Prop 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation. Initiative Statute

The official sample ballot I received describes prop 5 as : Allocates $460,000,000 annually to improve and expand treatment programs. Limits court authority to incarcerate offenders who commit certain drug crimes, break drug treatment rules or violate parole. Fiscal impact: Increased state costs potentially exceeding $1 billion annually primarily for expansion of offender treatment programs. State saving potentially exceeding $1 billion annually on corrections operations. Net one-time state prison capital outlay saving potentially exceeding $2.5 billion.

Personally, I think this is a great proposition. I was wondering why California voters, and US voters for that matter, hadn’t seen what a dupe the “war on drugs” has been. We spend billions of dollars fighting this war to no avail. Drug offenders need rehabilitation more so than any other felon. Their crime often renders themselves the only victim and yet we spend billions to incarcerate them. Our prison system is overflowing with non-violent drug offenders and often the solution presented is “just build more prisons.” Finally, a proposition that makes perfect sense!

Woah! Woah! Woah! What the ???

First I apologize for my title but that's how I felt when I picked up the University Times this week. For those who haven't heard the news there was an academic senate meeting held last Tuesday (i believe). The purpose of this meeting was on a proposal to change OUR quarter system to a Semester system. Two more meetings will be held coming up to address this matter.
Those who want to change to a quarter system argue that it will benefit everybody. Administration will have less paperwork, professors will have more time off, and students won't have to spend too much money on book since they will be taking less classes, among other points.

I'm personally oppose this. I love the quarter system. I chose Cal State LA because of it. I could have gone to CSUF, CSUN, or CSULB but after spending 2 1/2 yrs at community college my only goal has been to get out of CSULA ASAP. And the quarter system accelerates the process for those who want to. Plus I do not see myself in a 16wk semester where i usually procrastinate and spend all that time waiting for winter or summer to come.

I understand some students concern, but if they are really interested in a semester school, and spending less money on books then you have an option to go elsewhere. Many great Universities in South CA offer that option for you.

I hope that this change doesn't happen. Most importantly i hope students get an opportunity to speak out their mind and get heard.

I'm not sure what is your opinion on this but i would really like to hear your opinion. Also if you know about any information in where students can do something to oppose this change let me know.

http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/ut/home.html

HI EVERYONE!

I HAD A REALLY HAD A HORRIBLE WEEKEND, I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO CLASS, WOULD ANYONE BE NICE ENOUGH TO LET ME KNOW IF I MISSED SOMETHING.

Careless Words

Recently I have witnessed some very disturbing images of people yelling out racial slurs and using inappropriate languages when describing the current presidential candidates. In my opinion, people yelling out words like terrorist when describing a presidential candidate, is not only inappropriate but outright misleading. I have also noticed words such as Muslim being used in a negative way. This came to my attention again when Collin Powell spoke about these words being thrown around persistently. What really caught my attention was when Collin Powell asked what if he is Muslim? Is there something wrong with being Muslim in this country? He answered his question by saying no, that's not America. He also further talked about a Muslim soldier, who gave his life defending America. Therefore, in my opinion we have to be careful when we yell out these words because words can have powerful consequences. I believe we need to understand and accept each other, and not criticize one another because of what that person's race or religion may be. This will only create division when we need to come and work together. Therefore, I believe both candidates should work hard to address these issues and end the negative tone of these campaigns.

Day of Self Esteem gives men new suits, haircuts and more..

nice article, nice deed. However, i have never heard something like this done for women who also need that self esteem boost.

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Working Wardrobes took the men through a month-long program to put them on the road to success.

By KELLI HART

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

FOUNTAIN VALLEY –A group of 110 men on Sunday received a second chance at turning their lives around at the 11th annual Men's Day of Self Esteem.

Working Wardrobes provided the men with brand new suits, shoes, briefcases and haircuts, and interview and resume workshops in an effort by the Irvine-based nonprofit organization to help men and women re-enter the workforce after life crises.

The program is voluntary with the goal of assisting individuals who are transitioning from jail or prison, or who have struggled with addiction, homelessness or other life-challenging situations.

The organization's CEO and founder Jerri Rosen said that this is the final stage in the men's transformation after they completed a month-long program with the organization.

"The inside transformation is what is critically important," Rosen said. "We don't want that suit to be empty."

Chris Vera of Santa Ana was beaming to have the chance to change his life after a rough patch.

"This is mind-blowing," Vera said. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to tap into a resource to better myself. I feel blessed."

