Nigel Duara joined CalMatters in 2020 as a Los Angeles-based reporter covering poverty and inequality issues for our California Divide collaboration. Previously, he served as a national and climate correspondent on the HBO show VICE News Tonight. Before that, he was the border correspondent at the Los Angeles Times based in Phoenix, deployed to stories across the country. He is a longtime contributor to Portland Monthly magazine and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
Other languages spoken: Spanish (intermediate); Mandarin (beginner)
California registró cifras históricamente altas de muertes en cárceles de condado durante los últimos seis años. Ahora, los condados esperan albergar a más presos a medida que la Propuesta 36 entre en vigor.
California recorded historically high numbers of deaths in county jails for the past six years. Now, counties expect to house more prisoners as Prop. 36 takes effect.
Hace dos años, California registró un número récord de muertes en cárceles de condado. Ahora, un nuevo funcionario estatal está celebrando reuniones públicas para escuchar a las personas preocupadas por la seguridad en las cárceles.
California saw a record number of deaths in county jails two years ago. Now, a new state official is holding public meetings to hear from people concerned about safety in the lockups.
California sued the Trump administration more than 100 times in his first term and secured some major victories on the environment, immigration and health care.
Californians overwhelmingly backed Prop. 36 to lengthen criminal sentences for certain theft and drug offenses, and to direct more people to drug treatment after convictions. Voters’ views changed on public safety after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporters of Prop. 36 say it would help the state address homelessness, drug addiction and retail theft. Its critics call it a return to the failed policies of the war on drugs.