@smartjusticeca.bsky.social
We all pay the price for police misconduct.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
Wrongfully convicted man to get $19-million settlement from Baldwin Park
Wrongfully convicted man to get $19-million settlement from Baldwin Park
A man who was wrongfully convicted after a Baldwin Park detective manufactured evidence and coerced witnesses is set to receive a $19-million settlement from the city of Baldwin Park.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:09 PM
We all pay the price for police misconduct.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
In the case of Daniel Saldana, an innocent man spent more than 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit and Baldwin Park taxpayers are now on the hook for $19 million.
Reposted
Recently on NPR, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was highlighted for its groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team — one of the only units of its kind in the nation. Our NDT team works with clients whose cognitive disabilities have gone unidentified for most of their lives.
November 17, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Recently on NPR, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office was highlighted for its groundbreaking Neurocognitive Disorders Team — one of the only units of its kind in the nation. Our NDT team works with clients whose cognitive disabilities have gone unidentified for most of their lives.
Proponents of Prop. 36 promised voters a new era of “mass treatment” for drug addiction. Unfortunately they failed to provide a funding mechanism for any of it. Now, no one is getting addiction treatment but counties like San Diego are still stuck with the bill.
Proposition 36 Hits County Budget Hard
Implementing Proposition 36 is costing county government tens of millions of dollars at a time of major budget uncertainty.
voiceofsandiego.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Proponents of Prop. 36 promised voters a new era of “mass treatment” for drug addiction. Unfortunately they failed to provide a funding mechanism for any of it. Now, no one is getting addiction treatment but counties like San Diego are still stuck with the bill.
"District attorneys hold immense authority in people’s lives and in a community. When that authority is exercised by someone who publicly expresses racial, religious, or gender-based bias, it endangers both individual rights and the integrity of the justice system itself.” @katechatfield.bsky.social
Statement from CPDA Condemning Racist Statements From San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow - Nov. 13, 2025:
November 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"District attorneys hold immense authority in people’s lives and in a community. When that authority is exercised by someone who publicly expresses racial, religious, or gender-based bias, it endangers both individual rights and the integrity of the justice system itself.” @katechatfield.bsky.social
Reposted
“I enjoy my visits with my son. He is 11 and needs to know I am safe and it’s safe to come visit me. TV only shows prison rape and violence. I don’t want him to think I am being hurt here.”
Six Fathers on What It's Like to Parent From Prison
Incarcerated parents say it’s important to stay connected to their children, despite the challenges prison presents.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
“I enjoy my visits with my son. He is 11 and needs to know I am safe and it’s safe to come visit me. TV only shows prison rape and violence. I don’t want him to think I am being hurt here.”
Reposted
Commentary: For so long, I’ve carried the weight of knowing that my sister’s story was used to build systems that don’t work — that harm communities, that don’t make us safer and that don’t reflect what victims actually need.
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
November 12, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Commentary: For so long, I’ve carried the weight of knowing that my sister’s story was used to build systems that don’t work — that harm communities, that don’t make us safer and that don’t reflect what victims actually need.
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
bit.ly/47Ak4lG
📝 Jess Nichol
📸 Nic Coury, AP
Violations of due process protections undermine the integrity of the justice system and our public safety as a whole. When people don't trust the justice system to be fair and able to uphold their rights, they are less likely to report crimes. That makes us all less safe.
“That person might be innocent for whatever they’re charged with, but because they are caught by immigration, they’re trapped.”
In thousands of counties, ICE uses local jails to target undocumented people who are inside on minor charges.
In thousands of counties, ICE uses local jails to target undocumented people who are inside on minor charges.
ICE seizing migrants from county jails, raising due process concerns
In some parts of the U.S., ICE agents are seizing people directly from county jails to take into immigration custody. The tactic has raised concerns over due process.
www.npr.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Violations of due process protections undermine the integrity of the justice system and our public safety as a whole. When people don't trust the justice system to be fair and able to uphold their rights, they are less likely to report crimes. That makes us all less safe.