The day of makeovers kicked off with an inspirational speech by therapist and author Raphael Natale. Also addressing the crowd was Stephen Campa, who went through the Working Wardrobes program himself two years ago after battling drug addiction for 34 years and spending time in and out of jail.

"I was basically chasing my high on a day to day basis, it didn't really matter if I lived or died," Campa recalled of his life with addiction.

Campa, 45, lost his marriage and his relationship with his daughter Sage while chasing his addiction. After being released from his last stint in jail, Campa began the program with Working Wardrobes and made a decision to change his life.

"I had basically run out of tears," Campa said. "I had cried myself to sleep so many times wanting a change."

Two years ago, Campa was in the same shoes as the men who received self-esteem makeovers Sunday.

"I was standing there in a brand new suit, a briefcase in one hand and my resume in the other hand, and I felt like a member of society," he said.

Since that day two years ago, Campa has secured a job as a sales executive for Express Graphics and Printing and lives on his own in Dana Point. He also has rekindled his relationship with his daughter and has remained sober for three years.

After their suit fittings, the men had mock interviews and sought new jobs in a career fair featuring 15 recruiters with jobs to offer, including Costco, Nordstrom and Sears.

The air at Los Amigos High School was full of positive energy and excitement as the men wearing street clothes disappeared behind the curtains and emerged wearing their brand new suits provided by Men's Wearhouse.

Todd Lindquist, a volunteer for Working Wardrobes, couldn't help but notice a change in the demeanor of the men.

"I think it's a great service that they're [Working Wardrobes]doing," Lindquist said. "When they put these suits on, they start glowing. They want to go out there and get a job."

Contact the writer: khart@ocregister.com or 949-454-7391

one more life ends due to the economy

Woman Sets Foreclosed Home On Fire, Shoots Self

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) ― Police say a woman about to be evicted from her foreclosed home in Pasadena may have set her home on fire before killing herself.

Lt. Janet Pope Givens said Tuesday that 53-year-old Wanda Dunn's home was discovered burning Monday morning, the same day she was to be evicted.

Givens says Dunn was found in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head, and a gun was found nearby.

Lt. John Dewar told the Los Angeles Times that the foreclosure may have prompted Dunn to burn the home and kill herself.

The death comes about two weeks after an unemployed financial manager in Porter Ranch killed himself and his five family members, leaving behind a suicide note that cited money problems.

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

The Lehman Brothers collapse

A major story i came by today when watching a news channel was that the now bankrupt investment bank Lehman Brothers arranged millions in bonuses for fired executives, as it begged for a federal lifeline. Do you think it was appropriate for these executives to walk away with millions of dollars as the company's troubles escalated?

Student writer question - Teacher answer

I was brainstorming for my paper and all of my ideas seem more on the subjective side--For example, I noticed a lot about the way Biden and Palin talked. If I said: Palin spoke with a shakey voice suggesting that she was nervous-- isn't that an assumption? It also seemed to me that Biden "talked like a politician" using rhetorical devices common in public addresses. Both also had "cheesy" smiles--smiles that appear to be fake or questionable making me feel suspicious about their intentions or motives. Aren't these all assumptions or subjective interpretations? I'm just a little leary about keeping my observations objective. Please help me sort my thoughts!

Good questions!You be the judge: which sentence is superior?
1. When she spoke of X, her voice was shakey. .... or ....
2. When she spoke of X, her voice was shakey because she was nervous.
and do you prefer. . .
1. When she spoke of Y, her energy was full. She gave three examples. .... or ....
2. When she spoke of Y, her energy was full because she knew what she was talking about.Do you really need the interpretation? You cann see the motive - and there is no reason to supply it.

Do you like:
1. He spoke like a politician. .... or ....
2. Of 10 questions, he answered three. Four times he attacked his opponent instead, and three times he answered a different question.

BY THE WAY - IT IS DUE WEDNESDAY THE 15TH - no exceptions

Political Paper

Okay, is the debate paper due on October 13th or October 15th?

Abortion and The Death Penalty

I am siting here watching redemption, what a wonderful movie about Stan Tookie Williams the founder of the crips gang and his journey through the death penalty and his redemption. (I know this movie is very old, but this is my first time seeing it.)

