Hello fellow San Diegans! California’s next statewide election is on Tuesday, March 3rd. Make sure you are educated on the issues your vote will determine. The information behind various city and county ballot measures may be confusing and overwhelming, so we’ve made the following voter guide to help explain the ones we are supporting and opposing.
Summary:
“This measure asks voters to amend the County of San Diego General Plan (“General Plan”) by requiring voter approval for amendments to the General Plan that increase residential density in semi-rural and rural areas.”
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means that until 2039, General Plan amendments increasing residential density in semi-rural and rural areas require voter approval in addition to applicable County approval processes, and designation of new Specific Plan Areas would be prohibited. It would also permanently prohibit density transfers from higher density parcels to lower density parcels, including within a project site. Text adopted by this measure may only be amended or repealed by voter approval.
A NO vote on this measure means that if the Board of Supervisors approves a General Plan amendment, it would not require voter approval.
Summary:
This measure asks voters to uphold or repeal the Board of Supervisors’ amendment of the General Plan associated with the Newland Sierra Project. “The existing General Plan land use designations on site include Rural Lands, Office Professional, General Commercial and Semi- Rural Residential: these designations allow up to 99 homes and 2,000,000 square feet of commercial and office uses. A small portion of the site is currently designated SR-10. The Newland Sierra amendment would change the General Plan land use designations to include Semi-Rural Residential, Village Core Mixed Use, and Open Space-Conservation: these designations would allow up to 2,199 homes and 1,777,684 square feet of commercial use.”
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means that the Newland Sierra General Plan amendment will become effective.
A NO vote on this measure means that the Newland Sierra General Plan amendment will not become effective.
Summary:
“If approved, the City of San Diego’s (City) 10.5% hotel visitor tax (the tax) will increase by 1.25 to 3.25 percentage points, depending on a property’s location in one of three geographic zones. Depending on the location, the tax will increase to 11.75%, 12.75%, or 13.75%. The tax rates could be in effect until year 2061.
Revenue from the tax increase would be allocated to: (1). Convention Center expansion, modernization, promotion and operations; (2). Homelessness services and programs; and (3). Street repairs. The tax increase will be highest, up 3.25 percentage points (increasing to 13.75%), for properties generally located downtown, closest to the San Diego Convention Center (Convention Center). The tax increase will be lower for properties farther from downtown. The 1.25 percentage point increase (to 11.75%) applies to portions of the City either north of State Route 56 or south of State Route 54. The 2.25 percentage point increase (to 12.75%) applies to City properties not in the other two zones. (See Tax Zone Map in the voter pamphlet.)”
Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means the city’s 10.5% hotel visitor tax will increase by 1.25 to 3.25%, dependent upon a property’s location in one of three geographic zones.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current hotel visitor tax at 10.5%.
Summary:
This measure would amend the San Diego City Charter relating to the audit committee and selection and office terms for the City Auditor. If this amendment is approved, City Council would appoint the Auditor from at least three evaluated candidates who have been recommended by the Audit committee. The Auditor would be limited to serving two five-year terms under the amendment. Currently, the auditor is appointed by the City Manager, in consultation with the Audit committee and confirmed by the City Council. The auditor must be a certified public accountant or certified internal auditor, the current service term is ten years.
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would change the procedure of appointing the City Auditor, with City Council appointing an Auditor from a minimum of three qualified candidates, and with a term change from one ten-year term to two five-year terms. This change also removes the Mayor from the appointment process.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current appointment procedure for the City Auditor.
Summary:
This measure would repeal chapter 2.59 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code, which prohibits the City from entering or funding contracts for public works that require one or more provisions commonly associated with project labor agreements (PLAs). This repeal would eliminate possible inconsistencies between city laws, and state laws that generally operate to disqualify cities with anti-PLA laws from receiving state funding for local infrastructure projects.
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would repeal chapter 2.59 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code, allowing the City to use PLAs for City public works in a manner consistent with state laws and City-established best practices.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain chapter 2.59 of the Municipal Code and continue to block the city from entering or funding contracts for public works that require one or more provisions commonly associated with project labor agreements (PLAs).
Summary:
This measure seeks to adopt the Marisol Specific Plan and corresponding amendments to the City’s Community Plan, Zoning Map, and Local Coastal Plan and Implementing Ordinance. The Marisol Specific Plan is a regulatory land use plan which will allow for future development of the specified plan area for visitor-serving accommodations and associated private and public uses. It would replace the site’s current residential single-family zoning. “The Specific Plan area includes approximately 17.45 acres of land located at Border Avenue and west of Camino Del Mar in the northwestern corner of the City of Del Mar (“Specific Plan Area”)”
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would include the Marisol Plan within the City’s Community Plan. The plan will allow for the potential development of 65 hotel guest rooms, 31 villas (27 units available for hotel use), 22 affordable housing units, 10 low-cost visitor accommodations and 408 off street parking spaces.
A NO vote on this measure would mean the existing zoning would remain and future development would be subject to the existing residential single-family zoning regulations.
