Over 2,000 Small Businesses, Local Elected Officials, Social Justice, Law Enforcement, Crime Victims and Drug Treatment Advocates Support the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act
The measure sponsored by Californians for Safer Communities will reduce crime and drug trafficking, and increase public safety
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 29, 2024) — Californians for Safer Communities (C4SC) Coalition announced today that they are joined by over 2,000 small businesses, mayors and local elected officials, public safety officials, small business associations, crime victims, social justice, and drug treatment advocacy organizations who support the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act (Initiative 23-0017A1). This bipartisan measure targets repeat retail theft and drug-related crimes that impact community safety and small businesses across California.
“We are encouraged that the leadership in both the State Assembly and State Senate have finally proposed some legislation that will address aspects of the retail theft and fentanyl crisis impacting California,” said Greg Totten, Californians for Safer Communities. “But there is much more work to be done. We continue to be open to discussions with state leaders and the Governor to amend Proposition 47 to address the crimes that impact tens of thousands of small businesses across the state.”
“A series of crime-related bills passed by each house of the State Legislature last week is a positive step forward but still falls far short of addressing the widespread retail thefts that burden thousands of small businesses like mine, which increase operating costs and threaten their livelihoods,” said Matthew Oliver, Owner of House of Oliver.
“I applaud the Legislature for finally taking action to address the drug crisis in our state. But the legislation does not hold serious drug addicts accountable by requiring mandatory drug treatment, which is a common root cause of many petty thefts,” shared Dana and Jerry Ogden, Drug Induced Homicide.
The over 2,000 coalition members are local small businesses from Redding and Chico to San Diego and Imperial Valley from Fresno to San Francisco and Los Angeles as well as city councilmembers, mayors, law enforcement, social justice advocates, small business organizations, crime victims and drug treatment advocacy organizations.
“As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand the toll of repeat retail theft on our livelihoods and safety. Small businesses across California know that it’s time for change. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act offers the accountability we desperately need to protect our businesses and communities.” — Tony Konja, Owner, KnB Bistro, San Diego
“Repeat retail theft erodes my ability to stay in business and threatens the safety of my employees. Without accountability, the cycle of theft continues. It’s time for action. That’s why I support this commonsense initiative.” – Jim Relles, Owner of Relles Florists, Sacramento
“The constant threat of theft and crime undermines the fabric of our communities and threatens the existence of small businesses. This commonsense ballot measure offers badly-needed reforms to address the root causes of our state’s top public safety concerns.” – Nigel Jones Calabash, Owner & Oakland- East Bay Independent Business Alliance, Co-Founder
“Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-35. Every week, we lose approximately 110 lives to this poison. It’s a number that we can—and must—reduce. The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act is a crucial step forward in addressing this crisis. It is imperative that we provide support and treatment for those struggling with addiction. This measure will prioritize treatment over punishment and hold traffickers accountable for the harm they cause. By passing this act, we send a clear message: California means business when it comes to tackling the fentanyl crisis.” – Pamela Smith, Founder of Mothers in Grief Support Group, Fresno
“For too long, repeat offenders have not been held accountable for the damage they inflict on victims, who are too often left out of conversations about criminal justice reform. We strongly support the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act as a crucial step towards protecting victims and enhancing public safety.” – Ralph Diaz, President, Stand Up for Victims
What the Measure Does
This bipartisan measure is focused on improving public safety in every community and neighborhood in California. It focuses on accountability measures for repeat offenders of theft and drug traffickers of serious drugs like fentanyl while incentivizing and encouraging more individuals to participate in and complete drug treatment programs. The measure creates a deterrent for repeat offenders and redirects some towards treatment rather than incarceration.
The proposed ballot measure will:
- Hold those who are committing repeated retail theft and fentanyl sales crimes accountable for the safety and health of our communities.
- Create accountability for repeat smash and grab offenders who are driving up costs for all Californians and chasing retailers out of the state.
- Bring back incentives and accountability that are needed for individuals to get into necessary drug treatment and job training programs — helping them begin new lives. Currently, those arrested multiple times for hard drug use have no incentive to choose treatment with no consequences.
In April, the coalition submitted over 900,000 voter signatures to qualify for the November General Election ballot. To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures.
For more information, please visit casafecommunities.com
