Public Safety

Overview February 27, 2018

Public Safety

Article July 1, 2020 President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

Building Just and Equitable Communities

The impacts of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and the injustices his death exemplifies are being felt on our streets, in our businesses, and in every city and town in California, across the country, and throughout the world.

Article June 1, 2020 Legal Notes by Nora Wetzel

Cyberattacks and Public Agency Response

Taking proactive steps is the key to preventing or recovering from a cyberattack. Cities should implement preventive measures with an emphasis on best practices.

Article May 1, 2020 Local Works

California Cities Demonstrate Resiliency and Leadership During COVID-19 Crisis

With “safer at home” orders in effect in an attempt to flatten the curve of COVID-19 spread, cities were on the front lines maintaining essential services and working to protect residents who were out of work or lost their job because of the crisis.

Article May 1, 2020 President’s Message by John F. Dunbar

In an Unprecedented Crisis, Local and State Leaders Step Up

When early reports of infection showed California was among the states with the highest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, local and state leaders stepped up, taking action to slow the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.

Article February 1, 2020 Legal Notes by Stephen A. McEwen

Code Enforcement by Drone: Critical Considerations Before Launching

Because not all potential code violations can be investigated from the public right of way, code enforcement investigations may require access to enclosed or shielded areas of private property. In these settings, code enforcement staff may be strongly tempted to rely on emerging drone technology.

Article February 1, 2020 City Forum by Jill Oviatt

Lessons Learned From Utility-Initiated Power Shutoffs

Since October 2019, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company has cut power to Californians more than half a dozen times, with the smallest power shutoff affecting about 30,000 people and the largest affecting nearly 2.5 million. But cities have made it clear that this cannot be the new normal, and power shutoffs are in fact putting residents at real risk.

Article January 1, 2020 Features by Dan Carrigg

2019 Legislative Year in Review

When the 2019 legislative session began, Democrats had gained historic supermajorities in the Legislature. Yet progress for the progressive Democratic agenda was muted. And in the face of multiple attacks on local zoning authority and other challenges, the League and cities emerged surprisingly well.

Article December 1, 2019 Web Exclusive by Kristyn Laurence

The Nightmare Next Door: Elk Grove Takes Action

It was just another quaint suburban neighborhood, but something was missing. On Demonte Way in Elk Grove, no children played together on the sidewalks or rode their bicycles along the street.

Article December 1, 2019 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Building Public Trust in Times of Adversity

When utility-initiated power shutoffs began, city officials stepped up in new and creative ways to provide practical help to residents and communities left in the dark.

Article December 1, 2019 California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Rancho Cucamonga’s Community Champions Engage Latino Residents

This program plays a critical role in developing health-related policies and programs that improve residents’ quality of life.

Article November 1, 2019 California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

King City’s Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence

How a city that had the highest per capita murder rate in California turned things around.

Article November 1, 2019 Features by Erica L. Manuel

Making It Personal: Linking Public Engagement to Public Safety

Any city can increase public safety without major impacts to its budget. An engaged and informed public can help.

Article November 1, 2019 Features by Michael McLaughlin

Connecting the Dots on Emergency Preparedness, Recovery and Resilience

The challenges associated with disasters include tech-related issues, risk management and the need to create incentives for updating and retrofitting homes to improve wildfire and earthquake resilience.

Article November 1, 2019 City Forum by Jill Oviatt

Beyond CERT: Neighbors Network Takes Response to the Next Level

Until a disaster strikes, many communities don’t realize that it may be 72 hours to five days before first responders can reach everyone who needs help. A new program in Yountville helps residents be prepared to assist each other in the initial aftermath of a disaster.