California Black Media
Black Caucus Opposes New Retail Theft Bill, Leaving Democrats Divided
Members of California’s Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) last week rallied against Proposition 36 in Sacramento on Aug. 20, arguing that, if approved, the proposal would disproportionally impact Black and Brown communities statewide. Prop 36 aims to increase penalties for retail theft, upgrading charges for some criminal offenses from misdemeanors to felonies.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Members of California’s Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) last week rallied against Proposition 36 in Sacramento on Aug. 20, arguing that, if approved, the proposal would disproportionally impact Black and Brown communities statewide.
Prop 36 aims to increase penalties for retail theft, upgrading charges for some criminal offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Black caucus members who have been vocal in their opposition of the legislation include Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Isaac Bryan (D Ladera Heights), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood).
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) was also among a coalition of Democratic leaders rallying against the bill on Aug. 20 at the State Capitol. Other Democratic lawmakers attending the press conference included Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Alex Lee (D-San Jose).
Bryan challenged fellow Democrats to advocate for laws that aim to alleviate poverty and crime calling Prop 36 a bipartisan failure.
“We are not going back. For decades, communities have been calling for us to invest in safe solutions that address the root causes of poverty and desperation. Prop. 36 is a return to the bipartisan failures of the 1980s and 90s. We can and must do better,” Bryan said in a statement.
He condemned the law stating that “every dollar we spend criminalizing poverty is a dollar we could’ve better spent ending it.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the ballot measure, stating that Prop 36 would be costly for the state and potentially lead to the overcrowding of state prisons.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of June 4 – 10, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 4-10, 2025

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
-
Activism4 weeks ago
After Two Decades, Oakland Unified Will Finally Regain Local Control
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of May 14 – 20, 2025
-
Alameda County3 weeks ago
Oakland Begins Month-Long Closure on Largest Homeless Encampment
-
Activism4 weeks ago
New Oakland Moving Forward
-
Barbara Lee3 weeks ago
WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland
-
Activism4 weeks ago
East Bay Community Foundation’s New Grants Give Oakland’s Small Businesses a Boost
-
Bo Tefu3 weeks ago
Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies
-
Bay Area3 weeks ago
Chevron Richmond Installs Baker Hughes Flare.IQ, Real-time Flare Monitoring, Control and Reduction System