Measure C
Protecting Good Government Through Sound Fiscal Practices
Protecting Good Government Through Sound Fiscal Practices
County Charter Amendment
Official Summary
Should the Charter of San Diego County be amended to require pension stabilization funds be used solely for pension-related liabilities and prohibit using long-term obligations to finance current operations or recurring needs?
Notes
Once the Supervisors appropriate funds for pension stabilization, they can only be used for pension stabilization. And long term debt proceeds could not be used for recurring operational needs.
Measure X
Oceanside Sales Tax Increase
Oceanside Sales Tax Increase
Official Summary
To provide funding to maintain and improve general city services including: police patrols, crime, drug, and gang prevention, fire , paramedic and 9-1-1 response, pothole repair, street maintenance, improved infrastructure, maintain safe, clean parks and beaches, and address homelessness, shall the City of Oceanside establish a sales tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) for 7 years, providing an estimated 11 million dollars annually for general city services, requiring citizen oversight, independent audits, and all funds controlled locally?
Notes
Sales tax would go from 7.75% to 8.25%. Currently all of North County is 7.75%, with the exceptions of Vista (8.25%) and Del Mar (8.75%).
Tax funds could be used for any municipal purpose, and would commence on April 1, 2019.
Proposition 5
Changes Requirements for Certain Property Owners to Transfer their Property Tax Base to Replacement Property
Changes Requirements for Certain Property Owners to Transfer their Property Tax Base to Replacement Property
Official Summary
Removes the following current requirements for homeowners who are over 55 years old or severely disabled to transfer their property tax base to a replacement residence: that replacement property be of equal or lesser value, replacement residence be in specific county, and the transfer occur only once.
Removes similar replacement-value and location requirements on transfers for contaminated or disaster-destroyed property.
Requires adjustments to the replacement property's tax base, based on the new property's value
Fiscal Impact: Schools and other local governments each probably would lose over $100 million in annual property tax revenue in the first few years, growing over time to about $1 billion per year (in today's dollars). Similar increase in state costs to backfill school property tax losses.
Show Me The Money (as of 10/11/18)
support: $13,204,875 ; big contributor = realtors
oppose: $2,862,680 : Teachers, Firefighters, County Supervisors (those who would lose property tax funding)
Notes
Currently, if one is over 55 and sell a house, its tax basis (what was originally paid for it) can transfer to a new house as long as the new house costs less than the selling price of the original house, and it is either in the same county or in one of the counties that have a transference relationship. Tax basis is what is used to compute property taxes, which is a primary source of funding for local services such as police, fire and teachers.
If this passes, someone over 55 could transfer a modified tax basis to any house, regardless of the selling price of the old house and purchasing price of the new house. If the new house is less than the selling price of the original house, the tax basis is actually reduced by the percentage of difference. If the new house is more, the tax basis is adjusted slightly up, based on the difference.
Example 1, downsizing:
Your Main St house was purchased for $200k many years ago. You sell it for $400k and buy a condo on Seaside Dr for $300k. Your new tax basis for the Seaside Dr condo will be:
You are under 55
$400k : Seaside Dr purchase price
You are over 55 (current law)
$200k : purchase price of Main St, which was transferred to Seaside Dr
You are over 55 (if Prop 5 passes)
$150k : purchase price of Main St * (Main St selling price / Seaside Dr purchase price) = 200 * (400/300)
Example 2, moving up:
Your Main St house was purchased for $200k many years ago. You sell it for $400k and buy a condo on Tranquility Rd for $600k. Your new tax basis for the Tranquility Rd condo will be:
You are under 55
$600k : Tranquility Rd purchase price
You are over 55 (current law)
$600k : Tranquility Rd purchase price
You are over 55 (if Prop 5 passes)
$400k : purchase price of Main St + (Seaside Dr purchase price -Main St selling price) = 200 + (600-400)
Proposition 6
Eliminates Certain Road Repair and Transportation Funding. Requires Certain Fuel Taxes and Vehicle Fees be Approved by the Electorate
Eliminates Certain Road Repair and Transportation Funding. Requires Certain Fuel Taxes and Vehicle Fees be Approved by the Electorate
Official Summary
Repeals a 2017 transportation law's tax and fee provisions that pay for repairs and improvements to local roads, state highways, and public transportation.
