Supplemental Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet for November 8, 2022 General Municipal ElectionALL REGISTERED VOTERS WILL
RECEIVE A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT
Official Sample Ballot
Los Angeles County
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Dean C. Logan
Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
General Election
November 8, 2022
Vote in the safety of your home
by returning your Vote by Mail ballot
VOTE CENTERS OPEN:
October 29th – November 7th: 10 AM – 7 PM
Election Day, November 8th: 7 AM – 8 PM
LAVOTE.GOV
233
Important Election Information
Visit LAVOTE.GOV or call (800) 815-2666 for more information
Mailing starts on October 6th and
continues through October 10th
WHEN TO EXPECT
YOUR BALLOT
Official Ballot
1 of 2
Marking your votesInstructions
Write-In Candidates
Contests
Return
Envelope
U.S.
Postage
Paid
OFFICIAL VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTING MATERIAL FIRST -CLASS MAIL
17 days
You will receive a ballot in the
mail for the November 8, 2022
General Election
To ensure you have convenient, accessible,
and safe voting options, we are mailing
every registered voter a Vote by Mail ballot.
What
You Need
to Know
THE VOTE BY MAIL
PACKET CONTAINS
• United States Postal Service -
no postage necessary
• Drop off at any participating Ballot Drop Box
• Drop off at any participating Vote Center
RETURN OPTIONS
• Your ballot cards
• A Return Envelope
• A list of Ballot Drop Box locations
• Your “I Voted” sticker
We offer ballots and election materials in
up to 18 additional languages.
Request your materials in a language other
than English by returning the Language
Request Form on the back of this book or
call (800) 815-2666, option 3
MULTILINGUAL MATERIALS
Information for Voters
There are two U.S. Senate contests on the November 8, 2022, General Election ballot.
The first contest is the regular election for the full 6-year term ending January 3, 2029.
The second contest is a special vacancy election (the current officeholder is temporarily
filling a vacancy) for the remainder of the current term ending January 3, 2023.
You may vote for both contests.
All voters can participate in this election regardless of party preference.
About this General Election:
1. Candidates are not nominated by the political party
2. If a candidate has a preferred political party, that party name will appear on the ballot as a reference
3. Any voter can vote for the candidate of their choice
Do you need assistance voting?
If a voter declares under oath that they are unable to mark a ballot, that voter may receive assistance
marking their ballot by two (2) persons of their selection. (E.C. §14282)
Offices on the ballot
The November 8, 2022 General Election is being held to vote on local offices, local measures, and
voter-nominated offices:
Voter-nominated offices:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
Controller
Treasurer
Attorney General
Insurance Commissioner
Board of Equalization
United States Representative
United States Senator
State Senator
State Assembly Member
Local offices:
County Board of Supervisors
Sheriff
Superior Court Judge
Local Districts or City Contests
State nonpartisan office:
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Supreme Court Justices
State Courts of Appeal Justices
FP-TP01-EN LA 233-001
Check Your Material
X
BT:
BT:
If ballot group numbers do not match,
please call (800) 815-2666, option 2.
Example:
Ballot Group
000
2 Ballot Return Envelope1
3
Official Ballot Card
Vote by Mail Ballot Wrap
Ballot group numbers on materials must match.
Your Vote by Mail package will contain:
FP-TP02-EN LA 233-002
Marking Your Ballot
• Use only black or blue ink pen to mark your
choice on your ballot.
• Fill the entire oval matching your vote choice.
• Do not vote for more choices than indicated.
• Do not punch a hole through the ballot card.
Misplaced or damaged ballot
Request your ballot in a different language
• Mark your choice on the Official Sample Ballot
page. Insert into Ballot Return Envelope and
return.
• Visit LAVOTE.GOV/ReplaceBallot or call
(800) 815-2666, option 2 before Election Day.
• Los Angeles County provides language services in up to 18 languages.
• Fill out and return the Language Request Form on the back cover of this book
(no postage required).
• Call the Multilingual Services Section at (800) 815-2666, option 3.
FP-TP03-EN LA 233-003
Vote by Mail Return Options
Before you return your Vote by Mail Ballot make sure:
Recommended options for returning your Vote by Mail ballot
1. Your ballot is securely placed inside the Vote by Mail envelope.
2. You sign the back of the Vote by Mail envelope.
3. Remember no postage is necessary.
Return by mail
Must be postmarked by Election Day.
No postage required.
Return at a Ballot Drop Box Location
List of drop box locations available at
LAVOTE.GOV prior to each election.
Drop-off at any Vote Center leading
up to and on Election Day
List of Vote Centers available at
LAVOTE.GOV prior to each election.
Signature Verification
Voters must sign the eligibility
oath and date the Vote by Mail
Return Envelope before submitting
their ballot. Every signature is
verified before the ballot is cleared
for counting. If a signature is
missing or if the signature does not
match the one on file, the County
will notify the impacted voter to
allow the voter an opportunity to
provide a valid signature.
For more information,
visit LAVOTE.GOV
FP-TP04-EN LA 233-004
Vote Center Information
Voters in Los Angeles County have the option to cast their ballot in-person at any participating
Vote Center. Vote Centers provide modern features to make voting safe, easy, and convenient.
Vote Centers also serve as Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box locations – no need to wait, simply drop off
your voted ballot at the front.
Register to vote at any Vote Center
Los Angeles County residents who are U.S. Citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to
register to vote and cast a ballot in this election.
Any eligible voter that missed the registration deadline can go to any Vote Center to register and cast
a ballot through Conditional Voter Registration.
Fully accessible voting
equipment available at
every Vote Center
Early in-person voting is
available 10 days before
Election Day – avoid long
lines and vote early
Vote at any participating
Vote Center in this election
with full language services
and expanded accessibility
Electronic Pollbooks
can look up your voter
registration information in
real time at any Vote Center
FP-TP05-EN LA 233-005
Vote Center Information and
Guidance Relating to COVID-19
The Los Angeles County “Safe Election Plan” aligns with California’s “Election Administration
Guidance under COVID-19.” Each was developed in consultation with relevant health
authorities using the best public health information available, including guidance provided
by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California public health
officials.
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) will:
• Develop a voting location-specific protection plan.
• Train workers on measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including
screening themselves for symptoms and staying home when necessary.
• Establish prevention and self-screenings measures for workers.
• Establish and communicate physical distancing guidelines.
• Implement hand-washing, mask and disinfection protocols.
FOR VOTERS
All registered voters were mailed a Vote by Mail ballot.
Los Angeles County will encourage voters to stay home and vote using their mail-in
ballot. However, for some individuals it will still be preferable to vote in person. Wherever
in-person voting is offered, we will follow the State and County’s public health and safety
guidance to provide a safe voting environment.
COVID-19 Information for Voting In-Person:
• Masks are strongly encouraged at the Vote Center.
• Masks and gloves will be available for voters if requested.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry and exit of the Vote Center. Hand sanitizer
will also be available at key stations during the voting process.
• Social distancing will be encouraged while waiting in line and throughout the check-in
and voting process.
• ePollbooks and Ballot Marking devices will be sanitized after every voter.
• Voters will be encouraged to take measures to speed up their election process to limit
their time in the Vote Center. This includes verifying voter registration in advance,
using the Interactive Sample Ballot (ISB) to pre-mark selections, and bringing their
Sample Ballot to speed up the voter check-in.
• Voters will be encouraged to take advantage of early voting and vote at off-peak
times if possible.
• Curbside voting will continue to be available for voters who are unable to enter the
Vote Center.
FP-TP06-EN LA 233-006
Voting Instructions for
Ballot Marking Device
How to vote on the Ballot Marking Device (BMD)
Customizable
Touch DisplayTactile Keypad
with Audio
New Ballot
Design
Integrated
Ballot Box
Tap to start1.Select language2.Insert ballot3.
Review selections5.Cast ballot6.
Remember
to re-insert
your ballot
back into the
BMD.
Make selections4.
Use the
MORE button
to review all
choices when
making your
selections.
FP-TP07-EN LA 233-007
Interactive Sample Ballot
The Interactive Sample Ballot (ISB) is a convenient and
optional application to speed up the voting experience.
Voters can review and mark their selections on a
computer or mobile device. Once the voter reviews and
confirms their selections, the ISB will generate a Poll
Pass. The Poll Pass is then taken to the Vote Center,
where the voter will scan their Poll Pass to transfer their
selections onto the Ballot Marking Device.
How to use the Interactive Sample Ballot
Visit LAVOTE.GOV/ISB1.Make your selections3.
Scan onto the BMD6.
Enter your information2.
Take to any Vote Center5.Generate a Poll Pass4.
Poll Pass
Poll Pass
LAvote.net/ISBLAVOTE.GOV/ISB
FP-TP08-EN LA 233-008
Accessible Voting Options
Accessible Vote by Mail
Ballot Marking Device
Los Angeles County is committed to providing all voters a positive, private and independent
voting experience. To view the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s accessibility services, go to
LAVOTE.GOV.
Voters who need assistance reviewing and marking
their Vote by Mail ballot may use the Accessible
Vote by Mail application.
Learn more at LAVOTE.GOV/ravbm.
All Ballot Marking Devices are fully accessible and
available in all eligible languages.
Curbside Voting
Important Telephone Numbers
General information:
(800) 815-2666
Vote Center accessibility:
(800) 815-2666, option 7
CD/Cassette recordings:
(800) 815-2666, option 3
TDD:
(562) 462-2259
Curbside voting is available
at all Vote Centers in
Los Angeles County.
Disability Rights California’s
Voting Hotline:
(888) 569-7955
FP-TP09-EN LA 233-009
WHERE:
• Within the immediate vicinity of a person in line to cast their ballot or within 100 feet of the
entrance of a polling place, curbside voting or drop box the following activities are prohibited.
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT ask a person to vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display a candidate’s name, image, or logo.
• DO NOT block access to or loiter near any ballot drop boxes.
• DO NOT provide any material or audible information for or against any candidate or ballot
measure near any polling place, vote center, or ballot drop box.
• DO NOT circulate any petitions, including for initiatives, referenda, recall, or candidate
nominations.
• DO NOT distribute, display, or wear any clothing (hats, shirts, signs, buttons, stickers) that include
a candidate’s name, image, logo, and/or support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure.
• DO NOT display information or speak to a voter about the voter’s eligibility to vote.
The electioneering prohibitions summarized above are set forth in Article 7 of Chapter 4 of
Division 18 of the California Elections Code.
Electioneering Prohibited!
VIOLATIONS CAN LEAD TO FINES AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
FP-TP10-EN LA 233-010
WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE PROHIBITED:
• DO NOT commit or attempt to commit election fraud.
• DO NOT provide any sort of compensation or bribery to, in any fashion or by any means induce or
attempt to induce, a person to vote or refrain from voting.
• DO NOT illegally vote.
• DO NOT attempt to vote or aid another to vote when not entitled to vote.
• DO NOT engage in electioneering; photograph or record a voter entering or exiting a polling place;
or obstruct ingress, egress, or parking.
• DO NOT challenge a person’s right to vote or prevent voters from voting; delay the process of voting;
or fraudulently advise any person that he or she is not eligible to vote or is not registered to vote.
• DO NOT attempt to ascertain how a voter voted their ballot.
• DO NOT possess or arrange for someone to possess a firearm in the immediate vicinity of a polling
place, with some exceptions.
• DO NOT appear or arrange for someone to appear in the uniform of a peace officer, guard, or
security personnel in the immediate vicinity of a polling place, with some exceptions.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with any component of a voting system.
• DO NOT forge, counterfeit, or tamper with the returns of an election.
• DO NOT alter the returns of an election.
• DO NOT tamper with, destroy, or alter any polling list, official ballot, or ballot container.
• DO NOT display any unofficial ballot collection container that may deceive a voter into believing it is
an official collection box.
• DO NOT tamper or interfere with copy of the results of votes cast.
• DO NOT coerce or deceive a person who cannot read or an elder into voting for or against a
candidate or measure contrary to their intent.
• DO NOT act as an election officer when you are not one.
Corrupting the Voting Process is Prohibited!
VIOLATIONS SUBJECT TO FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT.
EMPLOYERS cannot require or ask their employee to bring their vote by mail ballot to work or ask their
employee to vote their ballot at work. At the time of payment of salary or wages, employers cannot
enclose materials that attempt to influence the political opinions or actions of their employee.
PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS cannot attempt to determine how a voter voted their ballot or, if that
information is discovered, disclose how a voter voted their ballot.
The prohibitions on activity related to corruption of the voting process summarized above are set forth
in Chapter 6 of Division 18 of the California Elections Code.
FP-TP11-EN LA 233-011
Trusted Election Resources
#TrustedInfo2022
#TrustedInfo2022 is more than a hashtag.
