☆ SJ D2 candidate Lopez: Prop 36 a “compassionate solution” for homelessness, addiction, crime

Monica Resinger: Neighborhood, 2020.

Council candidate and law enforcement veteran Joe Lopez shares his perspective that Prop 36's mandated drug treatment for certain offenders would protect the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods and help clean up city streets, while reducing City spending. An Opp Now exclusive. D2 candidate Pamela Campos has not responded to our requests for comment.

As a law enforcement veteran with 35 years of experience, I’ve witnessed both the life-saving effects of substance abuse treatment and the danger posed by untreated addictions. California once successfully used drug courts to require treatment for non-violent offenders, saving lives, money, and communities. Studies show that for every $1 spent on drug treatment, we save $7. However, these savings depend on people staying in treatment.

Before Proposition 47 passed in 2014, judges could offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration. But after Prop. 47, drug court participation plummeted by two-thirds; and the consequences are now painfully clear. That’s why there’s bipartisan support for Prop. 36, which aims to restore mandatory treatment and bring back a compassionate, common-sense approach to addressing addiction and protecting our communities.

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Opponents argue about the costs, but they ignore the nearly $8 billion in losses from retail theft, a consequence of Prop. 47, which decriminalized thefts under $950. This has increased costs for consumers, especially low-income households.

Moreover, since Prop. 47, homelessness in California has risen 60%, compared to decreases in other states. Untreated substance abuse and lack of consequences have contributed to this crisis, which costs local communities $50,000 per homeless person annually. Prop. 36 can save lives by requiring treatment and reducing homelessness without mass incarceration.

Prop. 36 is a compassionate solution that can save money, reduce homelessness, and protect immigrant communities. Californians should consider the real benefits before voting this November.

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Related:

• Palo Alto mayor: Prop 47 unleashed destruction on small business, consumers, and—yes—drug addicts

• How Prop 47 transformed California's once-safe streets

• Insight: Three threats to CA'n safety, and how Prop 36 endeavors to conquer them

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