Livermore Reviewing Ordinances to Deter Criminal, Gang Activity

Livermore's city attorney's office and police chief are looking into ordinances as a way to help deter criminal and gang activity in town.

Mayor John Marchand announced the news in a comment he left on a Patch article reporting on Sunday's gang-related shooting in north Livermore.

Here's the mayor's comment:

Last month, I asked the City Attorney’s office and the Police Chief to look into different types of ordinances which would give the City the authority to fine property owners if there are repeated calls for service involving their properties or those who rent their properties. They are reviewing ordinances and enforcement efforts in other Bay Area cities that have put these policies in place. With that leverage, property owners would be discouraged from renting to elements which would engage in criminal, gang or drug activity. The City has very little trouble managing its own affordable housing to residents. However, up until this point, there has been very little that the City could do proactively regarding private owners or residents of private property. If it is found that there are repeat calls to the same properties, then the City will move ahead with drafting an ordinance to encourage offenders to move elsewhere and encourage property owners to provide greater oversight for their properties.
As more resources are becoming available, the police department is increasing their enforcement efforts. Last year at my direction, the City restored the drug and gang task force. In January, seven new police officers were sworn in.

What are your thoughts on the mayor's comment? Do you have any other ideas for preventing criminal and gang activity in town? Tell us in the comments section below.