La Cañada Valley Sun: Portantino bill aims to help cities regulate residential detox facilities

When residents crowded the La Cañada Flintridge City Council chambers in August to share their concerns about a residential drug and alcohol detox center operating out of a home at 915 Green Lane, officials said their hands were tied by state law.

State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) attended the Aug. 15 council meeting and promised to work with the city attorney, Mark Steres, to see if something could be done. On Friday, Portantino introduced the fruits of that effort, Senate Bill 1317.

If passed, the measure would allow local governments to adopt an ordinance requiring at least 30 days' advance written notice of the intent to operate any residential rehab facility. Operators could also be required to submit specified plans regarding parking, medical waste disposal and the exact services to be offered at the site.

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