(NewsNation) — Ballots are still being counted in California, but Proposition 36 has already passed.
The measure restores felony status to some nonviolent crimes like repeat shoplifting in the Golden State.
It also increases penalties for drug possession, elevating some misdemeanor crimes into felonies, and gives judges greater authority to order people into treatment.
Californians are desperate for an end to blatant shoplifting and smash-and-grabs, with criminals seemingly empowered by progressive policies.
In Los Angeles, there was a resounding ousting of progressive District Attorney George Gascon in favor of independent Nathan Hoffman, who has promised a heavier hand in prosecuting cases.
In another shift, Oakland voters have recalled both the city’s mayor, Sheng Thao, and Alameda County DA Pamela Price. Both had argued that law enforcement efforts just needed more time to bring improvement.
In San Francisco, progressive Mayor London Breed will soon be replaced by Democratic moderate Daniel Lurie.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom strongly opposed Proposition 36. He claims it will bring California back to the 1980s when mass incarceration was rife.
In recent years, the state has been more aggressive in cracking down on organized retail crime, but Californians are clearly demanding swifter change.