Elections officials across the country are using #TrustedInfo2022 to ensure voters know
where they can find and receive official and secure election information.
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
is the trusted source for all election
information and resources.
Scan the QR Code or visit LAVOTE.GOV
to make your plan today!
MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION
Below are all the trusted resources and tools you need to make your plan to vote.
• Register to Vote
• Check Your Registration Status
• Access Your Interactive Sample Ballot
• How to Vote by Mail
• Track Your Vote by Mail Ballot
• Find a Ballot Drop Box
• In-Person Voting Information
• Find a Vote Center
• Access Your Quick Check-in Code
• Mobile Vote Center
FP-TP12-EN LA 233-012
Voter Bill of Rights
YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
The right to get help casting your ballot
from anyone you choose, except from your
employer or union representative.
The right to drop off your completed
vote-by-mail ballot at any Vote Center in
California.
The right to get election materials in a
language other than English if enough
people in your voting precinct speak that
language.
The right to ask questions to elections
officials about election procedures and
watch the election process. If the person
you ask cannot answer your questions, they
must send you to the right person for an
answer. If you are disruptive, they can stop
answering you.
The right to report any illegal or
fraudulent election activity to an elections
official or the Secretary of State’s office.
If you believe you have been denied any
of these rights, call the Secretary of State’s
confidential toll-free Voter Hotline at
(800) 345-VOTE (8683).
On the web at www.sos.ca.gov
By phone at (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
By email at elections@sos.ca.gov
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN DENIED ANY OF THESE RIGHTS, CALL THE SECRETARY OF
STATE’S CONFIDENTIAL TOLL-FREE VOTER HOTLINE AT (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter. You are eligible to vote if you are:
• a U.S. citizen living in California
• at least 18 years old
• registered where you currently live
• not currently serving a state or federal
prison term for the conviction of a felony
• not currently found mentally incompetent to
vote by a court
The right to vote if you are a registered
voter even if your name is not on the list.
You will vote using a provisional ballot. Your
vote will be counted if elections officials
determine that you are eligible to vote.
The right to vote if you are still in line
when the polls close.
The right to cast a secret ballot without
anyone bothering you or telling you how to
vote.
The right to get a new ballot if you have
made a mistake, if you have not already
cast your ballot. You can:
Ask an elections official at a Vote Center
for a new ballot,
Exchange your vote-by-mail ballot for a
new one at an elections office, or at your
Vote Center, or
Vote using a provisional ballot.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
FP-TP13-EN LA 233-013
Translated Election Material
(800) 815-2666 option 3
The Federal Voting Rights Act requires voter information, including a Sample Ballot booklet to be available in English
as well as Chinese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino and Vietnamese. Additional Languages we support are:
Armenian, Bengali, Burmese, Gujarati, Farsi, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Mongolian, Russian, Telugu and Thai.
FP-TP14-EN LA 233-014
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
1/ 8
Voter-Nominated and Nonpartisan
Offices
All voters, regardless of the party preference they
disclosed upon registration, or refusal to disclose
a party preference, may vote for any candidate for
a voter-nominated or nonpartisan office. The
party preference, if any, designated by a
candidate for a voter-nominated office is selected
by the candidate and is shown for the information
of the voters only. It does not imply that the
candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party
or that the party approves of the candidate. The
party preference, if any, of a candidate for a
nonpartisan office does not appear on the ballot.
There are two U.S. Senate contests on
this ballot.
• One for the regular 6-year
term ending January 3, 2029
• One for the remainder of the
current term ending
January 3, 2023
You may vote for both contests.
NATIONAL ELECTION
UNITED STATES SENATOR - Full Term
Vote For ONE
ALEX PADILLA
Party Preference: Democratic
Appointed United States Senator
MARK P. MEUSER
Party Preference: Republican
Constitutional Attorney
UNITED STATES SENATOR - Short
Term (Unexpired term ending
January 3, 2023)
Vote For ONE
ALEX PADILLA
Party Preference: Democratic
Appointed United States Senator
MARK P. MEUSER
Party Preference: Republican
Constitutional Attorney
CITY/LOCAL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION Member of the
City Council
Vote For No More Than THREE
WHITNEY BAIN
Journalist
ELLIS RASKIN
Environmental Attorney/Commissioner
LANA NEGRETE
Appointed Councilmember/
Businesswoman
CAROLINE M. TOROSIS
Rent Control Commissioner/Attorney
JONATHAN MANN
Retired Parole Agent
SAMANTHA MOTA
Barista
ARMEN MELKONIANS
Civil/Environmental Engineer
NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA
Financial Analyst
JESSE ZWICK
Public Policy Advisor
TROY HARRIS
Small Business Owner
ARTHUR JEON
Tech Executive/Author
ALBIN GIELICZ
Business Advisor/Commissioner
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Continue voting on other side
29B33 - NP - EN / 8233 / 1
EN-NP-0233-1-1 LA 233-015
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
2/ 8
CITY/LOCAL
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED
SCHOOL DISTRICT Member of the
Board of Education
Vote For No More Than FOUR
ANGELA DIGAETANO
Parent/Business Owner
STACY ROUSE
Educator/Conflict Specialist
KEITH COLEMAN
Appointed Incumbent
RICHARD TAHVILDARAN-JESSWEIN
Professor/Board Member
ALICIA MIGNANO
Businesswoman/Parent
ESTHER HICKMAN
Parent/Community Volunteer
MILES WARNER
Parent/Business Owner
LAURIE LIEBERMAN
School Board Member
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY
COLLEGE DISTRICT Member of the
Board of Trustees
Vote For No More Than FOUR
PATRICK ACOSTA II
Santa Monica City Employee
SION ROY
Santa Monica College Trustee, Physician
TOM PETERS
Retired Professor
BARRY SNELL
CPA/Santa Monica College Trustee
NANCY GREENSTEIN
Santa Monica College Trustee
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION Member of the
Rent Control Board
Vote For No More Than THREE
DANIEL S. IVANOV
Attorney
ERICKA LESLEY
Appointed Rent Control Board Member
KURT GONSKA
Entertainment Marketing
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
Write-In Candidate
STATE SENATOR, 24th District
Vote For ONE
KRISTINA IRWIN
Party Preference: Republican
BEN ALLEN
Party Preference: Democratic
California State Senator
MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY,
51st District
Vote For ONE
LOUIS ABRAMSON
Party Preference: Democratic
Scientist/Community Organizer
RICK CHAVEZ ZBUR
Party Preference: Democratic
Civil Rights Attorney
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE,
36th District
Vote For ONE
JOE E. COLLINS III
Party Preference: Republican
Retired Navy Sailor
TED W. LIEU
Party Preference: Democratic
Congressman
Continue voting on next page
Do not mark within lines
Ballot style
29B33 - NP - EN
Generation ID
27
Serial #
Precinct #
Group #
8233
9990233A
NP_0233
29B33 - NP - EN / 8233 / 2
EN-NP-0233-1-2 LA 233-016
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
3/ 8
CITY/LOCAL
CS SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE CS
Vote YES or NO
MEASURE CS: To address homelessness, improve
911 emergency response times and neighborhood
police protection, make public areas safer and
cleaner, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and
the beach, and provide other vital City services,
shall the City of Santa Monica increase the
transient occupancy tax - which is paid entirely by
overnight visitors - by 1% for hotels and motels,
and by 3% for home-shares, providing
approximately $4.1 million annually, until ended
by voters, with all funds benefitting Santa Monica?
YES on Measure CS
NO on Measure CS
GS SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE GS
Vote YES or NO
MEASURE GS: Shall the measure adding Santa
Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.90 to establish
designated funds for schools, homelessness
prevention, and affordable housing, and an
eleven-member resident oversight committee,
and amending Chapter 6.96 to provide a third tier
transfer tax rate of $56.000 per $1,000 of value
for property transfers of $8,000,000 or more,
providing an estimated $50,000,000 annually for
homelessness prevention, affordable housing,
and schools, until repealed, be adopted?
YES on Measure GS
NO on Measure GS
PB SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE PB
Vote YES or NO
MEASURE PB: Shall the City Charter be amended
to: (a) expand eligibility requirements for service
on the City's Personnel Board to include, in
addition to City of Santa Monica ("City") residents,
residents of Los Angeles County that are
employed full-time within the City, or own real
property in the City, or have been issued a
business license by the City; and (b) reduce the
term of service for Personnel Board members
from five to four years?
YES on Measure PB
NO on Measure PB
DT SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE DT
Vote YES or NO
MEASURE DT: Shall the measure to enhance the
City of Santa Monica's general governmental
services by increasing the one-time tax on real
property sales over $8 million, and establishing
an additional incremental tax of $25.00 per $1000
of the value in excess of $8 million, excepting
transfers: per State law, involving tax-exempt
charitable organizations, and certain ground
leases; providing an estimated $12-25 million
annually through February 28, 2033, subject to a
five-year extension by Council supermajority vote,
be adopted?
YES on Measure DT
NO on Measure DT
DTS SANTA MONICA CITY
GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION - MEASURE DTS
Vote YES or NO
MEASURE DTS: ADVISORY VOTE ONLY: If the
"Comprehensive Real Property Transfer Tax
Measure" is enacted, should at least 30% of its
additional revenue be used for housing
assistance to protect seniors and low-income
families from housing displacement, with the
remainder of the additional revenue to be used
for homelessness services; behavioral health
services; public safety and emergency response
teams for City streets and parks; reopening public
libraries; after-school programs; and crossing
guards near public schools?
YES on Measure DTS
NO on Measure DTS
HMP SANTA MONICA CITY
GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION - MEASURE HMP
Vote YES or NO
Measure HMP: Shall the measure to establish a
business tax on every licensed cannabis business
(including adult-use nonmedicinal cannabis
retailers, distribution, manufacturing, cultivation,
laboratory testing, or any other licensed cannabis
business) and retailers of products containing
psychoactive cannabinoids, including
cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp, up to
10% of gross receipts on cannabis and/or
hemp-derived psychoactive products sold in the
City, which all together could generate an
estimated $3-5 million annually until repealed, be
adopted?
YES on Measure HMP
NO on Measure HMP
Continue voting on other side
29B34 - NP - EN / 8233 / 1
EN-NP-0233-2-3 LA 233-017
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
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CITY/LOCAL
RC SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE RC
Vote YES or NO
PROPOSITION RC: Shall the City Charter be
amended to require intended owner occupancy
of rent-controlled units for two years before
tenant eviction; require owner occupancy within
60 days of vacancy; reduce the maximum Annual
General Adjustment from 6% to 0.8% from 2/1/23
through 8/31/23, or average not to exceed 3%,
with a 3% maximum Annual General Adjustment
thereafter; and require elections only if the
number of qualified candidates exceeds the
number of open Board positions?
YES on Measure RC
NO on Measure RC
EM SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION -
MEASURE EM
Vote YES or NO
PROPOSITION EM: Shall the City Charter be
amended to allow the Rent Control Board to
disallow or modify annual general rent
adjustments for rent controlled units during a
declared state of emergency by the President of
the United States, the Governor, the Los Angeles
County Department of Public Health Officer, or
the City Council or Director of Emergency Services
while maintaining the landlord's ability to petition
for a rent adjustment per Section 1805 of the City
Charter?
YES on Measure EM
NO on Measure EM
SMC SANTA MONICA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION
- MEASURE SMC
Vote YES or NO
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
AFFORDABLE HIGHER EDUCATION,
CAREER TRAINING, CLASSROOM
UPGRADES. To improve access to affordable
education for local students, veterans,
first-generation college students; provide
affordable housing for homeless students;
modernize instructional labs for nursing,
healthcare, sustainability, media, science career
training; repair/upgrade obsolete vocational
classrooms/aging facilities, shall Santa Monica
Community College District authorize
$375,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, levying 2.5
cents per $100 assessed valuation, raising
$23,000,000 annually while bonds are
outstanding, with citizens oversight, public
spending disclosure?
