Chino Hills council adopts resolution backing Proposition 36

The Chino Hills City Council on Sept. 10 adopted a resolution endorsing Proposition 36, the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” after a presentation by Townsend Public Affairs Director Eric O’Donnell.

O'Donnell summarized the measure as a rollback of elements of Proposition 47, saying it “increases the penalties from what it is right now” and would, among other things, allow aggregation of low‑value thefts into higher charges for repeat offenders and create a new court process to offer treatment in lieu of incarceration for certain drug possession crimes. He told the council that supporters include district attorneys and some large retailers who helped qualify the measure for the ballot.

Council members discussed policy and enforcement implications before moving and seconding the resolution. The motion passed 4–0. Councilmember Marquez Fulviz moved the item; the record shows the council adopted the resolution and directed staff to distribute it.

Supporters at the meeting and city staff argued the measure would give local law enforcement additional tools to pursue repeat property thieves and certain drug dealers. Opponents were not recorded during the council’s formal action; public commenters elsewhere in the meeting discussed homelessness and substance‑use treatment as community issues.

The council’s action is a statement of support; it does not bind county prosecutors or state officials. The measure, if approved by voters in November, would change criminal classifications and sentencing for specified offenses and include provisions that shift some defendants toward treatment when courts determine programs are completed.

The council vote: motion passed 4–0. The resolution will be distributed as adopted and was placed on the city’s public record.