On October 8th, a coalition of elected officials from various cities in the San Gabriel Valley, community leaders, and the Community Accountability Task Force (TACF) gathered to encourage voters to support Proposition 36. This initiative seeks to repeal certain provisions of Proposition 47 while boosting public safety across California. Local leaders stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes made by proponents of Proposition 47 and urged voters to remain vigilant as they head to the polls in November.
Among those participating were Qin Zhengguo, a candidate for U.S. Representative in California’s 38th District; Liu Longzhu, running for California’s 49th Assembly District; Nancy Targarz, a candidate for Walnut City Council; Diamond Bar Vice Mayor Deng Jiayou; Li Minni, Chair of the Walnut Valley Water District; and Guan Yixiu, head of the Community Accountability Task Force. Each of them called for an active voter turnout to support Proposition 36 in the upcoming elections.
Proposition 36 is gaining significant traction in polls as it proposes to increase penalties for drug crimes and serial thefts, effectively repealing parts of the 2014 Proposition 47. Despite cautionary words from Governor Newsom and several Democratic leaders about the possible resurgence of outdated punitive policies from the 1980s, recent polling shows that only 19% of voters oppose Proposition 36, marking a notable shift compared to four years ago.
Li Minni noted that the community’s continued efforts were instrumental in getting Proposition 36 on the November ballot. She expressed hope that Californians concerned about safety would engage in the electoral process to create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and community safety. She also called on fellow citizens to educate others about the pitfalls of Proposition 47 and the urgent need for change.
Guan Yixiu pointed out that Proposition 36 would have a direct impact on public safety for all residents and businesses. He highlighted the unprecedented public safety crisis that the East San Gabriel Valley has faced over the past decade, attributing this to voter deception surrounding the title of Proposition 47 ten years prior.
Liu Longzhu expressed dissatisfaction with various recent California laws, including one that prohibits identification checks for voters, and announced plans to file a constitutional lawsuit against Governor Newsom. He emphasized that Proposition 36 is both timely and essential for addressing issues stemming from Proposition 47, aiming to combat rampant crimes like vehicle break-ins and assaults. He lamented the toll these issues have taken on innocent community members, particularly women and the elderly.
Qin Zhengguo encouraged voters to take action, warning that abstaining from voting would effectively relinquish their rights. He cautioned that political silence could lead to citizen indifference towards safety when individuals become victims of crime.
He further highlighted that while many polls indicate strong support for Proposition 36, voters should be aware of who initially championed Proposition 47. He urged them to not only support Proposition 36 but also to consider voting for Republican candidates to help prevent the return of harmful policies that continue to inflict suffering on many residents.
Nancy Targarz, a lawyer, echoed similar concerns, recalling how Proposition 47 was touted a decade ago with promises of enhancing safety in California. However, she noted a contrasting reality where theft and violence have surged, even in traditionally safe areas like Walnut. Targarz pointed out that many serious crimes have been downgraded to misdemeanors or gone unpunished entirely. She asserted that while Proposition 36 might not fully resolve the issues arising from Proposition 47, it is a crucial first step toward reducing harm in the community.
