Randy's Guide 5-8-4: General Election

California's deadline for voter registration online or postmarked is today, October 21. Do it today at https://registertovote.ca.gov. You can also same-day register in person while voting at a polling location.

In San Francisco, early voting started at City Hall. Hours are 8am-5pm weekdays, as well as 10am-4pm for the next two weekends. You can check your polling location or wait time at https://sfelections.org/tools/map_poll_time.

Election Day is November 5... less than three weeks away! Polls will be open 7am-8pm. As long as you are in line at 8pm, you will be permitted to vote. You can drop off your mail-in ballot at any polling location within your registered county. A mailed ballot must be postmarked by Election Day for it to be countable.

The State ballot is long. The SF and CA election books are over 400 pages combined! Besides the Presidential, Senate, and House races, there are 10 California propositions and 15 SF propositions. Six of 11 SF Supervisor districts, half of State Senate districts, all State Assembly districts, SF Mayor, and other local positions are up for a vote.

- 10 State Measures -

Proposition 2: Public Schools
Authorize $10 billion in bonds to build or improve K-12 and community college facilities.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, Sacramento Bee, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Teachers, GrowSF, SEIU CA, Sierra Club CA, SPUR

NO - CA Libertarian Party, SF Green Party, OC Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego)

Proposition 3: Right to Marriage

Amend State Constitution to recognize right to marry, regardless of sex or race.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Libertarian Party, Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Gavin Newsom, LA Mayor Karen Bass, SF Mayor London Breed, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, OC Register, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, ACLU CA, CA Chamber of Commerce, GrowSF, SEIU CA

NO - American Council of Evangelicals, CA Family Council

Proposition 4: Climate Risks

Authorize $10 billion in bonds for projects on water, wildfire prevention, natural lands, coastline, renewable energy, and agriculture.

YES - CA Democratic Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU CA, Sierra Club CA, SPUR

NO - CA Republican Party, CA Libertarian Party, SF Green Party, OC Register

Proposition 5: Affordable Housing and Infrastructure

Amend State Constitution to lower voter approval requirement for local bonds of affordable housing or infrastructure from two-thirds to 55%.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU CA, SPUR

NO - CA Republican Party, CA Libertarian Party, OC Register, SF Chronicle, CA Chamber of Commerce

Proposition 6: Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons

Amend State Constitution to remove provision allowing prisons to impose involuntary work.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU CA

NO - CA Republican Party, OC Register

Proposition 32: Minimum Wage

Increase State minimum wage of $16 to $18 by 2025 for larger employers and 2026 for smaller employers.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU CA

NO - CA Libertarian Party, CA Republican Party, OC Register, CA Chamber of Commerce

Proposition 33: Rent Control

Repeal State law that prevents cities and counties from limiting initial rent or rent increases in most properties.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, CA Nurses, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SF Tenants Union

NO - CA Libertarian Party, CA Republican Party, Gov. Gavin Newsom, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, LA Times, OC Register, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SF Chronicle, CA Chamber of Commerce, GrowSF, SPUR

Proposition 34: Health Care

Require certain larger health care providers to spend 98% of revenues from federal discount prescriptions on direct patient care, and authorizes the State to negotiate Medi-Cal drug prices on a statewide basis.

YES - CA Republican Party, OC Register, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Firefighters, GrowSF, Hep B Free SF, NAACP CA

NO - CA Green Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, NOW

Proposition 35: Medi-Cal

Extend the tax on managed health care insurance plans to fund specified Medi-Cal services.

YES - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, NAACP CA, Planned Parenthood CA, United Farm Workers

NO - CA Libertarian Party, LA Times, OC Register, SF Chronicle

Proposition 36: Crime

Increase charges and sentences for certain drug or theft crimes.

YES - CA Republican Party, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, SF Mayor London Breed, former Rep. Jackie Speier, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA District Attorneys, GrowSF, SF Police Officers, Target

NO - CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, OC Register, SF Bay Guardian, CA Nurses, CA Teachers, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU CA

- 15 County Measures -

Proposition A: Local Schools

Authorize $790 million in bonds for school upgrades. Requires 55% to pass.

