Opinion

Op-Ed: Three Strikes Rehabilitation and Reform Act of 2016

Published

10 years ago

January 9, 2016

2016 offers an opportunity for us to revisit the controversial Three Strikes Law that has meted out harshly severe and unjust punishment for many for crimes that would ordinarily have received county jail, no jail and/or probation sentences.

This law was enacted in 1994 by over-zealous lawmakers who felt the need to promote fear as a response to the Polly Klass rape and murder by repeat offender Richard Allen Davis.

I believe that we are a nation of laws, and we need laws that do not cause disproportionate sentencing and counterproductive punishment.

We should have just laws that fit the crime rather than the fever and emotions associated with deception by corrupt individuals.

I was ensnared by this cruel law because I had possession of a small amount of drugs in my car. I was given 33years to life coupled with a stayed 28 year to life sentence, which was essentially a death sentence at my age.

I believe that we as a society must be responsible for our actions, but the Three Strike Law is an overreaction that has inflicted broad irreconcilable harm.

However, there is hope because it can be fixed.

The Three Strikes Rehabilitation and Reform Act of 2016 is an initiative, which if placed on the upcoming November ballot with 500,000 registered voters signing the petition by April, offers an opportunity to reform and repeal parts of the law.

The initiative proposes five changes in the law that address resentencing and savings to taxpayers. By logging on to gofundmepage@www.choose1.org, you can read the petition in its entirety.

It restores order to a situation in the judicial system that has allowed some politicians to run amuck in their use and abuse of the law.

This petition proposes:

Convictions prior to 1994 be made ineligible as strikes;

Fifty percent good time credits for prisoners who participate in vocational and educational programs, and will make rehabilitation programs available;

Amend the Penal Code to include rehabilitation with punishment;

Reclassify first-degree burglary and criminal threats offenses;

Count multiple offenses in one case as only one strike.

I am encouraged that sincere reform is possible when I hear the president and some political leaders from both parties speak out against the unfairness of these laws.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

1 week ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 11 -17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 11 – 17, 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

2 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  