Summary:
This measure would impose a Three-Quarter (3/4) cent transactions and use tax for the City of Lemon grove. It would be on all retailers and locations where goods are sold (with some exceptions), along with the excise tax upon storage, use or consumption of goods purchased from any retailer for storage, use or other consumption in the city. It would not apply to food purchased as groceries or prescription medications, and it is not a property tax. This tax would generate an estimated $2,958,000 in additional revenue fot the City’s general fund, which can be spent towards public safety, recreation services, and homelessness services.
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would include this ¾ cent sales tax and funds from the proposed Sales Tax would be deposited in the City’s General Fund to be used for general governmental purposes, such as repairing aging infrastructure, maintaining public services for residents, public safety and addressing homelessness.
A NO vote on this measure would not establish this tax.
Summary:
Currently, the City Clerk and City Treasurer are separate offices within the government of the City of National City. A person is elected to each office by the voters to serve a four-year term. No person shall serve in the City Clerk or City Treasurer role for more than three consecutive four-year terms in the same office. If Measure H is approved, it would make the offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer appointive, rather than elective; the appointments would be made by either the City Council or the City Manager.
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would make the offices of the City Clerk and City Treasurer appointive, rather than elective; the appointments would be made by either the City Council or the City Manager.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain that the City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected, not appointed.
Summary:
In September 2019, in order to close the perceived loophole in state animal welfare regulations, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2019 – 2463 which aided in oversight and regulations to ensure that mistreatment and unsanitary mass production of animals be put to a stop. This measure aims to include chapter 8.38 to the Municipal Code to provide that a pet shop or retail pet store or its operator shall not sell, deliver, offer for sale, barter, auction or otherwise dispose of a cat, dog, or rabbit (with some exceptions).
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure ensures that Ordinance 2019 – 2463 will be adopted.
A NO vote on this measure means that Ordinance 2019 – 2463 will not be adopted.
Summary:
This measure asks voters to decide whether the City Clerk and City Treasurer roles should be appointed by the City Manager. Currently, these two roles are elected by City voters to four-year terms and they must be residents of that city, be registered to vote and be at least 18 years old. If voters approve this measure, the City Manager will appoint the City Clerk and City Treasurer at the expiration of the terms of the current incumbents and at any time there is a vacancy in either office. The City Clerk and City Treasurer will report to the City Manager, and these two roles would not be required to be City residents but may be required to satisfy minimum educational or professional qualifications.
Simple majority (50% +1) vote needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure means the City Manager will appoint the City Clerk and Treasurer and they will report to the City Manager.
A NO vote on this measure maintains the current system of having the City voters elect the City Clerk and Treasurer.
Summary:
This measure seeks to upgrade fire alarms and emergency communication systems; replace aging portables with permanent classrooms throughout the District; and qualify the District for state matching funds. The measure would authorize adoption of $220 million of bonds with legal rates, with yearly average levies less than $26 per $100,000 of assessed valuation while bonds are outstanding (generating an average of $12.1 million dollars per year), annual audits, independent oversight and no estimated increase in current tax rates.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $220,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote on this measure is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $220,000,000 in general obligation bonds
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the Chula Vista Elementary School district be authorized $300 million of bonds at legal interest rates in order to enhance student safety and campus security. The improvements would cove renovating, constructing, acquiring, equipping and furnishing school facilities/classrooms including roofs, plumbing, solar panels, heating/air conditioning and electrical systems.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $300,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $300,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the Escondido Union School district be authorized $205 million of bonds at legal interest rates in order to repair deteriorating roofs, plumbing/electrical systems, remove asbestos, improve student safety/campus security; acquire, renovate, construct/equip classrooms, science labs, sites, school facilities/technology that support college/career readiness in math, science, engineering, technology and the arts.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $205,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $205,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the Lakeside Union School district be authorized $33 million of bonds at legal interest rates in order to “increase student safety and school security; repair aging classrooms and schools including outdated plumbing, electrical wiring, roofs and heating/ air conditioning; replace portables with permanent classrooms; renovate classrooms and qualify for State matching funds.”
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $33,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $33,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the Poway Unified School district be authorized $448 million of bonds at legal interest rates in order to improve classrooms, science labs, and career-training facilities that support college preparation/career readiness in math, science, engineering, technology, arts, and skilled trades/vocations, improve student safety/security, remove asbestos/lead paint where needed, and repair aging roofs, plumbing, and electrical.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $448,000,000 in general obligation bonds
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $448,000,000 in general obligation bonds.
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the San Ysidro School District be authorized $52,985,000 of bonds at legal interest rates in order to make student safety and school security improvements; upgrade classroom technology; and construct, rehabilitate, acquire, equip and furnish classrooms and school facilities.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $52,985,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $52,985,000 in general obligation bonds.
Summary:
This measure is requesting that the San Ysidro School District be authorized $55,500,000 of bonds at legal interest rates in order to reconstruct or replace roofs and plumbing and construct, rehabilitate, replace, acquire, equip and furnish classrooms and school facilities.
55% of votes needed to pass
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEAN
A YES vote is in favor of authorizing the District to issue and sell $55,500,000 in general obligation bonds.
A NO vote is against authorizing the District to issue and sell $55,500,000 in general obligation bonds.