At its meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, the Oakdale City Council passed a resolution expressing formal support for Proposition 36, also known as the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. This bipartisan initiative seeks to amend California’s Proposition 47, addressing the rise in retail theft and drug-related crimes.

Oakdale Chief of Police Jerry Ramar emphasized the significance of Proposition 36 for law enforcement, stating, “Proposition 36 enhances public safety, reducing crime. It adds accountability, allowing felony charges for individuals with prior convictions committing thefts under $950.”

The new measure would give judges greater flexibility in sentencing, especially for fentanyl-related crimes, and provide stronger tools to combat organized retail theft.

Ramar also stressed the growing impact of retail theft: “Retail theft has skyrocketed because of the addition of what’s called shoplifting ... Essentially, somebody can walk into a business, steal something, and walk out with a misdemeanor. There’s no punishment for it.”

He went on to explain that Proposition 36 addresses these gaps by focusing on repeat offenders, offering treatment mandates for drug users, or imposing longer sentences for those who refuse rehabilitation.

The city hopes to reduce recidivism and create a safer community through rehabilitation efforts. Ramar noted, “This proposition is going to give it back to us. We have repeat offenders that get caught with meth ... This is going to change that.”