October 6, 2018

California’s next statewide election is on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. 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. If you have any questions, please call our office at 408.986.9874.

Measure E1
PERALTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

To continue providing the colleges of Alameda, Berkeley, Laney, and Merritt, funds that cannot be taken by the state to support affordable college education, including core academic programs to prepare students for university transfer and successful careers, by providing tutoring and teacher support; shall Peralta Community College District continue to levy $48 per parcel annually for eight years, providing $8,000,000 annually, with internal and citizens’ oversight, no funds for administrator salaries, and all funds benefitting local colleges?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support authorizing an annual $48 per parcel tax for eight years that would generate $8,000,000 annually to support affordable college education and services for the Peralta Community College District.
  • A NO vote would be against authorizing an annual $48 per parcel tax for eight years that would generate $8,000,000 annually to support affordable college education and services for the Peralta Community College District.2
Measure I3
SAN LEANDRO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

To restore funding previously approved by voters to protect the quality of education in local schools, provide high quality programs in math, science, technology, arts, and skilled trades that prepare students for success in college/careers, and attract/retain highly qualified teachers, on an ongoing basis shall the San Leandro Unified School District levy $39 per parcel, raising $745,000 annually, with annual cost of living adjustments, an exemption for seniors, independent citizen oversight, and no money for administrator salaries?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

  • A YES vote would support authorizing an annual $39 per parcel tax for eight years that would generate $745,000 annually to support local school programs, classes, and teachers.
  • A NO vote would be against authorizing an annual $39 per parcel tax for eight years that would generate $745,000 annually to support local school programs, classes, and teachers.4
MEASURE J5
SAN LORENZO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

To support academic excellence, provide stable, local funding the State cannot take away, to improve classroom technology, maintain after school programs and provide competitive salaries to help attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff, shall the San Lorenzo Unified School District be authorized to levy a $99 per parcel tax providing $2 million annually for eight years beginning July 1, 2019, with exemptions for senior citizens and no funds spent on administrators?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support an annual parcel tax of $99 for eight years that would generate $2 million annually to fund academic programs, instruction, and technology for the San Lorenzo Unified School District.
  • A NO vote would be against an annual parcel tax of $99 for eight years to fund academic programs, instruction, and technology for the San Lorenzo Unified School District.6
MEASURE K7
ALAMEDA RENT CONTROL CHARTER AMENDMENT

Recommendation: Oppose

Summary:

Shall the Charter be amended by incorporating Ordinance 3148, the City’s Rent Review, Rent Stabilization and Limitations on Evictions law, with the following modifications: (a) preclude City Council from amending the law in response to changing conditions and concerns, and require voter approval instead, and (b) eliminate the December 31, 2019 sunset clause?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support renewing a 2016 rent control law, Ordinance 3148, and would require voter approval for changing the law.
  • A NO vote would be against renewing the 2016 rent control law, Ordinance 3148, which would allow it to expire on December 31, 2019.8
MEASURE P9
CITY OF BERKELEY

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the ordinance raising funds for general municipal purposes such as navigation centers, mental health support, rehousing and other services for the homeless, including homeless seniors and youth; increasing the real property transfer tax for ten years from 1.5% to 2.5% for property sales and transfers over $1,500,000, adjusted annually to capture the top approximately 33% of transfers; generating an estimated $6,000,000 – $8,000,000 annually; and establishing the Homeless Services Panel of Experts to recommend homeless services, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support increasing the real property transfer tax for ten years from 1.5% to 2.5% for property sales and transfers over $1,500,000 to support services for the homeless.
  • A NO vote would be against increasing the real property transfer tax for ten years from 1.5% to 2.5% for property sales and transfers over $1,500,000 to support services for the homeless.10
MEASURE Q11
CITY OF BERKELEY

