Sheriff in Gavin Newsom’s own backyard goes scorched earth on California governor

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper launched a blistering attack on Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers over the state’s approach to crime, accusing them of failing victims and dragging their feet on reforms backed by voters.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with KCRA 3’s California Politics 360, Cooper said state leaders have not done enough to tackle crime, criticizing policies surrounding mental health diversion, domestic violence and the rollout of Proposition 36.

When asked to assess the governor and Legislature’s response to crime, Cooper did not mince words.

“Not enough. Not enough,” he said. “It’s just frustrating that people are hesitant to do anything.”

The sheriff’s criticism comes as lawmakers race toward the end of this year’s legislative session, with roughly a month remaining to send bills to Newsom’s desk.

Although California recently reported its lowest homicide rate in nearly 60 years, Cooper questioned whether the figures paint the full picture, arguing that more must be done to protect communities and support crime victims, according to KCRA 3.

A major focus of Cooper’s criticism was Proposition 36, the voter-approved measure passed in 2024 that stiffened penalties for repeat theft and drug crimes while allowing eligible offenders to have felony charges dismissed if they successfully complete court-ordered substance abuse or mental health treatment.

The measure won support from about 70% of voters statewide and carried every one of California’s 58 counties.

“Not one statewide official supported it. And that’s troubling,” Cooper told the outlet.

While he argued the law has shown early signs of success, particularly with retailers reporting declines in theft, Cooper said the state has failed to provide enough money to make the initiative effective.

“The issue is no funding, no funding came with it.”

“It is working. But without funding, it doesn’t go anywhere,” he added.

State officials have said this year’s budget includes $375 million to help implement Proposition 36.

However, budget documents show only $50 million is specifically earmarked for the measure itself, with the money directed toward courts and pretrial services, KCRA reported.

Cooper also blasted California’s mental health diversion system, which allows certain defendants to receive treatment instead of traditional criminal penalties. He warned that expanding eligibility to include theft offenses would weaken Proposition 36 and reduce accountability for offenders.

“It would water it down,” he said, adding that some lawmakers “don’t want anybody held accountable.”

The Legislature and Newsom recently approved changes intended to tighten oversight of the diversion program, but Cooper argued the reforms still fall short.

“Some crimes are so shocking … you shouldn’t be eligible for mental health diversion,” he said, citing cases involving felony child abuse and sexually violent predators.

The sheriff also criticized California’s treatment of domestic violence offenses, arguing the state still refuses to classify them as violent felonies despite the severity of many cases.

During the interview, Cooper recalled investigations involving victims who suffered prolonged beatings and devastating injuries, including one woman who was allegedly assaulted for three days and another whose attacker gouged out her eyes.

“Domestic violence goes on every day. Doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor. Happens in every neighborhood. We have to treat it seriously,” Cooper said.

Asked why some lawmakers oppose making domestic violence a violent felony, Cooper dismissed the rationale.

“They have no argument. They just vote against it.”

Cooper closed the interview by urging California leaders to shift their focus away from offenders and back toward those harmed by crime.

“We’ve got to get back to the victims,” he said.

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