YES on Measure SMC
NO on Measure SMC
COUNTY
SUPERVISOR 3RD DISTRICT
Vote For ONE
LINDSEY HORVATH
Councilwoman/Small Businessowner
BOB HERTZBERG
California State Senator
Write-In Candidate
SHERIFF
Vote For ONE
ALEX VILLANUEVA
Sheriff, Los Angeles County
ROBERT LUNA
Long Beach Police Chief
Write-In Candidate
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 60
Vote For ONE
ABBY BARON
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
ANNA SLOTKY REITANO
Deputy Public Defender, County of Los
Angeles
Write-In Candidate
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 67
Vote For ONE
FERNANDA MARIA BARRETO
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
ELIZABETH LASHLEY-HAYNES
Deputy Public Defender, County of Los
Angeles
Write-In Candidate
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29B34 - NP - EN
Generation ID
27
Serial #
Precinct #
Group #
8233
9990233A
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EN-NP-0233-2-4 LA 233-018
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
5/ 8
COUNTY
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 70
Vote For ONE
RENEE YOLANDE CHANG
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
HOLLY L. HANCOCK
Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles
County
Write-In Candidate
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 90
Vote For ONE
MELISSA LYONS
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
LESLIE GUTIERREZ
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
Write-In Candidate
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 118
Vote For ONE
CAROLYN "JIYOUNG" PARK
Attorney at Law
MELISSA HAMMOND
Deputy District Attorney, County of Los
Angeles
Write-In Candidate
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
Office No. 151
Vote For ONE
KAREN A. BRAKO
Deputy District Attorney IV, Los Angeles
County
PATRICK HARE
Deputy Public Defender, County of Los
Angeles
Write-In Candidate
A COUNTY MEASURE A
Vote YES or NO
CHARTER AMENDMENT - PROVIDING AUTHORITY
TO REMOVE AN ELECTED SHERIFF FOR CAUSE.
Shall the measure amending the County of Los
Angeles Charter to grant the Board of Supervisors
authority to remove an elected Sheriff from office
for cause, including a violation of law related to a
Sheriff's duties, flagrant or repeated neglect of
duties, misappropriation of funds, willful
falsification of documents, or obstructing an
investigation, by a four-fifths vote of the Board of
Supervisors, after written notice and an
opportunity to be heard, be adopted?
YES on Measure A
NO on Measure A
C COUNTY MEASURE C
Vote YES or NO
Los Angeles County Cannabis
Business Tax Measure. Shall the measure
enacting a tax in the unincorporated areas of Los
Angeles County on cannabis businesses at annual
rates not to exceed $10 per square foot for
cultivation (adjusted for inflation) and a
percentage of gross receipts for various cannabis
businesses, including retail (6 percent), testing
laboratory (2 percent), distribution (3 percent),
manufacturing and for all other cannabis
businesses (4 percent), generating approximately
$10,360,000 to $15,170,000 annually, until ended
by voters, be adopted?
YES on Measure C
NO on Measure C
STATE
GOVERNOR
Vote For ONE
BRIAN DAHLE
Party Preference: Republican
Senator/Farmer
GAVIN NEWSOM
Party Preference: Democratic
Governor of California
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Vote For ONE
ANGELA E. UNDERWOOD JACOBS
Party Preference: Republican
Businesswoman/Deputy Mayor
ELENI KOUNALAKIS
Party Preference: Democratic
Lieutenant Governor
SECRETARY OF STATE
Vote For ONE
ROB BERNOSKY
Party Preference: Republican
Chief Financial Officer
SHIRLEY N. WEBER
Party Preference: Democratic
Appointed California Secretary of State
CONTROLLER
Vote For ONE
MALIA M. COHEN
Party Preference: Democratic
California State Board of Equalization
Member
LANHEE J. CHEN
Party Preference: Republican
Fiscal Advisor/Educator
TREASURER
Vote For ONE
FIONA MA
Party Preference: Democratic
State Treasurer/CPA
JACK M. GUERRERO
Party Preference: Republican
Councilmember/CPA/Economist
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Vote For ONE
ROB BONTA
Party Preference: Democratic
Appointed Attorney General of the State
of California
NATHAN HOCHMAN
Party Preference: Republican
General Counsel
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Vote For ONE
ROBERT HOWELL
Party Preference: Republican
Cybersecurity Equipment Manufacturer
RICARDO LARA
Party Preference: Democratic
Insurance Commissioner
MEMBER STATE BOARD OF
EQUALIZATION 3rd District
Vote For ONE
TONY VAZQUEZ
Party Preference: Democratic
Board of Equalization, Member
Y. MARIE MANVEL
Party Preference: None
Social Services Commissioner
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Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
6/ 8
STATE
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC
INSTRUCTION
Vote For ONE
LANCE RAY CHRISTENSEN
Education Policy Executive
TONY K. THURMOND
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Write-In Candidate
1 STATE MEASURE 1
Vote YES or NO
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT. Amends California Constitution
to expressly include an individual's fundamental
right to reproductive freedom, which includes the
fundamental right to choose to have an abortion
and the fundamental right to choose or refuse
contraceptives. This amendment does not narrow
or limit the existing rights to privacy and equal
protection under the California Constitution.
Fiscal Impact : No direct fiscal effect because
reproductive rights already are protected by state
law.
YES on Measure 1
NO on Measure 1
26 STATE MEASURE 26
Vote YES or NO
ALLOWS IN-PERSON ROULETTE, DICE
GAMES, SPORTS WAGERING ON
TRIBAL LANDS. INITIATIVE
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND
STATUTE. Also allows: sports wagering at
certain horseracing tracks; private lawsuits to
enforce certain gambling laws. Directs revenues
to General Fund, problem-gambling programs,
enforcement. Fiscal Impact : Increased state
revenues, possibly reaching tens of millions of
dollars annually. Some of these revenues would
support increased state regulatory and
enforcement costs that could reach the low tens
of millions of dollars annually.
YES on Measure 26
NO on Measure 26
27 STATE MEASURE 27
Vote YES or NO
ALLOWS ONLINE AND MOBILE SPORTS
WAGERING OUTSIDE TRIBAL LANDS.
INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Allows
Indian tribes and affiliated businesses to operate
online/mobile sports wagering outside tribal
lands. Directs revenues to regulatory costs,
homelessness programs, nonparticipating tribes.
Fiscal Impact : Increased state revenues,
possibly in the hundreds of millions of dollars but
not likely to exceed $500 million annually. Some
revenues would support state regulatory costs,
possibly reaching the mid-tens of millions of
dollars annually.
YES on Measure 27
NO on Measure 27
28 STATE MEASURE 28
Vote YES or NO
PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR
ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
Provides additional funding from state General
Fund for arts and music education in all K-12
public schools (including charter schools). Fiscal
Impact : Increased state costs of about $1
billion annually, beginning next year, for arts
education in public schools.
YES on Measure 28
NO on Measure 28
29 STATE MEASURE 29
Vote YES or NO
REQUIRES ON-SITE LICENSED MEDICAL
PROFESSIONAL AT KIDNEY DIALYSIS
CLINICS AND ESTABLISHES OTHER
STATE REQUIREMENTS. INITIATIVE
STATUTE. Requires physician, nurse
practitioner, or physician assistant on site during
treatment. Requires clinics to: disclose physicians'
ownership interests; report infection data.
Fiscal Impact : Increased state and local
government costs likely in the tens of millions of
dollars annually.
YES on Measure 29
NO on Measure 29
30 STATE MEASURE 30
Vote YES or NO
PROVIDES FUNDING FOR PROGRAMS
TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION AND
PREVENT WILDFIRES BY INCREASING
TAX ON PERSONAL INCOME OVER $2
MILLION. INITIATIVE STATUTE. Allocates
tax revenues to zero-emission vehicle purchase
incentives, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire
prevention. Fiscal Impact : Increased state tax
revenue ranging from $3.5 billion to $5 billion
annually, with the new funding used to support
zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire
response and prevention activities.
YES on Measure 30
NO on Measure 30
31 STATE MEASURE 31
Vote YES or NO
REFERENDUM ON 2020 LAW THAT
WOULD PROHIBIT THE RETAIL SALE OF
CERTAIN FLAVORED TOBACCO
PRODUCTS. A "Yes" vote approves, and a "No"
vote rejects, a 2020 law prohibiting retail sale of
certain flavored tobacco products. Fiscal
Impact : Decreased state tobacco tax revenues
ranging from tens of millions of dollars annually
to around $100 million annually.
YES on Measure 31
NO on Measure 31
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29B35 - NP - EN
Generation ID
27
Serial #
Precinct #
Group #
8233
9990233A
NP_0233
29B35 - NP - EN / 8233 / 2
EN-NP-0233-3-6 LA 233-020
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
7/ 8
STATE JUDICIAL
For Chief Justice of California
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
PATRICIA GUERRERO be elected to the office
for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
GOODWIN LIU be elected to the office for the
term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
MARTIN J. JENKINS be elected to the office
for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
JOSHUA P. GROBAN be elected to the office
for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal,
Second District, Division One
Vote YES or NO
Shall Presiding Justice FRANCES
ROTHSCHILD be elected to the office for the
term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal,
Second District, Division Five
Vote YES or NO
Shall Presiding Justice LAURENCE D. RUBIN
be elected to the office for the term provided by
law?
YES
NO
For Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal,
Second District, Division Eight
Vote YES or NO
Shall Presiding Justice MARIA E. STRATTON
be elected to the office for the term provided by
law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Two
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice JUDITH M. ASHMANN
be elected to the office for the term provided by
law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division
Three
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice LUIS A. LAVIN be
elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Four
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice AUDREY B. COLLINS
be elected to the office for the term provided by
law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Four
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice BRIAN S. CURREY be
elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Five
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice LAMAR W. BAKER be
elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
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EN-NP-0233-4-7 LA 233-021
Official Ballot
GENERAL ELECTION, November 08, 2022 • County of Los Angeles
Page
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STATE JUDICIAL
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Six
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice HERNALDO J.
BALTODANO be elected to the office for the
term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division
Seven
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice JOHN L. SEGAL be
elected to the office for the term provided by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Eight
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice JOHN SHEPARD WILEY
JR. be elected to the office for the term provided
by law?
YES
NO
For Associate Justice, Court of
Appeal, Second District, Division Eight
Vote YES or NO
Shall Associate Justice ELIZABETH ANNETTE
GRIMES be elected to the office for the term
provided by law?
YES
NO
End of Ballot
Do not mark within lines
Ballot style
29B36 - NP - EN
Generation ID
27
Serial #
Precinct #
Group #
8233
9990233A
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EN-NP-0233-4-8 LA 233-022
Governor
Republican
Brian Dahle
Lieutenant Governor
Republican
Angela E. Underwood Jacobs
Democratic
Gavin Newsom
Democratic
Eleni Kounalakis
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
Secretary of State
Republican
Rob Bernosky
Democratic
Shirley N. Weber
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
State Controller
Republican
Lanhee J. Chen
Democratic
Malia M. Cohen
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
State Treasurer
Republican
Jack M. Guerrero
Democratic
Fiona Ma
FP-DS01-EN LA 233-023
Insurance Commissioner
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
Attorney General
Republican
Robert Howell
Republican
Nathan Hochman
Democratic
Rob Bonta
Democratic
Ricardo Lara
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
State Board of Equalization
Democratic
District Candidate Name
3 Tony Vazquez
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian, Peace and Freedom and Republican parties did not submit any endorsements for this
office.
United States Senator - Full Term
Republican
Mark P. Meuser
Democratic
Alex Padilla
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
United States Senator - Short Term
Republican
Mark P. Meuser
Democratic
Alex Padilla
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for this office.
FP-DS02-EN LA 233-024
United States Representative
Democratic
District Candidate Name
23 Derek Marshall
26 Julia Brownley
27 Christy Smith
28 Judy Chu
29 Tony Cardenas
30 Adam B. Schiff
31 Grace F. Napolitano
32 Brad Sherman
34 Jimmy Gomez
35 Norma J. Torres
36 Ted W. Lieu
37 Sydney Kamlager
38 Linda T. Sánchez
42 Robert Garcia
43 Maxine Waters
44 Nanette Diaz Barragan
45 Jay F. Chen
Republican
District Candidate Name
23 Jay Obernolte
26 Matt Jacobs
27 Mike Garcia
28 Wes Hallman
32 Lucie Lapointe Volotzky
36 Joe E. Collins III
38 Eric J. Ching
42 John Briscoe
44 Paul Jones
45 Michelle Steel
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for these offices.
FP-DS03-EN LA 233-025
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for these offices.