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the ordinance amending the Rent Stabilization Ordinance to: account for potential repeal of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act by preserving existing vacancy rent adjustments; update the new construction exemption from rent stabilization to a 20-year rolling period; and exempt all lawfully permitted Accessory Dwelling Units from rent stabilization and eviction for good cause protections, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of updating the rent control ordinance for the city, subject to the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. It would exempt newly built housing from falling under rent control for the first 20 years after being built, preserve rent increases made under the Costa-Hawkins Act, and exempt from rent control units with accessory dwelling units where the owner lives on the property.
  • A NO vote would be against updating the city’s rent control ordinance, subject to changes to the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.12
MEASURE U13
CITY OF LIVERMORE

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure requiring the City of Livermore to bear the cost of developing and enforcing regulations limiting the amounts for medical services that specified hospitals, medical clinics, dentists, and other health care providers in Livermore may bill patients, or insurers, excluding Medicare and Medicaid, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of creating a program to limit healthcare costs to 115% of direct patient care by mandating healthcare providers to give rebates or cost reductions to Livermore residents if the cost is exceeded.
  • A NO vote would be against creating a program to limit healthcare costs to 115% of direct patient care by mandating healthcare providers to give rebates or cost reductions to Livermore residents if the cost is exceeded.14
MEASURE W15
CITY OF OAKLAND

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure to fund homeless services and resources to address illegal dumping, and discourage vacant properties, by enacting a Vacant Property Tax on parcels used less than 50 days per year, at annual rates of $6,000 per parcel, $3,000 for condominium units, and other specified rates; raising about $10,000,000 annually for 20 years; with community oversight and exemptions for very low income, low-income seniors and hardship, be adopted?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of creating a tax on property that has been left vacant for over 50 days a year at the rate of $6,000 per parcel and $3,000 for condominium units annually to provide funding to address homelessness and illegal dumping.
  • A NO vote would be against creating a tax on property that has been left vacant for over 50 days a year at the rate of $6,000 per parcel and $3,000 for condominium units annually.16
MEASURE Z17
CITY OF OAKLAND

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure amending Oakland’s Municipal Code to: (1) establish workplace protections and minimum hourly wage of $15 with benefits or $20 without benefits, increasing annually with inflation, for employees of Oakland hotels with 50 or more guest rooms; (2) authorize administrative enforcement of Oakland’s employment standards for hotel and non-hotel workers; and (3) create City department to administratively enforce Oakland’s employment standards for hotel and non-hotel workers, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of increasing the minimum wage for hotel employees from $13.23 to $15 (with healthcare benefits) or $20 (without healthcare benefits), establishes additional enforcement procedures for employment standards, and creates workplace protections.
  • A NO vote would be against increasing the minimum wage for hotel employees from $13.23 to $15 (with healthcare benefits) or $20 (without healthcare benefits), establishes additional enforcement procedures for employment standards, and creates workplace protections.18
MEASURE AA19
CITY OF OAKLAND

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure amending Oakland’s Charter for the purposes of funding services to: expand access to early childhood and preschool education; improve high school and college graduation and career readiness; provide mentoring and college financial assistance; by establishing a $198, 30-year parcel tax for single family parcels and specified rates for other parcel types, raising approximately $25,000,000 – 30,000,000 annually, with citizen’s oversight, and exemptions for low-income households and others, be adopted?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of changing the city charter to create a parcel tax of $198 per parcel for 30 years to fund education services from pre-K through college students and career readiness programs.
  • A NO vote would be against changing the city charter to create a parcel tax of $198 per parcel for 30 years to fund education services from pre-K through college students and career readiness programs.20
MEASURE BB21
CITY OF PIEDMONT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure amending the Charter of the City of Piedmont to modify procedures for filling of vacancies in elected offices for City Council and Board of Education for the Piedmont Unified School District, modify term limits for the City Council, and making other clarifying amendments regarding City record keeping, format of City ordinances, public posting, City contract approval, operation of City Council meetings, and other minor technical amendments, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of changing the city charter to alter procedures for filling city council and school board vacancies, to modify term limits, record keeping, and city operations procedures.
  • A NO vote would be against changing the city charter to alter procedures for filling city council and school board vacancies, to modify term limits, record keeping, and city operations procedures.22

