Patriot Act meets with opposition
Citizens' groups say civil rights threatened.
By Jason Gewirtz
Staff writer
http://www2.presstelegram.com/news/ci_3001419
LONG BEACH The City Council will be asked Tuesday to oppose provisions of
the controversial USA PATRIOT Act that a citizens' group says will threaten
civil liberty protections.
Councilwomen Bonnie Lowenthal and Tonia Reyes Uranga will make the request,
asking the council to support a recently adopted resolution in the State
Senate that urges Congress to amend the act.
The Patriot Act was adopted after 9/11 to provide government officials with
more ways to investigate potential terrorist leads. A number of the act's
provisions are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress renews
them.
Several of those provisions allow the FBI to seize records from financial
companies, libraries, doctors' offices and other businesses with limited
approval.
Several cities, including Los Angeles, San Jose and San Francisco, have
adopted similar measures in recent months regarding civil liberty aspects
of the act. But whether the council will tackle the issue is unclear.
In the past, council members have had contentious debates over whether they
should weigh in on various issues in front of the federal government. In
March 2003, the council withdrew two contested resolutions after a debate
over how, or whether, to address the war in Iraq. In June 2004, the council
split 4-4 on a resolution to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Councilman Frank Colonna, who has opposed several past council efforts at
intervention beyond the city's authority, said Tuesday's item falls into
that category.
"I really don't think that this is the proper time to start to analyze the
pros and cons of the Patriot Act," he said.
But Edith Pollach with the Long Beach Civil Liberties Defense Coalition
said the council should take up the issue. She said nearly two dozen local
groups will urge support for the measure Tuesday.
"What's the oath of office that the council members take?" she asked.
"Aren't they supposed to take an oath that they're going to carry out and
obey the Constitution of the United States and the state of California?"
Budget time
At a budget hearing during the council meeting, the council's Budget
Oversight Committee will present its recommendations to the council
regarding the proposed 2006 city budget. The city's fiscal year begins Oct. 1.
The city manager has proposed more than $20 million in cuts in the proposed
budget.
The council is also expected to hear a report from Police Chief Anthony
Batts on a plan to hire more police officers. Batts has
said he will recommend that the city increase its police force by a minimum
of 37 officers to a maximum of 309 officers.
Although a funding source for those officers has not been identified, the
city is considering a potential ballot measure in April that could pay for
the personnel.
Cap removed?
Also Tuesday, the council will consider rescinding an earlier action to
approve all Redevelopment Agency spending of $1 million or more.
Over the past year, council members have been at battle with each other
over who should control redevelopment.
RDA Board members have argued that the proposed cap effectively places
another level of bureaucracy in the redevelopment process, further slowing
a process that many complain is already burdensome.
Report bonanza
Meanwhile, city staffers could be busy in coming weeks if the council
approves a slew of proposed reports on Tuesday.
Those requests include:
* A report on installing and operating downtown surveillance cameras to
prevent and fight crime. The Redevelopment Agency recently approved
$400,000 to purchase cameras, contingent on the city agreeing to operate
and monitor the devices. The Downtown Long Beach Associates has also agreed
to contribute $75,000 toward the effort. Lowenthal, Uranga and Councilwoman
Rae Gabelich will request the report;
* A survey listing all buildings or structures in Long Beach that might be
considered culturally or historically significant. Lowenthal, who is
requesting the review, will also request that the Planning and Building
Department develop a process to identify such properties before issuing
permits for projects to replace them; and
* A survey listing all solar-powered buildings and projects in the city and
a report on solar energy grants that the city has or is pursuing. Colonna
will request the item to explore ways that the city can expand its solar
energy use.
&mdash Staff writer Don Jergler contributed to this report.
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