Local 2024 Ballot Measures in San Diego

11 Cities, the County, and 20 School Districts Participate General Election Cash Dash

Will the 2024 General Election even happen? The phrase “ballot box battle” could mean more than a competition of candidates or ideas this year. Yes, even in California. 

Wanna fight back? Then VOTE. All the way down the ballot, which, by-the-way, will be customized so you don’t have to consider other city’s issues.

First I’m going to tell you what the threats to this election resemble; then I’m going to provide a listing of the non-flashy stuff you might encounter, along with a little analysis. (Which you are welcome to reject. Just vote. Vote hard like you mean it.

This being a presidential election year, many government entities are asking for voter approval on measures they feel they need beyond their general budget to continue operating. Elections in other years skewer toward an older (more white) audience who sometimes manifest a high degree of skepticism about how things work at the governmental level. 

Just as when something major in your life breaks down (or when you act to prevent it) chances are the bill will challenge your ability to pay in cash. Cities and school districts can tap the bond market (for a fee) to get the funds they need and pay them back in increments. 

The other thing local governments can do when operating budgets are challenged is to raise taxes. Unfortunately, there is no politically achievable way to do this in a progressive manner. So we get asked to raise the rate at which many consumer items are taxed. This means people with less pay more and people with more are barely inconvenienced. 

This is the system we have. We could change that, but it’s not on the ballot this year.

It’s easy to be blasé about this part of the ballot for many voters in part because raising money isn’t as attention-getting as made-up stories about sex with couches. Even though we live in California, which has spent years fixing up everything about voting other than counting ballots, there is cause for concern this year about the election being free and fair.

In the Brennan Center’s May 2024 survey, more than one in three local election officials reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse. This isn’t an accidental upturn. Politicians on the right have made sowing doubt about the electoral process part of their schtick; some groups have taken it upon themselves to “police” polling places and vote counting centers.

Let me make this clear: for a variety of reasons, these people DO NOT WANT YOUR VOTE COUNTED. And they are willing to shut down both the electoral process and the nation to get their way. 

The Trump campaign has repeatedly claimed that Democrats are registering thousands of non-citizen migrants to pad their vote total. They have no proof other than their abiding faith in Dear Leader’s proclamations.

A budget resolution for the nation (by September 30) before the Congress will not be enacted because far-right congress critters are insisting on including a provision making it illegal for non-citizens to vote, even though such a law is already on the books. 

Yes, indeedy, since Fox News doesn’t have any migrant caravans to scare viewers with (immigration is way down), the GOP is going to shut the government down to make a point. Let’s hope Justice Department officials charged with election security duties are considered essential employees.

Lawyers for San Diego County went to court in August seeking a restraining order against a former employee of the Registrar of Voters accused of repeatedly harassing and threatening co-workers over what he claims is continuing voter fraud. 

• According to a recent study from the California Threats and Harassment Initiative, a partnership between the Institute for Civil Civic Engagement and the Violence, Inequality and Power Lab at the University of San Diego, the trend is doing real damage to public service.

• Among other findings, almost 90 percent of all San Diego County elected officials have either been threatened or harassed, or witnessed abuse directed at their colleagues. The same report said 75 percent of all elected officials reported receiving threats or harassment.

• Some 61 percent of elected women and 32 percent of men have considered leaving public service due to threats and harassment, the report found.

The State Legislature has passed AB-2642, the Peace Act to address questions of voter intimidation. It has an urgency clause attached, which means it’s effective upon Gov. Newsom’s signature, which should happen prior to the commencement of voting.

Here’s the Legislative Counsel’s Digest:

• This bill would prohibit a person from intimidating, threatening, or coercing, or attempting to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any other person for engaging in specified election-related activities. The bill would authorize an aggrieved person, an officer holding an election or conducting a canvass, or the Attorney General to file a civil action to enforce this prohibition. The bill would create a presumption that a person who openly carries a firearm or imitation firearm while interacting with or observing the specified election-related activities would be presumed to have engaged in prohibited intimidation, in the absence of an affirmative showing to the contrary by a preponderance of the evidence. The bill would provide that an aggrieved person who prevails in such an action will recover reasonable attorney’s fees, reasonable expert fees, and reasonable litigation expenses, as specified.

