John --

California is quietly dismantling its criminal justice system—and the consequences are hitting our communities hard.

The latest state budget confirms what many of us have feared: while crime and homelessness continue to rise, Sacramento is choosing to cut public safety instead of bloated bureaucracies and wasteful programs.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Another state prison is closing by 2026 to save $150 million a year

• Courts are being defunded, limiting access to justice

• Counties are being rewarded for keeping offenders out of prison—regardless of the risk

Let me be clear: I believe in second chances. I believe people can and should rebuild their lives. But when there are no consequences for crime, when accountability disappears—we all pay the price.

These choices aren’t about compassion. They’re about misplaced priorities.

Yes, spending needs to be reduced. But not at the expense of safety. Instead of targeting our courts, jails, and probation departments, Sacramento should be looking at the billions wasted on programs that don’t serve the needs of hard working Californians.

We’re seeing the results:

• A growing homeless population, driven by untreated addiction and mental illness

• Communities burdened with higher crime, theft, and violence

• Law enforcement and local governments left to clean up the mess

As your County Supervisor, I’ve been pushing back. I’ve stood with our sheriffs, firefighters, and first responders. And I’ll continue to fight for a system that protects public safety first—not last.

We deserve a state government that prioritizes safe streets over broken politics.

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
https://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/