Page 3
Barger Casts Sole Dissenting Vote on Motion to Formally Oppose Proposition 36
County Supervisors Vote 3-1 in Favor of Formally Opposing Measure Designed to Reinstate Tougher Penalties for Drug, Theft Offenses
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger has cast the sole vote against a motion to formally oppose Proposition 36, a measure on the November ballot that proposes elevating certain drug and theft offenses from misdemeanors to felonies.
If passed, the proposition will amend the Penal Code to allow certain drug possession crimes and thefts of items worth less than an aggregate of $950 to be charged as felonies and proposes stricter penalties for flash-mob robberies where large groups of criminals invade a store with the intent to steal.
The measure is intended to reverse the effects of Proposition 47, a 2014 voter-approved measure which critics claim gutted the state’s enforcement of certain crimes by reducing them to misdemeanor status.
On Tuesday, Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis offered the motion, arguing that Proposition 47 has provided millions of dollars for housing services, mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training programs.
Alternative to Incarceration
They contend in the motion that if Proposition 36 passes, it would “result in a loss of funding for Los Angeles County programs that provide alternatives to incarceration and necessary supportive services to communities.”
Supervisor Janice Hahn recused herself from the vote.
Barger issued the following statement yesterday:
“I’m supporting Proposition 36 because it will reinstate accountability on crimes destroying the quality of life of law-abiding people in Los Angeles County.
“I believe this proposition isn’t about overturning Proposition 47 in its entirety. Proposition 36 was created by a group of bi-partisan state legislators. It’s focused on modifying legal loopholes that repeat offenders exploit as they manipulate the system to avoid legal consequences.”
Terminating Drug Court
She continued:
“When Proposition 47 became effective, my biggest disappointment was the dismantling of the drug court system. This was a valuable and effective tool that could help introduce treatment for people struggling with drug addiction. We were left empty-handed, with no way to incentivize rehabilitation.
“I also believe we can implement Proposition 36’s reforms in a balanced way that respects our Board of Supervisors’ commitment to diversion and rehabilitation. We will continue honoring our sizable, multimillion dollar investments in the work of our County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department and Department of Youth Development. Their respective missions are to decrease recidivism, enhance re-entry services, and ultimately prevent individuals from becoming involved with justice systems.”
The supervisor added:
“But supporting Proposition 36 sends a clear message to individuals who feel they are beyond the reach of the law: you will be held accountable.”
Barger is the only registered Republican on the non-partisan board and won re-election to represent District 5 outright in the primary on March 5, 2024, obtaining 56.8% of the vote.
Copyright 2024, Metropolitan News Company