YES - SF Democratic Party, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, former Interim Mayor Mark Farrell, Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union, SPUR

NO - SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, SF Republican Party

Proposition B: Health Care, Shelter, and Public Spaces

Authorize $390 million in bonds for interim housing, public spaces, and City health care facilities. Requires 2/3 to pass, unless State Proposition 5 passes to allow 55% to pass.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Mayor London Breed, State Sen. Scott Wiener, all 11 Board of Supervisors, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union, Sierra Club SF, SPUR, Walk SF

NO - SF Green Party, SF Republican Party

Proposition C: Inspector General

Create Inspector General position to review complaints, issue subpoenas, and execute search warrants.

YES - SF Green Party, State Assm. Phil Ting, all 11 Board of Supervisors, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union

NO - SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers

Proposition D: City Commissions and Mayoral/Police Chief Authority

Limit the number of City commissions, and give more authority to the Mayor and Police Chief.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, former Interim Mayor Mark Farrell, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers

NO - SF Green Party, State Assm. Phil Ting, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union, SPUR

Proposition E: City Commission Task Force

Create a Task Force to review the City commissions, with recommendations due by February 2026.

YES - SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union

NO - SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers, SPUR

Proposition F: Police Staffing and Deferred Retirement

Modify police staffing regulations and create a deferred retirement program.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers

NO - SF Green Party, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, ACLU of Northern CA, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SF Tenants Union

Proposition G: Affordable Housing Subsidies

Require City funding of at least $8.25 million for rental subsidies at affordable housing developments.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, MEDA, SEIU 1021, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union, Sierra Club SF, SPUR

NO - SF Republican Party, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce

Proposition H: Firefighters Retirement

Lower the firefighter retirement threshold age for maximum benefits from 58 to 55.

YES - SF Democratic Party, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers

NO - SF Libertarian Party, SF Republican Party, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle

Proposition I: Nurses and 911 Operator Retirement

Modify the retirement benefits for nurses and 911 operators.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, SF Bay Guardian, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union

NO - SF Libertarian Party, SF Republican Party, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club

Proposition J: Funding for Children, Youth, and Families

Create a new group between the City and the School District to evaluate funding and monitor outcomes.

YES - SF Democratic Party, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union

NO - SF Green Party, SF Republican Party

Proposition K: Great Highway

Close the Upper Great Highway (between Lincoln Way and Sloat Blvd.) to most automobile traffic at all times.

YES - SF Democratic Party, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, State Sen. Scott Wiener, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, Sierra Club SF, SF Bike Coalition, SF Police Officers, SPUR, Walk SF

NO - SF Green Party, SF Libertarian Party, SF Republican Party, SF Bay Guardian, SEIU 1021

Proposition L: Rideshare Tax

Impose a 1 - 4.5% tax on rideshare company receipts to help fund Muni public transportation services and programs.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union, Sierra Club SF, SPUR, Walk SF

NO - SF Republican Party, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Controller Malia Cohen, former Interim Mayor Mark Farrell, Golden Gate Restaurants, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers

Proposition M: Business Taxes

Modify the business tax structure by shifting more of the tax burden to larger businesses.

YES - SF Democratic Party, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie, SF Bay Guardian, Airbnb, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Golden Gate Restaurants, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, Google, SPUR

NO - SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, SF Police Officers

Proposition N: First Responder Student Loan and Training Fund

Reimburse first responders with up to $25,000 toward student loans and job-related educational and training expenses.

YES - SF Democratic Party, State Assm. Matt Haney, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, SF Bay Guardian, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Police Officers, 

NO - SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club

Proposition O: Reproductive Rights

Support, protect, and expand reproductive rights and services.

YES - SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers, SF Tenants Union

NO - 

- SF Mayor -

Finally, we have the SF Mayor's race, which has 13 candidates. Voters may select up to 10 candidates under the Ranked Choice system.

