Thursday evening, over 100 residents and lawmakers from the Santa Clarita Valley and other parts of California rallied to promote the recall of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón at Central Park.

D.A. Gascón has come under much scrutiny for his “lax” policies, which many critics, including those in Santa Clarita, claim are more beneficial for criminals than for the victims of crime.

“We are here to let you know we are not giving up the fight. We are not giving up the fight… Every time we get the opportunity to get the word out, we are going to get the word out… We need action, we need your signatures,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda.

Thursday’s rally follows the City of Santa Clarita’s vote of no confidence in Gascón back in March, along with a number of other cities who have all passed votes of no confidence. A commonly expressed belief in these communities is that Gascón’s actions have risked the safety of the general public, calling for his removal from public service.

“This is really, really simple. [George Gascón], you were elected to do a job. You refuse to do your job. Do the honorable thing and resign right now,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

Among the attendees of the event at Central Park were the family of murder victim Michelle Dorsey, who was killed by her estranged husband in April of 2021. Her boyfriend, Sky Girard spoke on behalf of Michelle and her family.

See Related: City Council Issues Vote Of No Confidence For D.A. Gascón

Under Gascón’s policies reducing sentencing time for both petty crimes and felonies, Matthew James Dorsey received sentencing of 35 years with the possibility of parole. This would put Michelle’s sons in their 40’s and 50’s, possibly with families of their own, while their father walks free.

There were a number of families of other victims at the event who shared their stories and called for Gascón’s immediate removal. They discussed the horrific crimes committed against their nephews, grandsons, husbands, and loved ones, and how the system has failed them.

“There’s no defense for not putting the worst of the worst behind bars, except for when you have a prosecutor who won’t show up. If you rape a woman, beat someone who is Asian, gay, lesbian, or transgender, if you are a gang member and a criminal you deserve to be prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law. If you torture and murder a child, you deserve to be prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law, including the death penalty, ” said Assemblywoman Suzette Valladares, R-Santa Clarita.

Among the other speakers was Fresno D.A. Lisa Smittcamp, Kern County D.A. Cynthia Zimmer, L.A. Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami, and numerous families of murder victims.

In preparation for and support of the event, Hatami said “27 cities representing over 1.5 million Angelenos have come together to stand for victims, survivors, and families of lost loved ones because the Los Angeles DA has abandoned law, order, and justice for all. LASD now has over 6,000 rejected cases as a result of Gascon’s policies.”

Hatami hosted the evening, ending with a strong statement, challenging Gascón, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Xavier Beccera to a debate about public safety.

“One of the reasons I came forward was because I had a child case. This little girl, she was four. She was tortured and murdered. George Gascón wanted me to remove certain allegations and I was not willing to do it… What kind of a D.A. has such a lack of empathy for our children that he cares more about the criminals,” Hatami said.

Supporters of the recall must collect at the very least 500,000 signatures from LA County registered voters within a 160-day period, according to officials. The deadline for signatures is reportedly scheduled for October 27, 2021, and if successful would lead to a 2022 election.

To review a list of George Gascón’s policies since being sworn into office, click here.

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