worth

Reporting from Sacramento — Gov. Jerry Brown is still haunted by one thing he did as a young governor 40 years ago. And he hopes to finally undo it on election day.

In 1976, pressured from the left, he signed a bill that made California prison time more fixed and less dependent on the discretion of parole boards.

Flexible sentencing, based on a board’s assessment of a felon’s likelihood of going straight once released, “was criticized because it treated people differently,” Brown told me last week.

“Nobody thought, ‘Well, wait a minute! People are different.’”

The rap by liberals on parole boards was that black and Latino prisoners were being kept behind bars longer than white people who had committed the same crimes.

So the boards lost much of their power to release prisoners based on good behavior or to keep them locked up if they still seemed dangerous. Release times were pretty much set in stone by sentencing judges.

“What I didn’t think of,” Brown says, is that with fixed sentences “there would be no incentive. You’d be released no matter what you did. Some people need a powerful incentive.”

Incentives, he says, “to buck gangs — they can slit your throat — to avoid narcotics, to not break the rules and take programs that will help you turn your dysfunctional life around.

“The idea of just putting someone in a box and waiting for time to elapse is not smart.”

Brown has been talking this way for years. He finally got around to doing something last winter. He latched onto someone else’s juvenile justice ballot initiative and inserted his criminal sentencing overhaul. The state Supreme Court ruled that was OK.

Brown’s idea became Proposition 57.

The proposal is laden with the wonky words such as “determinate” and “indeterminate.” In everyday language, they mean fixed and flexible.

Proposition 57 would return sentencing part-way back to the old days.

“It worked a hell of a lot better then,” the governor says. “Better than what the Legislature created. It’s not a place of deep reflection.”

His proposal would affect only prisoners convicted of “nonviolent” crimes, Brown says.

Nonsense, say opponents, largely prosecutors. They argue that many felons who would be eligible for early release actually committed violent offenses.

Under the measure, a prisoner could apply for parole after he had served the full sentence for his nonviolent primary offense. But he wouldn’t need to have served time for any add-on sentencing “enhancements,” such as for using a gun or being a “three-strikes” repeater.

Opponents argue that prisoners would be eligible for early parole even if they had been convicted, for example, of raping an unconscious woman, participating in a drive-by shooting or taking a hostage.

“It literally unwinds three strikes,” says San Luis Obispo County Dist. Atty. Dan Dow, Central Coast chairman of the opposition campaign.

“It’s the worst thing to happen to public safety in California in 40 years.”

Updates from Sacramento »

The prosecutor adds: “There aren’t any nonviolent inmates in prison today. You can only go to prison if you’ve committed a very serious crime.”

Brown’s earlier “realignment” program required counties to jail lower-level felons rather than send them to state prison.

Because of a federal court order to reduce overcrowding in lockups, there are roughly 50,000 fewer inmates in state institutions today than when Brown returned as governor in 2011. Prosecutors say prisons are holding only the worst of the worst.

“This is the governor at his worst,” says Merced County Dist. Atty. Larry Morse, state co-chairman of the opposition campaign. “I’m a Democrat. I’ve supported him more than I’ve disagreed. But this is the hubris of being a second-term governor.”

Actually, it’s Brown’s fourth term.

Morse says he and other prosecutors are particularly incensed that the governor didn’t invite them into the planning for Proposition 57.

“He conceived this in the governor’s office without any collaboration with district attorneys, sheriffs or police chiefs,” Morse says. “It’s a seriously flawed product.”

Brown counters that the measure “allows flexibility. The case for it is irrefutable to anyone with an open mind.”

Under Proposition 57, prisoners would get credit for good behavior, rehabilitation and education achievements.

Much less controversial is a provision that would require judges, rather than prosecutors, to decide whether a juvenile should be tried as a minor or an adult.

Practically all the campaign money is on Brown’s side. He has a political kitty stashed with millions. The opposition has practically zilch.

This is not the kind of ballot measure that excites moneyed interests. It doesn’t affect the bottom lines of corporations or labor, so there’s no motivation to bankroll the opposition campaign. In fact, the opposite is true. No outfit involved politically in Sacramento wants to cross the governor.

Polls show Proposition 57 heavily favored by voters. And Brown retains a high job approval rating.

The proposition’s central question is: Should a felon’s sentence only reflect the evil he committed on a particular day? Or should he be given an opportunity for partial redemption by trying to turn his life around over several years of incarceration?