London Breed: Mayor since 2018, former President of the Board of Supervisors

- Endorsed by SF Democratic Party (#1), Bay Area Reporter (#1), Marina Times (#3), Rep. Barbara Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, Planned Parenthood CA, SF Bike Coalition, SF Police Officers

Mark Farrell: former interim Mayor in 2018, former District 2 Supervisor

- Endorsed by Marina Times (#1), Chinese American Democratic Club, GrowSF, SF Deputy Sheriffs (#1), SF Firefighters, SF Realtors

Daniel Lurie: founder and former CEO of Tipping Point Community

- Endorsed by Marina Times (#2), SF Chronicle (#1), former Mayor Frank Jordan, former State Sen. Mark Leno, former Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez, former Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, GrowSF

Aaron Peskin: District 3 Supervisor, President of the Board of Supervisors

- Endorsed by Green Party (#1), Bay Area Reporter (#2), SF Bay Guardian (#1), Sing Tao Daily, State Assm. Phil Ting, CA Nurses, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Berniecrats, SF Educators, SF Tenants Union

Ahsha Safaí: District 11 Supervisor

- Endorsed by SF Deputy Sheriffs (#2), SF Educators

Randy's Guide 5-8-3: Primary Election

With California's accepted ballot numbers standing at 11.2% as of today, there's a good chance you haven't voted yet. Analysts believe we could rival 2012 (31.1%) with the lowest presidential primary turnout over the past century. The two parties already seem destined for a sequel match-up for the Presidency in the fall. The only other major statewide race is for Dianne Feinstein's former seat.

In San Francisco, seven initiatives - ranging from public assistance to algebra - will supplement the single statewide measure promoting mental health treatment. The House race here will likely result in a top-two finish for Nancy Pelosi and GOP-endorsed Bruce Lou.

In California, you may register to vote on Election Day and vote provisionally (meaning the bureaucracy needs to validate your registration status before counting your ballot). Election Day is less than a week away (March 5). You must postmark your ballot by that day, or drop it off at a California precinct on Election Day. Early in-person voting is also available for the majority of California voters. Or cast your ballot in person on Election Day like I do!

- U.S. Senate -

Adam Schiff (D-Burbank): House of Representative (District 30) since 2001; House Intelligence Committee Chair (2019-23); lead impeachment manager in first trial against President Trump; first Congressional member to participate in the AIDS/LifeCycle; former California State Senator (1997-2001)

Endorsements: Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, State Assm. Phil Ting, SF Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, SF City Attorney David Chiu, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Sen. Barbara Boxer, former SF Mayor Art Agnos, LA Times, La Opinión, United Farm Workers

Steve Garvey (R): former first baseman for the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres; sports marketing firm founder

Endorsements: San Diego Police Officers Association

Katie Porter (D-Irvine): House of Representative (District 47) since 2019; Congressional Progressive Caucus deputy chair; studied under Harvard Law Professor Elizabeth Warren

Endorsements: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Sen. Scott Wiener, SF Chronicle, United Auto Workers

Barbara Lee (D-Oakland): House of Representative (District 12) since 1998; former California State Senator (1997-98); former California State Assemblymember (1991-97); sole Congressional member to vote against the War in Afghanistan; former Black Panther Party member

Endorsements: Rep. Maxine Waters (D-LA), CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, CA State Controller Malia Cohen, CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CA Secretary of State Shirley Weber, SF Mayor London Breed, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, LA Mayor Karen Bass, author Gloria Steinem, Bay Area Reporter, Sacramento Bee, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters

- Initiatives -

CA Proposition 1: Mental Health Treatment

Authorizes $6.38 billion in bonds for mental health treatment facilities and supportive housing; changes the spending requirements from the tax revenues of the Mental Health Services Act (2004).

YES: CA Democratic Party, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, SF Mayor London Breed, SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hospital Association, CA Professional Firefighters, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU CA, SF Labor Council, SPUR, Swords to Plowshares

NO: CA Peace and Freedom Party, SF Green Party, OC Register, ACLU of Northern California, Disability Rights (CA), League of Women Voters (CA)

SF Proposition A: Affordable Housing

Authorize $300 million in bonds for affordable housing.

YES: SF Democratic Party, Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, State Sen. Scott Wiener, State Assm. Phil Ting, Mayor London Breed, all 11 Board of Supervisors, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Labor Council, Sierra Club SF, SPUR

NO: SF Green Party, SF Republican Party

SF Proposition B: Police Officer Staffing

Set and fund minimum police officer staffing levels, but with the requirement of a new or amended tax in the future.

YES: SF Democratic Party, State Assm. Matt Haney, SEIU 1021, SF Labor Council

NO: SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Tenants Union

SF Proposition C: Real Estate Transfer Tax Changes

Boost office conversions to residential property; change the methodology for setting office space development and transfer tax rates.

