Unintended Political Consequences

Video Info - 5 , 23

Accountability

Earthquakes start with friction, a build-up in stress along divisions until there is a sudden physical jolt. There is evidence of a build-up in stress among California voters about the growing disappointment with specific laws, regulations, and policies passed by the California State legislature in recent years.

The problem can be described as the Law of Unintended Consequences. Several Laws passed by the California legislature created conditions that were most likely not part of the sponsors’ original intent.

Most reasonable people can accept that logic. Every government administration has had this experience. But in California, we have a unique predicament. The super majority legislature appears unwilling to correct the laws they passed which are causing the unintended negative consequences. The rise in crime is just one specific, undeniable area.

We interviewed Liz Lawler, a CA Assembly District 28 candidate who has a common sense approach to addressing these consequences.

The topics addressed in this interview are:

Introduction to the politics of unintended consequences
Liz’s start in politics by addressing potholes, 01:31-2:22
Insights as an elected official, 02:23-02:40
Addressing the quality of public education, 02:41-05:25
Problems in the CA legislature, 05:26-06:42
The rise in crime,. 06:43-08:10
Immigration reform, 09:46-10:31
The new geographical lines for District 28, 10:32-11:35
The plan to engage voters, 11:36-12:43
Comments about her opponent, 12:44-13:23
Contact Information, 13:24-13:56

More information on Liz Lawler is available at LizLawler4AD28.com

Misdemeanor Reclassification

AB-3234 was signed into law and is codified in the Penal Code at section 1001.95. Effective January 1, 2021, it portends sweeping changes in the way misdemeanors are prosecuted in this state…or maybe a better way of stating it is “not prosecuted.”

There are two basic categories of misdemeanors in California. The purpose of classification is to appropriate sentences suitable to the level of offense.

Standard Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors that are indictable by up to 6 months in county jail or a fine of up to $1000

Some common misdemeanors are:

Drug possession (such as cocaine, heroin, and meth) that are considered for personal use
Drunk in public
Public Indecency (1st offense)
Petty Theft
Prostitution
Shoplifting or theft of property worth $950 or less (other than a gun)
Simple assault or battery that doesn’t involve a deadly weapon or result in serious injury
Assault with a stun gun or Taser.

Gross or Aggravated Misdemeanors

These types of misdemeanors are assessed as more grave than others and are punishable by up to a year in county jail or a fine of $1000 or more

Some of the common gross or aggravated misdemeanors are: