Commentary: Proposition 57 places our communities at risk

This November, don’t be fooled by Proposition 57’s title, “Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act.”

The ballot measure supported by the governor is intended to empty California’s prisons by reducing felony sentences.

Its proponents claim Proposition 57 only reduces the sentencing requirements of non-violent offenses. In reality, the proposition allows for the reclassification of many additional crimes from violent to non-violent status.

Proposition 57 would authorize the immediate release of up to 16,000 convicted criminals. And despite Proposition 57’s claims, it would reduce the sentence of more than just non-violent offenses.

Proposition 57 would sanction a new designation from ‘violent’ to ‘non-violent’ for the following crimes:

Rape of an unconscious person.

Assault with a deadly weapon.

Taking a hostage.

Domestic violence involving trauma.

Lewd acts upon a child.

Failing to register as a sex offender.

Arson causing great bodily injury.

Discharging a firearm on school grounds.

False imprisonment of an elder.

Public safety is a very important issue to our residents and businesses. The citizens of Newport Beach should be concerned about the recategorization of violent criminal offenses and modification of felony sentences that will result if Prop. 57 passes.

“No on 57 — Stop Early Release of Violent Criminals” is endorsed by the Newport Beach Police Assn., Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

To learn more, visit Stop57.com. Together we can keep our city safe from violent predators.

KEVIN MULDOON is mayor pro tem of Newport Beach.