The California Proposition 36 on the ballot in this year’s election advocates for strict punishment for criminals and improving public safety, garnering broad attention from the public.
Laws such as considering drug use, drug trafficking, and theft under $950 as misdemeanors have greatly harmed many California residents. During a public discussion on Friday, many leaders from the Chinese community openly voiced their support for the strict punishment of criminals.
Joel Eng, President of the American Chinese Empowerment Association, stated, “California was once known as the Golden State, and many still refer to it as such. But now, California is no longer ‘shining.’ (In the streets of San Francisco), there are needles, homeless people, crime, and drugs everywhere you look.”
To improve public safety in California, the public has introduced Proposition 36 this year to strictly punish criminals. The proposition includes several key points. Frank Lee, Vice President of the California Anti-Drug Alliance, said, “Firstly, anyone caught possessing drugs three times must undergo drug rehabilitation. Additionally, this proposition will enhance penalties for fentanyl drug traffickers. Finally, those arrested for theft three times, regardless of the amount, will be charged with a felony.”
Leanna Louie, founder of the Chinatown Patrol “Unity Peacekeeper Alliance” in San Francisco, stated, “We have participated in safety patrols, arresting many criminals, whether for theft, drug trafficking, graffiti, or even physical assaults. But due to Proposition 47, most people are just booked and then released almost on the same day. Now, Proposition 36 aims to address this legal loophole, which is crucial.”
Dennis Wen, President of the Santa Clara American Chinese Chamber of Commerce, expressed, “Speaking from a business perspective, all these terrible thefts have had a significant impact on us. We have endured too much.”
Data shows that 71% of potential voters in California support Proposition 36, but California Governor Newsom and Los Angeles County officials hold opposing views. Newsom believes that mass incarceration of criminals cannot effectively curb crime. County officials argue that strict punishment for criminals will increase the expenses of prisons and courts.
This proposition will be decided by California voters on November 5. Joel Eng urges all voters to support participating in Proposition 36, particularly Asian Americans, stating, “It is really necessary for Asian Americans to come forward and vote.” ◇