Republican
District Candidate Name
22 Vincent Tsai
24 Kristina Irwin
26 Claudia Agraz
30 Mitch Clemmons
34 Rhonda Shader
36 Janet Nguyen
Member of the State Assembly
Democratic
District Candidate Name
39 Juan Carrillo
40 Pilar Schiavo
41 Chris Holden
42 Jacqui Irwin
43 Luz Maria Rivas
44 Laura Friedman
46 Jesse Gabriel
48 Blanca Rubio
49 Mike Fong
51 Rick Chavez Zbur
52 Wendy Carrillo
53 Freddie Rodriguez
54 Miguel Santiago
55 Isaac G. Bryan
56 Lisa Calderon
57 Reggie Jones-Sawyer
61 Robert Pullen-Miles
State Senator
Democratic
District Candidate Name
20 Daniel Hertzberg
22 Susan Rubio
24 Ben Allen
26 Maria Elena Durazo
28 Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
30 Bob Archuleta
34 Tom Umberg
36 Kim Carr
FP-DS04-EN LA 233-026
Member of the State Assembly (Cont)
Republican
District Candidate Name
39 Paul Andre Marsh
41 Michael McMahon
42 Lori Mills
46 Dana Caruso
49 Burton Brink
53 Toni Holle
54 Elaine Alaniz
55 Keith Girolamo Cascio
56 Jessica Martinez
64 Raul Ortiz, Jr.
66 George Barks
The American Independent, Green, Libertarian and Peace and Freedom parties did not submit any endorsements for these offices.
Pursuant to Elections Code 13302(b) any qualified political party may submit to the county elections official a list of all candidates for
voter-nominated office who will appear on any ballot in the county, and who have been endorsed by the party.
SS
Democratic
District Candidate Name
62 Anthony Rendon
64 Blanca Pacheco
65 Mike Anthony Gipson
66 Al Muratsuchi
67 Sharon Quirk-Silva
69 Josh Lowenthal
FP-DS05-EN LA 233-027
List of legislative candidates who agreed to voluntary spending limits.
Only candidates who voluntarily limit their campaign expenditures may submit a statement for inclusion in this booklet.
STATE SENATOR
District Candidate Name
20 Daniel Hertzberg
22 Susan Rubio
24 Ben Allen
28 Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
28 Cheryl C. Turner
34 Tom Umberg
36 Kim Carr
Party Preference: Democratic
District Candidate Name
22 Vincent Tsai
24 Kristina Irwin
26 Claudia Agraz
30 Mitch Clemmons
34 Rhonda Shader
36 Janet Nguyen
Party Preference: Republican
FP-DS06-EN LA 233-028
List of legislative candidates who agreed to voluntary spending limits.
Only candidates who voluntarily limit their campaign expenditures may submit a statement for inclusion in this booklet.
MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY
District Candidate Name
39 Juan Carrillo
43 Luz Maria Rivas
46 Jesse Gabriel
49 Mike Fong
51 Louis Abramson
52 Mia Livas Porter
61 Tina Simone McKinnor
61 Robert Pullen-Miles
64 Blanca Pacheco
65 Fatima Iqbal-Zubair
69 Al Austin II
Party Preference: Democratic
District Candidate Name
34 Tom Lackey
34 Thurston “Smitty” Smith
40 Suzette Martinez Valladares
41 Michael McMahon
42 Lori Mills
43 Siaka Massaquoi
46 Dana Caruso
49 Burton Brink
53 Toni Holle
54 Elaine Alaniz
55 Keith Girolamo Cascio
56 Jessica Martinez
64 Raul Ortiz, Jr.
66 George Barks
67 Soo Yoo
Party Preference: Republican
FP-DS07-EN LA 233-029
Candidate Statements & Measures
The following pages may contain Candidate Statements, and/or Ballot Measure Analyses, Arguments or Rebuttals.
Candidates for local offices have the option of including a statement, for which they pay a fee, unless the
governing body pays the fee.
In compliance with the law, only English and Spanish language Candidate Statements are included in this
booklet. Each candidate that submitted a Spanish language Candidate Statement has paid an additional fee.
Candidate Statements, Arguments or Rebuttals In Favor, or/and Against Ballot Measures are not edited or
verified for accuracy by any elections officials.
Arguments and/or Rebuttals are the opinions of the authors.
Information about voter-nominated, state nonpartisan offices, and state measures are included in the
8.5” X 11” Official Voter Information Guide, which is mailed separately to registered voters by the Office of
the Secretary of State.
FP-DS08-EN LA 233-030
STATEMENT OF WHITNEY BAIN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Age: 63
Occupation: Journalist
The soul of Santa Monica has diminished through calumny and
deceit for what was once a shining star now we are in the
gutter looking up.
Crime, homelessness and rampant drug use are at an all time
high.
Overdevelopment has exceeded our limits choking us with
canyons of steel and cement.
I have a economic recovery plan. I ask you to join me in making
it “our” recovery plan. Together we can embark on this road.
Support and hire police officers.
Restore our City Wi-Fi to the Sunset Park, Pico Corridor and
Montana Avenue areas for not is City Wi-Fi for all?
A 5% remittance tax on all households.
Refurbish existing buildings instead of overdevelopment.
Create a permanent ice rink in the post office on 5 and
Arizona with the investment of the L.A. Kings.
Re-open the Fairview library.
Because of city neglect, we have lost businesses on the Third
Street Promenade.
The people have had enough. It’s time for a change in
leadership where the position of public servant means serving
the public, not special interests that have dominated our city
council.
Together, we can rebuild and have a new beginning.
STATEMENT OF ALBIN GIELICZ
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
I believe in a bright future for Santa Monica. The past few years
have been tough, but I am determined post-Covid to get us to a
place where residents feel safe, where businesses thrive, and
where climate-friendly practices flourish.
Throughout my 15 years of real community leadership, I’ve
been committed to improving the quality of life for all residents.
I demonstrated this when appointed to the Social Services
Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Santa Monica
Travel and Tourism Board, and others. As a council member, I
will champion:
Public Safety – I will advocate for more resources so that
everyone in our city feels safe and supported. We need to
amplify our compassionate and collaborative approach to
reduce homelessness, which includes more affordable housing
and supportive services.
Economic Recovery – As demonstrated over the past 10+
years, I will continue to promote and nurture the essential
symbiotic relationship between residents and neighborhood-
serving businesses for a strong and resilient economy.
Sustainability – I will ensure that we remain leaders in
sustainability by advocating for more uses of clean energy so
that we reach carbon neutrality long before our goal of 2050.
To learn more about me, check out my site
www.voteforalbin.com.
th
4300-EN-05128 LA 233-031
STATEMENT OF TROY HARRIS
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Troy Harris believes in the goodness of people to do what’s
right when it matters most which is why he’s running for City
Council. It was right here in Santa Monica where Troy’s health
and wellness journey showed him how to use justice to go from
failure to success and he wants to help his community do the
same. Troy views problems optimistically, so he knows crime
and homelessness are solvable—they just require a concerted
effort to bring positive change including: a commercial vacancy
tax to revive business, funding police and public service
officers, building rehabilitation centers, lobbying for the repeal
of Prop 47 and seeking federal and state funding. A community
that helps those in need leads to them helping themselves, but
first they must believe. Therefore, more housing is critical to
fight our current diversity crisis, achieved by a freeway cap with
housing atop for families affected by eminent domain,
upzoning, rezoning and deregulating for more efficient land use
without the need for tall buildings. Troy believes in safe
schools, abundant parks, government accountability and a
refocus to provide for our core needs. Troy stands for residents
of modest means. Troy stands for you. Vote Troy Harris for City
Council.
STATEMENT OF ARTHUR JEON
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Age: 62
Occupation: Tech Executive/Author
I’m not a politician, though I’ve been a creative and
professional problem solver my whole career. I first came to
Santa Monica while working as a management consultant
specializing in organizational change for Fortune 500
companies. I fell in love with this city.
I’ve now lived and worked in Santa Monica for 30 years – I
completed an MFA at USC while bartending on Abbot Kinney,
wrote books about mindfulness from a rent-controlled
apartment, met my spouse in yoga, launched a media
company, purchased a townhome near downtown, and co-
founded two non-profits – Compassion Prison Project, an
inmate rehabilitation program, and Global Animal, an animal
advocacy and emergency rescue. I’m currently the Head of
Special Projects at a tech company where I turn ideas into
reality.
I’m alarmed by the empty storefronts, transient addicts,
vagrancy, mental illness, littered spaces, and crime. Like too
many, I’ve been harassed and attacked (in my case, by a
transient with a pipe). I believe it’s unacceptable that our
neighborhoods – parks, beaches, stores, libraries and streets –
are becoming unusable for residents.
The problems facing Santa Monica are solvable. Solutions
require a new action-oriented leadership where success is
measured by results. Councilmembers must be responsive to
residents.
4300-EN-05129 LA 233-032
STATEMENT OF JONATHAN MANN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Age: 76
Occupation: US Navy Ret./Parole Agent/Flight Attendant
Supv/Teacher
I'm running for City Council because of OUT-OF-CONTROL
CRIME, RENT GOUGING and CONFLICT OF INTEREST!
I offer an alternative to the pro-development establishmentarian
status quo of POLITICS AS USUAL. I will speak TRUTH TO
POWER, audit and streamline the city budget to eliminate
waste and excessive salaries.
I have long advocated for a VIRTUAL TOWN HALL on the
CITY WEBSITE, with moderated FORUMS for grassroots
participatory democracy to EMPOWER RESIDENTS and for
TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY at City Hall.
GENTRIFICATION has resulted in severe rent gouging by the
corporate landlords and developers who have taken over the
city. It is almost impossible to be elected without support from
SPECIAL INTERESTS.
However, in 2020 the residents succeeded in electing a PRO-
RESIDENT slate, a real game changer. The playing field is
even more in this election as two councilmembers dropped out.
Santa Monica "Renters Rights" (SMRR) has been a powerful
player since the halcyon days of REAL rent control. Since then,
despite so-called slow, smart and responsible growth, we are
experiencing an explosion of so-called “affordable” housing and
the worst rent gouging in the history of this city.
I'M JON MANN, A MANN FOR THE PEOPLE, AND I
SUPPORT THIS MESSAGE!
STATEMENT OF ARMEN
MELKONIANS
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
My wife, four-year-old, and I live and experience the day-to-day
concerns that you do living in Santa Monica. That is my “Why?”
Crime is up. Homelessness up. Our streets, parks, homes -
less safe every day. Much of the Promenade vacant since the
fallout of May 31, 2020. Over-development, traffic, high rents,
tenant displacement - major concerns.
More than ever, Santa Monica needs a no-nonsense leader.
Someone with the strength, history, and courage to put
residents first, provide solutions, and revitalize our downtown -
the economic engine necessary to keep our neighborhoods
healthy.
We don’t need another politician, policy wonk, or density
advocate who wants to spend, build, or doubletalk away our
problems. That never works.
As a civil/ environmental engineer (UCLA 1993) and a
community leader (Residocracy founder) I know how to bring
people together and provide real world solutions to complex
problems.
We can reduce crime by increasing neighborhood patrol
dramatically. If we see police, criminals will too, sending a
message that Santa Monica is no longer an easy target.
Reimagine Homeless Services – Santa Monica pays out over
$18,500 per year, per homeless person, to intown service
providers with seemingly zero results. We need an audit,
tracking, and accountability.
www.VoteArmen.com
4300-EN-05130 LA 233-033
STATEMENT OF SAMANTHA MOTA
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Age: 24
Occupation: Barista and Community Volunteer
To the people of Santa Monica: it's time for real change.
My name is Samantha Mota: I'm a proud third-generation,
lifelong resident of Santa Monica. I'm no stranger to serving this
community: I got my start with Climate Action Santa Monica
empowering youth to take the reins of the fight against climate
change. I also served with the Public Safety Reform &
Oversight Commission of Santa Monica: working alongside
fellow residents to review and propose new law enforcement
policies and reforms to City Council.
I was humbled to receive the 2021 Premio de Orgullo Award for
Hispanic Heritage Month from the Hispanic Heritage Month
Committee, for my advocacy to expand community access to
urban gardening opportunities.
I hope to enact new policies, such as, AB 551, a program that
aims to incentivize urban agriculture; Through a set of
comprehensive goals and policies, these plots could be
purchased and put back into the hands of the community.
Santa Monica raised me— and gave me the passion and pride
to declare my candidacy for City Council of Santa Monica to
serve this city as your advocate and ally would be an honor, a
privilege, and a dream come true.
STATEMENT OF LANA NEGRETE
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
I'm Lana Negrete. I'm a native, SAMO alum, renter, small
business owner and mother. I have a bachelor's degree in
business management, a non-profit Outreach Through the Arts
which provides music education to underserved youth and I run
my family local business. I have served the community in many
capacities such as PTA, public safety commission, elected
Board Member for the National Association for Music
Merchants, and advocate in D.C. for increased public school
funding and most recently city council. Like many residents, my
concerns for public safety, economic recovery, and the diverse
homelessness crisis have become urgent. I've worked with
stakeholders to address these issues with effective solutions.
I've helped establish and maintain the Pier Task Force, created
forums to promote dialogue between residents and officers and
worked with neighboring jurisdictions to fight for increased
access to substance abuse treatment and psychiatric beds. As
a liaison between City Hall and Santa Monica's small business
community, I've worked to bolster economic recovery. I'm
running to continue fighting for common sense solutions that
strengthen our community. Santa Monica should be a safe
affordable place to live and raise a family. If you agree, I
humbly ask for your vote.
