The City Council voted on December 22, 2020, to direct the City Attorney's Office to file an amicus brief in support of Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes' appeal to a court order by Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter Wilson mandating the release of 1,858 inmates from the Orange County jail. 

In a letter of support addressed to Sheriff Barnes', Mayor Pezold stated that "We are extremely concerned that the mandate to release nearly 2,000 currently incarcerated inmates will pose a serious threat to Orange County residents, businesses and public safety employees...Releasing violent offenders and others who pose significant threats to public safety will do little to protect our communities." 

Support for Appeal to Court Ruling Requiring the Release of Inmates - December 22, 2020