Voters went on to pass California's tougher-on-crime Proposition 36 with the largest margin of any measure on the ballot, which highlighted a bit of a disconnect between state lawmakers and the people they represent.

As the holiday shopping season intensifies, so does the fight against retail theft in the Sacramento area. Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts, making arrests linked to the recent passage of Proposition 36,

After winning widespread support in the November election, Prop. 36, which increases penalties for certain theft and drug crimes, is now in effect.

In the lead-up to the election, the governor and attorney general publicized statewide organized retail theft arrests, but what the press releases didn't say is what happens to the retail theft ring leaders after the arrests.