SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the ongoing debate over Proposition 36 in California, local officials and organizations representing them have expressed strong support for the initiative, despite opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and other prominent state officials. The measure aims to restore harsh penalties for non-violent crimes, which were downgraded under Proposition 47 in 2014.

The divide between state and local leaders is evident in the ballot-measure contest. On one side, Governor Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas have been vocal opponents of efforts to roll back parts of Proposition 47. On the other hand, big-city mayors such as London Breed of San Francisco and Todd Gloria of San Diego have argued for strengthened penalties to address growing concerns about public safety in their constituencies. Organizations like the League of California Cities and the California Contract Cities Association have also joined in supporting Prop 36.

Recently, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and two local officials - Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho and Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen - have formed their own committee, Common Sense for Safety, in support of Proposition 36. They hope their committee will provide a platform for other Democratic officeholders who are willing to challenge Governor Newsom and other prominent state officials.

Mayor Phil Brock of Santa Monica expressed frustration and helplessness over the consequences of retail theft and drug issues in their communities. "We need some help, we need some assistance," he stated.

Despite the efforts of Governor Newsom and legislative leaders to prevent the initiative from reaching the ballot, Democratic mayors and local officeholders have continued to voice their support for Prop 36. The main campaign committee supporting the initiative, Yes on Prop 36, has received numerous endorsements from local-level politicians, including many Democrats.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the importance of Prop 36 in addressing interconnected problems in his city, such as homelessness. He expressed concern that decriminalizing low-level crime has allowed conditions to worsen for individuals struggling with these issues.

Local officials and organizations representing them argue that their proximity to retail theft and drug issues provides them with a more grounded perspective on the severity of the situation. Marcel Rodarte, executive director of the California Contract Cities Association, stated that cities bear the brunt of public safety concerns and that Prop 36 has garnered widespread support among their members due to its focus on accountability for repeat offenders.

However, there is notable resistance from Democratic mayors in Los Angeles County, with Mayor Karen Bass and Mayor Rex Richardson refraining from joining the No on 36 coalition. Mayor Richardson expressed skepticism about attributing all negative consequences to Proposition 47 and emphasized that crime increased significantly after the pandemic. He suggested that he would likely take a position on Prop 36 before November.

Backers of Prop 36 argue that its passage would not lead to a return to mass incarceration but would instead restore accountability for repeat offenders. As the debate continues, local officials and organizations remain steadfast in their support for the initiative, highlighting the need for effective measures to address public safety concerns in their communities.