In the November election, Proposition 36 in California passed smoothly with nearly 70% support. Overseas Chinese leader Li Shaomin called on the general public to actively assist in promoting the implementation of the new law. Li emphasized the importance of immediately reporting theft or drug-related incidents to law enforcement, regardless of the amount involved.
The director of Proposition 36 Outreach, Chair of the Pacific Law Association, Political Action Committee Member of the California District Attorney’s Association, and Vice President of the California Anti-Drug Alliance, Li Shaomin, held an online meeting this week focusing on various important issues, including how the public can support the implementation of the new law following the overwhelming approval of Proposition 36 in California.
The proposition, initiated by the California District Attorney’s Association (CDAA) with support from the California Narcotics Officers Association (CNOA) and the California Anti-Drug Alliance (CCAD), received broad support from various sectors of society. Survey results showed a support rate of nearly 65% among Democrats, up to 85% among Republicans, and 75% among independents. In San Francisco, the voting rate in support of Proposition 36 reached 66.4%.
Li Shaomin stated that the election results reflect the California public’s growing intolerance towards leniency towards criminals, regardless of party affiliation, indicating a strong public sentiment. The significant victory not only boosted the morale of the proposition supporters but also served as a powerful deterrent to the opposition, discouraging them from easily counteracting.
However, he emphasized the need for continued efforts to advance the implementation of the new law. It is crucial to report any theft immediately, regardless of the amount stolen. Every theft incident should be documented for record-keeping purposes.
If someone commits multiple thefts, such as stealing $30 each time, when it accumulates to a certain number of offenses, they can be charged with a felony. This kind of law enforcement can effectively deter theft and prevent offenders from escalating their crimes.
Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the case is officially filed and request a police report from law enforcement, which includes a case number crucial for future investigations.
When reporting a theft, it is vital to specify the stolen amount, whether it’s $30 or $300, as the new law will track the theft based on the amount stolen each time. For example, if $500 is stolen the first time and another $500 the second time, the total of $1,000 can lead to felony charges.
Additionally, it is recommended to take photos of valuable items and keep purchase receipts as necessary evidence. Insurance companies also require this information when processing claims.
Li Shaomin urged everyone to stay vigilant about crime issues and related legislative proposals to prevent any attempts to overturn the new law. In case of any policies or actions that favor criminals, prompt notification is essential for concerted action. Only through collaborative efforts, can our social environment become safer.
He mentioned the continuous efforts made over the past decade to counter Proposition 47, introducing Prop 20 and several related legislative proposals in 2020. The turning point was the increasing awareness among the public in the past four years about the significant harm caused by crime. The success of this proposition was a result of collective efforts from various sectors of society, with a notable disparity in fundraising between the supporting and opposing camps, highlighting the power of public opinion.
During the meeting, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for everyone’s dedication and contributions. The planning director of Proposition 36, Vernon Pierson, and the District Attorney of El Dorado County, also extended their gratitude to all participants and supporters, particularly appreciating the efforts of the Chinese community.
Proposition 36 in California, dubbed the “Reduce Homelessness, Addiction, and Theft Act,” aims to compel addicts into rehab, increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking, and impose stricter measures on repeat theft offenders. The amendment seeks to rectify the negative impacts brought about by Proposition 47 passed in 2014, which reclassified many offenses previously considered felonies, like drug possession, theft, shoplifting, and check forgery, as misdemeanors.
The key points of Proposition 36 include requiring the completion of a recovery plan by arrested addicts, otherwise facing felony charges; enhancing penalties for fentanyl traffickers; and for repeat theft offenders, regardless of the amount involved, they will be charged with a felony upon the third arrest.