The Rest of the Ballot: A Voter's Guide to State and Local Races
The Nov. 8 ballot is peppered with measures and initiatives, both statewide and local, potentially leaving voters with ballot- question overload. California's 17 ballot props get a lot of coverage (click here for a quick guide to state ballot measures) but there are also other important statewide and countywide candidates.
Here is a brief summary of the major statewide and local measures and candidates on the ballot:
CALIFORNIA U.S. SENATE
-- State Attorney General Kamala Harris is running against Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove, to replace four-term Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is retiring. Harris and Sanchez are both Democrats: Under the state's nonpartisan blanket primary law, the top two finishers in June's primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Harris is a former San Francisco district attorney who has been California's top law enforcement official since 2010. Sanchez defeated longtime Republican incumbent Bob Dornan to win her Orange County congressional seat in 1996 and serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
-- 4th District (southeast L.A. County, Long Beach, South Bay communities): JANICE HAHN vs. STEVE NAPOLITANO. Hahn is a Democratic congresswoman from San Pedro and the daughter of former L.A. County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn. Napolitano, a Republican, is a former Manhattan Beach city councilman and has been Supervisor Don Knabe's senior deputy for 11 years (Knabe, a Republican, is termed out this year).
-- 5th District (northern portion of L.A. County, including Pasadena, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita): KATHRYN BARGER vs. DARRELL PARK. Barger, a Republican, has been Supervisor Michael Antonovich's chief deputy supervisor for 15 years (Antonovich, a Republican, is termed out this year). Park, a Democrat, is an author and clean energy entrepreneur who has worked in the White House Office of Management and Budget.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BALLOT MEASURES
-- Measure A would add a tax of 1.5 cents per square foot of improved property to replace expiring funding for parks and playgrounds, anti-gang efforts, senior and recreation centers safe drinking water, protection for beaches and rivers and preserving natural areas and open spaces. (Requires two- thirds of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure M would add a half-cent sales tax and continue an existing half-cent traffic relief tax until voters decide to end it, to fund a variety of traffic upkeep and improvement projects including expanding rail/subway/bus systems, street repairs and earthquake retrofitting. (Requires two-thirds of the vote for approval.)
CITY/SCHOOL MEASURES LOS ANGELES CITY:
-- Measure HHH would authorize the city to issue up to $1.2 billion in bonds to buy, build or remodel facilities to provide housing and services for the homeless. The bonds would be paid for with an increase in property taxes. Expenditures would be monitored by a citizens oversight committee and an administrative oversight committee, and a financial audit would be conducted annually. (Requires two-thirds of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure JJJ would require certain residential projects of 10 or more units seeking General Plan amendments or zoning changes to provide affordable housing and meet training, local hiring and wage requirements, limit the city's ability to deny amendments for projects that meet those requirements, require the city to ensure that Community Plan changes do not reduce the capacity for affordable housing units, and create a new affordable housing incentive program for developments near major transit stops.
-- Measure RRR would amend the City Charter to expand the Department of Water and Power board from five to seven members, add qualification requirements, stipends and removal protection, double the minimum budget for the Office of Public Accountability, allow the council and mayor to reappoint the OPA executive director for an additional term, require the DWP to provide a four-year strategic plan for council and mayoral approval, establish a DWP analyst office, expand the board's contracting authority, and require monthly billing by 2020.
-- Measure SSS would enroll all new airport peace officers in Tier 6 of the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions Plan, allow current airport peace officers to enroll at their own expense, and allow new airport police chiefs to enroll in the Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System.
ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure AE would authorize the district to issue $110 million in bonds to repair and upgrade elementary schools and attract and retain teachers. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure HS would authorize the district to issue $149 million in bonds to repair and upgrade high schools and attract and retain teachers. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
-- Measure AV would authorize the district to issue $350 million in bonds to upgrade classrooms and labs in math, engineering, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
AVALON
-- Measure X would permit up to two medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, with license fees and sales taxes generating an estimated $200,000 per year.
BELLFLOWER
-- Measure D would mandate that city council members be elected by districts instead of at-large.
-- Measure W would approve the sale of the Bellflower Municipal Water System to California-American Water Company.
BEVERLY HILLS
-- Measure HH would allow the Hilton Condominium Tower to be constructed as a 26-story tower instead of two buildings of eight and 18 stories, increasing open space from 1.25 acres to 1.7 acres for use as a private
garden generally open to the public.
BEVERLY HILLS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure Y would authorize the district to issue $260 million in bonds to improve aging schools. (Requires two-thirds of the vote for approval.)
BURBANK
-- Measure B would limit the replacement terminal at Bob Hope Airport to no more than 14 gates and 355,000 square feet, and require increased public input on future airport projects.
CALABASAS
-- Measure F would approve zoning changes to accommodate a development plan involving 67 single-family homes, two duplexes, a three-story hotel and 61 acres of open space at 4790 Las Virgenes Road.
CARSON
-- Measure KK would, in the event that a future city council or voter measure permits marijuana business in the city, establish a tax of $25 per square foot of space used for cultivation and 18 percent of gross proceeds, with annual revenue ranging from $500,000 to $3.5 million.
-- Measure TL would establish a lifetime term limit of three terms of four years each for elected officials in the city, including any combination of the offices of mayor, council member, city clerk or city treasurer.
CLAREMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure G would authorize the district to issue $58 million in bonds to repair and upgrade aging classrooms and other school facilities and make them more energy-efficient. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
CULVER CITY
-- Measure CW would establish a $99 parcel tax to protect groundwater supplies, fund infrastructure improvements related to drainage and preserve open space. (Requires two-thirds of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure CA would amend the City Charter to change authority over the fire chief and police chief from the city council to the city manager.
