With twenty days from the election, Yes on Prop 36 campaign mobilizes voters to address retail theft, fentanyl, and homelessness crises
San Diego, Calif. (October 16, 2024) – San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, Kelly A. Martinez, San Diego County Sheriff, sheriffs from across the state, Chief Probation Officers of California, and San Diego small business owners, and business associations today urged Californians to vote yes on Proposition 36, with just twenty days remaining until Election Day.
Proposition 36 has received overwhelming support in every public poll – including Berkeley ISG, PPIC, and USC, CSU Long Beach, and Cal Poly Pomona– amongst Californians across political parties and regions. The Yes on Proposition 36 campaign continues to build momentum to urge California voters to support the November ballot measure.
Proposition 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 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.
Here is what press conference participants and supports have to say about Proposition 36:
“As District Attorney for the second largest county in California, I understand how Prop 36 offers the comprehensive solutions that San Diego and our state desperately need. It combines tougher penalties for fentanyl dealers that are killing our family members and repeat thieves stealing the livelihood of our small businesses while incentivizing lifesaving treatment for those struggling with addiction. Prop 36 is the People’s balanced initiative that will make a real difference in improving public safety.” Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County
“Every day, our deputies respond to countless crimes that are a direct result of rising theft and drug addiction. These problems cannot be resolved without making commonsense reforms. Prop 36 provides us with the tools we need to hold offenders accountable and deter drug traffickers while also getting people the help they need to break the cycle of addiction. Prop 36 is vital for making San Diego County safer.” Kelly A. Martinez, Sheriff, San Diego County
“As a small business owner, I’ve seen how rising crime and homelessness has impacted my business and my entire community. When theft and drug use goes unpunished, it hurts workers, families, and local businesses. Not to be forgotten, it also hurts the people suffering from the prison of addiction, by keeping them on the street, instead of in treatment. Prop 36 is a chance to restore safety and trust in our neighborhoods, as well as the humanity and dignity of all people.” Beth Booth, Owner, Small Spaces Renewed
“California Probation supports Proposition 36 because our current justice system is out of balance and this measure is a crucial step toward restoring that balance by combining accountability with treatment. Probation officers see that without accountability, the cycle of addiction and crime continues. Prop 36 will help provide the tools needed to create safer communities.” Kelly Vernon, President, Chief Probation Officers of California
“San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant dining and entertainment district where small businesses are at the heart of the community. To keep this area thriving, it’s important that both locals and visitors feel safe and welcome. Prop 36 provides a practical solution by addressing public safety concerns, giving law enforcement the authority they need to keep our community safe, while also offering support to those struggling with addiction. This ensures the Gaslamp remains a lively and enjoyable destination for everyone, benefiting our businesses and the entire community.” Michael Trimble, Executive Director, Gaslamp Quarter Association
“California’s public safety challenges are hurting all of us, from unsafe neighborhoods to locked items in stores. Prop 36 is a critical step forward in addressing repeat offenders and the organized crime rings behind many of the retail thefts plaguing local communities. By holding serial criminals accountable and offering treatment options, Prop 36 takes a balanced approach that Californians overwhelmingly support.” Jim Cooper, Sheriff, Sacramento County
“Prop 36 strikes at the core of what’s driving crime in California today—a lack of accountability for repeat offenders. Prop 36 is not about locking people up but instead addresses the root causes of crime with better accountability and treatment. Voters are rightfully demanding action, and Prop 36 provides the balanced approach they need. I join with law enforcement leaders across the state in urging voters to support Proposition 36.” Don Barnes, Sheriff, Orange County
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.
