Council’s Legislative Policy Committee to Consider County and Local Ballot Measures

The City Council’s Legislative Policy Committee will review the 12 ballot measures included on the Nov. 3 ballot and decide whether the city should take a formal position on any of the issues involved. 

The committee is scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday. 

The list includes Measure P, a local measure that guarantees the city can continue a transfer of funds from the Water and Power Department that is used to provide 911 response, paramedic service, infrastructure upkeep, public health, senior and homeless services.

There’s also Measure O, a local bond measure to upgrade schools, improve equitable access to technology, and attract and retain quality teachers. 

“On Nov. 3, 2020, California voters will once again be asked to take a position on a variety of important policies that will shape the way our state moves forward,” said Assistant City Manager Julie Guitierrez, in a memo to the committee.

The local measures also deal with issues such as medical research, property taxes, affirmative action, voting rights, parole issues, housing, job classifications, health care, consumer privacy laws, bail, and the county’s budget, 

Proposition 14  would authorize $5.5 billion in bonds to continue funding stem cell research and other medical research.

Proposition 15 would increase education funding by requiring commercial taxes be based on a commercial property’s current market value while exempting residential and agriculture properties and commercial property worth less than $3 million. 

“For decades our local governments have struggled to fund the critical services that residents depend on, Public hospitals, safety net programs, essential workers, affordable housing and infrastructure projects have either been cut or severely delayed because we don’t have the money,” said Martha Zavala, President of League of Women Voters-Pasadena Area. “What’s worse, the public health and economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has led to the impossible challenge of an increased demand for services and unprecedented budget shortfalls.” 

Proposition 16 would allow government decision-making power to consider race and sex. It would not alter federal protections.

Proposition 17 would restore voting rights after completion of prison terms.

Proposition 18 would allow 17 year olds to vote in primary elections, provided they will be 18 when the general election occurs.

Proposition 19 would allow severely disabled homeowners 55 years and older to transfer their property tax base value to a replacement residence of any value in the state. The proposition would also be available to state homeowners who lose their homes in a natural disaster.

Proposition 20 restricts parole for nonviolent offenders and authorizes felony offenses for some crimes currently treated as misdemeanors.

Proposition 21 gives local governments the authority to enact rent control.

Proposition 22 would change employment classifications for app employees, including Uber and Lyft drivers. 

Proposition 23 would authorize state regulation of dialysis clinics.

Proposition 24 amends consumer privacy laws and prevents businesses from sharing consumer information.

Proposition 25 overturns a law that ended the money bail system.

Measure J would move 10 percent of the county budget to address the disproportionate impact of racial injustice. 

Measure O is a $516 million bond measure that would be used to pay for facility and education technology upgrades in Pasadena schools.  The bonds would cost property owners $30, $45, or $60, respectively, on their property taxes for each $100,000 of assessed value, 

Measure P allows Pasadena voters to decide whether to maintain a longstanding utility transfer to the general fund. The elimination of these funds would impact 911 response, first responders, public health programs for the community, senior services, homelessness, housing programs, and street repair. It does not increase fees, raise or create a new tax.