After completing its third full year of operations, the Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office has released its 2023 Annual Report.
Created in November 2020 following the passage of Measure AA to strengthen local control and accountability, the Unit represents the People of the State of California in prosecuting all misdemeanor criminal matters—including assault, violence, and theft—within the City of Alameda. The Unit also responds to violations of consumer protection and fair housing laws.
In 2023, the Unit reviewed 701 criminal cases, mostly referred by the Alameda Police Department (APD). Of the cases reviewed:
- 32% involved crimes against property, such as theft, vandalism, arson, etc.
- 28% involved crimes against another person, such as assault, domestic violence, threats, etc.
- 40% involved crimes against the State, including DUI, hit and run, possession of a controlled substance, and such.
According to the 2023 report, the Unit filed 401 new cases and resolved 333 cases with an 83.5% successful outcomes rate, yielding results that range from convictions with jail sentences to dismissals. Since June 2023, the Unit has begun handling cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse within Alameda.
The Unit’s Public Rights Team received 839 inquiries from the public regarding consumer and housing concerns. Notable cases in 2023 required the Unit to intervene on behalf of tenants to prevent wrongful eviction, recover temporary relocation payments, and address harassment. In February, the Unit filed an enforcement action against a landlord for repeatedly entering a tenant family’s unit and towing their cars illegally, resulting in a $70,000 settlement for the family.
The Public Rights Team also offers regular events, Q&A sessions, and educational articles to engage the public on topics that range from the City’s housing mediation program to protection against fraud and unfair business practices. As part of its outreach efforts, the City Attorney’s Office will hold its fourth annual Fair Housing Workshop on Thursday, April 18, 9 a.m. to noon, at City Council Chambers (in City Hall), 2263 Santa Clara Avenue. The workshop will provide information on local and state housing laws and will feature a slate of speakers who work in the housing and legal fields.
For more information, call the Prosecution and Public Rights Unit 510-747-4772 or email [email protected].
Ken Der is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact him via [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Ken-Der.
