State Ballot Propositions

• Yes on Proposition 2, a bond measure that would provide $8.5 billion in funding for construction at TK-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges. Children in California deserve school facilities that are in good repair.

• Yes on Proposition 3, The Right to Marry and Repeal Amendment: Would recognize in California Constitution the fundamental right to marry, regardless of race or sex. keeping up with changing public sentiment.

• No on Proposition 4, fiscally irresponsible measure to fund host of environmental projects designed to placate political constituencies rather than ensure efficient and effective allocation of precious funds.

• No on Proposition 5, lowering vote threshold for many local measures. The future Prop. 5 promises is one where Californians will pay higher property taxes. Protect existing taxpayer protections.

• No on Proposition 6, end prison labor “slavery.” Inmates should not be legally empowered to dictate what chores they’re willing to do.

• No on Proposition 32, would boost the state’s minimum wage from $16 an hour to $18 in 2025, making California’s minimum wage the highest in the U.S. Measure is a flawed way to deal with deeper problems.

• No on Proposition 33, rent control. Would free local governments to set rent rules without restrictions. Expanding rent control would only exacerbate the state’s housing crisis.

• Yes on Proposition 34, targeting AIDS foundation’s reselling of medications. Would cut off Michael Weinstein’s misleading fundraising to support rent controls under the banner of AIDS health care, which needs to end.

• No on Proposition 35, Medi-Cal funding measure: More special-interest, ballot-box budgeting. The allocation of limited general fund money should be made when all the competing demands are weighed by lawmakers.

• Yes on Proposition 36 to increase penalties for major theft crimes and serial offenders. The measure is a smart response to the state’s homelessness, retail theft and opioid-addiction crises.

Local Ballot Measures

• No on Measure R, Central Fire: The “ask” of $221 million is too much. District can return with a more reasonable measure that won’t further burden taxpayers.

• Yes on Measure S, Scotts Valley Fire, $24.5 million bond to replace station, and increase safety. The bond money would help pay for a new, centrally located fire station on La Madrona Drive to replace an aging facility on Erba Lane.

• Yes on Measure T, Zayante Fire: Would replace an annual $75 parcel tax with a new tax from $50 to $290. Volunteer department would get funds for daytime staffing and repair and purchase equipment.

• No on Measure Q, the Land Trust-backed wildfire and water protection property tax. Measure is too broad and benefits one local nonprofit in particular. For all the expressed benefits, we would have liked to see a measure better defined, that doesn’t further increase taxes on property owners in the county.

• No on Measure U, SLV water fixed rates: Measure would hurt SLV schools and other water users that would see costs rise dramatically. The district needs a reliable source of funding for needed repairs — but should look into moderating increase.

• Yes on Measure X, Scotts Valley business license tax: Businesses already pay a license fee and the funds raised help pay for city services. This fee hasn’t changed since 1992.

• No on Measure Z, Santa Cruz city soda tax: Regressive tax will hurt lower-income families. Anyone wanting to purchase an untaxed sugar-sweetened beverage can just journey outside Santa Cruz city limits to do so. If a soda tax is vital, work with legislators to make it statewide.

• Yes on Measure V to expand eligibility for city committee and commission members to all Watsonville residents. Will allow more equitable representation on issues that affect everyone in Watsonville.

• No recommendation on Measure W, updates on Watsonville city charter.

• Yes on Measure Y, Capitola sales tax increase. Tax if raised from 9% to 9.25% will be comparable to other cities in the county and the unincorporated area.

Editorials providing details regarding the recommendations found here can be read at https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/endorsements. The full lists of Editorial Board recommendations on ballot propositions and measures can be found at https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/10/15/editorial-our-vote-recommendations-for-your-nov-5-local-ballots/