Politichaos

Resolving the Ruckus

Measure A

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San Diego County Road Repair, Transit, Traffic Relief, Safety and Water Quality Measure

*PASSED*

Official Summary

Shall an ordinance be adopted to: repair roads, deteriorating bridges; relieve congestion; provide every community funds for pothole/street repairs; expand public transit, including improved services for seniors, disabled, students, veterans; reduce polluted runoff; preserve open space to protect water quality/reduce wildfires by enacting, with independent oversight/audits, a 40-year, half-cent local sales tax ($308 million annually) that Sacramento cannot take away?

Notes

  • 2/3 approval needed to pass
  • placed on ballot by SANDAG
  • overseen by ITOC
    • 1% admin fee
    • increase sales tax by 0.5% for 40 years
      • statewide base sales tax rate is 7.5%
      • San Diego County is 8% (more in El Cajon, Vista, La Mesa, National City)
      • Exceptions to tax:
        • Sales of tangible personal property to operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the County
        • Sales of property to be used outside the County that is shipped to a point outside of the County
        • The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this Ordinance.
        • A lease of tangible personal property that is a continuing sale of such property, for any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this Ordinance.
        • If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this Ordinance.
        • bonds would be issued payable from the sales tax proceeds
        • requires local agencies to match funding
        • ask SANDAG to use "best efforts" to complete Priority Corridor programs within 15 years: SR78 (HOV), I-5 (HOV, COASTER double tracking, add Fairgrounds Station), SR52 (HOV), Sorrento Valley Station relocation, new Purple Trolley Line, more Orange and Green and Blue Trolleys, SR 67 (widening), I-8 ("improvements"), SR94/125 (missing connectors), express service San Ysidro-Downtown-Old Town-Kearny Mesa and Iris Station-Otay Mesa
        • "goal" of 80%-100% local workers on capital projects
        • monies used for (min % of net revenue listed):
          • Local Infrastructure Projects (24 %):transit operations/management, transit youth passes, transit incentives for developers, natural habitat development/maintenance, build/maintain local roads, traffic light synchronization, sidewalks, bike paths, beach sand replenishment, greenhouse gas reduction plans, and prepare/implement watershed management plans.
          • Regional Corridors Projects: Transit Services - Capital (26.8 %): new and expanded transit services
          • Regional Corridors Projects: HOV Lanes (1o.8 %)
          • Regional Corridors Projects: Highways and Connectors (3.4 %)
          • Active Transportation Projects (3 %): bikeway facilities and connectivity improvements, pedestrian and walkable community projects, bicycle and pedestrian safety projects and programs, pedestrian grade separation projects, and traffic calming projects
          • Open Space Funding (11.1 %): implementation of the regional share of habitat conservation plans, including acquiring, managing, and monitoring conservation lands
          • Transit Operator Funding: New Transit Services (4.92 %): funding for the region’s transit operators for operation of new, expanded, or enhanced services
          • Transit Operator Funding: Advanced Transit Services (2.53 %)
          • Transit Operator Funding: Enhanced Local Bus Services (1.95 %)
          • Transit Operator Funding: Enhanced Trolley Services (1.95 %)
          • Transit Operator Funding: Enhanced COASTER and SPRINTER Services (0.55 %) - 6 additional one-way weekday trips on COASTER, "increased frequency and longer hours"
          • Grants Program: Rail/Road Grade Separation (5 %)
          • Grants Program: Arterial Traffic Signal Synchronization (1 %)
          • Grants Program: Specialized Transportation Projects (3 %): for projects and programs specifically designed to address the needs of transportation disadvantaged populations (seniors, students, disabled, low-income, veterans)

Measure A Debate

Measure MM

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MiraCosta College Job Training, College Transfer, Veteran Support Measure

*PASSED*

Official Summary

To upgrade classrooms and career training facilities for science, healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, other growing local industries, provide job training/placement to Navy/ Marines/ other veterans, improve access to affordable higher education to local students, improve disabled access, repair, construct, acquire classrooms, facilities, sites/equipment, shall MiraCosta Community College District issue $455,000,000 in bonds, at legal rates, subject to local control, requiring annual audits, and independent citizen oversight?

