People v. Sanders CA4/2

DISCUSSION

We interpret voter initiatives like Proposition 47 de novo, applying the same

principles that govern construction of statutes passed by the Legislature. (People v.

Perkins (2016) 244 Cal.App.4th 129, 136.) “‘The fundamental purpose of statutory

construction is to ascertain the intent of the lawmakers so as to effectuate the purpose of

the law. [Citations.]’” (Horwich v. Superior Court (1999) 21 Cal.4th 272, 276.) “In

determining intent, we look first to the words themselves. [Citations.] When the

language is clear and unambiguous, there is no need for construction. [Citations.] When

the language is susceptible of more than one reasonable interpretation, however, we look

to a variety of extrinsic aids, including the ostensible objects to be achieved, the evils to

be remedied, the legislative history, public policy, contemporaneous administrative

construction, and the statutory scheme of which the statute is a part. [Citations.]”

(People v. Woodhead (1987) 43 Cal.3d 1002, 1007-1008.)

3 Sanders contends the superior court erred by denying his request to strike the

one-year enhancement of his 2010 sentence that was based on his 2008, now reclassified,

drug…