Requires the Legislature to submit any measure enacting specified taxes or fees on gas or diesel fuel, or on the privilege to operate a vehicle on public highways, to the electorate for approval.
Fiscal Impact: Reduced ongoing state revenues of $5.1 billion from the elimination of fuel and vehicle taxes passed by the Legislature in 2017. These revenues mainly would have paid for highway and road maintenance and repairs, as well as transit programs. The requirement that voters approve new or increased fuel and vehicle taxes passed by the Legislature in the future could result in lower revenues from such taxes than otherwise would have been available.
Show Me The Money (through 10/22/18)
support: $4,746,741 ; big contributors = Republican Party and candidates
oppose: $43,300,847 ; big contributors = construction workers, contractors, engineers
Notes
Repeals recent increase in gasoline excise tax (+12 cents/gal plus 17.3 cents/gal) and diesel sales tax (+4% plus 35 cents/gal), additional DMV fee of $25 to $175 and fee of $100/yr for zero emission vehicles after 2020. All this money is allocated 2/3 to highway and road repairs, with the rest going to other other transportation programs.
Also says that voters would need to approve any new/increased gasoline and diesel excise and sales taxes, vehicle license fees and transportation improvement fees.
Measure Y
Voter Approval for Changes to Open Space and Agricultural Land
Voter Approval for Changes to Open Space and Agricultural Land
Official Summary
Shall the Initiative Measure Amending the Land Use Element of the Oceanside General Plan to Require Voter Approval of Proposals to Change the Land Use Designation or Zoning of Agricultural or Open Space Land to Any Other Use be adopted?
Notes
Does 3 things:
Adds a voter approval step for properties changing from Agricultural designation to any other zoning.
Adds a voter approval step for properties changing from Open Space designation to any other zoning.
“Residential development and agritourism shall be permitted provided such development does not interfere with existing agricultural operations and that the open space character of the area is preserved. Appropriate minimum lot areas shall be determined by the area’s topography, adjacent land uses, and the availability of public services and utilities; however, under no circumstances shall lot areas be less than two and one half acres. Lot configurations and dimensions sal provide areas of sufficient size to conduct limited low-intensity agricultural activities such as orchards, gardens, and the keeping of livestock.”
Measure D
San Diego County Elective Offices to be Held at a General Election and Requiring Adoption of Local Regulations Relating to Write-In Candidates for County Elective Office
San Diego County Elective Offices to be Held at a General Election and Requiring Adoption of Local Regulations Relating to Write-In Candidates for County Elective Office
County Charter Amendments
Official Summary
Shall this initiative measure, proposing county charter amendments requiring all elections for San Diego County Elective Offices to be held at a general election and requiring adoption of local regulations relating to write-in candidates for county elective office, be adopted?
Notes
Currently, if a county office candidate receives a majority of the votes (+50%) in the primary, that candidate is elected and the office does not appear on the general election ballot. This measure would change it so that every office goes to the general election. One argument is that those elected to office in the primary cycle are elected by a vastly smaller voting electorate than in a general election.
If there are 2 or less candidates for a county office, they will skip the primary ballot and be placed on the general election ballot.
Write-in candidates would need to qualifying before the printing of the primary ballot, which is inconsistent with state election laws. Also currently write-in candidates cannot appear on the general election ballot. This measure would allow a write in candidate to appear on the general election ballot if the primary had 2 or fewer candidates.
Proposition 7
Conforms California Daylight Savings Time to Federal Law. Allows Legislature to Change Daylight Savings Time Period
Conforms California Daylight Savings Time to Federal Law. Allows Legislature to Change Daylight Savings Time Period
legislative statute
Official Summary
Establishes the time zone designated by federal law as "Pacific standard time" as the standard time within California.
