Stephen Peace

James Stephen Peace (born March 30, 1953) is an American film writer, producer, and Democratic politician.

Peace was born in San Diego to two teachers. He attended Bonita Vista High School, where he was a standout athlete and president of the student body, and then the University of California, San Diego, majoring in political science.

His few film credits include the Killer Tomatoes cult series: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (actor, producer, writer), Return of the Killer Tomatoes! (actor, producer, writer), Killer Tomatoes Strike Back (actor, producer), and Killer Tomatoes Eat France (producer, writer). He also produced, wrote, and acted in the 1987 film Happy Hour.

Peace got his start in politics as a protégé of Assemblyman Larry Kapiloff. He served in the California State Assembly from 1982–1992 and the California Senate from 1993–2002.

In 1994, Peace authored a series of criminal justice reform measures signed by Governor Pete Wilson that significantly increased penalties for violent criminals, including the "one strike and you're out" bill aimed at violent sex offenders . Peace also co-authored legislation that increased the punishment for drug dealers who sell controlled substances on or around elementary, middle, and high schools .