Sacramento County Sheriff, District Attorneys, Raley’s Supermarkets, Small Businesses, and Community Leaders Urge Californians to Support Proposition 36

Sacramento, Calif. (October 23, 2024) – Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, and San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer Steve Jackson, Raley’s Supermarkets, League of California Cities, and Sacramento small business owners, and community leaders today held a press conference at the Raley’s in West Sacramento to urge Californians to vote yes on Proposition 36.

With overwhelming bipartisan support from public polls – including Berkeley ISG, PPIC, and USC, CSU Long Beach, and Cal Poly PomonaProposition 36 will enact stricter penalties for repeat theft offenders; drug dealers whose trafficking causes death or serious injury, allowing potential murder charges if it results in fatalities; ensure fentanyl is treated like heroin, cocaine, PCP and methamphetamine when offenders possess a firearm; and toughens penalties for selling large quantities of fentanyl. 

Proposition 36 will restore the incentives and accountability needed for individuals to enter drug treatment and job training programs, helping them begin new lives. Currently, repeat drug offenders have no incentive to choose treatment. By leveraging federally funded Medi-Cal programs, which help keep state costs manageable, California can address public health needs affordably. With the ongoing implementation of Cal-AIM, a more integrated system for treating substance use and mental illness is being built. Prop 1 also expands mental health and substance abuse facilities, including those for the homeless, ensuring offenders receive the care and support needed for rehabilitation under Proposition 36, further strengthening California’s capacity to address these critical issues.

Here is what press conference participants and supports have to say about Proposition 36:

“Our company cares deeply about the well-being of our team members, customers, and the communities we serve. We support Proposition 36 because it is a balanced solution to address the public safety challenges, that will help break the cycle of organized theft and create safer environments for all businesses to operate.” – Chelsea Carbahal, Vice President of Community Impact & Public Affairs, The Raley’s Companies

“Californians are clear: the status quo is unacceptable and it’s time for change. With rising crime and the devastating impact of drug addiction, Proposition 36 responds to voters’ concerns and gives us the tools to address these issues head-on. It strengthens accountability for repeat offenders while offering meaningful support for those struggling with addiction. Prop 36 is a smart, balanced reform that prioritizes the safety of our communities. – Jeff Reisig, District Attorney, Yolo County

“Sacramento County, like much of California, faces significant public safety challenges—from rising thefts affecting our local businesses to increasing drug addiction. Prop 36 is essential for addressing the repeat offenders and organized crime behind many of these issues. By holding serial criminal accountable and offering treatment for those struggling with addiction, Prop 36 provides the balanced approach that Sacramento County needs to make our communities safer.” – Jim Cooper, Sheriff, Sacramento County

“Public safety is at a crossroads in California. A lack of accountability for repeat offenders is driving a rise in crime and drug addiction that threatens our communities. Proposition 36 is the answer. It’s not about simply locking people up. Prop 36 targets the repeat offenders who commit the majority of crimes and incentivizes treatment for those caught in the cycle of addiction. Vote Yes on Prop 36” – Vern Pierson, District Attorney, El Dorado County

“I am proud to join local elected leaders from across California in endorsing Proposition 36. As local officials, we are on the frontlines of rising theft and drug addiction and need comprehensive solutions. By holding serial offenders accountable and offering pathways to recovery, Prop 36 will help protect West Sacramento and communities across the state.” – Quirina Orozco, Councilmember, City of West Sacramento (League of California Cities)

“California Probation supports Proposition 36 as a crucial step toward restoring balance in our criminal justice system by increasing accountability while incentivizing treatment. Probation officers work every day to end the cycle of addiction but need tools to incentivize entrenched offenders get to the help they need. Prop 36 will help provide the important tools probation needs to create safer communities.” – Steve Jackson, San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer and Incoming President, Chief Probation Officers of California

“Based on my experience, theft, drug abuse, and homelessness are deeply connected. Proposition 36 addresses all three issues in a meaningful way by ensuring that those who repeatedly break the law are held accountable while also offering a path to recovery for those struggling with addiction. Prop 36 is focused on breaking the cycle that fuels crime in our communities, offering a critical step toward safer streets for all Californians.” – Jesse Fiero, Homelessness/Drug Treatment Advocate

“As a small business owner, I’ve unfortunately experienced firsthand how rising theft impacts our livelihoods. Proposition 36 is about protecting local businesses like mine by holding repeat offenders accountable, which is nearly impossible under the status quo. Prop 36 also addresses the underlying issue of addiction that drives much of the crime we see today. Prop 36 is the solution we’ve been waiting for.” – Aaron Cardoza, Owner, Mobil Fits

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 are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing 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, visit voteyesprop36.com.