The efforts to unseat DA Price, promoted by the Alameda County Republican Central Committee, is NOT a grassroots movement, and appears to be primarily motivated by political differences and opposing views on criminal justice reform. All of the local folks leading and funding the effort to overturn the election supported the candidate DA Price defeated in the November 2022 election with 53% of the vote. They represent a vocal minority that wanted to maintain the status quo. The effort is primarily funded by special interests groups from outside Alameda County. This is part of a national movement to attack progressive prosecutors.
It's essential to recognize that this effort to misuse electoral safeguards is not reflective of the broader community's sentiment but rather represents a specific political stance. District Attorney Pamela Price has been a champion of criminal justice reform and fairness for all residents, and this attempt aims to roll back the progress made in these areas.
District Attorney Pamela Price is committed to reviewing these cases because she believes in ensuring accountability and justice for all. Her dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and equality in the criminal justice system drives her to re-examine cases that may have been prematurely closed, especially in instances involving police use of force.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 81 into law in 2021, a landmark piece of legislation sponsored by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) that addresses racial disparities and sentence enhancements. It stems from recommendations made by the California Commission on the Revision of the Penal Code.
Effective January 1, 2022, SB 81 established a presumption that judges should not apply enhancements unless there is clear and convincing evidence that not using the enhancement would endanger the public. SB 81 takes a firm stance against racial disparities by advocating for fairer sentencing practices and striving to eliminate racial bias within the legal system. It takes aim at sentence enhancements, ensuring that sentences are proportionate and just.
“SB 81 sends a clear message to our courts: Let’s use sentence enhancements judiciously and only when necessary to protect the public,” said Sen. Skinner. “With SB 81, we can begin to reverse a stark racial disparity in California’s sentencing practices. Black Californians, especially, have been disproportionately targeted with enhancements that double the time they have to spend in prison.”
Our District Attorney, Pamela Price, is a pivotal figure in its implementation. DA Price's commitment to implementing SB 81 is in direct alignment with these critical components of the law. She not only upholds its principles but also actively works to address racial disparities and advocate for more equitable sentencing practices. By supporting Pamela Price, we endorse our dedication to criminal justice reform and the principles embedded in SB 81, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more just and equitable society. This is especially vital when faced with potential opposition that may threaten the progress made in these crucial areas of reform.
Pamela Price approaches her role as District Attorney with a steadfast commitment to equity while supporting victims and holding people who do harm accountable. She prioritizes evidence-based decision-making, and the overall well-being of our community. This approach is particularly critical in the face of opposition that seeks to undermine the progress we've made in criminal justice reform.
By supporting Pamela Price, we ensure that our District Attorney's office remains dedicated to the core principles of transparency, equity and accountability. This dedication is essential to combat those who previously participated, profited and prospered in our broken system, and who may not have the same commitment to high standards of due process, potentially leaving our community vulnerable to injustice.
