On January 6, 2025, the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) held a press conference at the Sacramento State Capitol to urge the expeditious implementation of Proposition 36.

During the event, CCCA emphasized the importance of promoting balanced accountability by providing treatment as an alternative to incarceration. They called for the consistent application of the law across the state and advocated for collaboration with the state government to secure the necessary resources for effective treatment programs.

Speakers Jennifer Perez, CCCA President and Norwalk Vice Mayor, and Chris Barajas, Legislative Committee Chair and Jurupa Valley Mayor Pro Tem, emphasized Prop. 36's role in addressing organized retail theft and related crimes.

Perez outlined its potential to reduce crime and enhance economic stability, stressing consistent implementation and community collaboration. Barajas shared success stories from his city, including grant-funded initiatives to combat theft using advanced technology and task forces. He emphasized the need for partnerships between local and state governments to sustain the progress enabled by Prop. 36.

CCCA leaders closed with a call for unified support of Prop. 36, which aims to balance enforcement with rehabilitation, curb retail losses, and protect communities without reverting to mass incarceration.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require additional information.

For those of you who missed the press conference, view the video here.