In the lead-up to a November recall vote, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is facing new challenges following the San Francisco Chronicle’s endorsement of her removal from office. While the Chronicle acknowledges Price’s past experiences with racial discrimination during her tenure, it argues that these factors do not excuse her repeated failures to perform essential duties, often shifting responsibility onto others instead of owning her mistakes.
Opponents of Price have organized a recall movement, claiming that she has fostered a culture of crime that jeopardizes public safety. However, some of her supporters contend that crime rates are currently declining, and the worst conditions occurred prior to her appointment.
The Chronicle notes Price’s commitment to a progressive agenda aimed at reforming the district attorney’s office. This includes initiatives to limit sentencing enhancements, releasing more pretrial defendants, reevaluating long-term sentences for offenders, ceasing the prosecution of minors as adults, and addressing police misconduct. They argue that recall efforts should be reserved for cases of severe incompetence or misconduct. On the other hand, Price has taken steps to improve mental health services, support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and has increased staffing in felony trial and juvenile justice divisions. Additionally, she has expanded advocacy services for victims, including the addition of several Chinese-speaking advocates to better serve the local community, and has overseen significant victories, such as a $49 million statewide settlement regarding improper medical waste disposal at a local hospital.
Nonetheless, critics point out that Price’s brief tenure has been marred by over 1,000 misdemeanor cases exceeding the statute of limitations without prosecution. In response, Price claims to have assigned additional staff to address the backlog in Alameda County’s courts, though she is uncertain about how long it will take to resolve these cases. She blames her predecessor, Nancy O’Malley, for a flawed case management system that contributed to the issue; however, O’Malley has also shown support for the recall.
Furthermore, Price has faced allegations of nepotism for hiring her boyfriend, who is reportedly under federal investigation for extortion. The boyfriend was brought on board as a “senior project expert” with a six-figure salary, although his specific responsibilities remain unclear.
Ultimately, the Chronicle asserts that Price frequently struggles with fundamental aspects of her role and consistently avoids accountability, warranting her removal from office.
