California Lawmakers Propose Harsher Punishments for Unlawful Protests and Crime Reforms

California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez is seeking stricter penalties for Golden Gate Bridge protesters causing traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, a ballot initiative to amend Proposition 47, which downgraded penalties for petty theft and drug possession, is garnering support amidst concerns about rising crime rates.

California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez is pushing for harsher punishments for the Golden Gate Bridge protesters who caused hours of traffic delays and missed appointments for drivers. This proposal comes in response to ongoing concerns about unlawful protests disrupting public infrastructure and safety.

A measure to reform California's Proposition 47, which downgraded penalties for petty theft and drug possession, will be on the ballot in November after receiving an unprecedented number of signatures. The 2014 law, Proposition 47, reclassified several felonies, including retail and property theft, as misdemeanors.

Under Prop 47, petty theft of goods valued under $950 is classified as a misdemeanor, even for multiple offenses. This reclassification, along with the conversion of drug possession offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, has raised concerns about rising crime rates.

The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, an initiative to amend Prop 47, secured over 900,000 citizen signatures, far surpassing the required number to put the measure to a vote in November.

Progressive California mayors, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, are endorsing the reform campaign. They argue that Prop 47 has led to unintended consequences, such as increased drug overdoses, retail theft, and homeless crises.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, a supporter of the reform effort, identified several unintended consequences of Prop 47, including a "fentanyl crisis," "retail theft crisis," and "homeless crisis."

Ho cited data showing a 253% increase in theft at a Sacramento big-box retailer between 2022 and 2023. He also noted that fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death among the homeless population in Sacramento County.

If passed, the reforms to Prop 47 would:

* Classify repeated theft as a felony for individuals who steal less than $950 if they have two or more prior theft-related convictions.

* Allow stolen property values from multiple thefts to be combined, so repeat offenders can be charged with a felony if the total exceeds $950.

* Authorize judges to impose enhanced penalties for organized theft or causing losses of $50,000 or more.

* Enact a "treatment-mandated felony" where drug offenders can participate in drug and mental health treatment instead of incarceration.

Business owners across California, affected by rising crime rates, are advocating for the proposed reforms. Tony Konja, owner of Keg N Bottle liquor store chain, expressed hope that the ballot initiative will bring much-needed change.

Konja noted a decline in police response times and an increase in brazen criminal activity, underscoring the need for stricter penalties and support for law enforcement.

The public safety crisis in California has become a key issue for voters, with many supporting the proposed reforms to Prop 47 and harsher punishments for unlawful protests. The November ballot measure will determine the direction of crime policy in the Golden State.