Latest news with #NathanHochman
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chabria: Even tough-on-crime district attorneys know prison reform is smart
On a recent morning inside San Quentin prison, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman and more than a dozen other prosecutors crowded into a high-ceilinged meeting hall surrounded by killers, rapists and other serious offenders. Name the crime, one of these guys has probably done it. "It's not every day that you're in a room of 100 people, most of whom have committed murder, extremely violent crimes, and been convicted of it," Hochman later said. Many of these men, in their casual blue uniforms, were serving long sentences with little chance of getting out, like Marlon Arturo Melendez, an L.A. native who is now in for murder. Melendez sat in a "sharing circle," close enough to Hochman that their knees could touch, no bars between them. They chatted about the decrease in gang violence in the decades since Melendez was first incarcerated more than 20 years ago, and Melendez said he found Hochman "interesting." Inside San Quentin, this kind of interaction between inmates and guests isn't unusual. For decades, the prison by the Bay has been doing incarceration differently, cobbling together a system that focuses on accountability and rehabilitation. Like the other men in the room, Melendez takes responsibility for the harm he caused, and every day works to be a better man. When he introduces himself, he names his victims — an acknowledgment that what he did can't be undone but also an acknowledgment that he doesn't have to remain the same man who pulled the trigger. Whether or not Melendez or any of these men ever walk free, what was once California's most notorious lockup is now a place that offers them the chance to change and provides the most elusive of emotions for prisoners — hope. Creating that culture is a theory and practice of imprisonment that Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to make the standard across the state. Read more: Chabria: California to transform infamous San Quentin prison with Scandinavian ideas, rehab focus He's dubbed it the California Model, but as I've written about before, it's common practice in other countries (and even in a few places in the United States). It's based on a simple truth about incarceration: Most people who go into prison come out again. Public safety demands that they behave differently when they do. "We are either paying to keep them here or we are paying if they come back out and harm somebody," said Brooke Jenkins, the district attorney of San Francisco, who has visited San Quentin regularly for years. Jenkins was the organizer of this unusual day that brought district attorneys from around the state inside of San Quentin to gain a better understanding of how the California Model works, and why even tough-on-crime district attorneys should support transforming our prisons. As California does an about-face away from a decade of progressive criminal justice advances with new crackdowns such as those promised by the recently passed Proposition 36 (which is expected to increase the state inmate population), it is also continuing to move ahead with the controversial plan to remake prison culture, both for inmates and guards, by centering on rehabilitation over punishment. Despite a tough economic year that is requiring the state to slash spending, Newsom has kept intact more than $200 million from the prior budget to revamp San Quentin so that its outdated facilities can support more than just locking up folks in cells. Some of that construction, already happening on the grounds, is expected to be completed next year. It will make San Quentin the most visible example of the California Model. But changes in how inmates and guards interact and what rehabilitation opportunities are available are already underway at prisons across the state. It is an overdue and profound transformation that has the potential to not only improve public safety and save money in the long run, but to fundamentally reshape what incarceration means across the country. Jenkins' push to help more prosecutors understand and value this metamorphosis might be crucial to helping the public support it as well — especially for those D.A.s whose constituents are just fine with a system that locks up men to suffer for their (often atrocious) crimes. Or even those Californians, such as many in San Francisco and Los Angeles, who are just fed up with the perception that California is soft on criminals. "It's not about moderate or progressive, but I think all of us that are moderates have to admit that there are reforms that still need to happen," Jenkins told me as we walked through the prison yard. She took office after the successful recall of her progressive predecessor, Chesa Boudin, and a rightward shift in San Francisco on crime policy. Still, she is vocal about the need for second chances. For her, prison reform is about more than the California Model, but a broader lens that includes the perspectives of incarcerated people, and their insights on what they need to make rehabilitation work. "It really grounds you in your obligation to make sure that the culture in the [district attorney's] office is fair," she said. For Hochman, a former federal prosecutor and defense lawyer who resoundingly ousted progressive George Gascón last year, rehabilitation makes sense. He likes to paraphrase a Fyodor Dostoevsky quote, 'The degree of civilization in a society is revealed by entering its prisons.' "In my perfect world, the education system, the family system, the