As a small business owner in Los Angeles County, I’ve seen firsthand what retail crime does to our communities. It’s more than just stolen merchandise—it’s broken equipment and a sense of insecurity that pervades the neighborhood. At my store, we’ve experienced daily shoplifting and even “flash mob” robberies where teenagers ransacked our shelves and destroyed displays in seconds.
For years, we felt helpless. The same thieves targeted our stores repeatedly, knowing there would be few consequences. We invested thousands in security measures, but the problem persisted. My staff became demoralized.
That’s why I, along with countless small business owners, advocated strongly for Proposition 36 last year. California voters spoke clearly, passing the measure in every county across our state. They demanded action on retail crime and we’re seeing signs of progress.
Recently, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman visited my store near West LA, alongside the LA Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and city officials. The message was clear: Prop. 36 is working, and law enforcement is stepping up to hold repeat offenders accountable.
At my store, we had a repeat offender who continued targeting us even after the proposition passed. Under the previous law, we couldn’t get help. But when I brought documented evidence to DA Hochman’s team earlier this year, they took action. The individual is now facing felony charges, thanks to Prop. 36. The DA cited our case as a prime example of how the law is being used effectively—and why we need full support for implementation.
However, this early success could remain an exception rather than the rule unless Sacramento addresses a crucial oversight: Prop. 36 passed without dedicated funding mechanisms.
The proposition made important changes to our criminal justice system: it created a new theft crime for organized retail theft, allowed prosecutors to aggregate the value of stolen merchandise across multiple incidents, and established treatment courts specializing in addiction and mental health. But implementing these changes effectively requires resources that many counties don’t have.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, early implementation of the initiative varies, with some counties already showing promising results while others struggle without adequate funding. Law enforcement agencies need personnel to investigate retail crime patterns. Prosecutors need staff to handle these cases. Treatment courts need funding to address underlying issues like addiction that often drive theft.
Without funding, Prop. 36 risks becoming another well-intentioned but under-resourced reform.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing essential services, jobs, and neighborhood stability. When we’re forced to cut hours, raise prices, or close entirely due to persistent theft, everyone suffers. That’s why the success of Prop. 36 matters beyond just retail—it’s about protecting the communities we’ve built and serve every day.
Small business owners like myself are grateful to see law enforcement stepping up after the passage of Prop. 36. Now it’s time for Sacramento to do its part by providing the funding necessary to make it truly effective statewide. The legislature has an opportunity this budget cycle to demonstrate they’re listening by allocating resources the way voters want.
Californians voted overwhelmingly for change last November. They elected officials who promised to prioritize public safety and community wellbeing. Early signs—including more than 1,000 felony theft arrests under Prop. 36—show that this law can deliver on those promises. But only if we give it the resources needed to succeed.
Prop. 36 represents hope for a safer future. Let’s ensure that this hope becomes reality by fully funding the law and giving communities across California the support they deserve.
Jawad Ursani is the owner and operator of several 7-Eleven franchises in the Los Angeles area and is the Vice President of the 7-Eleven Franchise Owners Association of Southern California (FOASC)
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