Provides that California daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November, consistent with current federal law.
Permits the Legislature by two-thirds vote to make future changes to California's daylight saving time period, including for its year-round application, if changes are consistent with federal law.
Fiscal Impact: This measure has no direct fiscal effect because changes to daylight saving time would depend on future actions by the Legislature and potentially the federal government.
support: none
oppose: none
Notes
Lays the groundwork for the California legislature to be able to change from cycling between Pacific Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time to permanently being on Pacific Standard Time (or permanently on Daylight Savings Time), similar to Arizona and Hawaii. If, after this passes, the legislature decided to have California stop cycling between Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time, they could do so, within the parameters of Federal law, with a 2/3 vote.
Proposition 8
Regulates Amounts Outpatient Kidney Dialysis Clinics Charge for Dialysis Treatment
Regulates Amounts Outpatient Kidney Dialysis Clinics Charge for Dialysis Treatment
Official Summary
Limits the charges to 115 percent of the costs for direct patient care and quality improvement costs, including training, patient education, and technology support.
Requires rebates and penalties if charges exceed the limit.
Requires annual reporting to the state regarding clinic costs, patient charges, and revenue.
Prohibits clinics from refusing to treat patients based on the source of payment for care.
Fiscal Impact: Overall annual effect on state and local governments ranging from net positive impact in the low tens of millions of dollars to net negative impact in the tens of millions of dollars.
Show Me The Money (as of 10/22/18)
support: $20,372,138 ; big contributors = SEIU, healthcare workers
oppose: $105,631,925 ; big contributors = dialysis companies (primarily DaVita)
Notes
There are 588 chronic dialysis clinics (CDCs) in CA, 50% by DaVita, 22% by Fresenius, 8% by Satellite Healthcare, 6% by US Renal Care and 14% other. Medicare pays for the majority of people on dialysis. This proposition does not affect Medicare/Medi-Cal rates, only those paid by group and individual health insurers who normally pay a higher rate that Medicare/Medi-Cal.
Proposal is that starting in 2019, the revenue of CDCs must not exceed a cap, calculated as 115% of “direct patient care services costs” and “health care quality improvement costs” - specific line items still TBD. Costs excluded from the cap calculation include things that do not touch the client, such as administrative overhead. The cap would be computed across all clinics for a particular CDC, not per clinic. The amount exceeded by the cap would need to be refunded to payers.
This measure also prohibits CDCs from refusing to provide treatment to a person based on who is paying for the treatment.
Proposition 10
Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property
Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property
Official Summary
Repeals state law that currently restricts the scope of rent-control policies that cities and other local jurisdictions may impose.
Allows policies that would limit the rental rates that residential-property owners may charge for new tenants, new construction, and single-family homes.
In accordance with California law, provides that rent-control policies may not violate landlords’ right to a fair financial return on their rental property.
Fiscal Impact: Potential net reduction in state and local revenues of tens of millions of dollars per year in the long term. Depending on actions by local communities, revenue losses could be less or considerably more.
Show Me The Money (as of 10/22/18)
support: $25,619,691 ; big contributors = AIDS organizations, teachers, nurses
oppose: $65,569,257 ; big contributors = realtors, builders, property rental companies
Notes
Allows local governments across California to adopt rent control on any type of rental housing. Currently, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (which would be repealed with this measure) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control on free-standing houses, condos and townhouses, and those that were not under rent control before 2/1/1995. About 1/5 of Californians live in cities with rent control already.
If passes, local governments could form rent control boards and define maximum rental rates, and maximum increases in rent when a new renter moves in. The measure requires that landlords would have a fair rate of return.
Proposition 11
Requires Private-Sector Emergency Ambulance Employees to Remain On-Call During Work Breaks. Eliminates Certain Employer Liability
Requires Private-Sector Emergency Ambulance Employees to Remain On-Call During Work Breaks. Eliminates Certain Employer Liability
Official Summary
Makes labor law entitling hourly employees to take work breaks for meals and rest, without being on-call, inapplicable to private-sector emergency ambulance employees. Regulates timing of meal breaks for these employees.
