“We hold ourselves very accountable for what happens and, more importantly, how we're responding to it. "
is a lack of service in those two arenas which contribute a lot to not only our crime challenges but our quality of life challenges.”
At the same time, Chief Luna makes it very clear that he doesn't look to the legislature or others to do his job. “We hold ourselves very accountable for what happens and, more importantly, how we're responding to it. How are we problem-solving to make sure these issues go away.” The chief is also hopeful that our community will do the necessary homework as future propositions appear on the ballot. His request is simple. “I want people to pay attention, because there's more legislation coming down the pike and if I could ask your readers to do anything, it's to read the small print. Don't just look at what's in the little box and say, 'That sounds good,' because if you look at these initiatives, they're usually one-liners that talk about public safety or school safety, but it really isn't. So read the small print, because California is changing right before our eyes, and I'm wondering and praying that the victims aren't getting lost in everything that's being proposed and done.”
Speaking of the kinds of things that will appear on the ballot, Long Beach voters will have an opportunity in the upcoming election to vote on a proposed one-cent increase in sales tax. Mayor Garcia and other civic leaders who are supporting the sales tax increase have indicated that it will be used, in part, to increase public safety. And while Chief Luna isn't telling anyone how to vote, he is certainly someone who can comment on the current state of the Long Beach Police Department. As Chief Luna explains, “Going back to fiscal year 2007, this police department lost 351 budgeted positions. It had to be done because of the recession, so every city department had to be reduced. We lost approximately 200 sworn officers and another 154 professional staff, and that has absolutely had an impact on the service we provide to this community.”