Proposition 6: support

Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime  

Summary 

This proposition prohibits the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from punishing any incarcerated person for refusing a work assignment, removes language from the California Constitution explicitly allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime, and does not prohibit any credits to an incarcerated person who voluntarily accepts a work assignment.   

What Your Vote Means   

• A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude and slavery as punishment for a crime.
• A “no” vote opposes amending the state constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude and slavery as punishment for a crime.  

CAIR-CA’s Position: Support  

Rationale for CAIR-CA’s Position 

CAIR-CA supports Proposition 6 because it aligns with principles of social justice and human dignity that are core to its mission. Here are several reasons: 

• Islamic Values of Justice: Involuntary servitude and slavery are contrary to the Islamic values of justice, dignity, and fairness. Supporting Proposition 6 would be a way for CAIR-CA to promote these values in the legal system by ensuring that incarcerated individuals are treated with dignity and are not forced into labor without consent.
• Human Rights Advocacy: As an organization dedicated to protecting civil rights, CAIR-CA has a history of advocating for marginalized communities, including incarcerated populations. This proposition seeks to eliminate an outdated and unjust practice that disproportionately impacts minority and disadvantaged groups. Supporting the proposition aligns with CAIR-CA’s broader goal of advancing human rights.
• Criminal Justice Reform: The prison system disproportionately impacts communities of color. Ending the practice of involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime is a step toward criminal justice reform. This would also align with CAIR-CA’s advocacy for fair treatment of all individuals within the criminal justice system.
• Historical Injustice: The language allowing involuntary servitude as a punishment is a remnant of slavery-era policies. By supporting Proposition 6, CAIR-CA can help dismantle these remnants of systemic racism and contribute to building a more equitable society. 

In summary, supporting Proposition 6 continues our efforts toward justice, equality, and protecting vulnerable populations while staying true to Islamic and civil rights principles. 

Proposition 36: OPPOSE

Increase Drug and Theft Penalties and Reduce Homelessness Initiative (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act)  

Summary 

Proposition 36 will partially repeal Proposition 47 (2014), a law that reclassified some felonies to misdemeanors, thereby reducing punishments for certain nonviolent crimes. Prosecutors would be able to charge people who have three convictions of drug possession or theft with a felony, therefore seeking prison time. The initiative would increase sentences based on the quantity of certain drugs sold illegally. The initiative would also require individuals who receive increased sentences because of this to serve their entire sentence in state prison regardless of their criminal history.  

The initiative would increase penalties for certain theft crimes. For crimes where money or property worth $950 or less is stolen, the initiative would make the crime punishable as a felony for individuals who have two or more prior theft-related convictions. The initiative would make the punishment up to three years in jail or prison depending on their criminal history. Currently, it is punishable by up to six months in jail. The initiative would also increase sentences based on the amount of property stolen.  

What Your Vote Means   

• A “yes” vote supports making changes to Proposition 47 approved in 2014, including: classifying certain drug offenses as treatment-mandated felonies; increasing penalties for certain drug crimes by increasing sentence lengths and level of crime; requiring courts to warn individuals convicted of distributing illegal drugs of their potential future criminal liability if they distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine; and increasing sentences for theft based on the value of the property stolen.
• A “no” vote opposes this initiative that makes changes to Proposition 47 (2014), thereby maintaining certain drug and theft crimes as misdemeanors.  

CAIR-CA’s Position: Oppose 

Rationale for CAIR-CA’s Position 

CAIR-CA opposes Proposition 36 for several key reasons: 

• Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color: Proposition 36 increases penalties for drug-related and theft offenses, which disproportionately affect Black, Latino, and other minority communities. These groups are already overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Supporting an increase in sentencing could further perpetuate systemic racism and lead to harsher consequences for marginalized communities.
• Undermining Criminal Justice Reform: Proposition 47, passed in 2014, aimed to reduce mass incarceration by reclassifying certain non-violent offenses, such as drug possession and petty theft, from felonies to misdemeanors. Proposition 36 would roll back these reforms, increasing prison sentences for non-violent crimes. This is counterproductive to ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable criminal justice system.
• Lack of Focus on Rehabilitation: Instead of addressing the root causes of drug addiction and theft, such as poverty and lack of access to mental health and rehabilitation services, Proposition 36 focuses on punitive measures. Increasing sentences for drug-related offenses, particularly without a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, only perpetuates the cycle of incarceration without offering meaningful support to those struggling with addiction or economic hardship.
• Exacerbating Mass Incarceration: By increasing penalties for certain offenses, Proposition 36 would likely contribute to an already overburdened prison system. CAIR-CA has consistently advocated for policies that seek alternatives to incarceration and prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration into society, rather than expanding prison populations.
• Economic and Social Harm: The communities most affected by Proposition 36 are often low-income and already vulnerable. Increased sentences and harsher penalties would lead to long-term economic and social consequences for individuals and their families. CAIR-CA’s opposition aligns with its mission to protect civil liberties and support social justice. 

