Welcome to the California Circus: Public Comment Hearing Yields Toilet Flushes, Coughs, Engines Revving, and Pop Songs

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has concluded a teleconference to allow public comment on the expansion of early release credits for felons. Sadly, the teleconference was riddled with interruptions and people speaking over each other. 

 

“Really? CDCR is considering releasing violent and dangerous felons early and they can’t even run a conference call?” said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).

 

“This is like something you’d see in an SNL skit, it’s unbelievable. The home of the tech capital of the world is incapable of hosting a public discussion on proposed regulations.”

In a joint letter earlier this week, members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Caucuses urged the withdrawal of CDCR’s pending regulations as “Californians should have the right to live in safe communities free from the fear of crime and violence.”

 

Listen for yourself in this audio mash-up of just a few moments that occurred throughout the public comment period. Many reporters have noted the appalling noises and interruptions on today’s call. Here are just a few of the 'highlights':