YES: SF Republican Party, Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, Bay Area Reporter, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Club SF, SPUR

NO: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, MEDA, SEIU 1021, SF Labor Council, SF Tenants Union

SF Proposition D: Local Ethics Laws

Strengthen and standardize ethics laws related to gifts, relationships, and non-work activities.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Labor Council, SF Tenants Union, SPUR

NO: 

SF Proposition E: Police Department Policies

Modify SFPD procedures, including the increased use of technology and less administrative burden.

YES: SF Republican Party, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Police Officers Association

NO: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, ACLU of Northern California, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Labor Council, SF Tenants Union

SF Proposition F: Cash Assistance Drug Requirements

Require certain cash assistance recipients who appear to be dependent on illegal drugs to participate in screening, evaluation, and treatment for drug dependency as a condition to receive most of those benefits.

YES: SF Republican Party, Mayor London Breed, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, GrowSF

NO: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, State Assm. Matt Haney, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Sing Tao Daily, ACLU of Northern California, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Glide, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF AIDS Foundation, SF Labor Council, SF Tenants Union, SPUR

SF Proposition G: Algebra

Encourage SFUSD to offer Algebra 1 to students by their eighth-grade year.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, 10 Board of Supervisors, Bay Area Reporter, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce

NO: Supervisor Shamann Walton, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021

Randy's Guide 5-8-2: General Midterm Election

Election Day is on November 8. After today (October 24), it's too late to register to vote in your current county and receive a ballot by mail. You will need to go into a County polling place to submit a Provisional Ballot for same-day registration.

We'll vote on multiple positions and seven propositions, ranging from Governor to online gambling. Early in-person voting began on October 11 in San Francisco. Ballots must be cast in person, dropped off at a county polling place or drop box, or postmarked by Election Day to be valid.

CA turnout in the last three midterm elections: 2018 - 64.5% of registered voters; 2014 - 42.2%; 2010 - 59.6%

SF turnout in the last three midterm elections: 2018 - 74.5% of registered voters; 2014 - 53.0%; 2010 - 61.0%

CALIFORNIA

Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, and most other statewide officials should coast comfortably for re-election. The one contested statewide race is for Controller between Malia Cohen and Lanhee Chen. Chen is vying to become the first Republican Controller since Houston Flournoy finished his term in 1975.

- Controller -

Lanhee Chen (R): chair of the board of directors at El Camino Health; Hoover Institution Fellow at Stanford; previous UC Berkeley visiting scholar at the Institute for Governmental Studies; nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate for the Social Security Advisory Board; senior adviser for Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign; policy director for Mitt Romney's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns; healthcare adviser for George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign; four Harvard degrees.

Endorsements: CA Republican Party, LA Times, OC Register, Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, SF Chronicle, Andrew Yang, former CA Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, former CA Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, former Sen. Joe Lieberman

Malia Cohen (D): CA Board of Equalization, District 2 representative; founder of Power Forward consulting firm; former SF Board of Supervisors President and District 10 Supervisor; field organizer for Gavin Newsom's 2003 mayoral campaign; Carnegie Mellon graduate degree

Endorsements: CA Democratic Party, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, SF Mayor London Breed, Bay Area Reporter, SF Examiner, CA Teachers, Planned Parenthood, SEIU CA, Sierra Club

- 7 CA Propositions -

Proposition 1: Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom

Amends California Constitution to include the right to an abortion or the use of contraceptives.

YES: CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Governor Gavin Newsom, State Sen. Scott Wiener, State Asm. Phil Ting and Matt Haney, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, ACLU, CA Teachers, GrowSF, Kaiser Permanente, Planned Parenthood, SEIU CA, Sierra Club

NO: CA Republican Party, State Sen. Brian Dahle, Knights of Columbus

Proposition 26: Gambling Expansion

Expands state gambling options at four racetracks (sports betting) and tribal casinos (roulette, craps, sports betting).

YES: CA Peace and Freedom Party, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Bay Area Reporter, Graton Rancheria, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, NAACP, Pechanga, SF Berniecrats

NO: CA Libertarian Party, CA Republican Party, SF Green Party, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, LA Times, OC Register, Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, American Federation of State-County-Municipal Employees, Artichoke Joe's, City of San Jose, GrowSF, Hawaiian Gardens Casino, SPCA SF/LA

Proposition 27: Online Sports Betting

Allows tribal casinos or contracted businesses to offer online sports betting - with over $400 million to date spent on this measure.