In summary, CAIR-CA’s opposition to Proposition 36 is consistent with its commitment to criminal justice reform, dismantling systemic racism, and promoting a more humane and equitable justice system. 

San Diego COunty

Measure g:

This measure would raise the sales tax by a half-cent to fund county transportation, infrastructure, and safety projects annually until ended by voters, requiring citizen oversight. The sales tax would generate up to $350 million per year. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

City of San Diego

Measure E:

This measure would increase the city sales tax by 1%, from 7.75% to 8.75%; funds would be used as additional revenue for the city’s general fund. San Diego City currently faces a $200 million budget deficit. The tax could generate up to $400 million annually until voters end it, requiring citizen oversight and audits. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Measure C:

(Note) This measure will only appear on ballots for those residing within the boundaries of San Diego Unified School District.

Measure C would change the election process for the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education Seats. If two or fewer candidates run for the SDUSD school board seat, the primary election would be canceled, and the race would be moved to the general election. It would save the school district $130,000 per seat. 

CAIR-SD Position: Support

Rationale:

CAIR-SD supports this measure as turnout is often greater for the general election rather than during primary elections. By consolidating elections, the people will still have the opportunity to vote in the general election, where the participation tends to be broader. Additionally, the approach will reduce the costs associated with redundant elections, making the process more efficient in terms of financial and voter engagement. 

Measure D:

Measure D would strengthen the independence of the San Diego City Ethics Commissions and would only allow it to be eliminated by voters rather than by the city council. The San Diego City Ethics Commission regulates officials within San Diego City. Currently, the San Diego City Ethics Commission is under the supervision of the San Diego City Council, thus making it difficult to regulate those that control it. 

CAIR-SD Position: Support

Rationale:

CAIR-SD Supports this measure as it gives the Ethics Commission full autonomy to execute its responsibility. The ethics commission would be allowed to conduct its job more effectively and independently without pressure from the city council and those it governs. 

Measure HH:

This measure would authorize the San Diego Community College District to issue and sell $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds. These funds would be used to direct funds to repair classrooms, ensure access to safe drinking water, and protect college affordability. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

San Diego COunty

Measure g:

This measure would raise the sales tax by a half-cent to fund county transportation, infrastructure, and safety projects annually until ended by voters, requiring citizen oversight. The sales tax would generate up to $350 million per year. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

San Marcos

Measure Q: 

This measure would introduce a 1% sales tax to fund San Marcos City Services. These services include maintaining streets and infrastructure, ensuring that parks and community facilities are safe and well-kept, and reducing traffic. The tax could generate up to $20,000,0000 annually for ten years and be locally controlled with citizen oversight. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Measure JJ: 

This would allow the San Marcos Unified School District to issue $324 million in bonds to repair aging schools by removing hazards, upgrading roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems, while modernizing classrooms and facilities. The measure levies 4 cents per $100 assessed value ($20 million annually) with local control and citizen oversight.

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Carlsbad

Measure B:

This measure would increase the spending limit for the City of Carlsbad to obtain and improve real property from $1 million to $3.09 million using city funds (The number would be adjusted for inflation annually). The spending limit is currently restricted to $1 million because of Proposition H, passed in 1982. The measure would also allow the city to improve public safety facilities without voter approval. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Del Mar

Measure M:

This measure would place a transient occupancy tax (TOT) on all short-term vacation rentals (less than 30 days). The tax would raise money to maintain the city of Del Mar, which is impacted by tourism, such as streets, beaches, parks, and public safety. The tax would generate up to 775,000 annually for Del Mar. 

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Measure A:

The measure proposes amending the Municipal Code to align with the City Council compensation formula under State law (Government Code Section 36516). This would (i) set the salary for Council members at $950 per month, strictly limited by State law, and (ii) allow future salary adjustments, within the limits of State law, to be made through an ordinance discussed publicly at a minimum of two City Council meetings.

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Escondido

Measure I:

The measure proposes establishing a local one-cent sales tax in Escondido, generating approximately $28 million annually for 20 years. The funds would be used for general government purposes, including public safety, addressing homelessness, improving streets and infrastructure, increasing police, fire, and paramedic services, reducing traffic congestion, and maintaining parks and open spaces. All the money raised would stay in Escondido.

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

oceanside

Measure x:

The City of Oceanside is proposing to extend its existing half-cent sales tax for an additional 10 years to continue funding essential city services. This extension would not increase the current tax rate but would maintain around $19 million annually—for funding to maintain and improve Oceanside’s essential services, including roads, infrastructure, parks, beaches, emergency response, police, and homelessness support.

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral

Encinitas

Measure K:

This measures allows the city of Encinitas to adopt a 1% sales tax, generating up to $15.4 million annually for 10 years in locally controlled funds to maintain parks, beaches, public facilities, repair storm drains, restore beach sand, fix potholes, and improve street and traffic safety.

CAIR-SD Position: Neutral