COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

Recent news stories on the merits of AB 2873, my bill co-written by Assemblyman Jim Silva, need clarification.

Euphemistically called the “Harbor Patrol Bill,” AB 2873 is clear and concise legislation that would continue to make coastal security patrol the responsibility of trained peace officers in Orange County.

The bill states that if the Orange County Board of Supervisors wants to contract with another law enforcement agency other than the O.C. Sheriff’s Department for security services along the county’s coastlines, harbors and inland waterways, they may certainly do so.

AB 2873 only stipulates that any law enforcement entity awarded such a contract must maintain today’s level of public safety and employ the current number of sworn peace officers.

Some local leaders argue this issue is nothing but a “turf war” between Newport Beach and county law enforcement agencies, and the state has no business interfering.

I disagree. And recent remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff delivered at the National Marine Manufacturers Association American Boating Congress make my point.

“You all know that there is of course a real connection between the security issues we confront at the [Homeland Security] department and boating,” he told the marine enthusiasts. “Accept the reality that there is a risk to our security that comes from someone misusing a boat for terrorist purposes and that we have to therefore consider how we’re going to confront that risk.”

Chertoff’s address went on to encourage recreational boaters to “keep their eyes open” for the sake of national security. Chertoff’s inclusion approach is sensible. Every American and every level of government should prioritize public safety along our borders and coastlines, and that is what we are doing with AB 2873.

Contrary to this newspaper’s reporting, at this point in the Legislative session, AB 2873, after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety, is expected to garner significant Assembly floor approval and head toward the Senate. California’s governing body understands that the safety of Orange County’s 48-mile coastline and three harbors is too important to fall to the lowest bidder.

Again, this legislation aims to maintain highly trained and well-equipped public safety officers along Orange County coastline. In light of the uncertainties all Americans live with every day since that fateful day in September 2001, is that too much to ask?

JOSE SOLORIO is an Assemblyman based in Anaheim.