Eliminates employers' liability—in actions pending on or after October 25, 2017—for violations of existing law regarding work breaks. Requires employers to provide training regarding certain emergency incidents, violence prevention, and mental health and wellness.
Requires employers to provide employees certain mental-health services.
Fiscal Impact: Likely fiscal benefit to local governments (in the form of lower costs and higher revenues), potentially in the tens of millions of dollars each year.
Show Me The Money (as of 10/22/18)
support: $29,925,786 ; big contributor = American Medical Response, ambulance service provider
oppose: none
Notes
Allows ambulance providers to require workers to remain on call during breaks, paid at their regular rate. Currently a 10 minute break every 4 hours is paid, but meal breaks are unpaid. Also requires employer-paid training and mental health services.
A recent court decision says that when security guards are on break, they are off duty and cannot be interrupted with a call. It is expected that this decision will apply to ambulance workers as well. If applied to ambulance services, the companies would need more employees to ensure that SLAs (service level agreements, with local agencies) are satisfied.
Private companies operate 75% of ambulances in California. The other 25% are controlled by local fire departments.
Proposition 12
Establishes New Standards for Confinement of Specified Farm Animals; Bans Sale of Noncomplying Products
Establishes New Standards for Confinement of Specified Farm Animals; Bans Sale of Noncomplying Products
Official Summary
Establishes new minimum space requirements for confining veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens.
Requires egg-laying hens be raised in cage-free environment after December 31, 2021.
Prohibits certain commercial sales of specified meat and egg products derived from animals confined in noncomplying manner.
Defines sales violations as unfair competition.
Creates good faith defense for sellers relying upon written certification by suppliers that meat and egg products comply with new confinement standards.
Requires State of California to issue implementing regulations.
Fiscal Impact: Potential decrease in state income tax revenues from farm businesses, likely not more than several million dollars annually. State costs up to $10 million annually to enforce the measure.
Show Me The Money (as of 10/11/18)
support: $12,804,455 ; big contributor = Humane Society
oppose: $566,360 ; big contributor = Humane Farming Action Fund, PETA
Notes
In 2008, Prop 2 banned “the confinement of pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in a manner that did not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs”, but did not specify square footage. This measure specifies square footage as of 2020: veal calves 43sf, hens 1sf (cage free starting in 2022), breeding pigs 24sf (2022). It also specifies that the sale of products resulting from animals confined in violation is prohibited.
Proposition 68
California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018
California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018
PASSED
Official Summary
Authorizes $4 billion in general obligation bonds for: parks, natural resources protection, climate adaptation, water quality and supply, and flood protection. Fiscal Impact: Increased state bond repayment costs averaging $200 million annually over 40 years. Local government savings for natural resources-related projects, likely averaging several tens of millions of dollars annually over the next few decades
Official CA Voter Guide Summary ; text of proposed law, 25 pages
Show Me The Money (as of May 28)
support: $6,318,437 ; big contributor = Nature Conservancy
oppose: $0
Notes
The state would pay approximately $2.3 billion in interest
The measure would also reallocate $100 million in unissued bonds that voters approved via Proposition 1 (2014), Proposition 84 (2006), and Proposition 40 (2002).
For several of the programs funded by this bond, recipients—mostly local governments—would only be eligible to receive the funding if they provide some funding to support the projects.
The proposition also includes several provisions designed to assist “disadvantaged communities” and very disadvantaged communities (generally, communities with lower average incomes). For example, the local cost-share requirement would not apply to most of the grants provided to these communities. In addition, the proposition requires that for each use specified in the bond, at least 15 percent of the funds benefit very disadvantaged communities.
