With a donation of $25,000 this week, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland signaled the beginning of a campaign to defeat two state propositions centered on state law enforcement spending and policy.

The center, which advocates for reforms in state criminal justice policy, donated the money to the No On Propositions 6 and 9 Campaign.

Zachary Norris of the Ella Baker Center said the donation is based on a belief that the two ballot measures would continue a failed system of incarcerating people with little chance of rehabilitation.

"With a recidivism rate of 70 percent, we have to be smart on crime, not just tough on crime," Norris said.

Proposition 6, which opponents have dubbed the "Runner Initiative" for George Runner, the state senator who helped get it on the ballot, would require new state spending on anti-crime and anti-gang efforts, including new technology for law enforcement agencies and increased penalties for some offenses.

Proposition 9 would give victims more notification and ability to speak at parole hearings and reduce the number of hearings for prisoners.

Norris said both propositions would require more diversions from the state's general fund at a time when deficits plague the state's financial picture.

"Propositions 6 and 9 are an ineffective approach to public safety and a wasteful approach to public spending," Norris said.

Noting that Proposition 6 is opposed by a host of groups, including city councils, the state Democratic party and especially some labor unions, Norris said he's hopeful that the opposition campaign can raise enough money to air commercials and perform other activities to defeat the initiatives.

"Across the state, what we're seeing is a broad opposition," Norris said.

Both propositions made the ballot through signature-gathering efforts financed by Henry Nicholas, the wealthy co-founder of Broadcom Corporation. Nicholas' sister was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983, spurring Nicholas' interest in anti-crime ballot measures.

Nicholas was indicted last month on charges of securities fraud that include allegations of drug use. Supporters of Propositions 6 and 9 have said Nicholas is not playing an active role in their campaign.

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