Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday touted the accomplishments of a year-long crackdown on retail theft across the state, saying the announcement would return California to ineffective criminal justice policies. This is consistent with his strong opposition to anti-crime measures at the polls. past.

“Almost exactly one year ago, we launched the largest retail theft-related assistance to local law enforcement ever provided in California,” Newsom said at a Monday afternoon press conference. Ta. “I want to firmly demonstrate the results of this arrest.”

A $267 million grant helped 55 California cities and counties reduce retail property crime and auto burglaries. Newsom said the effort has led to 3,200 arrests and the recovery of more than 3,000 stolen vehicles and $46 million in stolen merchandise in the past nine months.

This is not the first time Newsom has cited progress in the state’s crackdown on property theft, but his announcement comes just a week before the election in which California voters will decide the fate of Prop. 36. Retail theft and fentanyl-related crimes.

The measure would rescind part of Proposition 47, a 2014 criminal justice reform measure approved by voters that reclassified some property and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The reform has been scorned by critics who claim that property crimes and torts have increased since the bill was passed. Recent think tank reports The study found little evidence to suggest that Prop. 47 was the direct cause of changes in property and drug crimes in the decade since then.

Newsom and some Democrats are urging voters to carefully consider Proposition 36, saying it would take away state savings currently earmarked for recidivism prevention programs and dramatically increase the prison population. is warning.

But Californians seem unfazed by his opposition. According to reports, more than 70% of voters said they would vote in favor of the measure. latest poll Published by the Public Policy Institute of California.

Meanwhile, the “Yes on 36” campaign, funded by Walmart and other major retailers, has launched new televisions. advertisement This weekend we feature former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who recently announced he will run for governor in 2026.

Villaraigosa previously ran Unsuccessful bids He failed to pass the primary in the 2018 gubernatorial election. He is the only incumbent gubernatorial candidate to support Proposition 36.

Villaraigosa made a cameo appearance in a 31-second ad touting Proposition 36 as a “balanced approach” to reducing crime.

One of Villaraigosa’s signature initiatives as mayor was increasing the number of Los Angeles Police Department officers to more than 10,000. He credited his efforts with reducing violent crime by 48% during his tenure at City Hall.

Advertisements for Proposition 36 also feature Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, one of the bill’s most prominent supporters.

In a news conference Monday, Newsom denied speculation that his administration could challenge Prop. 36 in court if voters pass it.

“I’ll do whatever the voters support,” Newsom said.