4300-EN-05131 LA 233-034
STATEMENT OF ELLIS RASKIN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Santa Monica needs bold, progressive leadership to address
our ongoing challenges. I have a proven track record of
success:
• I serve as counsel for a range of public agencies, where I
advise on matters involving land use, community development,
and long-range planning.
• I serve as a member of the Santa Monica Planning
Commission, and I am a former member of the Santa Monica
Urban Forest Task Force.
• As an environmental attorney, I have helped save open
space, preserve parkland, and protect public access to the
coast.
As your next City Councilmember, I will:
• Implement common-sense programs to address
homelessness and to ensure that our first responders have the
resources they need to provide services to individuals
experiencing mental health crises.
• Fight for the strongest possible protections for renters,
including new rent subsidies and emergency rent relief
programs.
• Ensure that our City is prepared to address climate change
and our ongoing drought.
• Continue to support local businesses as we recover from the
ongoing effects of the COVID pandemic.
• Work with regional partners to strengthen our ability to
respond to earthquakes and other emergencies.
Together, we can build a stronger Santa Monica!
STATEMENT OF CAROLINE M.
TOROSIS
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
My name is Caroline Torosis, and I am running for City Council
to stand up for those in need and to ensure a thriving, inclusive,
and welcoming city for all.
As Senior Deputy of Workforce Development & Economic
Opportunity for the Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors, I’ve led the County’s economic and jobs recovery
response to the pandemic by directing millions in financial relief
to small businesses and enacting innovative policies that
protect the rights of our front-line workers, consumers, and
tenants.
As an elected Commissioner on the Santa Monica Rent Control
Board, I've increased public transparency and worked with both
tenants and landlords to minimize operating expenses normally
passed onto tenants, keeping Santa Monicans in their homes.
On the Council, I will tackle: (1) Affordability and Housing by
reducing bureaucratic barriers to make it easier to build
housing Santa Monicans can afford while allowing our residents
to age in place. (2) Homelessness by fighting for outreach,
mental health services, and crisis response street teams. (3)
Public Safety by fully funding our first responders to reduce
emergency response times.
I would be honored to earn your vote for election to the Santa
Monica City Council.
4300-EN-05132 LA 233-035
STATEMENT OF NATALYA
ZERNITSKAYA
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
As a refugee from the former Soviet Union, Natalya
Zernitskaya learned firsthand the vital role government plays in
helping families achieve a better life.
As a Pico neighborhood renter and community leader with a
decade of service and activism in our city, Natalya served as
President of the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica,
and serves as a Board Member of the Human Relations
Council of the Santa Monica Bay Area, and as an Advisory
Board Member of Climate Action Santa Monica. Natalya was
one of two resident appointees to the City Council's 2019 Audit
Subcommittee and is a professional Financial Analyst and
Senior Due Diligence Analyst.
This work has taught Natalya how to analyze and shape
policy, resolve neighborhood issues, and make out city more
fiscally responsible and transparent. It has given her the skills
and expertise to tackle the challenges facing our city – so every
family can thrive.
As a new voice on the City Council, Natalya's priorities will
include: solving homelessness with proven approaches,
protecting renters; investing in our first responders to keep us
safer; and creating a better climate for economic recovery from
the impacts of COVID-19.
Her broad coalition of supporters include:
Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
Mayor Pro Tem Kristin McCowan
Councilmember Gleam Davis
School Board Member Laurie Lieberman.
www.natalyaforcitycouncil.com
STATEMENT OF JESSE ZWICK
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
I grew up in Santa Monica and now I’m starting a family of my
own here. I love our city and the values of inclusion,
compassion, and environmental stewardship it has taught me.
But we are falling short of those values. And our most urgent
issues – homelessness, traffic, and safety – are getting worse
by the day.
I am a public policy advisor, writer, renter, and father. I have
worked in city government and on the front lines of homeless
outreach, with direct experience getting people housed. And I
advocate for affordable housing in my role as chair of Inclusive
Santa Monica.
To get our city back on track, we must:
• Protect rent control
• Build more affordable housing
• Add mental health outreach teams to address chronic
homelessness
• Reopen our libraries
• Expand support for child care and after-school programming
• Make our streets and parks safer for all
• Cut red tape for local businesses
• Make our police department more effective and just
I am endorsed by:
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
• Santa Monica City Councilmember Gleam Davis
• Santa Monica Planning Commissioner Leslie Lambert
• Santa Monica Library Board Member Abby Arnold
I look forward to earning your support as well.
4300-EN-05133 LA 233-036
STATEMENT OF KEITH COLEMAN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
As a parent whose children have attended our schools, a
Visiting Scholar at Stanford University's mediaX think tank, and
a California School Board Association Delegate, few people are
better qualified than Keith Coleman to nurture education
excellence in our schools.
Since appointed to the School Board two-years ago, Keith has
been a proven voice for education innovation and excellence,
democratizing our schools, so every child is uplifted. Keith's
achievements include:
-further closing the achievement/opportunity gap
- expanding Project Based learning
- expanding mental health and well-being programs
Using his experience with technology start-ups and a M.A.
Degree in Applied Positive Psychology, and a B.A. in
economics, Keith's priorities for the next four years include:
- introducing new technology-based opportunities to empower
students, helping them embrace positive, collaborative learning
-continuing to improve the District's safety protocols
-ensuring a comprehensive "whole child" approach to student
well-being
-maintaining the District's record of fiscal responsibility
Keith is endorsed by:
State Senator Henry Stern
Santa Monica College Trustee Barry Snell
School Board Vice President Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein
School Board Member Laurie Lieberman
Democratic Club President Jon Katz
Please vote for an extraordinary School Board Member on
November 8, – vote for Keith Coleman.
Electschoolboardmemberkeithcoleman2022.com
STATEMENT OF ANGELA
DIGAETANO
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
My name is Angela DiGaetano; a businesswoman and a
concerned SMMUSD parent. I am passionate and driven to
serve my community and advocate for students and parents
who are unheard in our school district.
After seeing political entrenchment in our school district, I felt a
calling to step up. I will never engage in pay-to-play politics. I
will be more concerned with toxic PCBs, mold and infested
schools than offering contracts to family members or political
cronies. That is why I am running for the Santa Monica-Malibu
Unified School Board. Change is imperative for greater good of
the district.
It's time to say enough and VOTE for someone who will put
our kids and parents first! Whether your children attend
Roosevelt, Grant, Olympic, or Webster, you deserve an
advocate at your side who will listen and speak for you.
I pledge to:
• Maintain parental input and be a voice for the parents and
students
• Bring transparency and fiscal responsibility to our
construction/bond program
• Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion in the allocation of
public resources and hiring practices
I invite you to contact me any time. It's time for Change!
Vote for Angela DiGaetano!
4300-EN-05134 LA 233-037
STATEMENT OF ESTHER HICKMAN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
I'm a parent of a child in the district, and an Alum of the former
Juan Cabrillo (K-5), Malibu Park (6-8), Santa Monica High
School (91') and UCLA. I believe in the promise of our public
schools because a world class education benefits both
students and the quality of our communities.
When elected I will remain laser focused on:
Small Class Sizes and Quality Education
As one of the most well-funded districts in the state, we must
reduce class sizes, increase enrollment, and challenge all
students to perform at their very best.
A Culture that brings people together
Whether or not we have kids in the district, we love our kids
and care about their safety, health, happiness and educational
outcomes. I want to increase parent and community
involvement so that our schools reflect OUR values and goals.
Fiscal Transparency and Accountability
It's time to change the way our district does business at the
expense of our students. We must put an end to costly
lawsuits, pricey consultants, vanity construction, real estate
transactions, bloated administrative costs, and never-ending
bonds.
It's time to restore our schools to their world-class status by
committing to student centered leadership!
Vote Esther Hickman for SMMUSD School Board.
www.vote4estherhickman.org
STATEMENT OF LAURIE LIEBERMAN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
As a School Board member, I've relied on my experience as a
lawyer and education activist to make significant improvements
in the education of our students. I'm proud to have provided
leadership as our school district ensured that students and staff
were safe and healthy and that learning continued during the
worst of the pandemic. Public schools are more important than
ever to preserving democracy.
In pursuit of excellence and equity in our schools, I will continue
to promote:
-Curriculum that prepares students for success in college and
careers, with the academic skills and ability to think critically,
collaborate and contribute positively to an increasingly
complicated world;
-Initiatives and innovative instruction that engages all students,
with urgent attention on closing the achievement/opportunity
gap;
-Expansion and improvement of preschools to ensure students
are kindergarten-ready;
-Implementation of pre-K-12 social justice standards and an
American cultures/ethnic studies graduation requirement;
-Enhancement of our revered music and fine arts programs;
-Modernization of school facilities to ensure student and staff
safety and access to state-of-the-art programming and
technology;
-Fortification of our financial reserves, balancing our budget,
and maintaining our strong credit rating.
My endorsements include:
Community for Excellent Public Schools
Congressmember Ted Lieu
State Senator Ben Allen
State Assemblymember Richard Bloom
LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl
laurielieberman4schoolboard.com
4300-EN-05135 LA 233-038
STATEMENT OF ALICIA MIGNANO
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Dear Santa Monica and Malibu Residents:
I'm running for the Santa Monica-Malibu School Board to offer
the District a fresh perspective.
I live and work in Santa Monica with my husband and our son,
an Edison student. I am a proud parent, District and community
volunteer, union supporter, business owner, and Pico
neighborhood renter.
My experience in building a successful, family-Mexican
restaurant chain from scratch gives me the working knowledge
of budgets, timelines, and understanding construction plans
from design to completion. I've managed conflicts and come to
satisfactory resolutions in all of these areas.
SMMUSD schools are high achieving and I hope to continue
this trend by giving our students the best opportunities for their
future success. To prepare them further, I hope to be involved
in:
• Supporting our Excellence through Equity Plan
• Strengthening students' mental health support
• Promoting Fiscal and Environmental Sustainability
• Restoring Muir and SMASH as community schools
• Supporting SMEF's District-wide fundraising efforts
• Completing all ES projects and District maintenance plans
Our students deserve the best, and I ask for your vote in
working together for excellent 21st century schools!
ELECT ALICIA MIGNANO FOR SCHOOL BOARD
November 8, 2022!
Read more at AliciaForSMMUSD.com
STATEMENT OF STACY ROUSE
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
I'm a 20 year Malibu resident and mother of 2 kids who
attended Malibu Public Schools from K-12th grade.
I have worked tirelessly throughout my career to bring people
together, empower the agency of individuals, and improve
and change established systems to better fit the people
they serve. I did that as PTA president, SAC representative,
and as Malibu Schools Leadership Council President, and I will
continue that work as a school board member.
The year I served as Webster Elementary's PTA president was
a year of instability - a school leadership change, and
contention that confused, angered, and frightened the
community. I found my footing by listening and effectively
communicating the needs of parents and caregivers to
successfully bring our school together.
I've participated in bringing connection and collaboration to a
community beset by the Woolsey Fire and months of COVID
lockdowns. By engaging the community, listening to its
needs, and addressing issues together, we can move
forward even when we disagree.
I look forward to bringing new energy and new ideas to the
school board.
vote4stacyrouse.org
4300-EN-05136 LA 233-039
STATEMENT OF RICHARD
TAHVILDARAN-JESSWEIN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
As the Board of Education Vice-President and a fulltime
professor at Santa Monica College, Richard Tahvildaran-
Jesswein works everyday to make the joy of learning a reality
so that every child can thrive.
Over the past eight years, Tahvildaran-Jesswein's skills in
collaboration, innovation, and professionalism have resulted in:
An American Cultures graduation requirement; the
establishment of district-wide social justice learning standards;
the expansion of project-based learning opportunities (PBL);
and, a 9 – 12 grade PBL experience. Further testaments to
his effectiveness on the Board are the District's re-imagining
the Malibu pathway, the many improvements to our classrooms
and school facilities, and his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
As the District's liaison to CEPS (Community for Excellent
Public Schools), Tahvildaran-Jesswein works with community
stake-holders to ensure access and equity for all children.
Tahvildaran-Jesswein knows our community, shares our values,
and understands that an excellent education makes the world
of difference for our kids. His unique qualifications and
demonstrated leadership warrant his reelection to the Board of
Education. His endorsements for re-election include
Congressman Ted Lieu, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblyman
Richard Bloom, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and all members of
the Board of Education and Trustees of SMC.