1 Measure E – Peralta Community College District.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/01 – Measure E – Peralta Community College District.pdf
2 “Peralta Community College District, California, Measure E, Parcel Tax Renewal.” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Peralta_Community_College_District,_California,_Measure_E,_Parcel_Tax_Renewal.
3 Measure I – San Leandro Unified School District.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/04 – Measure I – San Leandro Unified School District.pdf
4 “San Leandro Unified School District, Measure I, Parcel Tax (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/San_Leandro_Unified_School_District,_Measure_I,_Parcel_Tax_(November_2018).
5 Measure J – San Lorenzo Unified School District.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/05 – Measure J – San Lorenzo Unified School District.pdf
6 “San Lorenzo Unified School District, California, Measure J, Parcel Tax (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/San_Lorenzo_Unified_School_District,_California,_Measure_J,_Parcel_Tax_(November_2018).
7 Measure K- City of Alameda.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/07 – Measure K- City of Alameda.pdf
8 “Alameda, California, Measure K, Rent Control Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Alameda,_California,_Measure_K,_Rent_Control_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).
9 Measure P – City of Berkeley.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/12 – Measure P – City of Berkeley.pdf
10 “Berkeley, California, Measure P, Real Property Transfer Tax Increase (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Berkeley,_California,_Measure_P,_Real_Property_Transfer_Tax_Increase_(November_2018).
11 Measure Q – City of Berkeley.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/13 – Measure Q – City of Berkeley.pdf
12 “Berkeley, California, Measure Q, Rent Control Ordinance Amendments (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Berkeley,_California,_Measure_Q,_Rent_Control_Ordinance_Amendments_(November_2018).
13 Measure U – City of Livermore.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/17 – Measure U – City of Livermore.pdf
14 “Livermore, California, Measure U, Healthcare Cost Limitations (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Livermore,_California,_Measure_U,_Healthcare_Cost_Limitations_(November_2018).
15 Measure W – City of Oakland.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/19 – Measure W – City of Oakland.pdf
16 “Oakland, California, Measure W, Vacant Property Tax (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Oakland,_California,_Measure_W,_Vacant_Property_Tax_(November_2018).
17 Measure Z – City of Oakland.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/22 – Measure Z – City of Oakland.pdf
18 “Oakland, California, Measure Z, Hotel Employee Minimum Wage Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Oakland,_California,_Measure_Z,_Hotel_Employee_Minimum_Wage_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).
19 Measure AA – City of Oakland.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/23 – Measure AA – City of Oakland.pdf
20 “Oakland, California, Measure AA, Education Parcel Tax Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Oakland,_California,_Measure_AA,_Education_Parcel_Tax_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).
21 Measure BB – City of Piedmont.pdf. Alameda County: ACVote.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.acvote.org/acvote-assets/02_election_information/PDFs/20181106/en/Measures/24 – Measure BB – City of Piedmont.pdf
22 “Piedmont, California, Measure BB, City Charter Amendments (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 04, 2018.

Measure C23
PINOLE UTILITY USERS TAX

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Without raising current tax rates, and to maintain City services including Police and Fire protection, 9-1-1 emergency services, park maintenance and repair, youth and senior recreation services, other community services, and for unrestricted general revenue purposes, shall an ordinance be adopted to continue the existing Utility Users Tax at the current rate of 8%, until voters otherwise decide, providing approximately $2,000,000 annually that cannot be taken by the State?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support authorizing the continuance of the existing 8 percent Utility Users Tax to provide $2,000,000 annually to fund Pinole city services.
  • A NO vote would be against authorizing the continuance of the existing 8 percent Utility Users Tax to provide $2,000,000 annually to fund Pinole city services.24
MEASURE Q25
MARTINEZ UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

