Prop. 36 faces intense review as North County residents gather for informative session

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Voters have a lot to consider this upcoming election when it comes to Proposition 36, a statewide ballot measure that seeks a tougher approach on crime.

The measure proposes changes to punishments related to drug possession and theft offenses and would impact homelessness as well.

On Thursday, community members attended a public forum led by San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan at the MiraCosta College Oceanside Campus.

It was held in partnership with the chambers of commerce from Encinitas, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Vista and Oceanside.

“I wanted to hear more about what was going to be shared and learn more so I can make an educated decision when I’m voting,” according to Oceanside resident Ashley Gerdo.

Stephan said Prop. 36 reforms unintended consequences of Proposition 47 .

“It will still treat people who make mistakes with compassion, but it brings accountability to habitual offenders,” Stephan stated.

If passed, Prop. 36 would turn a theft misdemeanor into a felony if the person has two or more previous convictions. Under Prop. 36, convicted drug dealers could get longer jail or prison sentences. People convicted of illegal drug possession could complete drug-treatment instead of going to prison.

Some people, like Vista resident Vanessa Rojas, said she still has doubts about the measure as someone who benefitted from Prop. 47 which was, in part, meant to reduce nonviolent offense incarcerations.

“Part of my story was trauma, so I came in contact with crime through my trauma,” according to Rojas.

She believes a greater focus on rehabilitation is needed, as does Oceanside resident Kellie Davis who said she’s a ‘no’ on Prop. 36.

“That’s where I’m at in my life right now is how do we have more compassion for rehabilitation, instead of incarceration,” added Davis.

A recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows 71% of voters plan to vote ‘yes’ on Prop. 36.

It will be the last proposition on the Nov. 5 ballot and there is no competing measure on this topic.

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