“Today, Fresno is standing up for accountability and safer communities. As the Fresno County District Attorney, our communities are fed up with the rampant theft, homelessness, and drug addiction crises. Prop 36 gives District Attorneys and law enforcement the tools to tackle repeat offenders head-on while offering rehabilitation pathways for those trapped in cycles of addiction. It will provide us the tools necessary to have stiffer penalties for fentanyl related offenses, a poison that is plaguing our community. This is a common-sense approach to fixing the unintended consequences of Proposition 47.

Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney 

“As a small business owner, I’m constantly dealing with the fallout from repeat thefts. I have been targeted by the same individuals who brazenly know that nothing will happen to them. I’ve had to lock up comics and collectibles just to protect my inventory and I’ve spent thousands on repairs caused by the break-ins. Small businesses are suffering and we need immediate solutions. Prop 36 strikes the right balance between holding criminals accountable and giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around through rehabilitation. I call on Californians to join me and small businesses in voting yes on Prop 36.”

Carlos Mendoza-Mesa, Owner, Bird Dog Comics

“City leaders throughout California agree – we need to do something about repeat theft and drug trafficking in our communities. Proposition 36 aligns with our mission to enhance the quality of life in California’s cities. Our cities are on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis. Local law enforcement, emergency responders, and public health officials are overwhelmed by its devastating impact. Proposition 36 takes a dual approach: treatment for those struggling with addiction and tougher penalties for those trafficking deadly substances into our neighborhoods.

Daniel Parra, Mayor of Fowler and President of the League of California Cities

“My family suffered the unimaginable loss of a child or loved one due to the fentanyl crisis. This problem, which has become all too real for so many, demands an urgent solution – something that our state-elected leaders have continued to fail to address. It’s why I’m supporting Proposition 36. It’s a measure that represents the hope and resolution that grieving families have been seeking. It is a thoughtful solution that addresses the fentanyl epidemic by ensuring that fentanyl is considered a hard drug, along with cocaine, heroin, PCP, and methamphetamine. Proposition 36 will break the cycle of drug addiction, which leads directly to poverty and homelessness. It will punish drug traffickers, provide resources to those who are struggling, and protect businesses from rampant theft.”

Pamela Smith, Mothers in Grief Support Group

“Prop 36 is a lifeline for small businesses across Fresno. We have had enough of the current system’s failures. Prop 36 offers hope for a future where repeat offenders are not given free rein to wreak havoc on our businesses. We have the power to take back our streets, and with Prop 36, we can do just that. By holding repeat offenders accountable, this measure strengthens our local economy and ensures that businesses can operate without the constant threat of theft and violence.”

Clint Olivier, President and CEO, Central Valley Business Federation

“Prop 36 is about creating a safer Fresno for our families and our businesses. The repercussions of retail theft are wide-reaching. It affects our ability to employ local residents, it deters customers from visiting, and it strips the sense of security that is foundational to the open, interactive nature of our businesses. Prop 36 offers a chance for justice, accountability, and hope for those ready to change their lives. We need every Fresno voter to step up and support this important measure.”

Scott Miller, President and CEO, Fresno Chamber of Commerce