By Tran Nguyen, San Jose Spotlight
Some Santa Clara County residents overwhelmingly oppose a new jail, calling on the county to shift from punitive practices that criminalize poverty and mental illness.
After numerous reports about inhumane conditions behind bars, Santa Clara County wrestled with the idea of building a new jail. But now officials are looking to the public for alternative solutions.
“It leaves folks more vulnerable to be entangled in experiencing exploitation,” said Julia Arroyo, executive director of the Young Women’s Freedom Center.
Community leaders, advocates and family members of Aamonte Hadley gathered outside the San Francisco Women’s Jail this week to demand justice after the death of 22-year-old Aamonte Hadley.
Julia Arroyo, the executive director of Young Women’s Freedom Center, explained homeless sweeps are inhumane and counterproductive
