Let California judges prescribe drug treatment that ends suffering

Fentanyl and drug addiction are overwhelming California communities. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Californians ages 15 to 44. Addiction is exacerbating the homelessness crisis and fueling an epidemic of shoplifting that is driving up costs for working families. To end the suffering, we must get more people into treatment—now.

That's why a growing number of local officials are voting yes on Proposition 36.

As a Democrat, I supported Proposition 47, which was passed in 2014 to end the era of mass incarceration, and Proposition 1 last March, which created additional treatment spaces. Proposition 36 builds on the best elements of both while addressing the shortcomings of Proposition 47.

As mayor, I'm not concerned with partisan politics, but with solving problems and keeping people safe. The problem facing every city today is that too many people suffering from severe addictions choose drug dealing and theft over treatment. Proposition 36 gives judges back the power to require people repeatedly convicted of nonviolent crimes to attend and complete mandatory treatment programs. The data shows us that treatment works.

Suffering is all around us – from open-air drug markets populated by addicts to an epidemic of blitzes that are closing small businesses and driving up costs for those who can keep theirs open. Saving the lives of those struggling to survive on our streets, saving the lives of those dying from drug overdoses, and rescuing struggling small businesses should be a cause that unites us all.

Proposition 36 gives us back the tools we need to demand treatment for those who are unable to make rational decisions about their own treatment. Proposition 36 does not mean returning to the era of mass incarceration. Proposition 36 means ushering in a new era of mass treatment to keep people alive, out of prison, and off our streets by mandating help for those who so desperately need it.

Proposition 47 was a well-intentioned plan to reform our criminal justice system. But its unintended consequences are now evident. Since Proposition 47's passage, the fentanyl epidemic has exploded, drug court participation has plummeted, and overdose deaths have risen to shocking levels as fentanyl and other dangerous drugs are sold – often openly – on our streets. Homelessness has also increased by nearly 60%, while it has declined in other states.

We must recognize that these tragedies are interrelated. A key reason for this is that with Proposition 47, California judges lost the authority to compel severely addicted people to enter and continue treatment.

Proposition 36 would restore this important tool. It would ensure that offenders have access to housing, job training, and other services while having their offense expunged upon successful completion of a treatment program. Proposition 36 would also add fentanyl to the list of hard drugs, which would result in prison time for drug dealers if they possess large quantities or firearms.