Alameda County’s justice system entered a new era on Tuesday, Feb. 18, when Superior Court Judge Ursula Jones Dickson was sworn in as district attorney. She replaces Pamela Price, who was recalled in November by 65% of voters.
“I’ve had a lot of blessings. And this is one of the greatest ones,” the tearful new DA said as she took the oath of office.
Dickson was unanimously appointed by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors after a rigorous selection process that narrowed 15 applicants to seven finalists. She received backing from former District Attorneys Tom Orloff and Nancy O’Malley, both of whom attended the ceremony. Price did not attend.
As communities across Alameda County reel from a surge in violent crime, many have been eager for a district attorney they believe will restore order. Citing criticism that Price was too lenient, Dickson said one of her priorities is to reverse several of Price’s policies, including those that restricted how cases were charged and when sentencing enhancements could be applied.
“Those will no longer be in place because the expectation is the people charging cases know how to charge a case,” Dickson told CBS News. “They shouldn’t have to go through three levels of supervisors to determine whether or not an enhancement should be charged.”
Dickson wasted no time getting to work. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, she announced charges of attempted murder against 40-year-old Reynaldo Melendez, who allegedly fired at three San Leandro police officers during a traffic stop. Melendez is scheduled for a plea hearing on March 3 and faces more than 50 years to life in prison if convicted on all charges.
“My office has zero tolerance for gun violence,” Dickson said. “The whole community is at risk when a gun is used in any crime. Public safety is a priority for this office as well as our community.”
Despite her ousting, Price remains steadfast in her commitment to criminal justice reform. In response to Dickson’s policy reversals, Price on Tuesday launched “Pamela Price Unfiltered,” a weekly podcast exploring the impact of the changes on communities, the justice system and political accountability.
“Now more than ever, we need spaces for honest, unfiltered conversations,” Price said.
The podcast is available on all major streaming platforms.
