Your CAIR San Diego team has put together a guide to local ballot measures in our region. Here you will find information about each measure, what a “yes” or “no” vote entails, along with CAIR-SD’s recommendations. CAIR-SD did not take positions on bonds, given that interest is involved.
Looking for CAIR-CA’s statewide guide? See this webpage.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 858.278.4547.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure B seeks to replace the current Community Review Board on Police Practices and replace it with a Commission on Police Practices with members appointed by the City Council. Unlike the current structure, this new commission would have subpoena power, independent legal counsel, authority to investigate police officer misconduct, review complaints against officers, make recommendations on police officer discipline, police polices, and Police Department legal compliance.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% +1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would replace the current Community Review Board on Police Practices with a Commission on Police Practices with members appointed by the City Council.
A NO vote on this measure would keep in place the current Community Review Board on Police Practices.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
Measure E would amend the San Diego Municipal Code to exclude the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan area (approximately 1,324 acres) from the existing 30- foot height limit on buildings. This area also includes Midway Drive and Sports Arena Boulevard. This measure does not approve any specific development. Any new development must comply with all governing laws at the time a development project application is submitted to the City.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% +1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would amend the San Diego Municipal Code to exclude the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan area from the existing 30-foot height limit on buildings.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current 30-foot heigh limit on buildings, including the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan area.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure C would amend the San Diego City Charter to establish district-only elections in both primary and general elections for the Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District. Currently, School Board members are nominated in primary elections held in the individual sub-districts they seek to represent. The top two vote-getters nominated by the voters in an individual sub-district then advance to a general election held in the entire School District. This publicly backed ballot measure would mean that all School Board elections would be held in the individual sub-districts that a candidate seeks to represent, whether it is the primary or the general election.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would amend the charter to provide that only the voters in an individual sub-district of the School Board may vote in both the primary and general elections to nominate and elect the School Board member who will represent their district.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current electing process for the Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure D would amend the San Diego City Charter to bring members of the Board of Education of the San Diego Unified School District under City laws that provide procedures to remove elected officials for cause, to fill vacancies, and to govern succession to the office. If approved, the charter would be in alignment with similar vacancy, removal and succession laws in place for the city’s elective offices (Mayor, City Attorney, and City Councilmembers).
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure means there would be an amendment to the San Diego City Charter, putting in place a process to remove elected officials for cause, to fill vacancies, and to govern succession to the office.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the status quo, there would be no procedures in place to remove elected officials for cause, to fill vacancies, and to govern succession to the office.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure G would prohibit the Carlsbad City Council from exceeding the compensation adjustments from exceeding the amount established by the San Diego Regional Consumer Price Index, and it would require the City Council to either make a compensation adjustment or waive the adjustment in January of each year. It would also prohibit the City Council from enacting retroactive salary increases for years in which the City Council waived a compensation adjustment.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would confirm the process outlined in the Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.04.010 (A) for making adjustment to City Council compensation, and would not allow for exceeding the compensation adjustments established by the San Diego Regional Consumer Price Index.
A NO vote on this measure would mean that Carlsbad City Council could make compensation adjustments each year that exceeded the San Diego Regional Consumer Price Index. The City Council would also be able to continue retroactively increasing salaries in the years the City Council waives a compensation adjustment.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
Measure H would amend the current zoning restrictions to allow for cannabis retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution in specified zones. Currently, the Encinitas Municipal Code prohibits (to the degree state law allows) marijuana related use and activity. An important distinction to be made: personal use of cannabis by adults is already legal in Encinitas, as supported by the residents in 2016.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would change city zoning to allow certain cannabis activities and uses.
A NO vote on this measure would keep existing zoning and prohibitions.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure I is a Transactions and Use Tax that seeks to adopt an ordinance that would establish a 1 cent tax providing 1.3 million dollars annually towards fire protection, paramedics, 911 emergency response, prevention programs, neighborhood crime prevention, address homelessness, improve natural disaster response, maintain streets, maintain lifeguard centers, parks, community center, youth/after-school/senior programs; and other general services. This measure has already been approved by the Imperial Beach City Council, and is now on this ballot for approval. The current sales tax for Imperial Beach is 7.75%, if this measure is approved the tax would be 8.75%.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would approve the adoption of an ordinance establishing this tax throughout the City.
