Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, DA Zimmer urge support for Prop 36

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce held a press conference Wednesday to urge a yes vote on Prop 36. The prop will introduce stricter laws on retail theft, drug addiction, and homelessness.

The main change will be repealing parts of Prop 47 that voters approved in 2014. Prop 47 rid felony charges on most thefts under $950 and Prop 36 aims to reintroduce those felony charges. It also opens a treatment-mandated felony, which gives the option of rehabilitation for someone with two previous hard drug possession convictions.

“Californians, whether they be independents, Democrats, or Republicans have had enough,” said Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer.

Kern leaders including Zimmer, Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores, Assistant Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton, and even owner of Luigi’s restaurant Gino Valpredo, all spoke in support of Prop 36.

“Those that continue to hear from our business owners and members that crime and homelessness is such an issue we need to take a step forward with yes on 36,” said Janelle Capra, CEO of Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.

In a room full of journalists, local activist and founder of community interventions Ucedrah Osby, spoke in opposition to Prop 36.

“They’re giving out money for these programs but yet they’re gonna create money by focusing on incarceration of people who are living below poverty who have no access.”

Sheriff Donny Youngblood has spoken publicly about how Kern County’s jails are full, and that there isn’t enough personnel to staff them. 17 News asked District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer about what the plan is if there is a rise in arrests if the measure is passed.

“Prop 47 passed in 2014 and we didn’t see an onslaught, it was gradual, people are picked up gradually,” said Zimmer. “Their first two offenses they won’t go to jail, but on their third offense they will get out of jail quite quickly and be offered rehabilitation.”

A poll from UC Berkley that surveyed over 3,000 potential voters showed support of Prop 36 with 60% supporting the measure, while 21% were opposed and 19% were undecided.

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