Now let’s take a look at these trifling matters:

City of San Diego

We have three measures to vote on.

Measure C - Amendments to San Diego Charter Section 66 Regarding Board of Education Elections.

This one won’t cost citizens any money, and it could save a hundred grand plus for the San Diego Unified School District. What it does is eliminate primary elections for school board IF there are two (or less) candidates. If three (or more) people sign up, the primary’s a go.

Here’s the impartial analysis posted at the City Clerk’s website.: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/measure-c-online_0.pdf

There are arguments for and against:

The Yes people say it makes sense to hold one-on-one elections when most people vote. (Nobody else in California uses the current system, which can result in the same two candidates facing each other in two elections.)

The No people have a laundry list of grievances that they’re saying ought to be on the ballot. This proposal is just part of the corporate conspiracy to take over school boards, and doesn’t address the need for more parental control (code for banning books), term limits, and expanding the number of school districts.

Please vote yes. If you do not live with the boundaries of San Diego Unified School District, this item will not appear on your ballot.

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Measure D - Amendments to the San Diego Charter to Strengthen the Independence of the Ethics Commission. 

It’s the Commission’s task to investigate and enforce City governmental ethics laws involving current and former elected City officials, candidates for City office, certain City employees, consultants, lobbyists, and members of City boards and commissions who are required to file conflict of interest disclosure forms.

Currently, the mayor appoints members of the ethics board. The City Council controls its budget. And political malfeasance is (IMO) probably rampant. Aside from a few symbolic slaps on the wrist we don’t seem to be getting the amount of oversight we ought to be seeing in a city with a reputation for horrible real estate deals.

This measure amends the City Charter and gives the Ethics Board control of its destiny unless voters decide otherwise.

Here’s the impartial analysis posted at the City Clerk’s website: 

https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/measure-d-online-posting.pdf

There are no arguments against Measure D.

The pro argument is that those who are subject to the Ethics Board’s oversight should not be in the position of controlling it. Sounds like it’s a good idea.

Vote Yes.

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Measure E - City of San Diego Sales Tax.

The City of San Diego has an approximately $200 million structural deficit. The Mayor and City Council cleaned out the city’s tip jar and sofa cushions to make a budget for this year. 

Next year it will be chop-chop time for assorted municipal services, like libraries, parks, and street maintenance. Trust me on this, the police budget won’t be cut. A proposal to sell off the naming rights for our biggest existing potholes doesn’t seem to be gaining traction. (If you look closely at the lead graphic, there’s a suggestion there.)

If Measure E passes in the November 2024 election,  the city's sales tax rate will go from 7.75% to 8.75%. Among the 481 cities in California, San Diego's 7.75% sales tax rate is tied for fourth lowest.

The sweetener for this deal is that it does more than just plug the hole; there will be the ability to actually expand and improve city services. Given that this is a general tax rather than one for a specific project or purpose, a majority of votes will pass it.

There is polling suggesting this will pass by a large margin because voters are concerned about San Diego’s infrastructure.

Here’s the impartial analysis posted at the City Clerk’s website:
https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/measure-e-online-posting.pdf

There are arguments for and against Measure E.

The Pro arguments are focused on promising an immediate impact on roads, stormwater systems, parks, libraries, and public safety. All the city employee unions have said they favor the measure.

PennyforProgressSD.com is pro-Measure E website paid for by San Diego City Firefighters Local 145 & the San Diego Police Officers Association. Donor info (scroll down)

The Anti arguments run the gamut of grievances coming from local right wing politicos. They include decrying wasteful spending, no sunset clause, taxes are too high, the city’s not doing enough, the potential trash pickup fee, and, of course, the municipal employees union. Funny thing though, there’s no mention of the SD POA; I guess some unions are mo’ bettah than others (They’ve contributed an equal amount).

