Although Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur’s Assembly Bill 1333 has received both support and criticism, I believe it is fair to add further criticism of Zbur’s patently criminal-friendly legislative activities.

To summarize AB 1333, Zbur mandates harsh legal penalties for currently law-abiding constituents if a criminal attacker dies as a result of the constituent protecting home, family or the constituent’s own personal safety. And AB 1333 is Zbur’s third attempt to place the safety and security of criminals above the safety and security of Californians and their families. First, in the 2024 legislative session, Zbur tried to block a law that increased penalties for child sex-trafficking. Next, he attempted to prevent Californians from voting on Proposition 36. Zbur’s legislative machinations did not dissuade voters from approving the proposition, which toughened penalties for retail theft and drug abuse.

And now, in the early days of the 2025 session, Zbur has authored and introduced AB 1333. Zbur reckons severe legal penalties against constituents protecting home, family or personal safety are appropriate because the constituent should have run away.

Perhaps worse, following explosive and well-deserved backlash, Zbur made the preposterous claim that AB 1333 was not intended to criminalize self-defense or defense of one’s family or home, but to thwart “wannabe vigilantes.” Meanwhile, a supporting group lauds the proposal for punishing “white supremacists.” But the actual wording Zbur chose in AB 1333 specifically criminalizes “defense of habitation” and does not mention vigilantism, hate crimes or victims’ race, creed or national origin.

All in all, Zbur has demonstrated a clear pattern of siding with criminals through his legislative manipulations and verbal duplicity. Apropos of the upcoming baseball season: three strikes and you’re out.

Peter DiChellis

Santa Monica