A NO vote on this measure would be a vote to decline this tax.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure J seeks to fund general municipal expenses (fire, safety, roads, recreation) by repealing the current cannabis tax with an updated one. The annual business tax rate would not exceed 8% of gross receipts for retail cannabis businesses and 4% for all other cannabis businesses (generating an estimated $560,000 – $1.12 million annually. This tax will be imposed each year until repealed by voters.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would allow the City Council to implement the new business tax on all commercial cannabis businesses, effective January 1st, 2021.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current cannabis tax.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure K, if approved, would add section 2.94 to the Oceanside City Code and establish three term limits for the Mayor and City Council positions; both are elected positions with four-year terms. Currently, there is no limit to the number of terms one can serve in either role.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would rule in favor of adopting the three four-year term limits for the Mayor and City Council seats.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current system of having no term limits for the Mayor and City Council seats.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
Measure L asks to uphold or repeal the Oceanside City Council’s adoption of an ordinance that would amend the zoning of property for the North River Farms Projects. If this ordinance is accepted, it would include construction of 585 homes, a 25-acre commercial village, 68 acres of agriculture, and 17 acres of parks and open spaces. Currently, the entire land in question is zoned for agricultural purposes, a designation that allows a variety of crop-producing activities.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure approves the North River Farms zone amendment allowing the North River Farms project, as approved by the City Council, to proceed.
A NO vote on this measure rejects the North River Farms zone amendment necessary for the project and retains the Agricultural zoning for the project site.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure M would authorize a new business license tax on cannabis businesses operating within the City of Oceanside. The Measure allows the City Council to impose a tax up to 6 percent of the gross receipts generated by cannabis retailers, manufacturers and distributors. The proposed business license tax for commercial cannabis cultivators would be no higher than 3.5 percent of gross receipts. This Measure does not modify the City’s current regulations for opening a cannabis business. Current City law requires applicants for cannabis businesses to obtain a local license from the City Manager and a conditional use permit from the City Council. A cannabis business must also secure a license from the state of California to operate legally.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure authorizes a new business license tax on cannabis businesses operating within the City of Oceanside.
A NO vote on this measure would not implement any business tax on cannabis businesses.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure P (as adopted by the Poway City Council), if approved, would allow for the development of a master-planned sustainable community with a maximum of 160 homes and at least 70.4 acres of permanent open space including community-serving recreational and agricultural amenities, on approximately 117.2 acres at 17166 Stoneridge Country Club Lane in the City of Poway. This would be done by amending the general plan and zoning code.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure confirms the Poway City Council’s unanimous approval of The Farm in Poway Specific Plan.
A NO vote on this measure declines the Poway City Council’s approval of The Farm in Poway Specific Plan.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
Measure N, if approved, would amend the Santee General Plan to provide that no General Plan amendment, Planned Development Area, or new Specific Planning Area shall be adopted which would (1) increase the residential density permitted by law; (2) change, alter, or increase the General Plan Residential Land Use categories if the change intensifies use; or (3) change any residential designation to commercial or industrial designation on any property, or vice versa, if the change intensifies use, unless and until such action is approved by City voters.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would amend the Santee General Plan to provide that no General Plan amendment, Planned Development Area, or new Specific Planning Area shall be adopted which would (1) increase the residential density permitted by law; (2) change, alter, or increase the General Plan Residential Land Use categories if the change intensifies use; or (3) change any residential designation to commercial or industrial designation on any property, or vice versa, if the change intensifies use, unless and until such action is approved by City voters.
A NO vote on this measure maintain the current process of making amendments; currently General Plan amendments and Specific Plans are approved by the City Council, subject to voter review through the referenda process.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
Measure Q aims to amend the Santee Municipal Code to provide that no person shall serve as an “elected official” for more than twelve years, or three four-year terms, with any portion of a term, whether by election or appointment, counting as a full term. The Measure defines “elected official” to include the offices of the Mayor and Member of the City Council. Therefore, if Measure “Q” is approved, no person could serve as either Mayor or City Council Member, or in any combination of those positions, for more than a total of twelve years, or three four-year terms, with any portion of a term counting as a full term.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would set term limits at a maximum of twelve years or three four-year terms for any elected official in the Offices of Mayor and City Council.
