Joining the discussion are Nigel Duara, a justice reporter with a focus on California's criminal justice policy; Heather Harris, a research fellow specializing in criminal justice; and Caitlin O'Neill, a principal fiscal analyst. They explore California's dramatic decrease in prison population, driven by new policies and courtroom mandates. The conversation highlights the implications of prison closures on local communities, budgetary savings, and evolving rehabilitation opportunities, along with the rationale behind shifts in parole and sentencing policies.