Overview
- Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper sharply criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers for what he called insufficient action on crime and victim support.
- Cooper told reporters that Proposition 36 lacks promised resources, noting state statements of $375 million for implementation while budget documents show about $50 million specifically earmarked for courts and pretrial needs.
- He argued that expanding mental-health diversion to include theft would weaken Proposition 36 by reducing accountability for repeat offenders.
- Cooper urged tougher treatment of severe domestic violence, including classifying some cases as violent felonies, and cited extreme assaults he investigated as examples of current gaps in protection.
- The public split highlights a widening debate within California over funding and oversight of diversion programs and could raise pressure on lawmakers as the legislative session nears its close to add funding or tighten rules.