Posted by neighbor, a resident of another community, on Aug 10, 2011 at 2:59 pm

What happened to the 3 strikes law? She's a serial thief -- been in prison NINE times, she agreed to a sweet deal of 5 years/no parole, BUT the judge says that parole is still an option that could be considered???

Posted by Joe, a resident of the Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park neighborhood, on Aug 10, 2011 at 3:19 pm

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that judicial discretion is a hallmark of a just society. That's why they're called judges.

The voice of the people -- in this case, the Three Strikes Law -- can be a fine example of this maxim: "If your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail."

"String em up. It'll teach 'em a lesson." That's another one.

I prefer the approach of Sister Helen Prejean, who advocates a deeper understanding and compassion. Maybe this judge has something of this attitude about her.

Posted by neighbor, a resident of another community, on Aug 10, 2011 at 5:54 pm

Who said "string them up?" Yes, it's a heartbreaking story, drugs destroys people. But, the woman needs to be removed from society for awhile.

Do you want to find her in your own home one day? You need to feel for BOTH her and her victims. Drugs are a downward spiral -- it gets worse. Having had one of my friends murdered by a home intruder changed my mind.

Hopefully there is no access to more drugs wherever she is sent and she will have access to medical/psychological care at a facility.

But she's told us 9 times over that she can't be loose on the streets until she is rehabilitated.