Representatives for the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) last week held a press conference on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento calling on legislators to immediately begin the implementation of Proposition 36.
“California Contract Cities Association endorsed Proposition 36, because it represented a comprehensive approach to addressing public safety while tackling root causes of the crime by enhancing penalties for organized retail theft and drug distribution, targeting crime networks and prioritizing treatment for repeat offenders,” Jennifer Perez, CCCA President and Norwalk vice mayor, said at the Monday press conference. “Prop. 36 strikes a necessary balance between rehabilitation and accountability.”
Prop. 36, which was approved by 68% of voters last November, will result in the rolling back portions of Prop. 47 and increase punishments for some drug and theft crimes.
“We feel as California Contract Cities, this law will safeguard local economies by imposing tougher penalties on property crimes, combating the $15 billion annual loss from organized retail theft and protecting small businesses and jobs that are in all of our communities,” Perez said. “By reducing theft and drug-related crimes, it will foster safer neighborhoods and encourage economic growth and investment, promoting stability and community wellbeing.”
Jurupa Valley Mayor Pro Tem Chris Barajas, who serves as the legislative chair of CCCA, said that not only would Prop. 36 hold people accountable for their actions, but would also give them the tools to “successfully integrate back into our society.”
“Proposition 36 is not just a policy, it is a new way of thinking about justice and reform in California,” Barajas said during the press conference. “We are ready and continue working with the state to ensure the successful implementation of Prop. 36.”
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Barajas said in an interview with The Record that retail theft, including smash and grabs, was on the rise across the state, including in Sacramento where he said it was up by almost 70%.
“It’s hurting our small businesses that are usually, you know, locally owned by residents in our communities,” he said.
Proponents of Prop. 36 have said it will curb the increase in retail theft and help prevent overdose deaths, but organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have said it would only serve to put more people behind bars.
But, Barajas said, one of the main goals for CCCA was ensuring that the implementation of Prop 36 will be equitable and focused on rehabilitation and not just on incarceration.
“Prison is not the answer,” he said. “We do want to make sure that they’re held accountable. What’s been happening these last few years, obviously, is not working, but once we get them into jail or prison, we need to find a treatment or a process to get them help.”
CCCA represents 80 cities, including seven in Riverside County.
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