Vote for Measure E because it might maybe make life a little easier.

Other sales tax measures.

Measure G - San Diego Countywide ½% sales tax increase.

There’s only one measure that every voter in San Diego will see, and that’s Measure G, which would fund transit infrastructure in the County. It's a Citizen’s Initiative, which means it doesn’t need a two-thirds majority to pass. It’s a half cent increase, with all the usual promises of oversight and local control.

Besides the highways, buses, and trains, preservation of natural habitats is part of the purview.

The people behind Measure G are the businesses and unions who build and maintain our transportation infrastructure, along with major environmental groups.

One word you won’t see in any of the proponent’s Let’s Go San Diego literature is SANDAG, the regional association of governments that covers infrastructure planning and data collection for the county.

The word that cannot be spoken in polite company has been a mess in recent years. Crappy financial management, flawed progress reports, a controversial leader, and a split between big and smaller cities have all been not good for the organization. But what’s really rubbed the rankles has been inclusion in some documents and discussions about a per mile tax on vehicles.

This mileage tax deal speaks to a gigantic social and cultural divide. The modern-day USA was built around vehicles powered by burning carbon based fuels. How we live, shop, congregate, and educate are dictated by the need for individual transportation. Upend this system and you might as well put a sword through the heart of the nation. 

Switching to electric power vehicles barely postpones the consequences of this societal structure, and if we all go electric, there go the gas tax revenues that fund our highways.

At the bottom of all the division on what SANDAG should be doing is climate change denial. In some quarters, characterizing the observable changes in our weather patterns as caused by humans is heresy. It’s a little more complex than dealing with flat-earthers, but not much.

So the opposition to Measure G is making noises about the amount of funding dedicated to more transit. In their minds, adding another lane to a highway is a sacred obligation, and riding the bus is for “others.”

The County of San Diego hasn’t posted any voter information on Measure G, or anything else for that matter. At some point there will be a sample ballot for your zip code at SDVote.com 

LetsGosd.org is the website for those supporting Measure G

StopTheSANDAGTax is the website for those opposing Measure G

As I sweat my way through writing this, I urge you to vote Yes on Measure G. It’s not my fault that Republicans think they’re too good to take public transportation.

Other Sales Taxes Measures in San Diego Localities

The preferred amount for all these sales tax increases is ½%

Here are the localities with a cup in their hand. The ones with an asterisk (*) have been blessed by the San Diego Taxpayers Association, which makes periodic attempts to find the good in things. I don’t have an opinion on these, except to note that the shrink government to baby sized so you can drown it in the bathtub crowd has saddled Californian with a tax structure that favors the rich. 

Measure - I- Escondido ½% *
Measure -J- El Cajon ½%*
Measure -K- Encinitas ½%*
Measure -L- La Mesa ½%
Measure -P- Chula Vista ½%
Measure -Q- San Marcos ½% *
Measure -S- Santee ½%
Measure -T- Lemon Grove ½%*
Measure -X- Oceanside ½%*

School District Bond Authorizations, paid via property taxes

Amounts vary. Monies generally are supposed to be used for buildings and repairs.

Measure U: Alpine Union School District*
Measure V: Bonsall Unified School District*
Measure W:Cajon Valley Union School District *
Measure Y: Dehesa School District
Measure Z – Encinitas Union School District*
Measure AA: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Measure BB: Fallbrook Union High School District
Measure CC: Lemon Grove School District
Measure EE: Lemon Grove School District
Measure GG: Ramona Unified School District*
Measure HH: San Diego Community College District*

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About the Voter Guide.

I’ve been compiling voter guides for San Diegans for over a decade on various platforms. I have a progressive point of view tempered with life experience informing me of what’s possible and what’s bullshit. 

Portions of this guide will be published most weekdays throughout September. I’ll publish a comprehensive guide (with links if you care) on Monday of the week ballots are mailed out. (October 7)

The Democratic supermajority in California has given rise to some mediocre politicians. I won’t recommend Democratic candidates unless I can say I feel more than ‘meh’ about them. 

