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SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025

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Governor Signs Use-of-Force Bill BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law the strongest use-of-force measure since1874. AB 392 modernizes standards for use of deadly force by law enforcement. Specifically, the bill updates existing deadly force standards to provide that deadly force may only be used when necessary. The new law comes on the heals on the 9th District Court of Appeals decision to essentially keep deputies and officers from responding to mental health calls where there is no criminality involved. Law enforcement up and down the State will no longer work under the umbrella of qualified immunity, as a result of the 2019 Las Vegas case decided by the Appeals Court where a mentally ill man engaged in a physical confrontation that rendered the subject unconscious and who passed away while detained by law enforcement. California’s newest law requires offi-

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cers to use other techniques to address threats instead of using deadly force when safe to do so, encouraging law enforcement to train on and use de-escalation techniques like verbal persuasion and other crisis intervention methods. The bill’s author (Assemblymember Shirley Weber D-San Diego) stated, “With the Governor’s signature, we are closer to a culture of policing in California that values and preserves human life.” The Governor said, “Force should be used judiciously, with respect for human life and dignity. The bottom line is that deadly force should only be used when absolutely necessary.” The enactment of the law follows the February 17 incident at the Surf Apartments when a Crescent City man with a gun precipitated a call to the CCPD, assisted by the DNSD and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Shots were ﬁred. Tenant John Spencer, 67 was slain. The CHP Is conducting the shooting investigation. Results of the investigation will not be made available for 90-120 days.

Del Norte Mamba Mentality Flourishes at Cal State Chico

Photo credit, Jason Halley, Chico State University photography

Jadence Clifton Jadence favorite player was Kobe. She quickly identified with Kobe’s “Mamba mentality. Jaden always worked harder than anyone on the court. She was flexible to play any position.” Clifton averaged 18.5 points. 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while coming up clutch in the final minutes in Wildcat road games over Cal State LA and Cal State Dominguez Hills. She scored seven of her 21 points in the fourth quarter including 4-for-4 from the free throw line in the final 10 seconds of a one possession game. She played a major role in the game against Dominguez Hills, turning a two point deficit into a one point lead.

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Jadence Clifton is one tough and very talented basketball player. The Wildcat senior was named California College Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, for the week of February 17-23. Danny Barnts, Director of Communication for the CCAA made the announcement, last week. Both Jadence and Danny are alumni of Del Norte High. Jadence’s Dad, Justin, who also played for the Warrior boys on the early 2000’s beamed with joy in expressing his pride in Jadence. “She’s a Warrior in so many ways.

She hit a three pointer in the last minute to ensure the Wildcat victory. Jadence averages 10 points. 4.8 rebounds is leads the conference in three pointers with 41.9 percent success rate. Chico State has secured its spot in the CCAA Tournament at Cal State San Marcos, March 6-8. Jadence is considering the option to play overseas. After graduation. Best of luck, Jaden Clifton Editor’s note: Roger Gitlin was the public address for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA from its founding in 1997 through 2010.

EMS Consultant Addresses RFP Process BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Several Months back, the Del Norte Board of Supervisors narrowly voted 3-2 to release a Request for Proposal to replace the Exclusive Right to provide 9-1-1 emergency ambulance service (EMS), currently provided by Del Norte Ambulance (DNAMB). Del Norte Ambulance has served the Community for almost four decades. For reasons which have never fully been explained, with no malfeasance over the decades of service, three members of the Board decided to explore the EMS market in Del Norte

In the wake of Sheriff Garrett Scott’s announcement, he will no longer dispatch deputies to non-criminal mental health calls. The Sheriff predicts an uncertain and possibly troubling future in helping those who suffer from mental illness. Scott’s resolute criticism of the 9th District Court of Appeals admonishment of law enforcement’s role in dealing with the mental-

ly ill and questioned whether law enforcement should be even be involved in de-escalating contentious calls at all. Sheriff Scott responded, “The need for law enforcement is greater than ever. Violent crimes have increased dramatically since 2019. Our higher courts must support the citizens and give back to law enforcement the ability to protect. Handcuffing law enforcement is not the answer.” Please see HANDCUFFED, Page 4

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Law enforcement is handcuffed

(L-R) EndPoint team, John Eaglesham, Nancy Lapolla, Angelo Salvucci, MD

Phone Number: 707-460-6727

Opinion

BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

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Please see EMS, Page 7

INDEX

“The Courts Have Handcuffed Us” Del Norte Sheriff Claims

• Address: 445 Elk Valley Road, Crescent City, CA 95531 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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