New Gallup poll: Americans as a whole prefer smart on crime strategies, over tough on crime tactics
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
Americans Prefer Tempered Crime-Fighting Methods
Americans as a whole favor addressing the root causes of crime over boosting law enforcement, and they oppose using military force in U.S. cities, but partisans' views strongly differ.
news.gallup.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:23 PM
New Gallup poll: Americans as a whole prefer smart on crime strategies, over tough on crime tactics
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
📈 Two-thirds prefer prioritizing solutions social problems over focusing on law enforcement to lower crime
📉 Support for treating juvenile offenders like adults has reached all time low
“I’ve spent years watching how survivor voices get co-opted — how our pain becomes a tool for policies that don’t serve us,” writes Jess Nichol, sister of the late Polly Klaas. But what do survivors actually want and need in the aftermath of harm? Via @calmatters.org calmatters.org/commentary/2...?
Opinion | California study is asking crime survivors what we need
Polly Klaas' sister regrets that politicians used Polly's death to justify "tough on crime" laws such as California's Three Strikes law. A study will collect survivors' thoughts.
calmatters.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM
“I’ve spent years watching how survivor voices get co-opted — how our pain becomes a tool for policies that don’t serve us,” writes Jess Nichol, sister of the late Polly Klaas. But what do survivors actually want and need in the aftermath of harm? Via @calmatters.org calmatters.org/commentary/2...?
Reposted
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
One Year of Prop 36: Treatment Stalled, Justice Denied
2 Urban Girls covers news on a local, regional, state and national level!
2urbangirls.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
Reposted
Reminder: Crime in the U.S. is at its lowest since 1961.
November 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Reminder: Crime in the U.S. is at its lowest since 1961.
In California, nearly HALF of the people who had a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole were convicted of felony murder.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
November 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In California, nearly HALF of the people who had a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole were convicted of felony murder.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
Fortunately, #CAleg began overhauling this excessive and unfair practice starting in 2019. Reforms have allowed ~1,200 people to seek resentencing.
This 👇
November 8, 2025 at 5:14 PM
This 👇
By 2030, ppl over 50 will make up to 30% of the prison population. As @mkoran.bsky.social writes, states already spend 2-5x more to incarcerate ppl who are 50+. An aging population will further strain prison systems. Compassionate release eases the burden & costs www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
A Prison Hospice Program for the Living and the Dying
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 PM
By 2030, ppl over 50 will make up to 30% of the prison population. As @mkoran.bsky.social writes, states already spend 2-5x more to incarcerate ppl who are 50+. An aging population will further strain prison systems. Compassionate release eases the burden & costs www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Incredible reporting by @meganders.bsky.social. Diversion programs like these help address the underlying issues that lead to someone's arrest, allowing people to move forward and end costly cycles of arrest and incarceration.
I spent time recently in LA, with a public defense team dedicated to helping people with cognitive impairments like traumatic brain injuries or intellectual disabilities.
It's built on the idea that prison is not always the answer for people with these conditions.
www.npr.org/2025/11/01/n...
It's built on the idea that prison is not always the answer for people with these conditions.
www.npr.org/2025/11/01/n...
How one legal team is building support for people with cognitive disabilities
The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office has an unusual unit at its office: A team dedicated to working with defendants who have cognitive disabilities. The office helps these people access tre...
www.npr.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Incredible reporting by @meganders.bsky.social. Diversion programs like these help address the underlying issues that lead to someone's arrest, allowing people to move forward and end costly cycles of arrest and incarceration.
The Trump administration is putting domestic violence victims at risk. We should be investing more — not less — in services that ensure their safety.
The disruption the Trump administration has wrought on this critical public safety and public health infrastructure is unprecedented, threatening a framework built over a half-century.
Without the federal government, almost no money exists to fight domestic violence
Work to prevent intimate partner violence, feed families in shelters fleeing abuse or help survivors file for legal protection would not exist on the scale it does today if the federal government step...
19thnews.org
November 6, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The Trump administration is putting domestic violence victims at risk. We should be investing more — not less — in services that ensure their safety.
"So far, Prop. 36 has produced abysmal results on the treatment side."
