Prominent Elected Democrats Join Bipartisan Coalition Calling for Reforms to Prop. 47 to Encourage Drug Treatment and Hold Repeat Retail Theft Offenders Accountable
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (August 26, 2024) – Today, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Chino) joins over fifty-five Democratic leaders across the state in support of Proposition 36, the November ballot measure that seeks to reform Proposition 47 by encouraging drug treatment and holding the worst retail-theft offenders accountable. The bipartisan measure focuses on improving safety in every community and neighborhood in California.
“As a strong advocate for both public safety and comprehensive treatment programs, I am proud to support Proposition 36. This measure strikes a necessary balance between accountability and rehabilitation, ensuring that repeat offenders of retail theft and serious drug crimes are held responsible while also offering a path to recovery for those struggling with addiction. It’s time we prioritize the safety of our communities and provide the resources needed to help individuals turn their lives around.”- California State Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Chino)
Democratic state and local elected leaders who have voiced their support for Proposition 36 include:
- Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield)
- Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine)
- Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton)
- Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)
- Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana)
- Assemblymember Jasmeet Baines (D-Delano)
- Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove)
- Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey)
- Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino)
- Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Chino)
- Don Perata, Former State Senator, President Pro Tempore
- London Breed, Mayor, City and County of San Francisco
- Todd Gloria, Mayor, City of San Diego
- Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San Jose
- Traci Park, Councilmember, City of Los Angeles
- Phil Brock, Mayor, City of Santa Monica
- Caren Ray Russom, Mayor, City of Arroyo Grande
- Tony Kranz, Mayor, City of Encinitas
- Lily Mei, Mayor, City of Fremont
- Carmen Montano, Mayor, City of Milpitas
- Esther Sanchez, Mayor, City of Oceanside
- Andrew Lara, Mayor, City of Pico Rivera
- Michael Vargas, Mayor, City of Perris
- Yan Zhao, Mayor, City of Saratoga
- Lesa Haebner, Mayor, City of Solano Beach
- Leticia Gonzalez, Supervisor, County of Madera
- Luis Alejo, Supervisor, County of Monterey
- Rich Desmond, Supervisor, County of Sacramento
- Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Supervisor, County of San Luis Obispo
- Jimmy Paulding, Supervisor, County of San Luis Obispo
- Jose Diaz, Councilmember, City of Anaheim
- Ben Bartlett, Councilmember, City of Berkeley
- Tim McGallian, Former Mayor, City of Concord
- Kitty Moore, Councilmember, City of Cupertino
- Mike Karbassi, Councilmember, City of Fresno
- Mark Arapostathis, Mayor, City of La Mesa
- David E. Argudo, Councilmember, City of La Puente
- Alex Rounaghi, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Laguna Beach
- Pat Kearney, Councilmember, City of Lawndale
- Lynnette Lee Eng, Former Mayor, City of Los Altos
- Oscar Flores, Councilmember, City of Lynwood
- Paul Grisanti, Councilmember, City of Malibu
- Rene Spring, Councilmember, City of Morgan Hill
- Lydia Kou, Councilmember & Former Mayor, City of Palo Alto
- Arturo Cruz, Vice Mayor, City of San Pablo
- Phil Bacerra, Councilmember, City of Santa Ana
- Renee Golder, Vice Mayor, City of Santa Cruz
- Lana Negrete, Vice Mayor, City of Santa Monica
- Sharon Wright, Former Mayor, City of Santa Rosa
- Bridgett Lewis, Councilmember, City of Torrance
- Pierluigi Oliverio, Former Councilmember, City of San Jose
- Ryan Coonerty, Former Mayor, City of Santa Cruz
- Tish Herrera Spencer, Former Mayor, City of Alameda
- Gloria Romero, Former Senator, State of California
Prop 36 implements accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects some towards treatment rather than incarceration.
Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act will:
- Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable for the safety and health of our communities.
- Create accountability for repeat smash-and-grab offenders who drive up costs for all Californians and chase retailers out of the state.
- Bring back incentives and accountability needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use have no incentive to choose treatment.
For more information, please visit VoteYesProp36.com.