People usually act better when there are rewards for being good and punishment for misbehaving — that’s the concept of heaven and hell.

Opponents have good points. Brown should have conferred with more experts in planning. And he should have better defined “nonviolent.”

But the broad goal of motivating bad guys to become good guys is worth a “yes” vote.

[email protected]

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter

ALSO

Why Gov. Jerry Brown is staking so much on overhauling prison parole

Sanchez redoubles her critique of Gov. Brown’s Proposition 57 — and Harris

Two-thirds of Californians favor Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to revamp prison parole rules

It’s often been tipped as the ‘world’s most beautiful beach’ with its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters but I wanted to see if it actually looks like social media promises

As winter months creep closer, thoughts might turn towards booking a break and getting some winter sun. And while the UK might boast a healthy roster of sandy beaches tucked away on stunning coastlines, we wouldn’t blame you if you had something a little more sunny in mind.

Step forward the Caribbean island of Aruba, a frequent cruise stop dropping thousands at the capital, Oranjestad – currently undergoing a steady revamp of its brightly-coloured classic, often neo-Baroque, Latin American-style buildings – weekly, the island boasts one of the best beaches in the world.

The phenomenal Eagle Beach is a huge pull and one of Aruba’s 20+ beaches, all of which are open to the public. It’s therefore not difficult to see why it regularly features in rankings of the world’s most beautiful beaches – in fact, it’s currently second in global rankings in the Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, although it’s taken the gold medal in rankings before.

A 1.2mile stretch of pure, white coral sand populated by the striking fofoti trees and palm shades and cabanas, Eagle Beach is stunning. The widest on the island, it wouldn’t be over-egging it to say it’s up there with the best on the planet.

It’ll take you a 10-minute, $3 bus ride from Orenjestad or if you’re lucky enough to be staying at a nearby resort or hotel, you might be right on the beach and can just stroll down. You’ll never feel like it’s too busy simply because Eagle Beach’s size means you won’t be crowded.

It took just five minutes scrunching my toes in the fine, powdery sand to feel completely sold on this bucket list destination. The only thing more beautiful than the fine sand is the azure-blue sea. I’m sure it’s the first time I’ve been able to describe the ocean as, the perhaps over-used, azure-blue but I’m happy to do so here.

Walk into the Caribbean Sea – I actually had to pinch myself when saying that – and it becomes less azure and more crystal clear. I get that these are somewhat cliched ways to describe such a dreamy body of water but I guess they are cliched for a reason.

While here in the UK you are more than likely to tentatively tiptoe into the wilder waters, letting out the odd screech – yes, I do sea dip in November – as the chilly ocean laps around your hips, you’ll be less than surprised to hear that on Aruba’s beaches you can sprint with complete abandon into the balmy tide.

Aside from leaping and ducking the gentle waves at Eagle Beach, or taking the more chill option of sunbathing with a book, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Paddleboarding, snorkelling, parasailing or even the amazing kayaking in a clear vessel, ensuring you take in the best of tropical idyll.

Its shallow water makes it ideal for kids and nature-lovers take note, between March and September you’ll be able to see sea turtles nesting along the sand, a wonderful testament to the island’s commitment to conservation.

Eagle Beach 100% is worth the hype, when you look back at your holiday pictures I guarantee you it’ll look like a perfect postcard – just the way the sand, sea and magical-looking trees frame the scene – it’s iconic.

What’s even better Eagle Beach isn’t a one-off. I also had the privilege of visiting Baby Beach and Mangel Halto. I mean they all face into the same ocean and have the same gorgeous, fairy dust-esque sand, but they are worth a trip in their own right.

Baby Beach was another lengthy strip, popular with sunbathers and families, as there’s a breakwater offshore, making it calm and shallow – perfect for the kids to explore. The best thing about Baby Beach is that the water was way cooler, refreshing even – and when the temperature is almost hitting the early 30s by 10am – that refreshing hit is irreplaceable.

But Mangel Halto was my favourite. More secluded, less commercial and with more trees for shade, the shore is cosseted with network of mangrove trees. It’s just a super pretty shore and was a lot quieter than the other two, larger coastal draws.

It’s also a great destination for experienced snorkelers as you can walk out to the edge of the reef to see a huge range of fish like parrot fish and yellowtail snapper.

For someone who absolutely loves an invigorating cold water dip at the Pembrokeshire coast at any time of the year, I did think a hot Caribbean beach might be a bit sweltering for me.