I can’t recommend Republicans because they’ve chosen to ally themselves with authoritarian, anti-democratic, and theocratic forces. I won’t suggest third parties because they can’t win in today’s system –this is a guide for THIS election. 

While I’d like for everybody to agree with my choices, we all know that won’t happen. As long as you actually vote, I’ll be satisfied.

Previously 

California Ballot Measures Two thru Six
California’s Proposition 32: Something’s Better Than Nothing, I Suppose
CA Proposition 33: Deja Vu All Over Again on Rent Control
Just Say No to CA Propositions 34 & 35
California Proposition 36: A Feel Good Measure for Fear Mongers

Tomorrow: Who Are We Sending to Sacramento and Why?

Check your voter registration at  
https://www.sdvote.com/content/rov/en/voter-info-lookup.html

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Monday News You Should Read

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UT researchers say they found an antibody that protects against all COVID-19 variants via KXAN (Note-No Vaccine yet. Just the possible basis for one)

• A team of researchers, led by folks at the University of Texas at Austin, believe they’ve found an antibody that protects against all COVID-19 variants. Antibodies attach themselves to the spike protein of a virus, preventing infection, the university explained.

• The team of researchers were able to isolate “a broadly neutralizing plasma antibody, called SC27, from a single patient,” the university said. Researchers were then able to use existing technology to find the molecular sequence of the antibody.

• “One goal of this research, and vaccinology in general, is to work toward a universal vaccine that can generate antibodies and create an immune response with broad protection to a rapidly mutating virus,” said Will Voss, a recent Ph.D. graduate in cell and molecular biology in UT’s College of Natural Sciences, who co-led the study.

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Cars Have Fucked Up This Country Bad by Hamilton Nolan at How Things Work

• There is much beauty in America. Yet, on average, America is an ugly country. The median American scene, the one that illustrates the most typical view of the most typical place, would be an exhaust-choked roadway flanked on both sides by fast food restaurants and big box stores. This is what we have done with our purple mountains, majesty, from sea to shining sea.

• The culprit is the car. More specifically, the culprit is America’s decision to design our cities around the car. Predicting the future is almost impossible, but one of the few predictions that I feel very confident in is that, a century or so down the road, people will look at modern car-centric America with the same disgust that we feel when we hear about old timey cities without modern sewage systems, where everyone just dumped their chamber pots in the street. “Whoa, that’s fucked up!” people will marvel from their quiet, pedestrianized cities of the future. “They couldn’t walk anywhere.”

• America’s collective decision in the 20th century to make cars and the roads serving them the bedrock of all urban and regional planning will go down in history as just another of our nation’s awful, ruinous ideas that we nevertheless clung to for generations, like slavery or lead paint. Cars, of course, have a way of making themselves very hard to progress away from. Once you build the towns and cities around the road patterns for cars, and allow the interstate highway system to determine development patterns, the entire system gets locked in in a way that is difficult to change. Even as ever-widening highways and air pollution and the immense parking lots destroy ever larger swaths of peace and scenery, they also represent ever larger sunk costs from consumers and governments, which make everyone more reluctant to try to break away from them.

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Sheriff’s monitors dismiss claims of jail filth by Jeff MacDonald at the Union-Tribune

• The food served to men and women in San Diego County jails is unhealthy and the water is unsafe to drink, the claims allege.

• Cells are not cleaned before new occupants are moved in, clothing is yellow and stained with some unidentified crust or semen, and library and other programs and services are not generally available inside county jails, the reports say.

• “Incarcerated individuals were given polluted water for drinking and showering, with hazardous waste contaminating the water as it was used for washing incarcerated persons’ clothing and bedding,” one complaint reads.

• “Unsanitary, unethical, unprofessional, and an act of cruelty,” another says.

• But the allegations submitted to the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, or CLERB, were summarily dismissed. Investigators say the claims are outside their jurisdiction.