Prop 1: A Mix of Skepticism and Hope Is Shaping Opinions About Calif’s Upcoming Mental Health Ballot Proposal

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media San Francisco resident Anthony Hardnett receives a certificate with a smile, showcasing his achievement upon successful completion of his program. (Photo courtesy) (CBM) – San Francisco resident Anthony Hardnett works at Hospitality House, a community-based organization that offers recovery, reintegration and personal growth resources to people struggling with addiction and homelessness in and around the city’s downtown area. Growing up in the 1980s, Hardnett was a multi-sport star athlete. His speed on the track coupled with his exceptional skills as a running back in football earned him the respect and admiration of his community. “Everyone,” he says, saw his potential and predicted he would be one of the few to “make it out.” Unfortunately, Hardnett was drawn to the temptations of street life, leading him into substance abuse and crime – and, eventually, to a 29-year prison sentence, when he was just 21 years old. “I saw people with the perms and slick dudes and girls. I saw that as being cool. I graduated from weed to cocaine and that’s what took it to another level,” he remembers. After getting clean during his time in prison and earning a degree in counseling, Hardnett...