But even this sceptical Welsh girl can be convinced, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Book the holiday

• KLM offers daily flights to Aruba from multiple UK airports (via Amsterdam). Prices start at £306 per person, one way in October 2026. Find out more at klm.co.uk.
• Rooms at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort start from $465 per night (approximately £352), based on two adults sharing a room.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email us at [email protected].

IF you fancy some celeb spotting in the UK, there is one peninsula you need to head to.

Sandbanks in Dorset is known for being home to lots of celebrities and having very impressive beachside homes especially along Panorama Road.

The average price of a property on Sandbanks is just under £1million – the most expensive home is around £15 million.

Luckily, you don’t have to live in Sandbanks to visit as the nearest neighbourhood is in Poole, Dorset.

Sandbanks Beach is highly regarded having been dubbed by some as “Britain’s Best Beach” and “The jewel in the crown of the English Coastline”.

Sandbanks has won the Blue Flag award 38 times, which is every year since the scheme began in 1987.

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

Not only that, but according to Tripadvisor, Sandbanks was the ‘world’s most sustainable beach’ for 2024.

The beaches were measured by a sustainable data partner along with Tripadvisor traveller reviews – winners stand out for their commitments to sustainability including transport options, waste disposal and water quality.

The area is home to former England manager Harry Redknapp and his wife, Sandra.

You might have seen their home on TV when the pair made an appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox.

Their son, Jamie Redknapp even named his clothing brand ‘Sandbanks’ after the area.

Other famous residents who have lived, or live, in Sandbanks include Celia Sawyer, J.R.R Tolkien, John Lennon and Liam Gallagher.

Chef Rick Stein is the name behind one of Sandbanks’ most famous restaurants on the Peninsula – Rick Stein, Sandbanks Restaurant and Bar.

The restaurant has celebrated 50 years and here you can enjoy fresh fish dishes from caviar to tuna sashimi, lobster thermidor and crab linguine.

Along the coast from Rick Stein is Lazy Jacks Restaurant and Bar which is known as being a relaxed eatery with waterside views.

Here you can enjoy sea bass, ribeye steaks, fish and chips, pizzas with various toppings, burgers along with Sunday roast choices.

Another popular spot is CAFF, which is a café along the front which serves homemade cakes, huge milkshakes, Full English breakfasts and hot dogs.

For staying in Sandbanks, there are various options from Haven Hotel, to Sandbanks Hotel, to holiday rental apartments.

To get to Sandbanks, you can walk across from the mainland.

The nearest coastal towns are Poole, which is 17 minutes away, or a 15-minute drive from Bournemouth.

From the neighbourhood, visitors can hop aboard the Sandbanks Ferry goes between Sandbanks and Shell Bay beach on Studland.

TRAGIC PLUNGE

Boy, 2, dies in horror 20-storey fall from apartment window

what a WHOPPER 

I gave birth naturally to a ONE STONE baby… he’s set to be shock height

For more in Dorset, check out the English village that is Britain’s prettiest with quiet beaches and huge castles.

Plus, how to enjoy a south coast staycation in Poole without having to hit the beach.

OVER the years, Sara Cox has enjoyed an incredible career as a broadcaster on both TV and radio and has won over an army of loyal fans.

The talented star is also known for her charity work, and for Children in Need 2025 is taking on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge.

Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge

Sara Cox is covering 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire – in her Great Northern Marathon Challenge for Children in Need.

The total distance is equal to doing five marathons in five days.

She’ll run, jog and walk through the beautiful and challenging landscape of northern England, carrying Pudsey on a symbolic journey from border to heartland.

Sara’s adventure journey kicked off at 8.20am on Monday, November 10, 2025, from Kielder Forest on the Scottish border.

From there she’s making her way through Northumberland National Park.

Sarah will follow the River North Tyne through the small villages of Bellingham, Wark and Humshaugh, before crossing Hadrian’s Wall.

She’ll finish the first leg of her journey in the market town of Hexham after completing 27 miles of the challenge.

Sara is aiming to finish in Pudsey in Leeds on the afternoon of Friday, November 14.

But that leaves her with over a hundred still to go.

Here’s a breakdown of the full five-day route:

Day 1: Kielder Forest to Hexham 

• Starts in Kielder Forest, Northumberland National Park.
• Follows the River North Tyne through villages including Bellingham, Wark and Humshaugh.
• Crosses historic Hadrian’s Wall.
• Finishes in the market town of Hexham.