This bill passed the State Assembly Sept 15, 2017, the Senate on Sept 16, 2017, and was signed by the Governor Oct 15, 2017. Why is this on the ballot? The California Constitution requires that general obligation bond issues of $300,000 or more be referred to voters for approval or rejection.
summary of allocations
Details:
Allocations:
$725 million - creation and expansion of safe neighborhood parks in park-poor neighborhoods
including $48 million for central valley, Inland Empire, gateway, rural, and desert communities
$22 million to desert community towns in the County of San Bernardino (population <22,000)
$350 million - flood protection facilities, levee improvements, and related investments that protect persons and property from flood damage in the Central Valley
$290 million - drought and groundwater investments, including groundwater recharge with surface water, stormwater, and recycled water and projects to prevent contamination of groundwater sources of drinking water
$250 million - clean drinking water and drought programs
$30 million to San Joaquin River
$218 million - restoration and preservation of existing state park facilities
first priority to deferred maintenance
$10 million for projects that facilitate new or enhanced park use and user experiences and increase revenue generation to support operations
local cost share min 25%, unless disadvantaged community
$18 million for facility improvements for county fairs
$30 million for lower cost coastal accommodation project development in units of the state park system
$25 million for protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources
at least $10 million each in : Central Valley, Central Coast, East Bay, Imperial and Coachella Valley, Inland Empire
$200 million - per capita grants to local governments for the improvement of local parks
local community has to match 20%, unless severely disadvantaged
$15 million for urbanized counties (population > 500,000)
County minimum of $400,000
40% of total: Allocation of funds shall be in same ratio as the county's population is to the total state population.
$200 million - Natural Resources Agency to implement agreements for water quality, water supply, and watershed protection projects
$180 million - state conservancies
$30 million each: San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy; Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy; Sierra Nevada Conservancy
$27 million: California Tahoe Conservancy
$20 million each: San Francisco Bay
$12 million: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy; San Diego River Conservancy
$7 million: Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy
$6 million: Baldwin Hills Conservancy; San Joaquin River Conservancy
$175 million - projects related to ocean, bay, and coastal protection
$85 million to State Coastal Conservancy for protection of beaches, bays, wetlands and coastal watershed resources - 25% to San Francisco Bay Area Conservation Program
$35 million to California Ocean Protection Trust Fund
$30 million to State Coastal Conservancy for lower cost coastal accommodation grants and project development to public agencies and nonprofit organizations
$20 million to State Coastal Conservancy for coastal forest watersheds
$5 million to State Coastal Conservancy for acquisition of land to help estuarine lagoons
$170 million - restoration activities identified in the Salton Sea Management Program Phase I
$162 million - grants to conservancies and programs to protect urban creeks and streams
local communities must match 20%
$37.5 million to Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
$37.5 million to San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy
$20 million to Los Angeles River in the City of Glendale
$16 million to Santa Ana River Conservancy Program
$15 million to San Fernando Valley / Los Angeles River watershed
$10 million to Lower American River Conservancy Program
$10 million to Santa Margarita River (San Diego)
%5 million to Clear Lake
$3 million to Los Gatos Creek and Upper Guadalupe River Watersheds
$3 million to Russian River
$137 million - Wildlife Conservation Board to provide regional conservation investment strategies, conservation plans, funds for the UC Natural Reserve System, and to improve national recreation areas serving urbanized areas
$100 million - programs to prevent damages from stormwater, mudslides, and flash floods
$100 million - competitive grants for multibenefit projects in urbanized areas to address flooding, including stormwater capture and reuse, low-impact development planning, urban watershed restoration, and permeable surfaces
$80 million - competitive grants for groundwater cleanup of contaminated drinking water sources
$60 million - improvement of wildlife and fish passage, incl 1/2 for Southern California Steelhead
$60 million - protection and restoration of upper watershed lands in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains that improve water supply and quality
$60 million - competitive grants to protect natural, cultural, historic, and Native American resources; covert retired fossil fuel powerplant sites for open space, parks, or tourism; science centers; civic and athletic venues; cultural centers that recognize that contributions of the state's ethnic communities; and nonprofit aquariums