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/03/p...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/03/p...
Prop. 36 one year later: Thousands more prosecuted, but is it working?
More than 13,000 people have been charged in LA, Orange and Riverside counties since the measure’s passage, mostly for repeat drug offenses.
www.mercurynews.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:17 PM
"So far, Prop. 36 has produced abysmal results on the treatment side."
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/03/p...
www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/03/p...
“Voters want less cruelty, not less accountability”
The truth is that common sense safety reforms can deliver on both.
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
The truth is that common sense safety reforms can deliver on both.
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Contributor: Voters want both 'tough on crime' and compassionate reform
Zohran Mamdani's campaign for New York City mayor has neatly sidestepped a trap that ensnared multiple progressive prosecutors in California.
www.latimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:03 PM
“Voters want less cruelty, not less accountability”
The truth is that common sense safety reforms can deliver on both.
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
The truth is that common sense safety reforms can deliver on both.
www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Californians deserve policies that match politicians’ promises, including effective substance use treatment that actually prevents tragic overdoses and keeps communities safe. Read more in a brand new Op-Ed, by SJCA’s Founder and Director, Anne Irwin: www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
October 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Californians deserve policies that match politicians’ promises, including effective substance use treatment that actually prevents tragic overdoses and keeps communities safe. Read more in a brand new Op-Ed, by SJCA’s Founder and Director, Anne Irwin: www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-e...
Reposted
We traveled through Alabama with @cablackcaucus.bsky.social and @smartjusticeca.bsky.social, walking the path of truth, history, and hope. From Selma to Montgomery, every step deepened our commitment to justice.
See more and learn through the link in comments.
#GlideUnconditionally #JusticeInAction
See more and learn through the link in comments.
#GlideUnconditionally #JusticeInAction
October 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We traveled through Alabama with @cablackcaucus.bsky.social and @smartjusticeca.bsky.social, walking the path of truth, history, and hope. From Selma to Montgomery, every step deepened our commitment to justice.
See more and learn through the link in comments.
#GlideUnconditionally #JusticeInAction
See more and learn through the link in comments.
#GlideUnconditionally #JusticeInAction
Under the guise of “public safety,” Trump is weaponizing the DOJ to punish critics and chill dissent. David Huerta’s prosecution isn’t about safety – it’s about power. Standing with David means standing for workers, for immigrants, for our democracy, and for true safety and justice. #StandWithDavid
October 28, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Under the guise of “public safety,” Trump is weaponizing the DOJ to punish critics and chill dissent. David Huerta’s prosecution isn’t about safety – it’s about power. Standing with David means standing for workers, for immigrants, for our democracy, and for true safety and justice. #StandWithDavid
VICTORY! @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov signed @asmmiabonta.bsky.social AB 1376 into law!
Thank you to all our partners who fought to make this victory a reality! Onwards!
Thank you to all our partners who fought to make this victory a reality! Onwards!
October 15, 2025 at 4:47 PM
VICTORY! @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @governor.ca.gov signed @asmmiabonta.bsky.social AB 1376 into law!
Thank you to all our partners who fought to make this victory a reality! Onwards!
Thank you to all our partners who fought to make this victory a reality! Onwards!
California lawmakers approved two of our priority bills, #AB1071 by Ash Karla and #AB1376 by @asmmiabonta.bsky.social! They’re now at the Governor’s desk, waiting for his signature!
September 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM
California lawmakers approved two of our priority bills, #AB1071 by Ash Karla and #AB1376 by @asmmiabonta.bsky.social! They’re now at the Governor’s desk, waiting for his signature!
When youth know their efforts will be recognized, they’re more likely to succeed. AB 1376 gives them that chance. #EndEndlessProbation #AB1376 @asmmiabonta.bsky.social
@ib2real.bsky.social
@ib2real.bsky.social
September 9, 2025 at 5:33 PM
When youth know their efforts will be recognized, they’re more likely to succeed. AB 1376 gives them that chance. #EndEndlessProbation #AB1376 @asmmiabonta.bsky.social
@ib2real.bsky.social
@ib2real.bsky.social