Editor:
Daily Press Columnist David Pisarra is right ("Killing the death penalty," What's The Point? Oct. 1). It is time to replace the death penalty in California.
The death penalty is obscenely expensive. Judge Arthur Alarcón and Professor Paula Mitchell say it costs $184 million per year more than life without parole, while the independent Legislative Analyst's Office says $130 million per year. The official ballot description says "tens of millions" more. Whatever the number, it is a colossal waste of taxpayer money!
There is also the chance that we could execute an innocent person; 140 people have been exonerated from death rows across the country. Only Prop. 34 can eliminate that risk. I will be voting yes in November!
Garland Allen
Santa Monica
