Public safety leaders urge city officials to invest in coalition-building and advocacy to ensure Prop. 36’s success

By Jennifer Quan, regional public affairs manager (Los Angeles County Division)

It was a full house on April 10, as more than 60 city officials came together for a Proposition 36 Implementation Forum hosted by the Los Angeles County Division.

The event focused on how legal and law enforcement agencies are navigating the new law, its impact, and what city officials can do to help with Prop 36 implementation. Voters overwhelmingly approved the public safety measure last year, which became effective on Dec. 18.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said he anticipates an increased inmate population and ongoing challenges due to limited resources. According to Luna, the county’s decision to close the Men’s Central Jail without replacing it will make an existing jail capacity problem worse. He encouraged city officials to attend public meetings and collectively advocate for their residents so that other agencies — particularly counties — can make more informed decisions.

Michele Hanisee, who oversees legislative affairs for the LA County District Attorney’s Office, detailed key components of Prop. 36. She also urged city officials to voice their concerns to county officials, especially since little — if any — funding will come from the state.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho shared how his county streamlined reporting for businesses and consumers to enact the measure. His office joined forces with the Sacramento County Sheriff to distribute stickers and cards to businesses showing they are protected under the new law. Thien said these efforts have helped reduce crime.

LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman closed out the forum by sharing his vision for a culture of lawfulness in the District Attorney’s Office. Like others, Hochman encouraged city officials to reach out and organize their constituents. He said it can start with 10 residents making phone calls and sending letters. With effective organizing, those ten letters can snowball until county supervisors feel compelled to address the public’s concerns.

Public safety has been a strategic priority for both the LA County division and the larger Cal Cities organization for several years. Both supported Prop. 36, with the division’s leadership participating in press events during the campaign and Cal Cities working with key stakeholders to help pass it. Both have urged lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom to implement and fund the measure through the budget process.