“We know, and it has been proven, that throwing more money and resources at Santa Rita Jail and ACSO is not a solution. The only solution is to divest from the ACSO and SRJ and put those resources back into the community. People deserve to be met with social services, affirming care, and support.”

“We are heartbroken and enraged to hear of yet another death related to Santa Rita Jail, the deadliest place in Alameda County,” the groups said in a statement. “For years, advocates have called out the level of abuse, neglect, death, and cruel punishment inside Santa Rita Jail. We have stood alongside families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and called for transparency, diversion, and accountability — yet these calls have been met with silence.”

“Sentence enhancements shift local & state funds away from desperately needed community services and put significant financial burdens on taxpayers and families statewide—each additional year in prison costs over $106,131 per person. The Alameda County District Attorney’s guidance will save the county money and allow for reinvestments in community resources, housing, education, healthcare, and more.”