A lot on the left here in California are actually very dissatisfied with Brown after Prop. 30 because apparently the funds are being used to finish his prison reform plan instead of returning to the university system. But the provision for the prison reform was included in Prop. 30 so I don't understand why this is such a surprise to anyone.
That said, it amazes me that this is actually the only place where I hear any rumblings of the prison-industrial complex from liberals. (Or at least where the issue is actually important to someone.)
No one loves spending money on prisons, but he was required by the courts to spend money on prisons. There's not much of a "choice" aspect here.