Gov.Gavin Newsom is taking fire from an unlikely critic in his own political backyard.With roughly a month left for California lawmakers to send legislation to the governor's desk, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper is accusing Sacramento of putting criminals ahead of victims, failing to fully implement voter-approved crime reforms and embracing policies that weaken accountability.Cooper unloaded on California's crime policies during a recent interview with KCRA 3's California Politics 360, where he argued California leaders have not done enough to address crime despite voters demanding tougher consequences for repeat offenders.NEW YORK BILLS COULD ABOLISH LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR SERIAL KILLERS AND COP KILLERS, CRITICS WARNGov.
Gavin Newsom proposes cutting hundreds of millions from California's "public safety" budgets.(Getty | Fox News Digital)When asked how he would grade Newsom and the Legislature's response to crime, Cooper didn't hesitate."Not enough.
Not enough," Cooper said."It's just frustrating that people are hesitant to do anything." Know something we should investigate? [email protected] IG: @fndstephprice X: @StephenyPriceYour tip could lead to our next story.Although California recently announced its lowest homicide rate in nearly six decades, Cooper argued the numbers don't tell the whole story, saying victims continue to pay the price for policies that emphasize diversion and early release over accountability.DC POLICE OFFICIALS FACE TERMINATION AFTER FEDERAL PROBE UNCOVERS ALLEGED MANIPULATED CRIME DATA BY DEPARTMENTPolice officers maintain a security perimeter near a bank in Bakersfield, California, United States on June 03, 2026, after a man reportedly barricaded himself inside the bank with eight hostages and was believed to be wearing an improvised explosive vest.
(Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images)A major focus of Cooper's criticism was Proposition 36, the voter-approved initiative that passed in 2024 with nearly 70% support statewi...