Initiatives and referendums
Tax, Budgeting, CEQA Initiatives Proposed
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 9 February 2010 - 12:32pmCalifornia voters could overhaul the state and local tax system, as well as the state budgeting process, in November. Ballot initiatives that would constrict state and local government funding, and, conversely, dramatically increase state and local government revenues are in circulation for signatures.
Alameda Voters Reject Navy Base Reuse Plan
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 9 February 2010 - 12:27pmCity of Alameda voters have overwhelmingly rejected a plan to redevelop Alameda Naval Air Station. In a February 2 special election, 85.4% of voters said “no” to Measure B, which would have permitted developer SunCal Companies to move forward with a housing and industrial project on about 1,000 acres of Navy real estate.
Election Update: Slow Growthers Win In Davis, Mendocino County
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 4 November 2009 - 12:13pmSlow-growth advocates won major victories in November 3 local elections when voters rejected a housing project in Davis and a shopping center in Mendocino County, as well as sewer extensions in Modesto.
But slow-growth forces suffered some unexpected losses. In Santa Barbara and Ventura, two cities with a history of voter-controlled development, initiatives that would have imposed strict height limits on new buildings were rejected. In the Bay Area, Walnut Creek voters approved amended parking standards necessary for the construction of a Neiman Marcus store downtown.
Decision Time Nears For Local Initiatives
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 22 October 2009 - 10:42amFormation of new cities, building-height limits in Santa Barbara and Ventura, and a developer-written specific plan for a vacant industrial site near Ukiah are among the land use proposals up for a vote in the November 3 municipal elections. At least 21 measures with land use implications are on the ballot in 12 different California jurisdictions.
9th Circuit Reinstates Kern County Sludge Ban
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 18 September 2009 - 9:30amA Kern County voter initiative prohibiting the disposal of sewage sludge on fields in the county has new life. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a federal District Court judge’s ruling that the initiative violated the United States constitution’s commerce clause.
Court Reinstates SLO Developer's Ballot Initiative
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 18 August 2009 - 8:08amA state appellate court has reinstated the results of a local ballot initiative that authorize a large development near the San Luis Obispo County airport. A trial court judge had thrown out the initiative on the grounds that it was superceded by the State Aeronautics Act and that the ballot measure amounted to an “adjudicative” rather than a legislative act. The Second District Court of Appeal disagreed, ruling that the aeronautics law did not preclude the initiative and that it was appropriately legislative in nature.
Lodi Voters Kill Redevelopment Plan
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 26 March 2009 - 10:39amVoters in Lodi rejected redevelopment, while those in Alamo said no to incorporation of a new city during municipal balloting on March 3. In Los Angeles, voters narrowly rejected two charter amendments, one for a solar energy program, the other for fiscal incentives for business development. Only in Glendora did the electorate provide a positive response to proposed change. A measure rezoning the site of a former automobile dealership for other retail uses passed easily.
SF Redevelopment Plan Prevented From Reaching Ballot
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 1 December 2008 - 12:22pmA referendum on a redevelopment plan for San Francisco’s Bayview and Hunters Point districts will not appear on the ballot. The First District Court of Appeal upheld a Superior Court judge’s ruling that referendum proponents violated elections law by not including a copy of the redevelopment plan in referendum petitions.
Voters Demonstrate Slow-Growth Tendency
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 November 2008 - 1:01pmBalloting on local land use measures during the general election provided the usual mixed-bag of results, but also a number of surprises. Overall, slow-growth forces won 22 of 39 classifiable elections.
Despite the poor economy, the electorate demonstrated a willingness to spend money and even raise taxes for transit, roads and schools.
Complete Local Election Results, November 2008
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 November 2008 - 11:55amComplete results of 67 ballot measures in 23 counties.
