As Prop 57 goes into effect, experts debate impact on youth, prison overcrowding

Mule Creek State Prison, 2006 (Photo Courtesy of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

In November, Californians passed Proposition 57 by a 64.5 percent vote. Formally known as the California Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements Initiative, and strongly endorsed by Governor Jerry Brown, Oakland’s former mayor, the new law attempts to ease prison overcrowding by increasing parole opportunities for inmates and changing how juvenile offenders…

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Latinx Tech offers mentorship to new Latino entrepreneurs

Visitors discuss their business ideas at the Latinx Tech Conference in Oakland. Photo by Craig Hickerson.

Facing a crowd of over 100 people, Nilton J. Serva, a 19 year-old Latino entrepreneur, pitched his idea for an app that connects career mentors with Latinos and Latinas. An audible “Wow!” was heard from the audience as a teammate showed a mock-up of the simple, elegant app on the screen with sections for career credentials, a profile photo and ratings.

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Last minute push: “Sí en Prop 19”

Just Say Now, a collaboration of activist blog Firedoglake.com and Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) working to pass marijuana legalization, is spending the final hours before the election reaching out to Spanish-speaking Latino voters. “We’ve received urgent requests from Hispanic community leaders,” Michael Whitney, the blog’s digital strategy director, said in a press release.…

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