SUPERVISORS OPPOSE PROPOSAL ON DRUGS

County supervisors have lined up in opposition to Proposition 36, a measure
on the November ballot that would require nonviolent drug offenders to be
sent to treatment programs instead of jail.

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 this week, with Supervisor Greg Cox
absent, to formally oppose the measure, saying it is well-intentioned but
nonetheless dangerous and deceptive.

Supervisors are particularly concerned that the measure would eliminate the
county's drug court programs, which provide treatment for drug offenders
but also jail time if they fail the treatment.

The supervisors were supported by District Attorney Paul Pfingst and
presiding Juvenile Court Judge James Milliken, who spoke against the
proposition.

A spokesman for the group pushing Proposition 36 countered the supervisors'
concerns. Dave Fratello, campaign manager for the California Campaign for
New Drug Policies, said the measure would create more drug courts
throughout the state.