-- Measure CB would prohibit anyone who has resigned from the city council from running for the council for two years following their resignation.
-- Measure CD would give the city council the authority to determine the dates of regular council meetings.
DOWNEY
-- Measure S would raise the sales tax by one half of one percent for 20 years to fund a host of city services including police, fire and paramedics, after-school and senior programs and street repairs.
EAST WHITTIER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure R would authorize the district to issue $70 million in bonds to upgrade aging schools. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure Z would authorize the district to issue $24 million in bonds to modernize classrooms, labs and computer systems. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
EL RANCHO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure ER would authorize the district to issue $200 million in bonds to upgrade schools. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure RR would establish an annual $99 parcel tax for nine years, exempting seniors and people with disabilities, to improve schools and raise teacher salaries. (Requires two-thirds of the vote for approval.)
GARVEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure GA would authorize the district to issue $40 million in bonds to fund school improvements. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
-- Measure GC would authorize the district to issue $325 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms, labs and infrastructure. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
HACIENDA LA PUENTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure BB would authorize the district to issue $148 million in bonds to repair and upgrade all classrooms, labs and athletic facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LAWNDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure L would authorize the district to issue $27 million in bonds to repair and upgrade school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LENNOX SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure Q would authorize the district to issue $25 million in bonds to repair and upgrade school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS FUNDING AUTHORITY
-- Measure LP would authorize the issuance of $110 million in bonds to construct, repair and upgrade schools including Hawthorne, Lawndale and Leuzinger high schools. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LONG BEACH
-- Measure MA would authorize the city to update gross receipts tax rates for marijuana businesses, with up to $13 million in annual revenue going to fund police, public safety and general city services.
-- Measure MM would repeal the city's ban on marijuana businesses, reduce the city's tax on marijuana and allow 32 retail medical marijuana businesses.
LONG BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure E would authorize the district to issue $1.5 billion in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
-- Measure CC would authorize the district to issue $3.3 billion in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms, infrastructure and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
LYNWOOD
-- Measure PS would establish a one-cent sales tax for 10 years to fund city services.
-- Measure RD would establish a rainy day fund into which 10 percent of 2016 authorized tax revenues shall be deposited and spent only in cases of financial hardship.
LYNWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure N would authorize the district to issue $65 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
MANHATTAN BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure C would authorize the district to issue $114 million in bonds to upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
-- Measure EE would authorize the district to issue $39 million in bonds to replace the Mira Costa High School gymnasium and other physical education facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure SS would authorize the district to issue $57 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other elementary school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
MOUNTAINS RECREATION AND CONSERVATION AUTHORITY - AREA 1
-- Measure GG would authorize the Authority to implement a $35 special tax for 10 years to maintain and conserve open space and wildlife corridors, with annual funds of $995,000 spent locally in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills east of the 405.
MOUNTAINS RECREATION AND CONSERVATION AUTHORITY - AREA 2
-- Measure FF would authorize the Authority to implement a $15 special tax for 10 years to maintain and conserve open space and wildlife corridors, with annual funds of $241,000 spent locally in the hillside communities of Woodland Hills, Encino and Tarzana.
PALMDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure PSD would authorize the district to issue up to $80 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other elementary and middle school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
PARAMOUNT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure I would authorize the district to issue $106 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure I would authorize the district to issue $300 million in bonds to construct and refurbish classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
SANTA MONICA
-- Measure GS is an advisory vote only. It would advise that half of any transactions and use tax enacted in Santa Monica be used for public schools and half be used for affordable housing.
-- Measure GSH would increase by one-half percent the city's transactions and use tax to fund community services, until ended by voters.
-- Measure LV would require a new permit process for development projects exceeding base sizes of 32-36 feet, with some exceptions for single- unit dwellings and affordable housing, including voter approval of major projects.
-- Measure SM would amend the city charter to expand the prohibition against kickbacks and create an exemption for volunteers serving certain city- funded nonprofits.
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
-- Measure V would authorize the district to issue $345 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
SOUTH PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure SP would authorize the district to issue $98 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
SOUTH WHITTIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure QS would authorize the district to issue $29 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
TEMPLE CITY
-- Measure AA would amend the city charter to impose a limit of four terms for council members, prohibit city contractors, lobbyists or employees from serving on city commissions, prohibit council members and commissioners from accepting city contractor or lobbyist gifts and prohibit council candidates from accepting contributions from city contractors or lobbyists.
WALNUT VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure WV would authorize the district to issue $152 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
WEST COVINA
-- Measure H would authorize the city to abandon Sunset Field as a public park and allow the land to be sold to Queen of the Valley Hospital to expand the hospital's services, with millions in sale funds to be placed in the city's New Park Acquisition Fund.
WEST COVINA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
-- Measure ES would authorize the district to issue $143 million in bonds to repair and upgrade classrooms and other school facilities. (Requires 55 percent of the vote for approval.)
VOTER INFORMATION
-- Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.
-- Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-placeor by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683). Los Angeles County voters can also visit http://lavote.net/or call (800) 815-2666. Election officials recommend that you mark your sample ballot in advance and take it with you when you go to vote. This will help shorten wait times and lines at polling places because of the long ballot.
-- Monday (Oct. 24) is the last day to register to vote.
-- Nov. 1 is the last day that county elections officials will accept an application for a vote-by-mail ballot. Vote-by-mail information can be found at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail.
Looking for explanations of state ballot measures? Click here.