$20 million for multi-benefit green infrastructure in disadvantaged communities
$50 million - Department of Fish and Wildlife to address deferred maintenance
$50 million - projects that provide ecological restoration of forests, including projects to reduce fire risk
min 30% for urban forestry projects, min 50% of that to previously underserved local entities
50% to Sierra Nevada Conservancy
$40 million - grants to local jurisdictions whose voters passed local measures between 2012 and 2018 to improve local or regional park infrastructure
minimum $250,000 per recipient
$40 million - to California Ocean Protection Trust for projects to assist coastal communities with adaptation to climate change, including projects that address ocean acidification, sea level rise, or habitat restoration
35% for San Francisco; 12% for West Coyote Hills
$40 million - California Conservation Corps to rehabilitate state and local parks and restore watersheds
$30 million - grants to regional park districts, counties, open-space districts, joint powers authorities, and eligible nonprofit organizations to restore and improve parks
$30 million - grants to local agencies, state conservancies, Native American tribes, joint powers authorities, and nonprofit organizations to promote new or alternative access to parks, waterways, outdoor recreation, and natural environments
$30 million - Salton Sea Authority to provide air quality and habitat projects
$30 million - protection and restoration of habitat associated with the Pacific Flyway
$30 million - Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve conditions for fish and wildlife in streams, rivers, wildlife refuges, wetland habitat areas, and estuaries
$30 million - projects on farms and ranches to sequester carbon, improve habitat, reduce development pressures, and increase water absorption and retention
$25 million - competitive grants to rural areas for recreational projects to support economic and health-related goals
$25 million - stream restoration to benefit fisheries and wildlife
$18 million - Wildlife Conservation Board to provide wildlife corridors and open space, improve threatened and endangered species habitat, improve adaptation and resilience of natural systems to climate change, protect and improve existing open-space corridors and trail linkages, provide wildlife rehabilitation facilities, control invasive plants or insects, improve aquatic or riparian habitat, provide projects to benefit salmon and steelhead, provide hunting and wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities through agreements with private landowners
$15 million - grants to cities and districts in urbanized counties with populations of 200,000 or less that provide park and recreation services
Rules
California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Fund is created
Not more than 5% of a grant program may be used for administrative costs.
Up to 10% of funds allocated can be used for planning and monitoring, more if the project benefits a disadvantaged community.
At least 20% of funds shall be allocated to severely disadvantaged communities, 15% of projects that enhance and protect coastal and ocean resources or projects that plan, develop, and implement climate adaptation and resiliency projects.
Up to 10% may be allocated for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities.
A project whose application includes the use of services of the California Conservation Corps or certified community conservation corps shall be given preference for receipt of a grant under this division.
A project that includes water efficiencies, stormwater capture for infiltration or reuse, or carbon sequestration features in the project design may be given priority for grant funding.
Background
In recent years, the state has spent about $5 billion annually to support programs to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, provide flood protection, improve water quality, and offer recreational opportunities for the public.
Since 2000, voters have authorized about $27 billion in General Obligation bonds in statewide elections to fund various natural resources projects.
As of December 1, 2017, California had $73.33 billion in debt from general obligation (GO) bonds. The state repays GO bonds over time, with interest, using the state’s General Fund.
Proposition 69
Motor vehicle fees and taxes: restriction on expenditures: appropriations limit
Motor vehicle fees and taxes: restriction on expenditures: appropriations limit
initiative constitutional amendment
PASSED
Official Summary
Requires that certain revenues generated by a 2017 transportation funding law be used only for transportation purposes and generally prohibits Legislature from diverting funds to other purposes. Fiscal Impact: No direct effect on the amount of state and local revenues or costs but could affect how some monies are spent.
Show Me The Money (as of May 28)
support: $7,006,997 ; major contributors = building and construction industry
oppose: $0
Notes
Bottom line: Currently legislators allocate funds from increased gas taxes and auto registration fees to transportation projects. But they aren't required to do so by law. This is the law that would require it.
