Quick Take
California’s Proposition 36 will help undo ineffective attempts at diversion put in place by Prop 47 in 2014, argue Renee Golder, vice mayor of Santa Cruz, and Bernie Escalante, chief of the Santa Cruz Police Department. “Over the past decade, Santa Cruz has faced a significant rise in large encampments, drug overdoses, and retail theft,” they write. “The Ross Camp and Benchlands illustrate the city's struggles with homelessness and public safety.” It’s time, they say, for a reboot.
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We – the vice mayor of the City of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz police chief – receive daily communication from Santa Cruz residents expressing their concerns about quality-of-life issues related to drugs and theft, and we believe Proposition 36 could provide effective solutions.
Proposition 36 is an initiative aimed at amending Proposition 47 (previously enacted in 2014) by reclassifying certain drug offenses and increasing penalties for specified drug and theft crimes. Proposition 47 was originally dubbed the “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act” in 2014, and over the past 10 years we’ve seen the impactful and negative consequences of this poorly crafted legislation. We would argue Proposition 47 has done the opposite of creating “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools.”
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Over the past decade, Santa Cruz has faced a significant rise in large encampments, drug overdoses and retail theft. The Ross Camp and Benchlands illustrate the city’s struggles with homelessness and public safety, while a quick look at the PulsePoint app shows the daily medical emergencies at Coral Street and in the encampments.
Retail theft has become so common that items at CVS are now locked up, and it’s not unusual to see people walking out of Safeway with cartloads of groceries without paying, while others wait in line to check out. These issues have contributed to vacant storefronts and a declining sense of security on Pacific Avenue.
Proposition 36 is a bipartisan measure supported by a wide range of esteemed organizations, including the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California District Attorneys Association, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, California Peace Officers’ Association, League of California Cities, Democratic and Republican legislators, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California Black Chamber of Commerce and California State Sheriffs’ Association. These endorsements highlight the widespread recognition of the urgent need for effective measures to combat the escalating issues surrounding drug-related and theft-related offenses, particularly those involving deadly substances such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.
In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in deaths caused by fentanyl poisoning. This dangerous drug is taking lives unnecessarily, and it is imperative that we take decisive action to protect our community.
Proposition 36 offers a compassionate yet firm approach to this crisis. By mandating treatment for certain drug offenses and increasing penalties for the distribution of these deadly substances, we can save lives and help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction.
The increase in theft has also severely impacted our local businesses. These crimes not only undermine the economic viability of our community but also create an environment where employees and shoppers feel unsafe.
The current measures in place have proved ineffective in deterring repeat offenses. Proposition 36 introduces stricter consequences for those with multiple prior convictions for theft or drug-related crimes, ensuring accountability and protection for our local businesses.
This change is crucial for fostering a safer environment for all residents.
In Santa Cruz, like many communities across California, we spend millions of dollars annually addressing homelessness, mental health and substance-use challenges. While these efforts are essential, they often serve as triage, addressing symptoms rather than root causes. Proposition 36 provides a proactive solution by ensuring that individuals who distribute dangerous drugs understand their criminal liability while offering a path to rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction.
Additionally, Prop 36 allows defendants who plead guilty to felony drug possession and complete treatment to have their charges dismissed. This balanced approach not only holds individuals accountable but also provides them with the opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
While we understand that the fiscal impact of Proposition 36 could result in increased state and local criminal justice system costs – potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars annually – we believe that reducing recidivism and addressing the underlying issues of substance use can offset these costs. Savings in local mental health services, calls to first responders, encampment abatement and victim services could ultimately reduce the burden on our criminal justice system and lead to safer, healthier communities.
We urge voters to support Proposition 36 and help create a more effective system holding people accountable with consequences for drug-related offenses and theft crimes in California. Proposition 36 prioritizes both accountability and compassion, fostering a safer Santa Cruz for all.
We encourage everyone to get informed and participate in this important conversation for our community’s future. Your voice matters, and together we can make a meaningful difference. If you suffer from these quality-of-life issues, you need to learn more about Proposition 36 and vote yes.
Bernie Escalante has been the chief of the Santa Cruz Police Department since 2021.
Renee Golder is the vice mayor of the City of Santa Cruz and has been on the city council since 2020. She is the principal of Bay View Elementary School.