community, would have done all this work on the front end such that these people wouldn't have been in position to commit crimes in the first place," he said. But when that fails, it's up to the criminal justice system to help people fix themselves. Read more: Chabria: Bringing the death penalty back to L.A. is politics and hubris, not justice Despite being perceived as a tough-on-crime D.A. (he prefers "fair on crime") he's so committed to that goal of rehabilitation that he is determined to push for a new Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles County — an expensive (billions) and unpopular idea that he says is long overdue but critical to public safety. "Los Angeles County is absolutely failing because our prisons and jails are woefully inadequate," he said. He's quick to add that rehabilitation isn't for everyone. Some just aren't ready for it. Some don't care. The inmates of San Quentin agree with him. They are often fiercely vocal about who gets transferred to the prison, knowing that its success relies on having incarcerated people who want to change — one rogue inmate at San Quentin could ruin it for all of them. "It has to be a choice. You have to understand that for yourself," Oscar Acosta told me. Now 32, he's a "CDC baby," as he puts it — referring to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation — and has been behind bars since he was 18. He credits San Quentin with helping him accept responsibility for his crimes and see a path forward. When the California Model works, as the district attorneys saw, it's obvious what its value is. Men who once were nothing but dangerous have the option to live different lives, with different values. Even if they remain incarcerated. "After having been considered the worst of the worst, today I am a new man," Melendez told me. "I hope (the district attorneys) were able to see real change in those who sat with them and be persuaded that rehabilitation over punishment is more fruitful and that justice seasoned with restoration is better for all." Melendez and the other incarcerated men at San Quentin aspire for us to see them as more than their worst actions. And they take heart that even prosecutors like Jenkins and Hochman, who put them behind bars, sometimes with triple-digit sentences, do see that the past does not always determine the future, and that investing in their change is an investment in safer communities. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Ending the cycle': Los Angeles DA touts success of new state law cracking down on ‘smash-and-grab' offenders
Like many major cities, Los Angeles is not immune to crime — but incidents of store theft have increased in recent years. Crosstown LA, citing LAPD data, says that in 2023, there were 11,945 reported cases of shoplifting in the city, compared to 6,585 the year before. There's been a notable uptick in 'smash-and-grab' robberies, where a criminal smashes a window, grabs items on display, and makes a run for it. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But now, California lawmakers are cracking down on theft with a new set of guidelines outlined in Proposition 36. And so far, it seems to be having good results. Proposition 36, or Prop 36, enacts new laws for drug and theft offenses. It went into effect on Dec. 18, 2024, and states that theft-related crimes can be charged as a felony, a more serious offense with harsher consequences, or a misdemeanor, a more minor offense. One major change under Prop 36 is that prosecutors can combine the value of various thefts to arrive at a felony charge for criminals. Prior to Prop 36, theft in the amount of $950 or less allowed criminals to receive a minor penalty that, as the bill said, was basically the equivalent of a traffic ticket. That allowed thieves to effectively steal an unlimited amount of goods with minimal punishment as long as each individual theft did not exceed $950. Now that Prop 36 is in effect, the value of a string of thefts can be combined for a greater charge. To put it another way, a $500 theft and a $1,000 theft by the same person can be combined to exceed the $950 mark so the crime can be treated more seriously. This means serial criminals could face harsher consequences for their actions. The goal, of course, is not just to punish criminals, but to deter them from theft in the first place. As NBC4 Los Angeles reported, LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman says Prop 36 is working. "Since Dec. 18, we have had over a thousand Proposition 36 arrests for thieves alone," he said. His hope is that the threat of harsher penalties will serve as a warning to potential criminals. "Our goal is not to fill our prisons with these thieves," Hochman said. "If anything, that will be the failure of our efforts. Our goal is to deter these criminals from committing these crimes in the first place, thus saving a whole lot of victims." Jawad Ursani owns the 7-Eleven in the 8500 block of West Olympic Boulevard and has been the victim of theft on multiple occasions. "Communities have been targeted repeatedly by same individuals coming back over and over knowing that there were no real consequences," Ursani told NBC4 reporters. "My store was targeted not once, but twice, by a smash-and-grab by about over 50 teenagers and a repeat shoplifter who is now detained and will be held accountable by this DA's office as we speak." Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) says that since Prop 36 went into effect, prosecutors have filed "thousands of new felony drug and theft charges." During the second half of February, prosecutors filed around 1,500 theft cases with felony charges, the PPIC says, citing data from the Judicial Council of California. Findings from Sicuro Data Analytics, meanwhile, tell a different story — during the first 90 days since Prop 36 went into effect, there were 3,500 theft cases filed. All told, the PPIC says that Prop 36 felony cases comprise 10% to 15% of the 15,000 or so felony cases filed statewide in a typical month. Hochman is pleased with the impact of Prop 36 on LA. In a mid-May statement, he said, 'Ending the cycle of catch-and-release that sent serial retail thieves back on the streets to reoffend is a top priority." LA businesses are also being supplied with decals warning criminals that those who steal will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Of course, this begs the question: Will more states implement harsher penalties for theft? The Council on Criminal Justice says that between 2019 and 2023, New York and LA had the biggest increases in shoplifting across major cities at 64% and 61%, respectively. On a broad level, the rate of shoplifting incidents across major cities fell between January of 2018 and June of 2023. But that doesn't mean it's not a problem. The National Retail Federation says that in 2023, there was a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents compared to 2019. There was also a 90% increase in dollar loss from shoplifting in that same timeframe. Cracking down on theft is something lawmakers should therefore consider on a more national scale to protect business owners and consumers alike. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials look to quell Pacific Palisades residents' security concerns after PCH fully reopens
In the wake of the Palisades Fire in January, Pacific Coast Highway between L.A. and Malibu was shut down for months – except for local residents, businesses and emergency crews – due to damage from the fire and subsequent mudslides, and now that the critical stretch of coastal highway is open, those living in the area are worried about security. Officials, however, are ensuring that all precautions are taken as more and more people travel through the area. PCH officially reopened on Friday, ahead of schedule and just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Up to two lanes are open in each direction with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit through active work zones, and security checkpoints along the highway have been removed as the California National Guard demobilizes from the area. As PCH reopens, Malibu urges beachgoers to be safe and respectful Speed limits and worker safety aren't the only things on residents' and officials' minds. Burglaries and thefts in wildfire-affected areas have increased (including in the Eaton Fire burn zone in Altadena, where officials say burglaries are up 'several hundred percent'), and now that the general public is back in the area, concerns are heightened. One way that local leaders are looking to ease those concerns is the decision to hire a private security firm that will provide 24/7 armed patrols in neighborhoods affected by both the Palisades and Franklin fires, officials announced. Approved on May 21 by the Malibu City Council, Covered 6 was chosen since the firm has 'extensive experience patrolling neighborhoods' and that they have worked with local deputies in the past. The service will cost roughly $260,000 per month. Speaking on the price tag at the city council meeting, one resident opined that 'it's a lot of money to spend…but I think it's a time to spend it.' Los Angeles officials tout record progress in Palisades Fire recovery as homes start to be rebuilt 'The patrols are intended to supplement law enforcement efforts by the LASD Malibu-Lost Hills Station and ensure continuous public safety coverage during a critical recovery phase,' Malibu officials said on May 22. 'Fire-damaged areas face heightened risks of burglary, vandalism, theft – particularly of construction materials – as many properties remain vacant during rebuilding.' 'Looter suppression efforts will be intensified, with zero-tolerance to crime and traffic violations,' officials added, piggybacking off Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman's policy on wildfire looters. During the May 21 Malibu City Council meeting, Scott Wagenseller, the founder and CEO of another private security firm, Gates Security, said that on the previous day, officers with his company found a man with a gun in the backyard of one of their clients' homes. Another man was found with a knife, and a 'squatter issue' involving a man on a previously burned property had recently been resolved. 'These are transients walking into the environment,' Wagenseller said. 'Raise Pali' golf tournament supports wildfire recovery efforts for local high school Residents are encouraged to 'take an active role' in protecting their properties by filling out a Letter of Agency at the Malibu-Lost Hills LASD station; the document authorizes deputies to enforce trespassing laws on private property in the owner's absence and officers to take action against unauthorized individuals without contacting the property owner first, the Malibu City Council said. Property owners are also asked to secure their property by ensuring that gates, doors and windows are locked. Any suspicious activity should be reported to authorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
High grocery prices? Grocery stores blame the thieves
