Long Beach, CA - May 28, 2014 - Former Long Beach City Attorney candidate Matthew Pappas, a civil rights attorney, has endorsed Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell for L.A. County Sheriff. Pappas, who has handled a number of civil rights cases on behalf of seriously ill and disabled patients who use medical marijuana prescribed by their doctors, said that McDonnell had, over the last several months, been learning more about patients. Recent public changes in position on medical marijuana by notable doctors as well as reports by the National Cancer Institute showing cannabis may reduce the size of various cancerous tumors may also be helping to educate people unfamiliar with the medical benefits of the drug, Pappas noted. "Chief McDonnell has led the Long Beach Police Department during a difficult time in the area of medical cannabis. I believe he now has an understanding of the issues faced by patients like Marla James. He came to the department following 'LobsterGate' and issues with its former chief. He has worked to make changes, but his hands have been tied by a City Charter in Long Beach that leaves personnel decisions to the City Manager. After he made it a point to talk to my assistant and his fiance following comments they had made at a City Council meeting and asked them to contact him about issues with officers who may be violating peoples' rights, I was convinced -- Jim McDonnell wants to do the right thing," Pappas said. McDonnell is running against several other candidates including individuals who worked closely with controversial former L.A. County Sheriff Leroy Baca. Baca retired earlier this year. As an organization opposing Baca as Sheriff, the ACLU compiled an extensive report documenting the virtually unprecedentedly high levels of inmate abuse in L.A. County jails and concluding "The long-standing and pervasive culture of deputy hyper-violence in Los Angeles County jails—a culture apparently condoned at the highest levels -cries out for swift and thorough investigation and intervention by the federal government." The report alleged the abuse included rapes of inmates by officers. In early 2012, the ACLU filed suit to prevent Baca from continuing in his position. "There will not be a perfect Sheriff -- there will be disagreements on issues. I often oppose law enforcement in seeking relief for people who have had their civil rights violated. However, I believe Jim McDonnell -- with the necessary authority and tools he did not have in Long Beach -- will look into issues and make important changes for the citizens of Los Angeles County," Pappas said.
Original Title
Pappas Endorses Jim McDonnell for L.a. County Sheriff
Long Beach, CA - May 28, 2014 - Former Long Beach City Attorney candidate Matthew Pappas, a civil rights attorney, has endorsed Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell for L.A. County Sheriff. Pappas, who has handled a number of civil rights cases on behalf of seriously ill and disabled patients who use medical marijuana prescribed by their doctors, said that McDonnell had, over the last several months, been learning more about patients. Recent public changes in position on medical marijuana by notable doctors as well as reports by the National Cancer Institute showing cannabis may reduce the size of various cancerous tumors may also be helping to educate people unfamiliar with the medical benefits of the drug, Pappas noted. "Chief McDonnell has led the Long Beach Police Department during a difficult time in the area of medical cannabis. I believe he now has an understanding of the issues faced by patients like Marla James. He came to the department following 'LobsterGate' and issues with its former chief. He has worked to make changes, but his hands have been tied by a City Charter in Long Beach that leaves personnel decisions to the City Manager. After he made it a point to talk to my assistant and his fiance following comments they had made at a City Council meeting and asked them to contact him about issues with officers who may be violating peoples' rights, I was convinced -- Jim McDonnell wants to do the right thing," Pappas said. McDonnell is running against several other candidates including individuals who worked closely with controversial former L.A. County Sheriff Leroy Baca. Baca retired earlier this year. As an organization opposing Baca as Sheriff, the ACLU compiled an extensive report documenting the virtually unprecedentedly high levels of inmate abuse in L.A. County jails and concluding "The long-standing and pervasive culture of deputy hyper-violence in Los Angeles County jails—a culture apparently condoned at the highest levels -cries out for swift and thorough investigation and intervention by the federal government." The report alleged the abuse included rapes of inmates by officers. In early 2012, the ACLU filed suit to prevent Baca from continuing in his position. "There will not be a perfect Sheriff -- there will be disagreements on issues. I often oppose law enforcement in seeking relief for people who have had their civil rights violated. However, I believe Jim McDonnell -- with the necessary authority and tools he did not have in Long Beach -- will look into issues and make important changes for the citizens of Los Angeles County," Pappas said.
Long Beach, CA - May 28, 2014 - Former Long Beach City Attorney candidate Matthew Pappas, a civil rights attorney, has endorsed Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell for L.A. County Sheriff. Pappas, who has handled a number of civil rights cases on behalf of seriously ill and disabled patients who use medical marijuana prescribed by their doctors, said that McDonnell had, over the last several months, been learning more about patients. Recent public changes in position on medical marijuana by notable doctors as well as reports by the National Cancer Institute showing cannabis may reduce the size of various cancerous tumors may also be helping to educate people unfamiliar with the medical benefits of the drug, Pappas noted. "Chief McDonnell has led the Long Beach Police Department during a difficult time in the area of medical cannabis. I believe he now has an understanding of the issues faced by patients like Marla James. He came to the department following 'LobsterGate' and issues with its former chief. He has worked to make changes, but his hands have been tied by a City Charter in Long Beach that leaves personnel decisions to the City Manager. After he made it a point to talk to my assistant and his fiance following comments they had made at a City Council meeting and asked them to contact him about issues with officers who may be violating peoples' rights, I was convinced -- Jim McDonnell wants to do the right thing," Pappas said. McDonnell is running against several other candidates including individuals who worked closely with controversial former L.A. County Sheriff Leroy Baca. Baca retired earlier this year. As an organization opposing Baca as Sheriff, the ACLU compiled an extensive report documenting the virtually unprecedentedly high levels of inmate abuse in L.A. County jails and concluding "The long-standing and pervasive culture of deputy hyper-violence in Los Angeles County jails—a culture apparently condoned at the highest levels -cries out for swift and thorough investigation and intervention by the federal government." The report alleged the abuse included rapes of inmates by officers. In early 2012, the ACLU filed suit to prevent Baca from continuing in his position. "There will not be a perfect Sheriff -- there will be disagreements on issues. I often oppose law enforcement in seeking relief for people who have had their civil rights violated. However, I believe Jim McDonnell -- with the necessary authority and tools he did not have in Long Beach -- will look into issues and make important changes for the citizens of Los Angeles County," Pappas said.
Matthew Pappas v. Charles Parkin, et al. Complaint for violation of Ca. Elections Code s. 18350. Long Beach City Attorney Election 2014. Allegations of misrepresentation by several entities, including the Long Beach Police Officers Association.