Notes

  • 55% approval needed to pass
  • issue $455 Million in bonds
  • **hadn't heard this before** annual property tax will be increased - estimated to be $15 per every $100,000 in assessed value
  • The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the District’s receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of each project
  • Projects **no allocation to any items, and basically all possible expenses except teacher/admin salaries are listed as options**:
    • Add classrooms and laboratories for high-demand courses in nursing, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and other skilled trades that serve the local economy.
    • Improve student safety and campus security systems, including security lighting, and emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers.
    • Repair leaky roofs, worn out floors and restrooms, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems.
    • Update campus facilities to improve access for students with disabilities.
    • Update instructional technology in the classrooms for improved student learning in core subjects like math, science and technology.
    • Upgrade science center and labs to allow for state-of-the-art courses in biology, chemistry and physical sciences.
    • Expand and improve the Veterans’ Center, which provides job training, counseling, and support services to Navy, Marine, and other military veterans and their families.
    • Update classrooms, labs, libraries and computer systems to keep pace with technology.
    • Improve career training facilities for science, healthcare, technology and skilled trades to better prepare students and returning veterans for success in college and careers.
    • (listed in small print) In addition to the listed projects stated above, authorized projects also include the acquisition of a variety of instructional, maintenance and operational equipment, including interim funding incurred to advance fund projects from payment of the costs of preparation of all facility planning, fiscal reporting, facility studies, assessment reviews, facility master plan preparation and updates, environmental studies (including environmental investigation, remediation and monitoring), design and construction documentation, and temporary housing of dislocated college activities caused by construction projects.
    • (listed in small print!) In addition to the projects listed above, repair, renovation and construction projects may include, but not be limited to, some or all of the following: renovation of student and staff restrooms; replace aging electrical and plumbing systems; repair and replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; acquire vehicles; upgrade of facilities for energy efficiencies, including photovoltaic/solar installations; repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows, walls doors and drinking fountains; replace or remove outdated buildings and classrooms and construction of new classrooms and support buildings; installation of wiring and electrical systems to safely accommodate computers, technology and other electrical devices and needs; upgrade facilities to meet earthquake safety standards, current environmental sustainability and State compliance standards; repair and replacement of fire alarms, emergency communications and security systems; upgrading, resurfacing, replacing or relocating of hard courts, fields, turf and irrigation systems; install sod or artificial turf on athletic fields; upgrade classrooms; build or upgrade facilities; construct, expand or reconfigure facilities to create lecture classrooms; construct parking lots, upgrade, resurfacing and reconditioning existing parking lots; improve vehicular access and traffic circulation; improve pathways, such as sidewalks, pedestrian bridge, traffic center; improve drop-off zones, bus stops; repair, upgrade and install interior and exterior lighting systems; replace water lines and valves, gas and sewer lines and other plumbing systems; construct, upgrade, acquire or expand multi-use classrooms and labs, fine arts and visual and performing arts facilities, learning resources center, physical education/aquatic facilities, gym, locker rooms, field lights, bleachers, press box, track replacement, support buildings, student service/campus center and instructional buildings, campus police building, resource center, libraries, automotive building, athletic fields, student services buildings; improve water conservation and energy efficiency; acquire land; replace or upgrade outdated security and safety systems; replace existing window systems with energy-efficient systems to reduce costs; improve insulation, weatherproofing and roofs to reduce costs; improve access for the disabled; install and repair fire safety equipment, including alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and fire safety doors; replace broken concrete walks, deteriorated asphalt; replace/upgrade existing signage, bells and clocks; demolition of unsafe facilities; install new security systems, such as security (surveillance) cameras, burglar alarms, handrails, outdoor lighting, fencing, gates and classroom door locks; create outdoor study and gathering spaces; interior and exterior painting, wall and floor covering replacement; improve drainage systems to prevent flooding; upgrade roadway and pedestrian paths for improved safety and access for emergency vehicles, site parking, utilities and grounds.
    • The project list also includes the refinancing of outstanding lease obligations.
    • The upgrading of technology infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, upgrading classroom technology, expanding wireless internet access, acquire portable interface devices, servers, switches, routers, modules, sound projection systems, information systems, printers, digital white boards, upgrade voice-over-IP, communication systems, audio/visual and telecommunications systems, call manager and network security/firewall, Internet connectivity, wireless systems, technology infrastructure, and other miscellaneous IT and instructional equipment, DATA storage, fiber/copper infrastructure, phones, identity access cards and the creation.
    • The Project List includes the construction of buildings for general education classrooms, chemistry and biotechnology, allied health, arts/ media services, engineering, math, technology and applied sciences and physical education and kinesiology, and the renovation of facilities for student services, business and workforce development, biology and related sciences.
    • Necessary site preparation/restoration may Oceanside Campus ur in connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling, or installation or removal of relocatable classrooms, including ingress and egress, removing, replacing, or installing irrigation, utility lines, trees and landscaping, relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property.
    • Proceeds of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for the cost of District staff when performing work on or necessary and incidental to bond projects.

Proposition 51

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School Bonds. Funding for K-12 School and Community College Facilities.

initiative statute

*PASSED*

Official Summary

Authorizes $9 billion in general obligation bonds: $3 billion for new construction, $3 billion for modernization of of K-12 public school facilities, $500 million for charter schools,$500 million for vocational education facilities, $2 billion for Community Colleges facilities.

Fiscal Impact: State costs of about $17.6 billion to pay off both the principal ($9 billion) and interest ($8.6 billion) on the bonds. Payments of about $500 million per year for 35 years.

Notes

  • project monies taken from new 2016 State Schools Facilities Fund and 2016 California Community College Capital Outlay Bond Fund
  • appropriates money from the general fund to pay off bonds
  • items using Community College money must have average useful life of 10 years, seismic retrofitting given priority
  • last state facility bond in 2006; today the state has virtually no remaining funding from previous school/community college bonds
  • new construction: state funding 50%, local funding 50%
  • modernization projects: state funding 60%, local funding 40%
  • modernization projects for charter/tech ed schools: state funding 50%, local funding 50%

Proposition 53

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Revenue Bonds. Statewide Voter Approval.

"No Blank Checks Initiative"

initiative constitutional amendment

*pending*

Official Summary

Requires statewide voter approval before any revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state for certain projects if the bond amount exceeds $2 billion.

Fiscal Impact: State and local fiscal effects are unknown and would depend on which projects are affected by the measure and what actions government agencies and voters take in response to the measure's voting requirement.

Notes

  • Requires statewide voter approval for revenue bond of projects over $2 Billion that are financed, owned, operated or managed by the state (alone or with a partner)
  • $2 Billion amount is in current dollars, and would be adjusted for inflation going forward
  • Currently,statewide voter 2/3 approval is necessary for all general obligation bonds but not revenue bonds.
  • general obligation bonds have lower interest rates than revenue bonds
  • Prohibits dividing big projects into pieces under $2 Billion, if they are geographically proximate or dependent on each other
  • "project" not defined, and would need claification by the courts
  • Applies to revenue bonds
  • Very few projects exceed $2 Billion. Possible future projects: WaterFix project to move water through Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and California High-Speed Rail project (this is mentioned multiple times as an example by those in favor of this proposition, and is in the text of the law) .