Prop. 36 endorsed by the OCDA, the OC Sheriff and the OC Supervisors, except for Sarmiento

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced via Facebook his support today for Prop. 36 :

As the elected District Attorney of Orange County, I want to thank the Orange County Board of Supervisors, led by Chairman Don Wagner and Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, for joining me and Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes in supporting Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.

This bipartisan measure introduces much-needed reforms to Proposition 47, addressing nearly a decade of unintended consequences.

California is suffering from unrelenting theft and the trafficking of deadly hard drugs including fentanyl, often because current state law makes it difficult, if not impossible, for people committing these crimes to face serious consequences.

Prop. 36 will make our communities safer by creating real accountability for those drug traffickers and criminals who repeatedly steal while also providing critical treatment incentives for individuals with mental health and drug addiction issues.

A recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California reported that over the last decade since voters passed Prop. 47, “prison and jail populations plummeted as did arrests for drug and property crimes after certain offenses were reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors.”

Proposition 47 has contributed to the rise in organized retail theft, store closures, and difficulties in getting people the mental health and addiction treatment they desperately need. Proposition 36 offers targeted solutions, ensuring public safety while helping individuals break the cycle of addiction and crime.

With enhanced accountability for fentanyl trafficking, expanded mental health and drug treatment services, and job training, Prop. 36 prioritizes both public safety and rehabilitation. This is a critical step in reducing crime and improving the well-being of Orange County and communities across California.

Editor’s Note: Shame on OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento for siding with the criminals instead of supporting the people of California and Prop. 36 ! Remember that Sarmiento is backing the anti-police Santa Ana City Council candidates including Thai Viet Phan, Jessie Lopez, Johnathan Ryan Hernandez and Mayoral candidate Ben Vazquez. They all oppose Prop. 36 as well!

Orange County Board of Supervisors Adopts Resolution Supporting Proposition 36

October 8, 2024 – Santa Ana, CA – Today, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, led by Chairman Donald Wagner and Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, passed a resolution supporting Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. This bipartisan measure introduces vital reforms to Proposition 47, addressing the unintended consequences that have impacted communities across California for nearly a decade.

“Proposition 47 has led to a surge in organized retail theft, store closures, and challenges in connecting individuals to necessary mental health and addiction treatment,” said Chairman Don Wagner. “Proposition 36 offers targeted reforms, ensuring public safety remains a priority.”

Proposition 36 seeks to correct some of the issues exacerbated by Prop 47, including rampant retail theft and the rise of the fentanyl crisis, which is now responsible for 20 percent of youth deaths in California. It redefines fentanyl as a hard drug and enhances accountability for individuals involved in fentanyl trafficking.

“Proposition 36 prioritizes public safety and promotes mental health and substance abuse treatment services by creating stricter laws that address the root causes of increasing retail theft and drug crimes,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee. “This is an important step to creating a safer, more accountable society.”

The resolution emphasizes the need for reforms that not only protect businesses and residents but also offer meaningful solutions to break the cycle of repeat offenses. Proposition 36 provides mental health and drug treatment services, as well as job training, to individuals in the justice system who are struggling with homelessness, addiction, or mental illness.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors supports Proposition 36 and believes it will bring necessary reforms to reduce crime and enhance the safety and well-being of all communities in Orange County and California.

For more information on the Board’s resolution, please see item S14H on the Board of Supervisor’s agenda for Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

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