Even ABC News Can’t Hide California’s Crime Crisis

ABC News, a traditionally left-leaning outlet, can no longer conceal the reality of rising crime in California under progressive policies, as citizens express growing concerns about the state’s soft-on-crime approach. Even they had to acknowledge that Californians, once hopeful about criminal justice reform, are now demanding changes in the wake of increased lawlessness across the state.

In a recent article, ABC News highlighted the frustrations of Californians who voted for Proposition 47 in 2014, a measure that downgraded many nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors. This reform was supposed to create a fairer justice system by addressing mass incarceration. However, the consequences have been far from what many expected.

Alley Bean, a lifelong Democrat from Venice, Los Angeles, is one of many residents who have seen the impact firsthand. Once optimistic about rehabilitation and reform, Bean now feels disillusioned. Her neighborhood has been plagued by daylight robberies and homelessness. Tragically, Bean lost her granddaughter to fentanyl poisoning—an experience that has left her questioning whether reforms like Proposition 47 have contributed to the chaos. “I thought there was going to be rehabilitation… I didn’t think there was going to be no consequences,” she told ABC News.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LhXKch3QPc

The concerns of Californians like Bean are not isolated. Videos of smash-and-grab robberies, viral on social media, paint a picture of a state overwhelmed by criminal activity. With a November election approaching, crime has become a central issue for voters as progressive district attorneys face tough races, and ballot measures seek to roll back some of the lenient policies enacted over the last decade.

Proposition 36, a new statewide measure set for a vote, aims to amend parts of Proposition 47. It would toughen penalties for repeat offenders and lengthen sentences for certain theft and drug crimes. According to polls, over 70% of voters are expected to support the measure—a clear signal that many Californians want a return to law and order.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who once championed progressive policies, has felt the pressure, backing legislation to crack down on repeat offenders while stopping short of restoring harsher felony penalties. However, frustration among the state’s residents continues to mount, especially as cities like San Francisco and Oakland struggle to contain rising crime rates. Voters in these cities have already begun recalling progressive district attorneys and electing candidates who promise tougher stances on crime.

The ABC News article shows that even the most progressive media outlets can no longer hide the failures of policies that have left communities feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Crime rates, homelessness, and drug addiction have risen, and California’s leaders, including Newsom, are grappling with how to balance criminal justice reform while addressing the urgent need for public safety.

As Californians head to the polls, it’s clear that criminal justice reform will be one of the defining issues of the election, and ABC News’ coverage reflects the growing dissatisfaction among residents.