Category: public safety

POV shot from behind bars in a jail.
A History of California Criminal Justice and Prison Reform Initiatives (1994-2025)
Over the past 30 years, California voters have repeatedly turned to the ballot box to shape criminal justice policy, responding to concerns about public safety, justice, punishment, and rehabilitation. 
13 May, 2025
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8 min read
alcatraz island
Trump Pushes Alcatraz Revival as Calif. Audit Finds State Prisons Unprepared for Natural Disaster Evacuations
As President Donald Trump calls for the reopening and expansion of Alcatraz Island to house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent offenders,” a new state audit raises alarms about California’s state prison system: most state-run facilities are not adequately prepared to evacuate during natural disasters.
05 May, 2025
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2 min read
Hand in cannabis leaves.
Cannabis Rescheduling Remains Paused Despite Trump Support
A popular and game-changing rescheduling proposal backed by Donald J. Trump to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) remains formally active but administratively paused by a DEA judge.
01 Apr, 2025
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5 min read
Man holding his head sitting at a table.
Landmark Legislation Introduced to Address Mental Health Crisis Among Correctional Officers
On the second anniversary of Federal Correctional Officer Blake Schwarz’s death by suicide, an Iowa congresswoman has reintroduced a significant bill aimed at combating the ongoing mental health crisis among correctional officers.
26 Mar, 2025
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2 min read
A person cuffed.
With 10 Million Votes, Proposition 36 Takes Effect in California, Ushering in New Approach to Drug and Theft Crimes
In November 2024, California voters in all 58 counties approved Proposition 36, known as the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," with approximately 68.4% in favor. ​ 
24 Mar, 2025
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3 min read