Home Contra Costa County Letter: Coalition Works Countywide to Elect District Attorney Diana Becton

Letter: Coalition Works Countywide to Elect District Attorney Diana Becton

by ECT

From Richmond to Antioch, organizations work to elect the first African-American and first woman  to the office

A coalition of nonprofits, advocacy groups, and labor executed an unprecedented county-wide campaign to talk their neighbors and friends about the power of a district attorney, resulting the election of the first ever African-American and first woman to ever
serve as DA in the county’s 168 year history.

District  Attorney Diana Becton, who ran on a bold, progressive platform, now holds an office that just a year ago was occupied by one of the most regressive and corrupt prosecutors in the country. In her short tenure, Becton has begun implementing new internal policies
and procedures to ensure accountability and transparency in the district attorney’s office.

Working a county-wide strategy, Safe Return Project Action, ACCE Action, SEIU 2015 and the Contra Costa Labor Council, spanned from Richmond to Antioch to educate voters on District Attorney Becton’s plan to expand diversion programs, stop the school to prison pipeline,
end a relationship with ICE, and protect workers from unsafe working conditions. Working together, this campaign hosted forums, had over 25,000 conversations, and identified over 9,000 supporters of Diana Becton.

“People  directly impacted by criminalization have always known the power that prosecutors has and the major role this office plays when it comes to mass incarceration, said Tamisha Walker, Executive Director of Safe Return Action. “Safe Return Action joined the fight
for a progressive DA, because it was and is important that those who have experienced what it’s like to be disproportionately disenfranchised and excessively sentenced are leading the movement for progressive political power building, the restoration of democracy,
and criminal justice reform”.

“Diana Becton is the change Contra Costa needs. She’s reforming the DA’s office to address the racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and directing resources to crimes like wage left, trafficking, and youth programs,” said Margaret Hanlon-Gradie, Executive
Director of the Contra Costa Labor Council.

“ACCE
members worked hard for Diana Becton because of her commitment to diversion programs for low level crimes and to treatment not incarceration of those with mental illness,”  said David Sharples, Executive Director of Contra Costa ACCE.

“SEIU
Local 2015 members are committed to fixing our broken criminal justice system. DA Elect Diana Becton’s commitment to pursuing restorative justice through the use of diversion programs, ending mass incarceration, and providing treatment to those with mental
health and substance use issues, was key to earning the support of our members. We congratulate Diana Becton on her victory and look forward to working with her in Contra Costa!” said Laphonza Butler, President of SEIU Local 2015.

By Margaret Hanlon-Gradie
Executive Director of the Contra Costa Labor Council

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13 comments

YIKES!!! Jun 15, 2018 - 6:20 am

This picture is worth a 1000 words!!! RIP Contra Costa County!!!

No Mas Jun 15, 2018 - 8:05 am

How shameful. Electing a woman because of her gender and color, not her qualifications. Contra Costa fall deeper into the abyss. She isn’t here to fix a broken system, she is here to further divide it.

.... Jun 15, 2018 - 9:37 am

Got to love the guy in the back with the Black Panther Salute, that really does say all we need to know!!

Nick Jun 16, 2018 - 4:43 pm

Black people will never let it go. Everything is a racial issue.

@ Nick Jun 16, 2018 - 6:52 pm

Yes, thats the problem! I think most can agree that slavery was bad, but that was generations ago. They act like they personally were affected by it, but they werent. All cycles are made to be broken, stop people lazy, get an education, get a job and stop blaming others for being a loser. They bring negative attention to themselves, then wonder why people judge them. Stop blaming others, take responsibility and stfu already.

Tom Lewis Jun 15, 2018 - 2:58 pm

There were enlightened people of all races and most backgrounds campaigning for Diana including me. The writer used a photo of a Civil Rights Hero; Bill Lucy and trade unionists. We are proud of the voters for voting in all of our interests, even you haters will benefit from wise, progressive leadership.
Using my real name, not hiding.

Thanks Jun 15, 2018 - 5:10 pm

You validated my point…keep drinking that punch Tommy. I wont ” benefit ” , because I will be out of this County within a year. We will have the highest crime rate ever in this County within 4 years, dont fool yourself.

Highwayman Jun 15, 2018 - 4:50 pm

Progressive. How’s that working for San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland? Thanks for your continuing service Mr. Graves. You have my support.

Ironic Jun 15, 2018 - 5:16 pm

Its ok for her to post with all black people and a ” civil rights leader ” with the black panther fist, but can you imagaine if Graves did a photo opt with all white people and a lwhite power leader?

Jerry Jun 15, 2018 - 10:16 pm

The difference is obvious and not ironic: white supremacy was historically in power in this country already. These elections broke ground on things that should’ve been normal by now.

@ Jerry Jun 16, 2018 - 9:41 am

Youre too fuking stupid to argue with! Enjoy your little victory, when you get robbed at safeway or your house gets broken into, remember your comment!

Julio Jun 16, 2018 - 8:53 am

This is more than a tragedy. All county supes should go down for this.

SP Jun 17, 2018 - 7:27 am

What a joke. All about the “first black DA”. I believe that’s what Obama ran on. How’d that work out!!!
People that voted for her, dont get mad when the person that robs you or burglarizes your house, only gets a slap on the wrist.
DISGUSTING!!

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