To maintain quality education and provide over $850,000 in annual local school funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Martinez Unified School District attract and retain qualified teachers; maintain math, science, technology, engineering, reading/ writing programs; protect art/ music; keep school libraries open; and maintain school counselors by renewing for 5 years local school funding at the current $50 rate plus $25 per parcel with senior exemptions, independent citizens’ oversight and all funds supporting Martinez students?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support authorizing the school district to continue the parcel tax of $50 and increase it by $25 for 5 years to fund Martinez schools.
  • A NO vote would be against authorizing the school district to continue the parcel tax of $50 and increase it by $25 for 5 years to fund Martinez schools.26
MEASURE T27
CITY OF RICHMOND SPECIAL PARCEL TAX ON VACANT PROPERTIES

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Ordinance of the City of Richmond’s Municipal Code to establish a Special Parcel Tax on Vacant Properties at the rate of $3,000 annually per vacant developed parcel and $6,000 annually per vacant undeveloped parcel, raising about $5.4 million annually for 20 years to fund homelessness services and housing, blight and dumping elimination, and specified programs, be adopted?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would support establishing a Special Parcel Tax on vacant properties and undeveloped parcels to fund homelessness services and programs.
  • A NO vote would be against establishing a Special Parcel Tax on vacant properties and undeveloped parcels to fund homelessness services and programs.

23 “Measure C – City of Pinole.” Contra Costa County Elections. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://www.cocovote.us/measure-c-city-of-pinole/.
24 “Pinole, California, Measure C, Utility Users Tax Extension (November 6, 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Pinole,_California,_Measure_C,_Utility_Users_Tax_Extension_(November_6,_2018).
25 “Measure Q – Martinez Unified School District.” Contra Costa County Elections. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://www.cocovote.us/measure-q-martinez-unified-school-district/.
26 “Martinez Unified School District, Measure Q, Parcel Tax (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Martinez_Unified_School_District,_Measure_Q,_Parcel_Tax_(November_2018).
27 “Measure T – City of Richmond.” Contra Costa County Elections. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://www.cocovote.us/measure-t-city-of-richmond/.

MEASURE J28
TAMALPAIS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL TAX FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

Recommendation: Support

Summary:
To protect high quality education with local funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Tamalpais Union High School District attract and retain highly qualified teachers, counselors and staff; provide excellent science, technology, engineering, math, reading /writing instruction; protect art /music programs; and maintain small class sizes by levying $149 per parcel, providing $5.1 million annually for 4 years, with senior exemptions, annual cost of living adjustments, independent citizens’ oversight and all funds for local high school students?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of a four-year parcel tax of $149 per residential unit to fund education.
  • A NO vote would be against a four-year parcel tax of $149 per residential unit to fund education.29

28 “November 6, 2018 – Measure J.” Fact Sheets – Community Development Agency – County of Marin. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/election-info/election-schedule/page-data/tabs-collection/2018/nov-6/measure/measurej.
29 “Tamalpais Union High School District, California, Measure J, Parcel Tax (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Tamalpais_Union_High_School_District,_California,_Measure_J,_Parcel_Tax_(November_2018).

PROPOSITION B30

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Describing and setting forth a proposal to the voters at an election to be held November 6, 2018, to amend the Charter of the City and County of San Francisco to adopt a Privacy First Policy.

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of changing the city charter to add guidelines to create personal information protection policies for the City and businesses the City contracts or does business with.
  • A NO vote would be against changing the city charter to add guidelines to create personal information protection policies for the City and businesses the City contracts or does business with.31
PROPOSITION C32

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

This measure would impose an additional tax on businesses’ gross receipts to fund homeless services. The additional tax would apply only to gross receipts above $50 million. For most businesses, the rate of the additional tax would vary between 0.175% and 0.69% depending on the business activities. For businesses that pay the tax based on their payroll, the measure would impose an additional tax of 1.5% on those businesses’ payroll expense.

It would fund up to 50% for programs that help homeless people secure permanent housing, including rental subsidies lasting up to five years; construction, rehabilitation, acquisition, and operation of permanent housing with supportive services; and acquisition and operation of single-room occupancy buildings; Up to 10% for programs that help homeless people secure short-term shelter; Up to 15% for programs serving people who have recently become homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless; and Up to 25% to provide mental health services to homeless people with severe behavioral health impairments, such as mental illness or drug or alcohol addiction.