If you continue to shell out more and more for groceries, one major grocery retailer says: blame the thieves. Stop & Shop, which runs more than 300 markets across the Northeast, has penned a letter to Congress saying retailers like them are operating on 'razor-thin' margins and are 'struggling with the vast impact of organized retail crime.' The company is urging Congress to pass the 'Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,' which has now been reintroduced. The bipartisan legislation specifically targets flash mob robberies and what it calls 'intricate retail theft schemes.' It cites data from the National Retail Federation showing larceny incidents increased by 93 percent in 2023 compared with 2019. The letter says that in recent years, 'criminal organizations have increasingly turned to retail crime to generate illicit profits, using internet-based tools to organize flash mobs, sell stolen goods and move money.' 117 arrested in retail theft crackdown across California Stop & Shop says it does not, 'under any circumstances take a neighborhood's demographics into consideration when setting prices. The specific process for setting prices is highly confidential and competitively sensitive for any major retail business.' But theft has been weighing on retailers. Albertson's, which operates Vons and Pavilions, referred an inquiry about the retail theft trend and its impact on grocery prices to the California Retailers Association. Similar requests were sent to Kroger, parent company of Ralphs, and also to Whole Foods. The California Retailers Association says online that it's committed to working with all stakeholders interested in solutions to retail theft and that this issue 'is too important to the safety of employees, customers, and communities.' It does not address the specifics of how those retail thefts may be increasing grocery prices. Here in Los Angeles, District Attorney Nathan Hochman has launched a new campaign to crack down on retail theft, speaking in front of a 7-Eleven recently ransacked by dozens of teens. The district attorney also reiterated that the tide has changed in California. Proposition 36 makes certain thefts a felony, and the district attorney says thieves will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Thefts prompt Southern California grocery store to change bag policy Consumer Confidential's David Lazarus calls it a big and growing problem, saying 'theft, particularly involving brazen mobs of shoplifters, have become all too common among merchants selling everything from clothing to electronics.' As for what can be done about it? Lazarus says, 'At this point, the retail industry is responding with new security measures, such as limiting the number of customers inside a shop or hiring more guards. For consumers, this only adds to costs — and provides another reason to shop online. Whether lawmakers in Congress can address that in a meaningful fashion remains to be seen.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
LA County DA Nathan Hochman promises crackdown on criminals: 'The fun is over'
Print Close By Stepheny Price Published May 19, 2025 Tough-on-crime Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman is doubling down on targeting criminals who cross into the county, saying they will be held "fully accountable for their illegal actions." Hochman, a Republican-turned-Independent, defeated incumbent progressive prosecutor George Gascón by a 20-point margin. Gascón was considered by many voters to be soft on crime. "I am standing at the border between LA County and San Bernardino County where criminals used to enjoy crossing in the LA direction, thinking that little to no consequences would occur if they stole, robbed and engaged in criminal conduct," Hochman shared in a video posted on his X account on Sunday. "Times have changed! The fun is over. A new DA was elected. And criminals in LA County will now be prosecuted and held fully accountable for their illegal actions," he continued." MENENDEZ BROTHERS' RESENTENCING MOVES FORWARD AS DA CALLS OUT 'DECEIT, 'NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES' IN PRISON Hochman, a former federal prosecutor and lifelong Los Angeles resident, campaigned as a "hard middle" candidate, rejecting both mass incarceration and the "public safety failure" of Gascón's liberal policies, which Hochman said led to increased crime and a lack of consequences for juvenile offenders. MENENDEZ BROTHERS: LOS ANGELES DA NATHAN HOCHMAN ASKS TO WITHDRAW PREDECESSOR'S MOTION TO FREE KILLERS He also previously served as the president of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission and accused Gascón of "catastrophic incompetence" on the campaign trail and vowed to restore order and common sense. While in office, Gascón survived two recall attempts as voters voiced concern over his policies. He also co-authored the infamous Proposition 47, a 2014 voter-approved measure that downgraded most thefts from felonies to misdemeanors if the amount stolen were under $950, and reclassified some felony drug offenses as misdemeanors. Despite political differences between voters, public safety is a crossover issue, said Hochman. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "I spoke to ultra-left liberals, independents and conservative Republicans . And it turns out that even though they don't agree on much, they do agree that making sure that the district attorney prioritizes their safety and implements policies that will hold criminals accountable for their actions in a smart and proportional manner really matters," he said. Editor's note: The headline has been updated to note Hochman was referring to criminals in California, rather than migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. Print Close URL
