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Home My WebLink About _ 4.1(b)--Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 476 � � �' � � � � � � ' � �' � � ' � ` CITY OF REDDING REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 18,2025 FROM: Jason Gibilisco, Management ITEIVI NO. 4.1(b) Assistant to the City M�anager ***APPROVED BY*** 3a�,c �s ,. s�n:sgc�ra� t. ,.av�an#t�J tPa��'�ty�1.�srsqz�r i t,'?tk'S t�1rE� , tiS �:Y wTi�`�Q�?�}?� jgibilisco@cityofredding.org btippin@cityofredding.org SUBJECT: 4.1(b)--Letter of Support for Assembly Bi11476 Recommendation Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of support for Assembly Bi11 476 (Gonzalez) which enhances enforcement measures against copper wire theft. Fiscal Impact There is no direct fiscal impact on the General Fund as a result of sending the attached letter, Alte�native Action The City Council could decline to authorize the Mayor to send the letter and provide direction to staff. Backgrou n d/f1 n alysis Copper wire theft has become a rampant and costly problem. It can cause serous disruptions to infrastructure such as streetlights, fire hydrants, manhole covers, electrical vehicle charging stations, backflow prevention devices, and other infrastructure. Criminals often target these public resources because of the high value of copper which results in extensive damage that can compromise public safety and creates high repair costs. The financial burden of any copper theft that impacts City of Redding infrastructure falls on the taxpayers to repair and replace. Assembly Bill (AB) 476 provides much needed enforcement tools to deter copper wire theft and hold perpetrators accountable. AB 476 enhances reporting requirements that junk dealers and recyclers must collect which include proof of ownership, signed statement of ownership, and additional identification details. It also requires the person selling the copper to obtain a state license to ensure that only legally obtained materials enter the market. Report to Redding City Council March 10,ZOZ5 Re: 4.1(b)--Letter of Support for Assembly Bi114�6 Page 2 Environmental Review This is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and therefore no further action is required. Council P�^iority/City MccnageN Goccls • Government of the 215t Century — `Be relevant and proactive to the opportunities and challenges of today's residents and workforce. Anticipate the future to make better decisions today." Attachments ^AB 476 -Letter of support +� I T Y �- �ITY �� dC�l1�1� � =- ---� �77 Cypress Avenu�, Reddir��, CA �60(�1 "� -' PCJ �C�X 4��{��1, F��dcl�nc�, CA ��04J-�071 C L ( � � ��" ei�yofre�dir�g.c+rc� . ,,`�� W�WIWIW�WN4IVVII�Y Jack Munns,Mayor jmunns@cityofredding.org 530.225.4447 March 18, 2025 The Honorable Mark Gonzalez California State Assembly 1021 O Street, Room 6150 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 4'76(Gonzalez)Enhanced Enforcement A�ainst Copper Wire Theft. Notice of SUPPORT (As introduced 2/10/2025) Dear Assembly Member Gonzalez, The City of Redding is pleased to support AB 476 (Gonzalez),which enhances enforcement measures against copper wire theft. This legislation is a crucial step toward protecting California's public infrastructure and ensuring the safety and functionality of essential services that communities rely on daily. Copper wire theft has become a widespread and costly issue, severely impacting critical infrastructure components such as streetlights, fire hydrants and fire department eonnections, manhole covers, electric vehicle(EV) charging stations, and backflow prevention devices. Thieves often target these public assets due to the high value of copper, leaving behind signi�cant damage that endangers public safety and imposes burdensome repair costs on local governments and businesses. The consequences of copper wire theft are far-reaching: • Streetlight Tampering: Stolen copper wiring from streetlights creates hazardous conditions by leaving streets and neighborhoods in darkness, increasing risks for pedestrians, motorists, and law enforcement. • Fire Protection System Compromise: The theft of copper components from fire hydrants or fire department eonnections weakens emergency response capabilities, endangering lives and property in the event of a fire. • Manhole Cover Theft: The removal of manhole covers poses severe hazards to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, leading to potential accidents and injuries. • Backflow Device Damage: Backflow prevention devices protect drinking water supplies from contamination, and theft-related damages compromise water quality and public health. The financial burden of repairing and replacing stolen infrastructure components falls on taxpayers, utility providers, and municipalities, draining resources that could otherwise be used for community development and essential services. AB 476 provides much-needed enforcement tools to deter copper wire theft and hold perpetrators accountable for the harm they cause to public safety and infrastructure reliability. For these reasons, the City of Redding is pleased to support AB 476(Gonzalez). Sincerely, Jack Munns City of Redding Mayor cc. The Honorable 1Vlegan Dahle (via email) The Honorable Heather F�adwick(via email) League Regional Public Affairs Manager(via email) League of California Cities, cityletters@calcities.org