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of taxing business with over $50 million in gross annual receipts with a 0.175% to 0.69% to fund homelessness services.
  • A NO vote would be against taxing business with over $50 million in gross annual receipts with a 0.175% to 0.69% to fund homelessness services.33

30 Legal Text of Local Ballot Measures for November 6, 2018, Consolidated General Election, Proposition B. Pdf. San Francisco: SF Elections. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/Nov 2018/LT_B.pdf
31 “San Francisco, California, Proposition B, Personal Information Protection Policy Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_B,_Personal_Information_Protection_Policy_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).
32 Legal Text of Local Ballot Measures for November 6, 2018, Consolidated General Election Proposition C. Pdf. San Francisco: SF Elections. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://sfelections.sfgov.org/sites/default/files/Documents/candidates/Nov 2018/LT_C.pdf
33 “San Francisco, California, Proposition C, Gross Receipts Tax for Homelessness Services (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/San_Francisco,_California,_Proposition_C,_Gross_Receipts_Tax_for_Homelessness_Services_(November_2018).

MEASURE Y34
JEFFERSON UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT PARCEL TAX MEASURE

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

To improve school safety, protect vital educational programs, and attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff, shall Jefferson Union High School District levy $58 per parcel for 10 years (raising $2.0 million annually) with an exemption for senior citizens, independent taxpayer oversight, annual audits, and no funds used for administrative salaries or taken by the state and spent elsewhere?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would impose an annual tax of $58 per taxable parcel on property within the District for a period of 10 years beginning July 1, 2019, for the purposes listed above.
  • A NO vote on this measure would not allow the parcel tax to be levied.
MEASURE V35
SAN MATEO FOSTER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT PARCEL TAX MEASURE

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

By this measure, the Board of Trustees of the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District (“District”) proposes a special tax on parcels in the District to raise funds to protect vital educational programs, and attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff. If the measure is approved, an annual tax of $298 per parcel, adjusted annually for inflation, would be imposed for a period of 9 years starting July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2028. The District estimates the tax would raise $10 million annually.

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would impose an annual tax of $298 per taxable parcel on property within the District for a period of 9 years beginning July 1, 2019, for the purposes listed above.
  • A NO vote on this measure would not allow the parcel tax to be levied

34 Resolution No. 2018/19-5, Board of Trustees, Jefferson Union High School District. Pdf. San Mateo County: Smcacre.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.smcacre.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/jeffersonuhsdresono2018_19-5.pdf
35 Resolution # 28/17-18. Pdf. San Mateo County: Smcacre.org. Accessed October 4, 2018. https://www.smcacre.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/smfc_school_district_resono28_17-18.pdf.

MEASURE A36
COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Without increasing current taxes, to fund local priorities such as law enforcement and public safety, trauma and emergency care, affordable housing, supportive services for the homeless, transit for seniors and the disabled, children and family services, agricultural preservation, and mental health services, shall the County of Santa Clara continue its existing one-eighth cent sales tax on an ongoing basis, estimated to raise $50,000,000 annually, with annual public reports for fiscal accountability?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support continuing the one-eighth cent sales tax to support County services.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against continuing the one-eighth cent sales tax to support County services.
MEASURE J37
CITY OF MORGAN HILL

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the office of the City Clerk be appointive?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote is a vote in favor of changing the office of city clerk from an elected office to one appointed by the city.
  • A no vote is a vote against changing the office of city clerk from an elected office to an appointed one.
MEASURE L38
SUNNYVALE CHARTER AMENDMENT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall Sunnyvale City Charter section 604 be amended to allow the City Council to decide whether to fill a City Council vacancy by calling a special election, or by making an appointment, with the person appointed to fill the vacancy holding the office until a successor is elected at the next regularly scheduled municipal or statewide election that can be consolidated?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support changing the city charter to allow the city council to appoint or conduct a special election to fill a vacancy.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against changing the city charter to allow the city council to appoint or conduct a special election to fill a vacancy.39
MEASURE N40
SANTA CLARA ADVISORY CHARTER AMENDMENT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:
ADVISORY VOTE: BY DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS. Shall the City of Santa Clara engage the voters in a public process to draft a Charter Amendment ballot measure to elect its Council Members, other than the Mayor, by district?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support having City voters and residents engage in a public process to draft a Charter Amendment ballot measure to elect its Council Member by district.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against having City voters and residents engage in a public process to draft a Charter Amendment ballot measure to elect its Council Member by district.
MEASURE P41
MOUNTAIN VIEW BUSINESS LICENSE TAX