For more information go to: www.rtjforschoolboard2022.com
STATEMENT OF MILES WARNER
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
EDUCATION
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT
I am a Santa Monica native and SMMUSD alum, with two
young children in our schools, including one with special needs.
I am called to action by the serious concerns I see in our
schools every day. My accountability as an elected member of
Roosevelt Elementary's School Site Council, and background
as a small business owner and budget management specialist
lends me the experience to serve our community as a school
board member.
I will bring integrity, transparency, and accountability to:
• Always lead with what's best for our kids
• Champion smaller class sizes
• Ensure a SERIOUS PLAN to tackle learning loss and the
mental health effects of COVID
• Facilitate a culture of collaboration and communication
between parents and educators
• Make ALL school board meetings open and accessible
• Put money into classrooms and teachers—not $200M real
estate adventures
• Work in tandem with public safety officials to develop a
coordinated safety plan
• Prioritize safe classrooms that are mold, PCB and pest-free
with clean bathrooms
• Disrupt the entrenched bureaucracy and cronyism
• Properly audit bond funds and hold management
accountable for it's wild spending
It's time for new voices. It's time for change. Vote for MILES
WARNER!
mileswarnerSMMUSD.com
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4300-EN-05137 LA 233-040
STATEMENT OF PATRICK ACOSTA II
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES,
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Age: 29
Occupation: Santa Monica Municipal Employee
Born and raised in Santa Monica, I am a proud product of
our public education system. After graduating from Samohi, I
enrolled at Santa Monica College and experienced how Santa
Monica residents compete for class space and resources even
though local residents pay for the debt from a growing number
of College bonds. Residents, who make up less than 4% of
SMC's student population should receive priority admission and
free tuition at Santa Monica College. I will fight to make that a
reality.
After graduating from the University of California Los Angeles
(UCLA), I returned to serve my City. As I continue building my
career with the City of Santa Monica, I look forward to bringing
"community" back into Santa Monica College, ensuring more
access and opportunity for residents of all needs and ages.
Putting Our Residents First:
- I will bring firsthand experience as a successful product of
Santa Monica College.
- Increase PRIORITY ENROLLMENT and provide TUITION
ASSISTANCE for all Santa Monica and Malibu Residents.
- Strengthen partnerships between Santa Monica College and
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
- Establish improved community relations with surrounding
neighborhoods.
- Fiscal Transparency and Accountability.
- Reduce Parking Issues.
- Support Emeritus College.
Join me in building upon the success of Santa Monica
College's tradition of excellence, and vote for me, a
homegrown product & Santa Monica College Alumnus,
Patrick Acosta II.
STATEMENT OF NANCY GREENSTEIN
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES,
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
I am dedicated to upholding Santa Monica College's tradition of
excellence – outstanding teachers, valuable community
programs, and mission of students success.
As your Trustee, I have consistently provided successful
leadership by:
• Continuing high-quality education and workforce
development
• Advocating for equitable State funding, including for SMC
Emeritus
• Recruiting and retaining excellent faculty
• Providing strong fiscal management
• Promoting equity and programs responsive to local
communities and environment
• Encouraging effective collaboration especially with Santa
Monica and Malibu schools.
I am proud of SMC's resilience and resourcefulness throughout
the COVID-19 crisis. Our work included a systematic pivot to
online classes and support while maintaining our position as
number one in transfers to UC, UCLA, and USC.
We increased student financial aid. We created new services,
including Chromebook lending, campus pantry, home food
delivery, and mental health counseling.
SMC continues to be innovative, launching hundreds of new
courses in health sciences, business, computer science, art,
humanities, STEM and the trades.
My extensive community experience includes serving on the
boards of the Malibu SMC Public Facilities Authority, UCLA
Santa Monica Medical Center Board of Advisors, Southern
California ACLU, Broad Stage, Social Justice Learning
Institute, Students4Students Shelter, and the Los Angeles
County West Vector Control District.
I will maintain Santa Monica College's commitment to
education while strengthening partnerships with neighbors
and serving our community.
I am endorsed by Congressman Ted Lieu, Supervisor Sheila
Kuehl, Senator Ben Allen, and Assemblymember Richard
Bloom.
4300-EN-05180 LA 233-041
STATEMENT OF TOM PETERS
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES,
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
I'm running for the Santa Monica College Board at a time of
UNPRECEDENTED CHANGE. The college now offers on
campus, online, and hybrid classes due to the pandemic. My
experience ensured these educational delivery models were
ACCESSIBLE to ALL STUDENTS will prove an asset to Santa
Monica College.
Tom Peters Accomplishments
• Former tenured faculty Santa Monica College Center for
Students with Disabilities
• Helped secure over $50,000 in donations to the SANTA
MONICA-MALIBU EDUCATION FOUNDATION through the
SMC FACULTY ASSOCIATION to help local students
• Former member of Student Affairs Committee, Faculty
Association Executive Board, and Center for Students with
Disabilities' Scholarship Committee
• Developed the DEPARTMENTAL ACCESSIBILITY TEAM of
faculty members to support colleagues to ensure all
classroom and online materials was accessible & usable
for all students
• Served on CITY of SANTA MONICA DISABILITIES
COMMISSION
• Volunteered on FOOD PANTRY DRIVE to feed SMC
students during pandemic and RENTERS' HOTLINE to help
distressed tenants
My goals:
• Full support for ALL SMC STUDENTS & EMPLOYEES
• Work with organizations to ensure Santa Monica College is
a key partner in racial equity and social justice
• Establish PARTNERSHIPS to meet the employment needs of
California
• Support upgrading the SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
VETERANS SUCESS CENTER
• Obtain additional resources to provide mental health,
food, and housing for students and community
• Support SMC EMERITUS PROGRAM and lifelong learning
oppotunities for seniors and the SMC SATELITE CAMPUS /
MALIBU
I humbly ask for your VOTE to serve on the SMC Board of
Trustees
STATEMENT OF SION ROY
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES,
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Thank you for considering my candidacy for re-election to the
Santa Monica College Board of Trustees. I am a physician
at Harbor UCLA, a safety net public hospital, and past
President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association.
Healthcare related issues have been a top priority for me
during my first term as an SMC trustee.
Over the past 4 years, I have been proud to help lead our SMC
community through the pandemic, where we've put the health
and safety of our students, faculty, and staff first while
maintaining our educational programs. Additionally, I helped
start our Allied Health Taskforce to increase healthcare
related curriculum at our college. This lead to the
development of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program,
which will not only benefit our students, but help LA County fill
critical healthcare employment needs. Finally, in conjunction
with LA County Medical Association and SMC's Black
Collegians and Adelante counseling programs, I have helped
the college develop an annual lecture series bringing
healthcare workers of color to speak to our students of color
about their experience getting into healthcare fields.
Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to
the opportunity to continue this work.
4300-EN-05181 LA 233-042
STATEMENT OF BARRY SNELL
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER, BOARD OF
TRUSTEES,
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Age: 67
Occupation: CPA/Santa Monica College Trustee
E-Mail Address: Snell4smctrustee@gmail.com
Website Address: Http://www.barrysnell.org
Please Re-elect Barry A. Snell for Santa Monica College
Board of Trustees. Barry A. Snell is a passionate voice for
public education and a proven leader for the community,
serving on the Downtown Santa Monica Inc Board and the
Santa Monica Education Foundation Finance Committee.
During the past eight years, Barry A. Snell has aided in the
following successes of SMC:
• Remaining the #1 community college in transferring to UCs
• Continuing to receive a clean audit for the 15th consecutive
year
• Advocating on the State and Federal level to increase and
stabilize funding
• Expanding on-line instruction and providing basic needs for
students
Barry A. Snell plans to continue SMC's successful endeavors
by:
• Continuing the clean audit streak & preserving fiscal
stability
• Safely increasing the number of on-ground courses and
hybrid operations
• Broadening professional development by embedding anti-
racist, equity-minded academic and non-academic support in
all student services
• Developing a satellite campus in. Malibu
Barry A. Snell's endorsements include: Senator Ben Allen,
Assemblymember Richard Bloom, County Supervisor Sheila
Kuehl and School Board President Maria Vasquez
On November 8, help ensure that SMC's mission of student
success for everyone continues: re-elect Barry A. Snell
STATEMENT OF KURT GONSKA
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE RENT
CONTROL BOARD
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Kurt Gonska is a Santa Monica resident who lives in a rent-
controlled apartment. He is a strong supporter of rent control
and will fight to protect and strengthen it, as it has enabled
thousands of middle-class and low-income people to live in and
contribute to Santa Monica over many decades. Kurt believes
that Santa Monica is a thriving community because of the
people who live here, including many who would not be able to
afford to stay without strong rent control protections.
Kurt strongly supports reducing the maximum annual rent
increase from 6% to 3% for rent-controlled units. He is a firm
believer in helping low-income residents, and he believes we
need to do more to help the middle-class. Both groups need
relief from high inflation draining family budgets for everyday
necessities like rent, groceries, and gas.
Professionally, Kurt works in marketing and talent partnerships
at Dick Clark Productions. Previously, he managed political
campaigns for federal, state, and local offices.
Kurt stands on the shoulders of the activists who delivered rent
control to Santa Monica in 1979 and have fought to protect it
for decades. He will fight to ensure residents can afford to stay
and remain vital parts of our neighborhoods.
4300-EN-05182 LA 233-043
STATEMENT OF DANIEL S. IVANOV
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE RENT
CONTROL BOARD
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
My name is Danny Ivanov and I am running for the Rent
Control Board to protect tenants during these uncertain times
and to serve as a bulwark against any effort to undermine rent
control in Santa Monica.
I am an attorney and renter living in a rent control unit. Without
rent control, seniors on fixed incomes, middle class folks, and
those striving to break into the middle class would be priced out
of our City. As someone who would not be able to call our
community home without rent control, I understand the critical
importance of these issues firsthand. As an employment
attorney with a diverse background including litigation, advice &
counsel, and negotiations, I have the experience and skillset
necessary to address the complex issues facing the RCB.
Santa Monicans are already feeling the squeeze with rising
prices on groceries, gas, and many other services due to
inflation with no end in sight. The last thing our renters need at
this time is an exorbitant rent increase without precedent as
was proposed earlier this year.
Renters in Santa Monica need a champion and I want to be
that champion.
I would be honored to earn your vote this November.
STATEMENT OF ERICKA LESLEY
CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE RENT
CONTROL BOARD
SANTA MONICA CITY GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
I am running for Rent Control Board because, as a community
Health Worker & community/renters rights advocate, I realize
that keeping rent affordable is a Health issue. Without stable
quality housing our rent burdened community members can
plunge into the despair of homelessness. Housing is Key for a
healthy and diverse community. For the long term sustainability
of our community's rent control is the lifeline for keeping our
communities intact. In these times of economic recovery it is
imperative that you elect someone who keeps abreast of the
programs and policies that will keep residents in their homes to
maintain our diverse communities. Elect me Ericka Lesley the
woman with the heart for our community and the strength to go
the distance.
Erickalesley4smrentcontrol@gmail.com
4300-EN-05183 LA 233-044
STATEMENT OF LOUIS ABRAMSON
PARTY PREFERENCE: DEMOCRATIC
MEMBER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY, 51st
DISTRICT
California can do better on everything from homelessness to
housing to mental healthcare to climate change. Getting there
will take leaders with vision, insight, and understanding. As an
organizer, scientist, and renter, that's what I have.
City Councils and County Supervisors have failed to solve our
problems because their decision making is too fragmented.
Progress can only come from the state level. It's time for
Sacramento to step up.
Now more than ever, our State Assembly representatives need
to do more than talk about high rents—they need to pay rent.
They can't just say our homelessness response is broken—
they need to know what "fixed" means. They can't just believe
in science—they need to understand it.
I'm the candidate who checks those boxes. I'm asking you to
check the box next to my name.
I planned to become an astrophysics professor, not a politician.
I entered public life because my community is hurting—and my
skills can help.
I've led programs to feed senior citizens, helped mothers with
babies get off the street and into a home, and helped my
neighbors pay rent. I've seen policies fail and I've built
solutions. We need change, so we must change who we elect.
I follow the facts. I'm driven by data. I make up my own mind.
I'm different from the legislators who created the status quo.
When the status quo isn't working, different is what we need.
To learn more about me and my vision visit
https://LouisForCA.com.
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE CS
The City of Santa Monica currently imposes a Transient
Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) on overnight visitors who enjoy lodging
within the City. The City’s current TOT rate is 14% of room
rental charges.
This measure would increase the City’s TOT rate from 14% to:
(a) 15% for hotels, and (b) 17% for home-shares. The
proposed increase is comparable with neighboring cities and
other destination cities. The TOT is calculated by multiplying
the applicable tax rate by the total charges for room rental.