Tookie Williams said a lot of interesting things about young black men growing up in a white dominate society where racism still exist.(another subject and another day)

As I watch this movie I start to wonder why so many people are for the death penalty and oppose to abortion. The argument that I hear is that, "women who have abortions are killing babies." But when we sentence someone to death row, aren't we taking a life as well? yes, I know, I have heard it all before, "an eye for an eye." Right? But I got something to tell you Christian's who believe this saying. What about thou shall not kill? That's a commandment as well. Who are we as a society to determine who live and who dies? If abortion is wrong than shouldn't the death penalty be consider wrong as well? What about "god" loves everyone? What about "god" forgives everyone? Is there no redemption for those who repent? For people such as Tookie Williams? What is your take on the abortion/death penalty issue? What do you think?

Wake up!

I watched most of the debate earlier tonight. I felt bad for some of the members of the audience. It seemed they could not hide how bored they were. I noticed at least two men falling asleep! LOL!

In the end...

I am watching the debate and I hate to admit that I no longer feel that excitement. Both say the exact same thing as last time and their VP's speak for them and repeat what they said. Even with people sitting and asking the questions directly it still seems as if I was watching the first debate... in the end there is nothing new. 

Choices We Make

It is 10 minutes to 1am in the morning. My traveling mind will not rest. I got something on my mind that will not shake me. I just received a phone call 3 hours ago from my little sister she's only 21 years old. I knew something was wrong the moment she said, "hi sis". She told me she lost her job, just been kicked out of her so called "friend's" apt. She is homeless, jobless, and a single mother of two beautiful baby girls. She tends to make really bad choices at times, like skipping work, out on the streets fighting and getting drunk and high. I look at her situation and I think and wonder would we have made better choices if we had caring parents who actually taught us the things that "good" parents teach their children? Or are do we blame ourselves for the choices we make. What about society, how does our society play a role in the decision we make? I understand that we must take responsibility for our actions, but I think our society plays an important role in the decisions we make as well. What do you think?

Finally, does anyone know of any good and safe women and children’s shelters in L.A?

Our Reality?

Top of the Ten 0'clock news...a man killed his entire family due to financial difficulty. They flash the suicide prevention hotline across the screen...next story, stocks plummet. Suicide prevention Hotline at the end of the broadcast, again.

L.A LIVE

I AM SO EXCITED HOW DOWNTOWN L.A IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE WHEN ALL THE CONSTRUCTION IS DONE...ARE YOU GUYS EXCITED?

Why Sociology? Why Not Sociology?

So, everytime I tell my coworkers I'm in college they ask me "whats you major?" I reply what is, sociology. Many of them ask what is sociology and I tell them what it is and what exactly I'm studying, which is sociology with a law and society option and a concentration of criminology.

Well for some reason they don't seem pleased with my answer. Many people's response has been, that doesn't seem to make money. Or why even study that? Another response I get, well why not just study criminal justice, isn't that what your interested in?

Well NO! I'm not interested in definitions, penal codes, and laws that have been passed by people in power. I do not care about incarcerating people because they are caught with a certain amount of Marijua. I'm concerned about why people resort to crimes. Why underlying factors were involved for someone to commit robberies, assaults, or homicides.

I'm a pro-law enforcement, and even consider becoming a police offircer for Los Angeles. However, I want to be able to help my community not just by incarcerating the "bad guy." Instead I want to understand what social factors were in play for this person to participate in deviance. Because I believe that by knowing that I can help deter youth from juvenile delinquency.

The Objective of the Sociologist is to be Objective

As sociologists, I think it's important to be objective and neutral in our analysis of society. Although there are different paradigms that sociologists follow, for example, functionalism or conflict theories, we must be able to examine the world through all schools of thought-- recognizing strengths, weakness and key ideas that each paradigm reveals. It seems to me that some of our personal opinions or attitudes spill over into our analysis which can present a sticky situation.

For example, at the "Does Race (Still) Matter?" event, it was clear that the majority of the attendees were Democrats and thus the mentality expressed throughout the seminar was Democratic. However, one should not cling to one's affiliations and condemn different affiliations as that lone Republican in the audience. We should invite all views and explore all ideas so that we can understand one another better and then eventually agree to disagree if we don't end up seeing eye to eye.

Our class discussions seem to be the same way--making generalizations and criticizing certain groups. We criticized Palin tonight but was Biden perfect? (Keep in mind, I'm not promoting one or the other I'm just trying to be objective).We do not need to straddle the "fence" but at least consider how the grass looks on both sides.

March for Schools not Jails!!

No on Prop 6
tuesday Oct 14
Meet at the corner of twin towers Jail
450 Bauchet St
Los Angeles, Ca 90012
March from jail to the nearest school!

Classic Parody!

This is available on NBC.com