OCEANSIDE — One of the biggest statewide propositions appears to be on its way to being approved, but elected officials and supporters are stepping on the gas to ensure the passage of Prop. 36.
The measure reforms several components of the controversial Prop. 47, which was approved by voters in 2014. On Thursday, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, Supervisor Jim Desmond (who represents Oceanside and most of North County) and Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) took part in forum on Prop. 36, known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce at MiraCosta College.
Stephan said her goal was to educate those in attendance and not pressure the about 50 people in attendance to support or oppose the measure. Desmond and Davies, meanwhile, said they’re both in support of Prop. 36 to theft and drug crimes along with creating better services and pathways to address homelessness.
North County Pipeline is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Oceanside Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Scott Ashton said the chamber, along with the California Chamber of Commerce, also support Prop. 36. He said one goal is to reduce the losses accrued by rampant theft on local businesses.
“The three main things it does is address serial and organized retail theft,” Stephan said. “It confronts the fentanyl crisis in our communities. And three, it prioritizes mental health and drug treatment to incentivize that treatment.”
When Prop. 47 passed it reduced and reclassified criminal penalties and thresholds for certain theft and drug crimes, along with reducing the prison population. One of the reasons Prop. 47 gained steam was the state of California was found in violation of prison overcrowding and other issues by the federal government.
Prop. 47 has been targeted by law enforcement, district attorney’s and public safety advocates for years. One of the biggest changes was the measure increased the limit for theft from $450 to $950 to be classified as a felony and many sentences are served in county jails instead of prison.
Stephan said individuals are allowed to repeatedly steal up to $950 and will only be cited for a misdemeanor.
But after years of retail organized theft rings, small businesses reporting thefts and businesses locking up products or closing stores, enough momentum was gained to get Prop. 36 on the ballot. According to a poll from the Public Policy Institute of California, 71% of voters support the measure with 85% of Republicans, 73% of independents and 63% of Democrats.
