Local News
What’s prop 36 that could toughen retail crime punishments? – NBC Los Angeles
This year, Californians will decide the fate of Proposition 36, a state ballot measure that seeks to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
What’s notable about Prop 36 is that it would undo some of the key provisions from Prop 47, which Californians voted to pass in 2014 to address prison overcrowding by reclassifying some theft and drug-related offenses as misdemeanors.
Prop 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, may be one of the most divisive state ballot measures in 2024.
While some Democratic leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly oppose it over the concern that it would further harm Black and Brown communities, others like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is running for governor, support Prop 36 in alliance with police unions and business groups.
Here’s what Prop 36 would do if passed
- Turning some misdemeanors to felonies: Under Prop 47, theft crimes such as shoplifting and burglary involving items that are valued less than $950 are classified as misdemeanors. Also all drug possessions, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, are considered misdemeanors. But Prop 36 would undo some of those penalty reductions and turn those misdemeanors into felonies, especially if a person committed similar crimes in the past. This would also mean a conviction would lead to a sentence of up to three years in county jail or state prison.
- Longer sentences: Prop 36 proposes that if a group of three or more people commit a crime together, such as flash-mob robberies that have affected retailers since the pandemic, their felony sentences can be extended by up to three years. Under Prop 36, people convicted of selling hard drugs could get a longer sentence based on the amount they sold. Unlike Prop 47, the new ballot measure seeks to require people to serve their time in prison.
Who’s supporting Prop 36
- A majority of Californians: A recent survey by Public Policy Institute of California revealed more than 70% of likely voters in California said they would vote yes on Prop 36. The figure suggests many Democratic-leading voters who may have voted to lessen crime penalties in 2014 are changing their minds. In 2023, more than 45% of registered voters in California identified themselves as Democrats.
- Democratic officials:
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is running for governor
- Senator Dave Min, who is running for Congressional 47th District in Orange County
- San Francisco Mayor London Breed
- San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
- Criminal justice and police organizations
- Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys
- California District Attorneys Association
- San Francisco Police Officers Association
- California Police Chiefs Association
- California State Sheriffs Association
- Small business groups. See the list here.
Who’s opposing Prop 36
Opponents call Prop 36 “extreme,” saying the measure will waste taxpayers dollars while repeating the failed “tough on drugs” approach from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Democratic leaders
- Gov. Gavin Newsom
- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla
- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon
- Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell
- Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
- Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
- California Legislative Black Caucus
- California Democratic Party
- See full list of opponents here.
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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