misdemeanors, multiple traffic tickets etc. Unfortunately they experience the same restrictions of integrating back into society as the very worst criminal offenders.

It is a proven fact that if there are transitional services put into place to receive these returning residents that they will most likely not re-offend, become productive community members and in some cases mentors to those who may be on a similar path. It's a win win situation to be prepared and help those who need a second chance and obviously cheaper on the taxpayers if our police are not inundated with petty calls since these folks will have a diffucult transitional time.

If all of the communities in California addressed this problem now before it happens the effects may not be as exacerbating as some predict. For American Canyon we may be getting about 10 or 13 minor offenders returning at best estimate. Although some may view this as minimal, it can be a problem if these folks can't get a job, get frustrated and fall back into the influence of a criminal lifestyle to "get by" which could escalate the level of crimes committed and require more police attention and less officer time for the patrol and management of the rest of the city.

Thanks-