By Kaya Perales,
Staff Writer.
While seemingly not as exciting as the presidential race, state propositions and county measures should never be overlooked as they are the most consequential for life here in Santa Rosa. “The local government is so much closer to us physically as citizens that what they do has a much greater daily effect on our lives,” said Santa Rosa High School history teacher James Seder.
The time to vote has passed, but for future reference, it’s important to do research on both propositions and measures, as there is typically missing context that will help you decide how to vote. Some may be straightforward, like Proposition 3 that amends the California constitution to repeal a ban on same-sex marriage, which has been passed.
Others may be more confusing, like Proposition 33, which would allow local governments to regulate rent controls by repealing a law that only allows the state of California that power. That law was created in 1995, and it is unclear how transferring rent control to local jurisdiction would affect the housing market, so it makes sense as to why it failed. Proposition 34 was also strange, as it only targeted one healthcare provider’s prescription drug revenue, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, yet it has passed.
The most notable local measure called so far was the hotly discussed Measure J, which would ban Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. The measure was advertised as a way to target inhumane farming practices and environmental concerns but would adversely affect Sonoma County agriculture, a key sector of the county’s industry. Local dairy and livestock may have to come from outside the county by bigger farming operations than any in Sonoma County.
“I have mixed feelings about it,” said junior Josephine Bourgea. “Obviously you want to care about the animals but it would negatively impact a lot of people in Sonoma County.” Whether it was the economic risk or its confusing details that don’t easily identify how farms will be affected, Measure J only managed to earn 15% of the Sonoma County vote.
Not all of the measures failed, though, like Measure I, which is currently winning. It imposes a sales tax of 0.25% on gross receipts to fund childcare initiatives like early education for lower- to middle-class families and children’s healthcare. Measure W also is on the track to win and needs a two-thirds vote to pass. It is an indefinite one-eight-cent sales tax to fund Sonoma County libraries that offer various resources to both students and the community at large, like free internet, research materials, non-book materials, volunteering and more. Other measures mainly consisted of school bonds.
Both misinformation and disinformation tend to spread like wildfire during election season, so it is vital to fact-check any statements. “The most important thing is to vet a few trusted sources for news and ignore the rest. I only use AP News for my current events in Government,” said SRHS government teacher Andy Brennan. Associated Press is a very reliable source for election results, as they are used by widespread media outlets.
