Published by USC Annenberg Media
Among the 10 initiatives on California’s ballot, Proposition 36 was at the forefront of a state-wide debate addressing retail theft and drug-related crimes.
On Tuesday, 70% of voters approved Prop. 36, titled “Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes,” with a 40 percentage point margin. Prosecutors can now press felony charges for drug possession and theft under $950 on individuals with two prior convictions of the same nature upon their third offense.
During a “Free Our Youth” rally and teach-in on Wednesday morning, various social and youth rights group representatives expressed their concerns about the outcome of this ballot measure. The event was held in front of the building housing the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
De Anna Pittman, Young Women’s Freedom Center youth leadership and policy program manager, attended the teach-in.
“We’re sad, we’re upset, we’re mad that we’re going back to an era of mass incarceration,” said Pittman. She spoke at the event, reading off the demands of the organizing groups. Among the demands was to hold the Board of Supervisors accountable for the treatment of incarcerated youth.