SHOPLIFTING is one of the targets of a ballot measure to go before California voters in November (Shutterstock).

California voters will get a chance to change a controversial earlier ballot measure which critics called an incentive to crime.

On Tuesday, the California Secretary of State’s office announced that the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act had garnered enough valid signatures to be place on the Nov. 5 ballot.

If approved by voters, it will make changes in the 2014 Proposition 47 that reduced some crimes to misdemeanors and limited shoplifting charges to $950 or more.

The stated intention was to reduce crowding in state prisons and county jails, but critics claim it spurred a wave of “smash and grab” crimes, some by organized groups.

The new measure would include penalties for drug and theft crimes and increase punishment for someone convicted of shoplifting with two or more previous thefts.

Jerry West, NBA icon, 86

Los Angeles Laker star Jerry West, who was the model for the NBA logo, has died at the age of 86. A perennial all-star as a guard for the Lakers, he was on the 1972 championship team and – as an executive – won eight more titles with the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.

He was also general manager for the Memphis Grizzlies and served on the board of directors of the Los Angeles Clippers.

His nickname was “Mr. Clutch” as the player who scored most consistently in key moments of close games.

House votes contempts charge vs. Garland

MERRICK GARLAND, Attorney General.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted nearly on party lines to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to turn over audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview in his case on possession of classified documents.

The vote was 216-207, with all Democrats voting and one Republican voting against.

Prosecution is considered unlikely because some Republican official-holders have also refused to honor subpoenas from the House, and presidents of both parties have invoked “executive privilege” in similar circumstances.

Sports: Angels vs D-backs; Rangers at Dodgers

The Los Angeles Angels will face the Arizona Diamondbacks on the road in the second game of their series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Texas Rangers in the second of three games.

Weather: Summer arriving early

Technically, summer isn’t here until June 21, but summer like weather is here to stay in the West Orange County area. Daytime highs will range from 76 to 81, with overnight lows at 59. Partly cloudy skies will be in place through Saturday with sunny skies on Sunday.