Day 2: Hexham to Durham

• Leaves Hexham heading southeast through Northumberland’s rolling hills.
• Passes through Corbridge and other small towns along the River Tyne.
• Ends the day in the cathedral city of Durham.

Day 3: Durham to Northallerton

• Heads south from Durham crossing through rural villages in County Durham.
• Enters North Yorkshire, traversing moorlands and farmland.
• Finishes the day in the market town of Northallerton, a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

Day 4: Northallerton to Harrogate

• Travels southwest into the heart of North Yorkshire.
• Heads through moors and picturesque villages, climbing hills and traversing some of the challenge’s toughest physical tests.
• Ends the day in the spa town of Harrogate.

Day 5: Harrogate to Pudsey, Leeds

• Leaves Harrogate, passing through smaller towns including Otley and Headingley.
• The route follows suburban and rural roads into West Yorkshire.
• Finishes in Pudsey, near Leeds – the home of Pudsey Bear.

When asked if she came up with the idea for the 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge, Sara told BBC Breakfast: “Did I, heck!?

“It’s quite a long way to be travelling on my own two feet! People will hopefully support and come out and donate to Children In Need, that’s the most important thing – that’s what we’re focusing on, not the drizzle.”

And reflecting on the incredible achievements of BBC Radio 2 colleagues Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay in years past, Sara added: “It’s a terrifying privilege, it’s a terrifying, scary, very tiring privilege to do this… so I’ve trained hard and I’m ready for it.

“You have no choice but to say yes because it’s a chance to raise lots of money and change lives.”

Who is Sara Cox?

Sara Cox was born in Bolton on December 13, 1974.

After finishing her studies at Canon Slate School, Sara decided to pursue a career in modelling.

Following her appearance in the OMD music video for Everyday, she landed her first TV role in 1996 on The Girly Show.

Sara is most well-known for her radio career and joined BBC Radio 1 in the ‘nineties, where she hosted with Emma Boughton and launched the Sunday Surgery show with Dr Mark Hamilton.

After landing the job of Breakfast Show presenter in the early ‘noughties, she grew the audience to 7.8 million listeners.

Sara hosted her final radio show in 2003, leaving the job behind with her last track: “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”.

Sara now hosts the plum afternoon drivetime spot on Radio 2 from 4pm on weekdays.

Who is Sara Cox’s husband Ben Cyzer?

Sara’s husband Ben Cyzer is an advertising executive.

They have been together for almost two decades, having met in 2006.

They share three children named Renee, Lola and Isaac.

In his last known career move, Ben became the managing partner and strategy director for MPC, a leading film and production company.

What TV shows has Sara Cox been on?

Sara balances her successful radio career with telly appearances.

She has hosted The Album Chart Show on Channel 4, as well as starring on Sky One’s Angela and Friends.

In 1998, Sara became a presenter of The Big Breakfast, which saw her interview celebs including Sting, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robbie Williams.

In 2018, she hosted the dating show Love in the Countryside on BBC Two.

She hosted Britain’s Top 100 Dogs Live: 2019 and featured on BBC Two’s Back in Time for School.

Her other noteworthy TV roles includeThe Great Pottery Throw Down, Back in Time for Tea, The Great British Sewing Bee and Too Much TV.

Sara has also hosted a weekend show on ITV called The Sara Cox Show, and in 2020 she presented BBC Two’s Between the Covers.

The popular presenter is also known for Britain’s Top Takeaways.

What is Sara Cox’s net worth?

Over the years, Sara has managed to rack up a fortune thanks to her impressive career as one of the UK’s leading broadcasters.

As of November 2025, The talented star has an estimated net worth of around £1M.

This has been made mainly from her annual BBC salary.

Sara earns between £285,000-£289,999 a year for her work on the Beeb.

This includes her Radio 2 afternoon show, plus the TV shows she fronts for the broadcaster.

When did Sara Cox appear on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024?

In 2024, it was revealed Sara was part of the Celebrity Bake Off line-up.

She was joined on Bake Off by fellow celebrities including Rhod Gilbert and Dermot O’Leary.

Experts Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith were back to judge their efforts and pick the overall winner each week.

Prue said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to share that we’re serving up another delightful season of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer this spring on Channel 4.

“Brace yourself for a delectable lineup of bakers, each with their own unique flair in the kitchen – some are, admittedly, a bit more flour-savvy than others!”