It is estimated the proposed increases to the TOT would yield
additional general fund revenue of more than $4,000,000
annually that could be utilized for any governmental purpose.
The measure would require the City Council to establish an
Advisory Committee by resolution no later than February 28,
2023. The Advisory Committee would provide non-binding
recommendations on the use of the additional TOT revenue
generated by increasing the TOT rate above 14%.
The Santa Monica City Council placed this measure on the
ballot. A “yes” vote supports the passage of the amendment to
the Santa Monica Municipal Code; and a “no” vote opposes
passage of the amendment. A majority vote (i.e., more than
50% of the votes cast) is required to pass the measure.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
CS. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
4300-EN-05184 LA 233-045
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
CS
Vote YES on Measure CS to help address crime and
homelessness, support Santa Monica’s high quality of life,
and protect local property values – without increasing
taxes on local residents.
People live in Santa Monica because it offers an exceptional
quality of life and great local services. Property values here
are stronger than many other cities because of the
investment the City makes to ensure safe neighborhoods,
clean beaches, and parks.
That’s why we need Measure CS. It provides a locally
controlled source of funding for increased public safety, to keep
Santa Monica one of the safest cities in California.
In addition, while some progress has been made, more needs
to be done to help individuals experiencing homelessness
move off Santa Monica streets and into housing.
Measure CS will:
- Improve 911 emergency response times
- Expand Santa Monica Police presence in downtown Santa
Monica, the Pier, and beach areas, freeing up resources to
increase neighborhood patrols and improve public safety in
residential areas
- Expand the City’s Homeless Liaison Program to 7 days a
week
- Expand outreach and provide 24/7 intake services for people
experiencing homelessness and behavioral health issues
- Help prevent crime and enhance safety in Santa Monica
neighborhoods
Measure CS Does Not Increase Taxes for Santa Monica
Residents
- Measure CS ensures that visitors to our city pay their fair
share to support a clean, safe community
- Annual financial audits, citizens oversight and public review
of expenditures will ensure all funds are spent as promised
- Legally, all Measure CS funds must stay in Santa Monica.
The state and federal government cannot take one penny
Safe neighborhoods and high-quality services help make Santa
Monica a desirable place to live, do business and raise
families.
Please join public safety, business, community leaders, and
long-time residents in voting YES on CS to keep Santa Monica
safe and strong.
REV. JIM CONN
Founding Minister of Church in Ocean Park and
Founding Member of Santa Monicans for Renters
Rights
TED WINTERER
Co-Chair of Community for Excellent Public Schools
and Former Santa Monica Mayor
GLEAM DAVIS
Santa Monica City Councilmember
MANJU RAMAN
General Manager of the Huntley Hotel and SM Public
Safety Reform and Oversight Commissioner
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS
MEASURE WAS SUBMITTED
4300-EN-05185 LA 233-046
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE GS
The Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) imposes a one-
time tax on each transfer of real property in Santa Monica. The
City’s real property transfer tax currently has two tiers. The first
tier tax rate is $3.00 per $1,000 of consideration (generally the
sale price) or property value transferred for properties valued at
less than $5,000,000. The second tier tax rate is $6.00 per
$1,000 of consideration or property value transferred for
properties valued at, or more than, $5,000,000.
This measure amends the SMMC to establish a new third tier
tax rate for transfers of $8,000,000 or more. The proposed third
tier tax rate would be $56.00 per $1000 of value transferred.
This measure establishes and funds: (1) a Homelessness
Prevention and Affordable Housing (HPAH) Fund; and (2) a
new School Fund. Out of the third tier tax rate of 5.6%, 5%
would be allocated to the School Fund and the HPAH Fund
(Allocated Funds) and the remaining .6% would go to the
General Fund.
The measure contains a specific annual distribution of the
Allocated Funds. The first $10,000,000 of annual Allocated
Funds must be deposited into the School Fund. The next
$40,000,000 of annual Allocated Funds must be deposited into
the HPAH Fund. Any Allocated Funds collected above
$50,000,000 yearly would be deposited 20% into the School
Fund and 80% into the HPAH Fund.
The measure would require the City to provide the Santa
Monica Malibu Unified School District the Allocated Funds in
the School Fund each year. In the event of a de-unification of
Malibu schools, the school district serving residents of Santa
Monica would be entitled to receive the School Funds.
The measure allows the HPAH Fund to be used to provide
ongoing or emergency income assistance, acquire and
rehabilitate existing rental properties as deed-restricted
affordable housing, create new deed-restricted housing, and
fund programs and services designed to preserve and improve
affordable housing for lower income households.
The measure establishes an eleven-member committee that
will recommend to the City Council guidelines for eligible
expenditures, local priorities and preferences, award
procedures, budgeting, program evaluation, and public
reporting procedures. The City’s auditors will audit the HPAH
Fund annually and publicly provide the results to the eleven-
member committee and the City Council’s Audit Subcommittee.
The School Fund and the HPAH Fund are intended to provide
additional support and not replace any existing funding under
current agreements or prior advisory measures.
According to a financial report requested by the City Council,
based on historic sales trends the measure is estimated to
generate new annual tax revenues of about $49 million.
The City would be permitted to use the tax revenue only for
purposes specified in the measure.
The measure was placed on the ballot by a petition signed by
the requisite number of voters. A “yes” vote supports the
passage of the amendment to the SMMC; a “no” vote opposes
passage of the amendment. A majority vote (more than 50% of
the votes cast) is required to pass the measure.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
GS. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
4300-EN-05186 LA 233-047
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
GS
If you value our children and public schools, helping severely
rent burdened seniors age in place with dignity, and keeping
Santa Monica economically diverse rather than a community
where only the wealthy live, vote for Measure GS. It could raise
close to $50 million per year on average that must be spent to
accomplish these goals, and will do so by taxing sales of real
estate worth $8 million or more.
Here is why we need these funds.
HUD estimates that over 6000 Santa Monica renter households
are lower income and pay more than half their limited income
for rent and utilities; many are long-term senior residents and
families with children. Many are one financial shock away from
homelessness. Measure GS will provide subsidies to these
seniors and families with children so they stay secure in their
homes and live with dignity.
Excellent public schools are critical to our children’s success
and Santa Monicans have consistently supported funding for
our schools. Measure GS will enhance our schools by providing
at least $10 million annually to support educational and
afterschool programs.
The state sets affordable housing targets and cities face state
usurpation of their authority over development if they fail to
comply. This measure will fund good faith efforts by Santa
Monica to provide our fair share of affordable housing, and will
help avoid Sacramento mismanagement of our future.
This new wealth tax is fair. A city funded study indicated that,
on average, it might have raised about $49 million annually
over the past decade by taxing less than 30 property sales per
year, more than 80% of which were multifamily apartment
buildings and commercial properties. Santa Monica provides an
ideal environment for real estate profits, and we deserve to
recoup a small portion of their gains.
VOTE YES ON MEASURE GS.
SUE HIMMELRICH
Mayor, City of Santa Monica
MICHAEL SOLOFF
Co-Chair Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights
MARIA LEON-VAZQUEZ
President, SMMUSD
DENNIS ZANE
Former Mayor, City of Santa Monica, Co-founder of
SMRR
JON KATZ
President, Santa Monica Democratic Club
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE GS
Vote NO on Measure GS - It is too flawed for Santa Monica:
• Santa Monica already has one of the highest property tax
rates in the country and this new tax could make it the highest.
However, NONE of this tax revenue goes to important
programs and services, such as public safety, homelessness or
the restoration of critical services like the reopening of libraries
and after-school programs for our kids.
• Measure GS will never end. Eventually, almost every small
business owner and multi-family apartment building will be
forced to pay this extremely large tax increase.
• Measure GS will force local small businesses to raise their
costs to residents to pay their increased rents due to this
extreme increase in tax. Anyone who has been Downtown
recently knows that we need to protect our small businesses,
not tax them out of existence.
• Measure GS will hurt local churches and charitable
organizations by forcing them to pay hundreds of thousands in
new taxes instead of using funds for programs providing
assistance to those in need.
• The funds for Measure GS will only go to costly government-
built housing (with some possibly costing over $800,000 per
unit). Who benefits? Those developers who get these lucrative
government contracts.
• Measure GS will create a brand-new bureaucracy with no
public oversight, costing Millions of Tax Dollars in new City
employee salaries and benefits - who will continue to get paid
even if no new revenue is collected!
It is not surprising that Measure GS is seriously flawed - it was
drafted by the Mayor, her husband, and others - instead of
engaging with the community and with other members of the
City Council.
We urge you to Vote "NO" on Measure GS to protect residents
and small businesses!
PHIL BROCK
City Councilmember
MARK L. VERVILLE
Vice Chair, Audit Subcommittee
NEIL CARREY
Former Chair, Recreation & Parks Commission
PATRICIA M. CRANE
Chair, Northeast Neighbors
D. PETER BORRESEN
Housing Commissioner
4300-EN-05187 LA 233-048
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASURE GS
Facts matter.
Truth matters.
HERE IS THE TRUTH:
• Measure GS is a one-time tax on property sales over $8
million. Only the very wealthy will ever pay this tax.
• Measure GS will raise on average roughly $50 million per
year to assist lower income Santa Monica seniors and families
at risk of becoming homeless, to create new affordable housing
for lower and moderate-income Santa Monicans, and to
support our top-ranked public schools.
• Over 6000 Santa Monica renter households are lower income
and pay more than half their limited income for rent and utilities.
They need help now.
• YOU the Santa Monica voters put Measure GS on the ballot
with your signatures.
• Measure GS will provide Santa Monica the resources to say
YES to great schools, YES to assisting seniors and families to
remain in their Santa Monica homes, and YES to more
affordable housing.
HERE ARE RESPONSES TO OUR OPPONENTS' FALSE
STATEMENTS:
• Measure GS DOES NOT INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES!
The California Supreme Court says so.
• Very wealthy property owners will pay this one-time tax when
they sell property for over $8 million.
• Small businesses, local churches and charities, and residents
who do not sell property for over $8 million will never pay this
tax.
• All expenditures under Measure GS must be audited,
reviewed by a committee of residents, and approved by the
City Council.
• YOU the voters of Santa Monica can end Measure GS at any
general election.
Vote your Santa Monica Values with a YES on Measure GS.
SUE HIMMELRICH
Mayor, City of Santa Monica
MICHAEL SOLOFF
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
MARIA LEON-VAZQUEZ
SMMUSD President
DENNIS ZANE
Co-Founder, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
JON KATZ
President, Santa Monica Democratic Club
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE PB
This proposed measure would amend Section 1011 of the City
Charter by expanding the current criteria for eligibility for City
Council appointment to the Santa Monica Personnel Board to
include, in addition to City residents, non-residents who are
natural persons who reside within Los Angeles County and who
either: a) work full-time for an employer located in the City and
primarily perform their job functions within the City; or b) own
real property located in the City; or c) have been issued a
business license by the City. The proposed measure would also
change the current term for Personnel Board members’ service
on the Board from five years to four years.
At present City Charter Section 1011 requires that any
appointment to the Personnel Board made by the City Council
be someone who at the time of appointment is a resident of the
City. The appointee is prohibited from holding or being a
candidate for public office or public employment, and the
appointee may not be an officer of any partisan political club or
organization. Section 1011 also provides that Personnel Board
members serve a five year term. Currently, there are several
City boards and commissions that do not have a residency
requirement and whose members serve a four year term, which
is the standard term for service under the City Charter for
boards and commissions other than the Personnel Board.
If the proposed measure passes, the City Council would be
able to appoint non-City residents who reside within Los
Angeles County to the Personnel Board. Expanding the
eligibility requirements to include non-City residents may result
in more applications to vacant Board positions and an applicant
pool that is more diverse than current demographics for City
residents. Under this measure all non-City resident applicants
would need to reside in Los Angeles County and would need to
have a material financial interest (full-time employment,
ownership interest in real property, or business proprietorship)
located within the City of Santa Monica to be eligible for
appointment to the Personnel Board. Although an expanded
pool of applicants may include non-City residents, the City
Council’s discretion to select amongst applicants and to make
an appointment will not change should the proposed measure
pass. Furthermore, reducing Personnel Board members’ term
from five years to four years would align Board members’ terms
with the terms of other City board members and
commissioners, and may also result in the City Council making
appointments to the Board on a more frequent basis. This
change may make it less likely that Personnel Board meetings
get canceled for lack of a quorum, so that Board business may
be timely completed.
There is no financial consequence to the proposed changes.
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
PB. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
4300-EN-05188 LA 233-049
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
PB
Please Vote YES on Measure PB to amend the City Charter ’s
requirements for the term limits and service on the Personnel
Board.