This is related to SB1, passed in April 2017 which increased gas taxes and auto registration fees. The legislature chose to dedicate all these revenues to transportation, but the State Constitution does not require it. This proposition would formalize the requirement to spend the revenue on transportation.
These revenues will not be counted in state and local spending limits.
Funds would be deposited into the Public Transportation Account quarterly.
Funds could not be used to pay principal or interest on bonds, unless the bond act specifically authorizes it.
Proposition 70
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Reserve Fund
Official Summary
Beginning in 2024, requires that cap-and-trade revenues accumulate in a reserve fund until the Legislature, by a two-thirds majority, authorizes use of the revenues. Fiscal Impact: Beginning in 2024, potential temporary increase in state sales tax revenue, ranging from none to a few hundred million dollars annually, and possible changes in how revenue from sale of greenhouse gas emission permits is spent.
Show Me The Money (as of May 29)
support: $0
oppose: $29,348 ; major contributor = Tom Steyer
Notes
Bottom line: changes allocation of moneys from cap and trade system from simple majority to 2/3 vote.
Creates The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Reserve Fund (GGRRF) to hold funds from the auction or sale of cap-and-trade allowances. Current funds are deposited in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), used for state and local programs. The state can spend money from GGRF when passed with majority votes.
Funds may be used from the new GGRRF with 2/3 vote of Legislature starting in 2024. This is contrasted with current allocation from GGRF that only requires a majority.
Background on Cap and Trade: Under this program, which began in 2012, the state issues a limited number of permits to emit greenhouse gasses (GHG). Certain companies responsible for large amounts of GHG emissions must obtain a permit for each ton of GHG they emit. The state gives about half of the permits away to certain industries for free and sells the other half at auctions. A recent state law allows cap-and-trade to operate in California through 2030.
Proposition 71
Ballot measures: effective date
Official Summary
Provides that ballot measures approved by a majority of voters shall take effect five days after the Secretary of State certifies the results of the election. Fiscal Impact: Likely little or no effect on state and local finances.
Show Me The Money (as of May 29)
support: $0
oppose: $0
Notes
Bottom line: changes effective date from the day after the election to the 5th day after the state certifies the election (currently max 38 days).
Also corrects some grammar!
Ballot measures can always specify the date they take effect, even if it is retroactive. This is currently the case, too.
Proposition 72
Property tax: new construction exclusion: Rainwater capture system
Property tax: new construction exclusion: Rainwater capture system
initiative constitutional amendment
PASSED
Official Summary
Permits Legislature to allow construction of rain-capture systems, completed on or after January 1, 2019, without requiring property-tax reassessment. Fiscal Impact: Probably minor reduction in annual property tax revenues to local governments.
Show Me The Money (as of May 29)
support: $62,621 ; major contributors = health insurance industry
oppose: $0
Notes
Bottom line: Installing a rainwater capture system would not trigger a property tax reassessment.
When a property owner adds new construction to his or her property, the new construction is assessed for taxable value. Adding a rainwater capture system to one's property counts as a new construction. As the ballot measure would exclude rainwater capture systems from the definition of new construction, the taxable value of a property would not increase because the property owner added a rainwater capture system. Legislation associated with Proposition 72 would define rainwater capture systems as facilities designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off rooftops or other manmade aboveground hard surfaces for onsite use.
If the property is sold, the reassessment upon sale would include the rainwater capture system.
Currently, installation of the following do not require property tax reassessment:
solar energy system
fire sprinkler system, fire detection system, fire-related egress improvement
improvements to make building accessible to a severely disabled person
Measure A
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 B
Ordinance Amending the County General Plan, County Zoning Map and County Code, and Adopting the Lilac Hills Ranch Specific Plan
*Failed*
Official Summary
Shall this Initiative be adopted for the purpose of amending the County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Code of Regulatory Ordinances and approving the Lilac Hills Ranch Specific Plan (“Plan”)? The Plan provides for the development of a 608-acre master-planned community including 1,746 dwelling units, three commercial centers, a public park, 10 private parks and 16 miles of trails. The project site is generally located north of Escondido and east of I-15 in the unincorporated area of North San Diego County.
