A California city councilman is speaking out against the state's crime policies after he and a mayor were attacked by a homeless individual.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Marysville City Councilman Dom Belza and Mayor Chris Branscum were assaulted on August 22 while inspecting fire damage to a historic building in downtown Marysville.

The unprovoked attack occurred when a man, later identified as 36-year-old Derek Hopkins, suddenly struck Mayor Branscum from behind.

Belza chased down and restrained the suspect until law enforcement arrived. Hopkins now faces multiple charges, including felony assault of a public official and felony elder abuse, with bail set at $50,000.

Councilman Blames Soft-On-Crime Policies For Attack

In the wake of the incident, Councilman Belza has pointed to California's lenient crime policies as the root cause of such attacks.

He specifically criticized Proposition 47, a 2014 law that reclassified several felonies as misdemeanors, including shoplifting under $950 and drug possession.

Belza directly linked Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as California's attorney general at the time, to the legislation.

He expressed concern about the potential national implications if Harris were to become president, suggesting that the entire country could face similar issues to those California has experienced over the past decade.

The councilman also questioned the accuracy of California's reported declining violent crime rates in 2024. He argued that changes in crime classification have skewed the data, masking the true extent of the problem.

Impact On Local Community And Public Safety

The attack on two elected officials has raised concerns about public safety in Marysville and similar communities across California.

Belza claimed that the incident was not an isolated event but part of a broader trend of increased criminal activity.

According to the councilman, many Marysville residents now fear everyday activities such as going to the store or walking down the street. This sentiment reflects a growing unease about personal safety and the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies.

The incident has also sparked a debate about the balance between criminal justice reform and maintaining public order.

While proponents of Proposition 47 argue that it has helped reduce prison populations and focus resources on more serious crimes, critics like Belza contend that it has emboldened criminals and left communities vulnerable.

Why This Story Matters

This incident sheds light on the ongoing debate about criminal justice reform in California and its effects on public safety. It highlights the challenges faced by local officials in balancing progressive policies with the need to protect their communities.

The story also underscores the potential national implications of state-level policies, especially when associated with high-profile political figures like Vice President Harris.

Conclusion

The assault on Marysville City Councilman Dom Belza and Mayor Chris Branscum has reignited discussions about California's crime policies. Belza's criticism of Proposition 47 and his concerns about public safety reflect broader debates occurring across the state.

As California continues to grapple with these issues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world impacts of criminal justice reform efforts.