YES: Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, DraftKings, FanDuel, San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness

NO: CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Libertarian Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, CA Republican Party, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, OC Register, Sacramento Bee, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, CA Teachers, Coalition on Homelessness SF, Graton Rancheria, GrowSF, NAACP, Pechanga, SPUR, VFW Dept. of CA

Proposition 28: Arts Funding in Schools

Provides about $1 billion annually to K-12 schools for arts and music education.

YES: CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, Barbra Streisand, Dr. Dre, LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, My Chemical Romance, Vampire Weekend, Weird Al Yankovic, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, OC Register, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, CA Teachers, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU CA, SFMOMA, Universal Music Group

NO: CA Libertarian Party, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Examiner

Proposition 29: Dialysis Clinic Requirements

Requires dialysis clinics to have an on-site medical professional, disclose physicians' ownership interests, and report infection data.

YES: CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, CA Labor Federation, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU CA

NO: CA Libertarian Party, CA Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, OC Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Medical Association, CA Nurses Association, DaVita + Fresenius dialysis corporations, GrowSF, NAACP, VFW Dept. of CA

Proposition 30: Tax for Environmental Programs

Taxes those earning over $2 million to fund zero-emission vehicle purchases, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire prevention.

YES: CA Democratic Party, Rep. Barbara Lee and Ro Khanna, State Sen. Scott Wiener, LA Mayor Eric Garcia, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, San Jose Sam Liccardo, SF Mayor London Breed, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, American Lung Association, BART, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, GrowSF, Lime, Lyft, Rivian, SPUR

NO: CA Libertarian Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, CA Republican Party, SF Green Party, Governor Gavin Newsom, LA Times, OC Register, Mercury News, San Diego Union-Tribune, SF Examiner, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Teachers

Proposition 31: Flavored Tobacco

Prohibits the sale of most flavored tobacco products.

YES: CA Democratic Party, CA Green Party, CA Peace and Freedom Party, Governor Gavin Newsom, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Barbara Lee, State Sen. Scott Wiener, State Assm. Phil Ting, SF Mayor London Breed, Michael Bloomberg, Bay Area Reporter, LA Times, Sacramento Bee, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, American Heart Association, CA NAACP, CA NOW, CA Teachers, Equality CA, GrowSF, Kaiser Permanente, Planned Parenthood, SEIU CA, Sierra Club

NO: CA Libertarian Party, CA Republican Party, OC Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Philip Morris, R.J. Reynolds

SAN FRANCISCO

The new 15th Congressional district, which spans from East Palo Alto up to southern San Francisco (including Excelsior and Portola), is an open seat with Jackie Speier retiring after 7+ terms. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins should be re-elected without difficulty. Fourteen City propositions are on the ballot.

- House District 15 -

David Canepa (D): San Mateo County District 5 Supervisor; Board of Director for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; former Daly City Mayor and Councilmember; USF and Skyline College graduate

Endorsements: SF Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, Board of Equalization Chair Malia Cohen, Millbrae Mayor Anne Oliva, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, National Nurses United, Union of Food and Commercial Workers

Kevin Mullin (D): State Assm. for District 22 and Speaker Pro Tempore; former South SF Mayor and Councilmember; former district director for State Sen. Jackie Speier; founder of KM2 Communications, a multimedia production company; USF and SF State graduate

Endorsements: CA Democratic Party, SF Democratic Party, Gov. Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jackie Speier, State Sen. Scott Wiener, State Assm. Phil Ting and Matt Haney, Bay Area Reporter, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, American Medical Association, CA Teachers, GrowSF, SEIU CA, Sierra Club

- 14 SF Propositions -

Proposition A: Retiree Pension Adjustments

Adjusts certain retirees' pensions, and permits the Retirement Board to hire an executive director without contract limitations.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, All 11 Board of Supervisors, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Firefighters Local 798, SPUR

NO: SF Green Party

Proposition B: Public Works Consolidation

Merges the newly created Department of Sanitation and Streets into the Department of Public Works, but retains the Sanitation and Streets Commission as is.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Republican Party, Mayor London Breed, former Mayor Willie Brown, former Assm. Tom Ammiano, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Sing Tao, Friends of the Urban Forest, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SF Apartment Association, SF Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Club, SPUR

NO: SF Green Party, Assm. Matt Haney, Laborers Local 261 (sanitation), SF Firefighters Local 798

Proposition C: Homelessness Oversight Commission

Oversees the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing with a new commission, split between Mayoral and Board appointees.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, all 11 Board of Supervisors, State Assm. Matt Haney, Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, League of Pissed Off Voters, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Firefighters Local 798, SPUR

NO: SF Republican Party, GrowSF, SF YIMBY

Proposition D: Affordable Housing Approvals

Streamlines affordable housing projects (no more than 140% Area Median Income) with certain requirements.