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the measure to fund critical City needs such as reducing traffic congestion, enhancing bicycle/pedestrian friendly routes, providing housing affordable for a range of incomes/homeless services, by imposing a business license tax of between $8 and $149 per employee on average, with larger companies paying more per employee, generating about $6 million yearly for unrestricted general revenue purposes, until ended by voters, with independent yearly audits, be adopted?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support imposing a business license tax of between $8 and $149 per employee to generate $6 million yearly to reduce traffic congestion and provide affordable housing.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against imposing a business license tax of between $8 and $149 per employee to generate $6 million yearly to reduce traffic congestion and provide affordable housing.
MEASURE Y42
PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TERM LIMITS

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the members of the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education be limited to two consecutive terms of office?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support limiting members of the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education to two consecutive terms in office.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against limiting members of the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education to two consecutive terms in office.
MEASURE EE43
EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Evergreen Elementary School District Parcel Tax To provide competitive and safe learning environments, and enhance student achievement by: – Improving hands-on science, technology, and math instructions; – Keeping class sizes low; – Improving teacher quality and training; – Maintaining arts, music programs, libraries; – Ensuring adequate student supervision and safety; shall the Evergreen Elementary School District renew an existing parcel tax at $125 per parcel for 7 years generating $3.1 million annually, with citizen oversight, annual reports, senior exemptions, and no money for administrators’ salaries or the State?

Two-thirds (2/3) vote needed to pass.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote on this measure would support renewing a parcel tax of $125 per parcel for 7 years to fund the Evergreen Elementary School District.
  • A NO vote on this measure would be against renewing a parcel tax of $125 per parcel for 7 years to fund the Evergreen Elementary School District.

36 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.
37 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.
38 “SUNNYVALE BALLOT MEASURES.” Accessed October 4, 2018. https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=25805.
39 “Sunnyvale, California, Measure L, City Council Vacancy Procedures Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Sunnyvale,_California,_Measure_L,_City_Council_Vacancy_Procedures_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).
40 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.
41 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.
42 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.
43 List of Local Measures. Accessed October 6, 2018. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Info/Nov2018info/Documents/List of Local Measures.pdf.

MEASURE M44
SANTA CRUZ RENT CONTROL CHARTER AMENDMENT

Recommendation: Support

Summary:

Shall the City Charter be amended to enact rent control and just cause eviction regulations on residential rentals in the City of Santa Cruz, with exceptions under State Law, to be governed by a separately elected and autonomous rent board, with independent authority to set rents, fees, and penalties, and appoint an executive director, legal counsel and staff to oversee implementation, administration, and enforcement of the rent control and just cause eviction regulations?

Percentage Needed to Pass: 50%+1.

What Your Vote Means:

  • A YES vote would be in support of changing the city charter to create a rent board to enact rent control and limitations on evictions.
  • A NO vote would be against changing the city charter to create a rent board to enact rent control and limitations on evictions.45

44 Measure M – City of Santa Cruz Rent Control Initiative. Pdf. County of Santa Cruz: Votescount.com. Accessed October 4, 2018. http://www.votescount.com/Home/Elections/November6,2018CaliforniaGeneralElection/Nov18localmeasures/M-SCrentcontrol1118.aspx
45 “Santa Cruz, California, Measure M, Rent Control Charter Amendment (November 2018).” Ballotpedia. Accessed October 05, 2018. https://ballotpedia.org/Santa_Cruz,_California,_Measure_M,_Rent_Control_Charter_Amendment_(November_2018).