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By supporting Proposition 36, the City would be endorsing policies that take us back to the failed "tough on crime" era. Proposition 36 will reinstate harsh penalties, increase the prison population, and worsen racial disparities —without addressing the root causes of crime like poverty, mental health, and substance use.' In the City, we've seen firsthand the benefits of reform -focused policies, and we should be moving forward, not backward. Moreover, Proposition 36's provisions will be costly and ineffective. It will drain resources that could be better spent on education, housing, job training, and other community -based services that prevent crime and uplift vulnerable individuals.' At a time when California faces budget challenges, this proposition diverts funds from essential services, risking an increase in homelessness, recidivism, and economic instability. As a Sanctuary City, the City should continue its tradition of protecting immigrant and refugee residents by rejecting Proposition 36. The proposition would make more immigrants vulnerable to deportation and feed more of our community members into the detention and deportation pipeline. Proposition 47 reclassified six felony offenses to misdemeanors, including shoplifting and simple drug possession, funneling cost savings into public safety measures like drug and mental health treatment and victim services centers. Proposition 36 would not only undo these reforms but also impose new criminal penalties and sentencing enhancements, increasing the risk of deportation for immigrants and further destabilizing families.6 The City must reject Proposition 36 and focus on solutions that promote justice and rehabilitation. We urge you to vote NO on this resolution and continue to support evidence -based policies that foster safer, healthier communities. Sincerely, Sandra De Anda Network Coordinator 4 Prop 36: California's Ballot Proposition to Recall Prop 47 Explained. Vera Institute of Justice (2024), http s: //www.vera. org/explainers/prop-3 6-califomias-ballot-1ropo sition-to-recall-prop-47-explained s Title and Summary: Initiative 23-0017A1. California Attorney General (2023), htips://oag.ca.2ov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/Title%20and%20Summary%20%2823-0017A 1 %29.pdf 6 Vera Institute of Justice, Prop 36 Explained (2024).