As mothers who have watched our children struggle with addiction, we at Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths have seen firsthand how well-intentioned policies can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. That’s why we’re urging Californians to vote yes on Proposition 36 this November.
In 2014, California passed Proposition 47 with the noble goal of reducing incarceration rates and addressing racial disparities in our justice system. It reclassified certain offenses, including drug possession and thefts under $950, as misdemeanors instead of felonies. While the intention was good, the results have been mixed at best, and tragic at worst.
Since 2014, our state has witnessed a 60 percent surge in homelessness. Shoplifting under $950 has increased by 28 percent over the past five years. Even more alarming, drug overdose deaths have more than doubled, becoming the leading cause of death for Californians aged 15–44. In cities like San Francisco, the crisis is particularly acute, with an estimated 8,300 people experiencing homelessness, half of whom struggle with substance use disorder.
The situation has been exacerbated by the arrival of illicit fentanyl in our communities. This deadly drug has infiltrated most of the drug supply on our streets, fueling an overdose crisis that claimed roughly 11,000 lives in California two years ago. The current system, meant to prioritize treatment over incarceration, has inadvertently created a revolving door. Many individuals referred to diversion programs end up rearrested within two years.
Our executive director, Jacqui Berlinn, knows this struggle intimately. Her son Corey has battled addiction for years, losing his home and his health. Like many others in California, Corey’s addiction has left him unable to seek help on his own. His story echoes thousands across our state, where families watch helplessly as their loved ones are consumed by a world of drugs and despair.
Proposition 36 offers a crucial lifeline. It allows individuals arrested for drug possession, with two or more prior convictions, to receive mandatory treatment for addiction and mental health issues instead of incarceration. For people like Corey, this could mean the difference between life and death, providing essential support even when they’re unable to seek it themselves.
Proposition 36 aims to address these issues by restoring a balance between compassion and accountability. It’s not about undoing the progress made in criminal justice reform, but rather about fixing the parts of Proposition 47 that aren’t working.
At the same time, Proposition 36 takes a firm stance on drug dealing. It requires courts to warn individuals that they could be charged with murder if they sell or provide illegal drugs that result in someone’s death. This provision, known as “Alexandra’s Law,” is named after a young woman who tragically died after unknowingly taking fentanyl sold as Oxycodone. It’s a necessary step to hold accountable those who profit from this deadly trade.
Importantly, Proposition 36 isn’t about choosing between compassion and accountability — it’s about embracing both. For individuals stealing to support their addiction, it offers a chance to avoid prison by accepting treatment. Upon completion, their record can be expunged. This is the very definition of restorative justice.
We understand the concerns about costs, but we must consider the enormous human and financial toll of the current system. Right now, we’re spending as much as $50,000 per homeless person annually just managing the problem. That’s $9 billion a year going nowhere. Studies show that for every dollar spent on treatment, we can save up to $7 in reduced criminal justice costs.
Proposition 36 is not just about saving money — it’s about saving lives. It’s about giving our children, like Jacqui Berlinn’s son Corey and countless others, a real chance at recovery. It’s about making our communities safer and healthier for everyone.
As mothers who have lived through the pain of watching our loved ones struggle with addiction, we implore you to support Proposition 36. It offers hope for those trapped in the cycle of addiction while providing a balanced approach to public safety. This November, vote yes on Proposition 36. Let’s create a California where both compassion and accountability have a place, where treatment comes before punishment, and where hope triumphs over despair.