November 6, 2026
Office of CA Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 “O” St.
Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom:
On behalf of the Families United To End LWOP (FUEL) organization, I want to thank you for your courageous act of commuting all those sentenced to die by execution in California prisons, to life without the possibility for parole. This unprecedented, historic step paves the way for other governors across our democratic nation to take the same action. We are grateful that you used your constitutional authority to demonstrate that in a democracy, ALL lives matter.
You sent a powerful message that intentionally killing human beings is not a practice that Californians value and elect to be part of. By taking this bold action, you clearly acknowledged that the death penalty system in our State and nation, is flawed and that irrevocable mistakes are repeatedly made. Court decisions are many times based on race and economic status.
Your action will spare human lives, while preserving serious accountability for those who have caused unthinkable harm.
Members of the FUEL organization have personally witnessed how people can change, grow, and take full responsibility for the devastating harm they caused to others. However, your decision recognizes that all human beings deserve dignity, even when their lives have been defined in the public eye as the worst of the worst. These statements are not meant to diminish the pain and agony of those survivors who have suffered beyond belief for the loss of their loved ones. Our hearts carry their pain as well. However, it is difficult to support the inhumane execution of human beings for retribution.
Thank you for demonstrating extraordinary leadership by showing compassion for every individual, doing what is morally right to do, and for allowing your conscious to ultimately be part of your decision-making process.
Respectfully yours,
Janet Bernard
FUEL Organization