YES: Mayor London Breed, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Bay Area Reporter, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, Habitat for Humanity, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF YIMBY, SPUR, United Way Bay Area

NO: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, SF Bay Guardian, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union, Sierra Club

Proposition E: Affordable Housing Approvals

Streamlines affordable housing projects (no more than 120% Area Median Income) with certain requirements.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Party, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club, SF Firefighters Local 798

NO: SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF YIMBY, SPUR

Proposition F: Library Preservation Fund

Extends the Preservation Fund beyond 2023, and expands library hours by at least 15%.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, all 11 Board of Supervisors, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Phil Ting and Matt Haney, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Friends of SF Public Library, GrowSF, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR

NO: SF Republican Party

Proposition G: SFUSD Grants

Creates a Student Success Fund for SFUSD to cover 15 years of grants.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, State Assm. Matt Haney, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR

NO: SF Republican Party

Proposition H: City Election Reform

Shifts City elections to even-numbered years, extends current terms through January 2025, and slightly increases the number of required signatures for initiatives.

YES: SF Democratic Party, Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club, SF Tenants Union, SF YIMBY, SPUR

NO: SF Green Party, SF Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Examiner, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, SF Chamber of Commerce

Proposition I: Golden Gate Park Vehicle Use

Allows vehicle use within Golden Gate Park except on Sundays (6am-6pm) and Saturdays (April-September), and removes car restrictions on the Great Highway.

YES: SF Republican Party, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Arc SF, Fine Arts Museums (de Young/Legion of Honor), SF Gray Panthers, SF Latinx Democratic Club

NO: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, State Sen. Scott Wiener, State Assm. Matt Haney, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SF Bike Coalition, SF YIMBY, Sierra Club, SPUR, WalkSF

Proposition J: Golden Gate Park Recreational Use

Maintains existing City law to block private car use for parts of Golden Gate Park.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Matt Haney, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, Green Apple Books, GrowSF, SF Bike Coalition, SF YIMBY, Sierra Club, SPUR, WalkSF

NO: SF Republican Party, Arc SF, Fine Arts Museums (de Young/Legion of Honor), SF Gray Panthers, SF Latinx Democratic Club

Proposition L: Sales Tax for Transportation Projects

Extends the existing 0.5% sales tax for an additional 19 years, with a new 30-year transportation plan. Needs 2/3 to pass.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, State Sen. Scott Wiener, Assm. Phil Ting and Matt Haney, Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, GrowSF, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Berniecrats, SF Bike Coalition, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF YIMBY, Sierra Club, SPUR, WalkSF

NO: SF Republican Party

Proposition M: Vacant Unit Tax

Taxes residential housing in buildings with 3+ units if unused for at least half of the year, and uses the proceeds for affordable housing and rent subsidies.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Tenants Union, SF YIMBY, Sierra Club

NO: SF Republican Party, Bay Area Reporter, SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, GrowSF, SF Apartment Association, SF Association of Realtors, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR

Proposition N: Golden Gate Park Underground Parking

Shifts oversight of the underground parking garage in Golden Gate Park from a nonprofit to the Recreation and Park Commission.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Mayor London Breed, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, Alice B Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, GrowSF, League of Pissed Off Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Bike Coalition, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF YIMBY, Sierra Club, SPUR, WalkSF

NO: SF Examiner

Proposition O: City College Parcel Tax

Creates a new parcel tax for property owners to pay for certain City College needs.

YES: SF Democratic Party, SF Green Party, Assm. Phil Ting and Matt Haney, SF Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton, Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, SEIU 1021, SF Latinx Democratic Club, United Educators of SF

NO: SF Republican Party, SF Examiner, Mayor London Breed, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Catherine Stefani, GrowSF, SF Chronicle, SF Apartment Association, SF Chamber of Commerce, SPUR