Would Prop 36 alleviate or worsen California's theft and drug problems?

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Proposition 36, on the ballot Nov. 5, would make theft of $950 or less a felony punishable by up to three years in county or state prison if the person has two or more prior convictions for theft. The measure also allows prosecutors to charge people who possess illegal hard drugs and have two prior drug convictions with a special felony charge that gives them the choice between treatment and prison time.

Yes: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan says Prop. 36 would help end suffering on the streets. The measure would not return California to mass incarceration, but it would keep people alive and out of prison. A growing number of local elected officials are also voting yes.

No: Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg says Proposition 36 would drastically cut funding for treatment and increase incarceration. The measure puts addicts in a bind – jail if they don't undergo drug treatment. But it would cut funding for treatment so much that there would be no spots left.

Editorial: Proposition 36 is a smart response to crime, addiction and homelessness. It's a much-needed tweak to Proposition 47, the well-intentioned criminal justice reform measure that state voters passed in 2014. While the measure would increase penalties for some theft and drug offenses, it would also create incentives for addicts to seek drug treatment.