Denham Measure would Extend Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Program

State Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) today introduced legislation that would extend the sunset of the Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Program until 2015. The program is schedule to expire July 1, 2010.

Senate Bill 121 would allow the counties of Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz and San Benito to continue the Rural Crime Prevention Task Force created in 2003 with passage of Denham’s SB 44.

“This legislation is necessary to continue the efforts to combat the rise in rural crimes, such as the proliferation of illegal methamphetamine labs and the theft of farm equipment, chemicals, livestock, crops and metal materials,” said Denham. “While I will continue to work with local law enforcement to get the resources needed to fight urban gang violence, I also want to ensure that rural crimes are not overlooked.”

Agriculture contributes billions of dollars and thousands of rural jobs to California’s economy. Farmers, and others who work in agriculture, suffer significant losses through the theft and vandalism of crops, livestock and equipment. Farm and pasture lands are often used for illegal dumping of trash and toxic substances.

SB 121 is sponsored by the California Farm Bureau Federation.

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