- San Diego Registrar Summary
- full text - this is 654 pages long!!!!
- Ballotpedia
Notes
- located east of I-15, north of the Welk Resort (Valley Center/Bonsall), 608 acres
- Lilac Hills Ranch website
- Land Use:
- Current: Much of the project site is currently used for agricultural operations, and the surrounding area has low-density residential uses. Under the current General Plan designation, up to 110 homes could be developed on the project site; no commercial uses are allowed.
- Desired: a new community including 1,746 dwelling units (903 single family detached units, 164 single-family attached units, 211 mixed-use units, 468 single-family detached senior citizen units), 3.3 acre Senior Community Center, a 200-room group care living facility, a 10-acre site for institutional uses, such as a house of worship, and three commercial mixed-use centers totaling 90,000 square feet of space. Also 25.6 acres of parks, including a 13.5-acre public park, 10 private parks, and 16 miles of trails, approx 104.1 acres of biological open space, 20.3 acres of common area open space for community gardens, 23.8 acres active agriculture.
- The measure requires recreational facilities, a potential school site, an internal private road system, storm drain system, underground utilities, water lines, a site for a water reclamation facility and related distribution system, detention basins and wet weather storage ponds.
- sites for school and water treatment will be provided.
- the school would not be built, the land is available for a school to be built
- it is not clear whether the water treatment facility would be provided by Lilac Hills or fall to the local civic entities ($26-28 Million)
- Lilac Hills Ranch was thoroughly reviewed for over three years by the County’s Planning Department, including two comprehensive Environmental Impact Reports.
- self-labeled as "a sustainable, smart growth community"
- dual water pipes ("purple"), drought tolerant plants, pervious surfaces, pre-wired for solar and electric car charging stations
- lists NGSI (88k residential) as rating system and not the industry-standard USGBC's LEED (255k residential, 380k total projects) which is mentioned in the existing County of San Diego General Plan, does not mention what level of NGSI certification will be pursued (bronze, silver, gold, emerald)
- The plan requires that the following improvements be provided: parks and recreational facilities, an opportunity for a school, an internal private road system, storm drain facilities, and underground utility lines. The LHR-SP also requires a looped portable water system, water lines, plus a site for a water reclamation facility and its related distribution system, detention basins and wet weather storage ponds as determined necessary by the Valley Center Municipal Water District.
- not sure if this is being provided by developer, sounds like developer expects this all to be provided by public funds
- creates exception to fire protection travel time policy, which was approved by Deer Springs Fire Protection District
- The LHR-SP would implement one of the options for wastewater treatment as approved by the Valley Center Municipal Water District
- Amendments to the County General Plan
- changing the project site’s land use designation from semi-rural to village;
- exempting the project from the leapfrog development restrictions;
- exempting the project from policies to protect agriculture and to maintain the existing rural life style;
- exempting the project from the usual methodology for determining the maximum amount of time allowed for the fire agency to get to the project site and applying a separate methodology for the project.
Measure O
Replace Fire Station 2
*PASSED*
Official Summary
Do the voters of the City of Carlsbad approve spending existing city funds from various sources, including the General Fund, in an amount to exceed $1 million to construct a replacement Fire Station 2 located at the intersection of El Camino Real and Arenal Road for an estimated cost range of $7 million up to $10.5 million?
Notes
- authorizes spending up to $10.5 Million
- the city already has money available
- Prop H (1982) required that if more than $1 Million was to be used for city property, it needs to go to a vote
- existing Fire Station 2 was built in 1969, no longer meets the City’s service requirements due to limited storage, outdated construction and a lack of compliance with the Essential Facilities Act in the uniform building code
Measure MM
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.