Editor: On February 13, the Republican Women of California, South Lake Tahoe held a program featuring South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson. Over 40 people were in attendance to hear his vision for the police department and explain some of the processes in place to keep the city safe.   

Chief Stevenson spoke on several safety topics of interest:

  • Drugs and Fentanyl Issues:  Still a serious problem in and around our community and we continue to work with area partners to address it.
  • Immigration:  The Federal Government is in charge of enforcement of immigration issues.  In 2018 California passed SB 54 which prohibits California law enforcement from assisting the Federal Government with immigration enforcement.  In summary, local police are not allowed to (1) Ask about immigration status; (2) Assist ICE or the Federal Government with immigration enforcement; and (3) There are certain exceptions for public safety purposes to rules 1 and 2 as to when they can assist (essentially only for individuals convicted of certain serious felonies).  It’s important the public understands the difference between local police and federal law enforcement.  Public trust is vital for the police department to ensure victims and witnesses feel safe to report crimes.  This is essential for reducing victimization and the overall safety of our community.  
  • Prop 47 Reforms:  Proposition 36 was passed in November 2024 by California voters and is aimed at providing certain reforms to Prop 47, which was passed in 2014.  Prop 36 allows felony charges for possessing certain drugs and thefts under $950 for repeat offenders.  It toughens penalties for fentanyl and drug traffickers while also allowing offenders to opt in for drug treatment to avoid jail under certain conditions.  It also increases penalties for large-scale and organized property crimes with multiple perpetrators.  There are other provisions of Prop 36 that are designed to help the police make our communities safer.
  • Homeless Concerns:  Several members of the audience asked questions regarding homeless encampments.  Chief Stevenson said there is an officer specifically trained to handle the issues relating to the homeless concern and mental health issues that sometimes go hand in hand.  The Department wants to ensure that all people here are safe and not victims or perpetrators of crime. Non-criminal matters are referred to appropriate social service agencies for assistance. 

There was a lively discussion by the audience on the above topics and a few other important safety issues affecting the city.  

The Republican Women of California – South Lake Tahoe (RWC-SLT) meets most months on the second Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, please email us at: sltrepublicanwomenofca@gmail.com