PD Approval: Yes on Proposition 36

Proposal 36 will provide a necessary course correction for California. If approved by voters, it would give police and prosecutors better tools to crack down on repeat shoplifting and fentanyl trafficking. It does this while preserving much of California’s recent criminal justice reforms. We encourage voters to support Proposition 36.

The editorial staff of the Press Democrat passed Proposition 47 in 2014 because it emphasized crime prevention over recidivism, complied with a federal court order to reduce prison crowding and saved taxpayer money. The country has largely succeeded in these last two areas, but less so in crime prevention. Since reclassifying some misdemeanor thefts and drug crimes into misdemeanors, shoplifting – including headlines that make headlines – has skyrocketed and a fentanyl epidemic has overtaken the state.

The state lacks in-depth data in the area of ​​retail crime, but other data show that the pendulum of legal reform must swing back to the center. Since Prop. 47 was passed, most thefts under $950 have been treated as a misdemeanor, with the maximum penalty reduced from three years in state prison to six months in county jail. It is almost certainly no coincidence that shoplifting occurs increased 28% from 2019 to 2023

It was also a problem locally. During the first eight months of this year, 249 shoplifting incidents were reported to the Santa Rosa Police Department, compared to 151 during the same period last year, an increase of 65%. There were also 30 reports of organized shoplifting as of August 31, compared to 29 for the entire year last year.

Meanwhile, the number of Californians dying from drug overdoses is increasing more than doubled from 2014 to 2022 to almost 11,000. The majority were fentanyl related.

These numbers underscore why Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez and Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley back Prop. 36.

Prop. 36 brands modest changes in the way crimes are dealt with. Theft of items valued at $950 or less would be treated as a misdemeanor if the suspect had two prior convictions for theft, such as shoplifting, burglary or carjacking. In response to the increase in shoplifting, penalties may be longer if three or more people jointly committed the theft or property damage.

In the drug field, courts warn people that they could be charged with murder if they provide illegal drugs that kill someone. People who sell fentanyl and certain other illegal drugs could face longer prison sentences. Some drug users accused of a crime can have their charges dropped if they complete treatment.

For this to work as promised, the state will need to make the necessary investments in expanding treatment options.

Frustrated Californians have passed Prop. 36 on the ballot because state leaders showed neither political will nor any understanding of politics. what people have endured.

Contrary to what its opponents claim, Prop. 36 do not ignite again the war on drugs. That said, the Yes campaign is reckless in portraying the measure as the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Act,” perpetuating the myth that every homeless individual is an addict and criminal.

But bad marketing does not change the good content of a measure. Prop. 36 will provide a correction for criminal laws that have gone too far. It deserves the support of voters.

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