A NO vote on this measure would not set a maximum term limit for any elected official in the Offices of Mayor and City Council.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
The City of Santee currently does not have term limits for its Mayor or City Council. Measure “R” would amend the Santee Municipal Code to provide that no person shall serve as a City Council Member for more than three four-year terms, regardless of district represented, and that no person shall serve as Mayor for more than two four-year terms. The term limit for Mayor is separate from and in addition to the term limit that applies to service as a City Council Member. For both term limits, a partial term in excess of two years, whether held by election or appointment, would be considered a full term.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure would set term limits at a maximum of three four-year terms for the City Council seat, and a maximum of two four-year terms for the Mayor seat.
A NO vote on this measure would not set any term limits for the Mayor or City Council seats.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NO
SUMMARY:
Currently, all commercial cannabis activities, including marijuana dispensaries, sales, deliveries, cultivation and processing are prohibited in the City of Solana Beach, consistent with state and federal law. This initiative would repeal existing prohibitions and authorize two marijuana dispensaries without size restrictions in-office professional, general commercial, special commercial, light commercial and light industrial zones (a combined land area of 0.3 square miles). Every dispensary could sell medical marijuana and/or adult use (recreational) marijuana. Marihuana activities permissible under the initiative are currently illegal under federal law. The initiative allows indoor non-medical cultivation pursuant to state law and a 1.25% tax on recreational marijuana sales. It does not tax medical marijuana sales or deliveries. The initiative allows cannabis businesses to open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. every day of the week and allows deliveries of marijuana at all hours to every home and business in every zone with five orders permitted per trip and no restriction on the number of trips, delivery vehicles or total deliveries. Dispensaries would not be located within 600 feet of one another or a public school, but could be located near private schools, daycare centers or youth and community centers.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A YES vote on this measure would repeal the prohibition on commercial cannabis retailers in non-residential zones and marijuana deliveries and certain cultivation in all zones in the city of Solana Beach.
A NO vote on this measure would maintain the current prohibition on all commercial cannabis activities.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
If approved, this measure would impose a term limit on members elected to the Board of Trustees of the District (“Board Member”). Specifically, for terms beginning on or after December 1, 2020, no person may serve for more than three elected terms as a Board Member. Each term of office for an elected Board Member is four years. Currently, persons serving as Board Members are not limited in the number of terms that may be served.
Percentage Needed to Pass: 50% + 1
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure is in favor of imposing a three-term limit on persons serving as elected Board Members on the District Board for terms beginning on or after December 1, 2020.
A NO vote on this measure is against the imposing of a three-term limit on persons serving as elected Board Members on the District Board for terms beginning on or after December 1, 2020.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NUETRAL
SUMMARY:
If approved, this measure will repeal an existing special tax and replace it with a new special tax on all taxable real property within the District to be levied annually. This measure requests voters repeal an existing special tax in the amount of $10 for each benefit unit and replace the tax with a new special tax levied annually on all taxable real property where each benefit unit equals $25.
Percentage Needed to Pass: Two-thirds (2/3) vote
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure is a vote in favor of establishing a special tax for the purposes of funding fire protection and suppression, and emergency services performed by the District.
A NO vote on this measure is a vote against establishing a special tax for the purposes of funding fire protection and suppression, and emergency services performed by the District.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: NEUTRAL
SUMMARY:
This measure will establish an annual special tax on all taxable real property within the District. This measure requests voters approve special taxes in an amount up to $6.00 per acre, or portion thereof, plus $170.00 per parcel. This measure requires that all special tax revenue be used for the purposes of repairing and resurfacing of the roads maintained by the District.
Percentage Needed to Pass: Two-thirds (2/3) vote
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure is a vote in favor of establishing a special tax for the purposes of repairing and resurfacing the roads maintained by the District.
A NO vote on this measure is a vote against establishing a special tax for the purposes of repairing and resurfacing the roads maintained by the District.
CAIR-SD Recommendation: YES
SUMMARY:
If approved, this measure would authorize the District to impose a special tax on all taxable real property within the District to be levied annually commencing July 1, 2021. This measure requests voters approve special taxes levied annually on a parcel as detailed below. $.06 cents/square foot for residential properties, $.18 cents/square feet for commercial and Industrial Improved property, and $49 per parcel for mobile homes, mobile home parks and unimproved property.
Percentage Needed to Pass: Two-thirds (2/3) vote
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS:
A YES vote on this measure is a vote in favor of establishing a special tax for the purposes of funding fire protection and suppression, and emergency services.
A NO vote on this measure is a vote against establishing a special tax for the purposes of funding fire protection and suppression, and emergency services.