California Counterdrug Alliance (CCAD) held a virtual conference on September 27 (last Friday) to delve into the harms of drugs and theft on society and to urge California residents to vote in support of Proposition 36, collectively addressing the crisis of theft and drugs to restore community safety.
California voters, unhappy with the negative impacts of Proposition 47, overwhelmingly support Proposition 36. According to the latest survey conducted by the California Public Policy Institute, 71% of respondents expressed their approval, which received wide recognition from various political parties, including 63% of Democrats, 85% of Republicans, and 73% of independent voters.
Proposition 36 is California’s first mandatory drug treatment initiative, requiring arrested addicts to complete a rehab program or face severe criminal prosecution. Additionally, the proposition increases penalties for fentanyl traffickers and formally incorporates fentanyl into California’s legal framework. Moreover, for repeat theft offenses, regardless of the amount involved, the third arrest will constitute a felony.
Some have raised concerns that Proposition 36 may provoke a “second war on drugs.” In response, CCAD Vice Chair Lee Shaomin emphasized that drugs have long been recognized as a significant threat to citizens and families, destroying the lives of many. Why should we open the doors to drugs? This is not a war but rather necessary action to protect California residents and families.
There are also fears that Proposition 36 will require significant funding. However, Lee Shaomin pointed out that California has already invested substantial funds in addressing drug, crime, and homelessness issues. Proposition 36 will effectively reduce these problems, resulting in cost savings for the state. Do not be misled by opponents who claim this proposal will divert funds from other areas; the reality is quite the opposite.
Nine representatives spoke at the meeting, including law enforcement leaders, prominent doctors, business elites, crime and drug victims, and several Chinese community leaders.
San Diego County Prosecutor Summer Stephan spoke at the meeting, expressing concern that California’s legal system is almost crumbling. She highlighted cases where even serial thieves with 54 offenses do not face further legal consequences. Additionally, according to the San Diego County Coroner, the overdose death rate among the homeless due to drug abuse is 117 times higher than that of the general population.
Stephan believes Proposition 36 is crucial in addressing these issues. She emphasized the importance for the public to understand the facts by personally reading the proposal contents, rather than being misled by propaganda.
Legislative Director of the California Narcotics Officers Association (CNOA), Ryan Sherman, stated that a key advantage of Proposition 36 is its ability to help people access treatment, provide necessary care, and lead them back onto the right path.
The proposal offers multiple chances for drug users to avoid relapse, reducing the number of street addicts, lowering crime rates, and making society safer. Sherman explained that the proposition also allows drug convictions to be expunged from personal records, paving the way for further education, housing, and social services opportunities, benefiting both parties.
Moreover, the cost of drug treatment is far lower than imprisonment, with research showing that even those mandated to undergo treatment can still benefit greatly.
Former Chief Medical Officer of the White House National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Roneet Lev, noted that lax drug laws have led to an increase in addicts, making drug abuse today’s biggest public health crisis resulting in 300 deaths daily. This is why Proposition 36 is so crucial for Californians; it brings empathy, deterrence, and helps improve society by offering a practical solution to address the problem.
Chairman of the Pacific Prevention and Recovery Alliance, Tom Wolf, shared his past experience as a former addict living on the streets of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, being arrested multiple times until waking up sober after his sixth stint in jail. He stressed the urgency for current street addicts to receive such interventions, requiring some form of incentive.
Due to their strong dependence on fentanyl, they need to use drugs every two hours, making it rare for them to willingly seek treatment. This incurs hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs daily, with only a 2% acceptance rate for services. However, Proposition 36 provides these individuals a real chance to enter a treatment path, assisting them in rebuilding their lives.
Cardiologist and President of the Patient Rights Association, Dr. Evelyn Li, presented an image of a brain after three years of methamphetamine use, showing many cavities indicating cell death. This signifies about one-third of brain cells being damaged after three years of meth use. Other drugs like cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco also cause varying degrees of brain damage.
Aside from this, addiction is another severe issue. Initially, users may believe they can control their drug use, but over time, the brain loses its resistance to addiction, leading to a loss of control over their behavior and the inability to stop using drugs — this is the root cause of the drug problem.
Furthermore, Mr. Eng, President of the American Chinese Empowerment Association, and Ray Qianhong, who is running for the San Francisco State University Board of Trustees, voiced their support for California Proposition 36 during the conference. ◇