This measure would bring the Personnel Board in line with
other Boards and Commissions, which require that members
either be residents of the City or residents of Los Angeles
County who are employed full-time within the City, own real
property in the City or have a business license by the City.
Outdated language in the City Charter for the Personnel Board
requires that members be residents of Santa Monica in order to
serve, which excludes qualified citizens with a vested interest in
Santa Monica from volunteer service and makes it difficult to fill
the volunteer positions when they become vacant.
Amending the Charter reflects our City’s commitment to expand
opportunities for civic engagement and participation for all of
our residents and nearby residents with a stake in the Santa
Monica community and reduces the term limit to 4 years.
This measure is a straightforward, simple expansion of service
and term requirements to create alignment with other City
Boards and Commissions.
We urge you to Vote Yes on Measure PB.
KRISTIN MCCOWAN
Mayor Pro Tem
ELLIOT GORDON
Personnel Board Chair
JASON BROWN
Personnel Board Member
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS
MEASURE WAS SUBMITTED
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE DT
The Santa Monica Municipal Code imposes a one-time tax on
each transfer of real property in Santa Monica. The City's real
property transfer tax currently has two tiers. The first tier tax
rate is $3.00 per $1,000 of consideration (generally the sale
price) or property value transferred for properties valued at less
than $5,000,000. The second tier tax rate is $6.00 per $1,000
of consideration or property value transferred for properties
valued at, or more than, $5,000,000.
This measure would establish a new third tier tax rate of an
additional $25.00 per $1,000 of consideration or property value
transferred, which would apply solely to the amount of
consideration or value in excess of $8,000,000. The proposed
third tier tax on the increment above $8,000,000 would be
collected in addition to the existing second tier tax of $6.00 per
$1,000 of consideration or property value transferred. The
second tier tax would continue to apply to the entire transaction
value.
If this measure passes, the proposed third tier tax would be
effective March 1, 2023. The proposed third tier tax would
expire on February 28, 2033, unless five or more members of
the City Council vote to extend the third tier tax for an additional
five years to February 28, 2038.
This measure includes exemptions consistent with state law.
The measure also includes partial exemptions to the proposed
third tier tax for: corrective deeds, corporate transfers that
maintain the same beneficial ownership, transfers involving tax-
exempt charitable organizations, and certain ground leases.
Qualified affordable housing transfers are currently exempt
from the City's second tier tax and are taxed at the City's first
tier tax rate. This measure would exempt qualified affordable
housing transfers from both the second tier tax and third tier
tax.
This measure includes a CPI adjustment every five years to the
$8,000,000 threshold for when the third tier tax applies. The
measure authorizes upward and downward CPI adjustments to
the threshold, but prohibits lowering the threshold below
$8,000,000.
This measure includes changes to reflect that the County of
Los Angeles and the City previously entered into an agreement
for the County to administer the City's second tier tax. This
measure codifies the County's existing practice of applying the
City's transfer tax to unrecorded corporate transfers that trigger
a change of ownership under Revenue and Taxation Code §
64.
The City would be permitted to use the tax revenue for any
governmental purpose.
The Santa Monica City Council placed this measure on the
ballot. A "yes" vote supports the passage of the amendment to
the Santa Monica Municipal Code; a "no" vote opposes
passage of the amendment. A majority vote (i.e., more than
50% of the votes cast) is required to pass the measure.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
4300-EN-05189 LA 233-050
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
DT. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
DT
The COVID pandemic hit Santa Monica hard as it did many cities.
Faced with unprecedented challenges, and a loss of over
$110,000,000 in general fund revenue, the City was forced to make
the difficult decision to cut programs and services that protect our
children, families, and low-income residents.
Despite Santa Monica’s careful budgetary planning, the recession has
further negatively impacted the city’s COVID-related economic
recovery – leaving next year’s projected city revenues $35,000,000
below pre- pandemic levels.
Because Santa Monicans have always come together to take care of
each other, the City Council placed Measure DT on the ballot to
generate revenue to enhance public safety, address homelessness,
reopen our libraries, restore afterschool programs, and provide rental
assistance for low-income renters who have been hit hardest by the
pandemic and inflation.
Measure DT will generate these funds by:
- Enacting a new, temporary tax of 2.5% applicable only to sales of
commercial and multi-family properties, and luxury homes above
$8,000,000 when they cash out – the tax will be applied only when
the property is sold and is projected to raise between $10,000,000 and
$25,000,000 annually;
- Calculating the tax only on that portion of the sales price above
$8,000,000 – there will be no new tax on any sale below $8,000,000
or on any portion of the sale price below $8,000,000; and
- Providing for an adjustment of the $8,000,000 threshold for
inflation;
Measure DT will be in effect for 10 years, with one 5-year extension
if approved by a super-majority vote of the City Council.
Measure DT will exempt sales to or by churches and other charitable
organizations..
Let’s keep Santa Monica a community that puts the safety and
wellbeing of its residents first – Vote YES on Measure DT.
PHIL BROCK
City Councilmember
GLEAM DAVIS
City Councilmember
MARYANNE LAGUARDIA
Chair, Recreation and Park Commission
FRANCISCO FRANCO
Board Member, Santa Monica Police Officer’s Association
ANN GREENSPUN
Past Board Member, Santa Monica Malibu Education
Foundation
4300-EN-05190 LA 233-051
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE DT
Measure DT was brought forward by certain Councilmembers
and their real estate mogul backers only after thousands of
Santa Monica voters signed petitions to place Measure GS on
the ballot. Both measures tax sales of properties worth $8
million or more, and ONLY ONE can become the law.
What are the differences between the politicians' Measure DT
and the voters' initiative Measure GS?
First, and foremost, the politicians' Measure DT charges less
when the very wealthy few sell properties worth $8 million or
more, and ends in ten years.
There have been on average only 30 such $8 million sales a
year—overwhelmingly sales of commercial and apartment
buildings.
DO YOU THINK THAT HELPING THE VERY WEALTHY FEW
IS GOOD PUBLIC POLICY?
If not, vote NO on Measure DT.
Second, the politicians' Measure DT provides no legally binding
limits on how they can spend the monies raised.
By contrast, the voters' initiative Measure GS requires that the
monies raised go to critical long-term community investments:
Our schools.
Our lower income seniors and families struggling to make the
rent.
Our fair share of affordable housing.
But these investments will not happen at the needed scale or
for the long term if the politicians' Measure DT passes.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE WEALTHY FEW SHOULD PROVIDE
LONG TERM SUPPORT FOR OUR SCHOOLS, OUR
SENIORS AND FAMILIES, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
If so, vote NO on Measure DT.
And vote YES on Measure GS.
SUE HIMMELRICH
Mayor, City of Santa Monica
MICHAEL SOLOFF
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
MARIA LEON-VAZQUEZ
SMMUSD President
DENNIS ZANE
Co-Founder, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
JON KATZ
President, Santa Monica Democratic Club
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE DT
VOTE NO ON MEASURE DT and YES on Measure GS.
Measure DT originated because wealthy real estate interests
are afraid they cannot win an honest Yes/No election vote on
Measure GS. Measure DT's real purpose is to undermine
Measure GS. Even if both measures get a majority vote, only
the measure with more votes becomes law.
What is Measure GS and why are real estate moguls and
developers so concerned?
Measure GS is a measure placed on the ballot by thousands of
Santa Monicans.
Measure GS is a larger, ongoing and targeted wealth tax on
sales of real estate worth $8 million or more that could raise
some $50 million per year on average.
These funds are needed to:
assist lower income rent burdened Santa Monica seniors to
avoid homelessness and to age in place with dignity, and to
assist lower income rent burdened Santa Monica families with
children;
help ensure that we produce a fair share of affordable housing
and do not lose control over local land use decisions to
Sacramento; and
help ensure that our local schools have the resources to
provide excellent public education.
Voters across California embrace the idea of taxing luxury real
estate sales to raise funds, including to prevent people from
losing their homes and to provide affordable housing.
Wealthy real estate interests may make huge campaign
contributions to try to convince you that Measure DT, a shorter-
term feel-good measure with no guarantee how funds are
spent, is better than delivering targeted, real and lasting help to
our school children and our lower income neighbors through
Measure GS.
But the truth is Measure GS will help preserve the Santa
Monica and Santa Monicans we love. Measure DT will not.
Vote NO on Measure DT and Yes on Measure GS.
SUE HIMMELRICH
Mayor City of Santa Monica
MICHAEL SOLOFF
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
MARIA LEON-VAZQUEZ
President, SMMUSD
DENNIS ZANE
Former Mayor, City of Santa Monica, Co-Founder of
SMRR
JON KATZ
President, Santa Monica Democratic Club
4300-EN-05191 LA 233-052
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASURE DT
Proponents of Measure GS are misleading voters.
They want you to believe that Measure GS addresses our
City's most critical needs. However, it provides no funding for
public safety and homeless services, including emergency
response and mental health teams, or for the full reopening of
our libraries.
Measures DT and DTS were placed on the ballot by six of
seven Councilmembers to provide funding to restore and
improve these vital services while the City's economy recovers.
Proponents imply that without Measure GS, low-income renters
and our public schools will suffer. This is false. Measures DT
and DTS are projected to provide $5,000,000 to $8,000,000
annually for rent subsidies. Our outstanding public schools
already receive millions in City funding through existing
measures.
Santa Monica homeowners and other property owners are
opposed to Measure GS's 800%+ increase in the applicable
property sales tax. And, because Measure GS is permanent
and doesn't adjust its $8,000,000 threshold for inflation, it will
apply to a steadily increasing number of homeowners forever.
Unlike Measure GS, Measure DT establishes a reasonable rate
applied only to the amount in excess of $8,000,000, adjusts the
$8,000,000 threshold for inflation and is temporary.
Because Measure GS was drafted by a small group with
narrow interests without collaborating with stakeholders, other
Councilmembers and School Board Members, it is seriously
flawed. Most importantly it FAILS to address our most pressing
issue; public safety amidst a worsening homeless crisis.
Please vote "YES" on Measures DT and DTS and "NO" on
Measure GS.
PHIL BROCK
City Councilmember
FRANCISCO FRANCO
Santa Monica Police Officers Association
WALTER PATTON
Vice President, Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109
MARYANNE LAGUARDIA
Chair, Recreation and Parks Commission
GLEAM DAVIS
City Councilmember
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE DTS
Measure DTS is an advisory measure placed on the ballot by
the Santa Monica City Council ("City Council"). It relates to, but
is separate from, the "Comprehensive Real Property Transfer
Tax Measure" that is on the same ballot (the "Transfer Tax
Measure"). If passed, the Transfer Tax Measure would create
an additional third tier real property transfer tax rate of $25 per
thousand dollars of consideration or property value transferred,
which would apply solely to the amount of consideration or
value in excess of $8 million, subject to certain exemptions.
The proposed third tier tax on the increment above $8,000,000
would be collected in addition to the existing second tier tax of
$6.00 per $1,000 of consideration or property value transferred,
which would continue to apply to the entire transaction value. A
separate impartial analysis has been prepared for the Transfer
Tax Measure.
Measure DTS is an advisory vote that allows voters to provide
advice to the City Council on how voters prefer the additional
real property transfer tax revenues to be used if the voters
approve the Transfer Tax Measure. Specifically, this advisory
measure asks whether at least 30% of any increased real
property transfer tax revenue from the Transfer Tax Measure
should be used to provide housing assistance to protect
seniors and low-income families from housing displacement,
with the remainder of the additional revenue to be used to
provide services to address homelessness, behavioral health
services, public safety and emergency response teams to
address safety on City streets and in parks, the reopening and
staffing of all public libraries, after-school programs for public
school children, and traffic safety improvements around
schools, including crossing guards. It is anticipated the Transfer
Tax Measure, if approved by the voters, would raise additional
tax revenue ranging from $12 to $25 Million annually.
Because Measure DTS is an advisory vote, its passage would
not legally require the City Council to expend the revenues in
any particular way. Instead, the advisory measure would supply
information to the City Council about how the voters prefer any
additional transfer tax revenues are to be spent.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
DTS. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
4300-EN-05192 LA 233-053
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
DTS
We all take pride in the wonderful programs and services our
city has offered over the years. But the sudden and persistent
drop in City revenues resulting from the COVID pandemic and
the recession has challenged its ability to maintain and
enhance many vital programs and services.
Measures DT and DTS were placed on the ballot by the City
Council to address those challenges while our city recovers
from the recent devastation. The two measures go hand in
hand.
Measure DT will generate new tax revenue and Measure DTS
tells our City Council – and future City Councils – how we want
this revenue to be spent:
- Services to address homelessness, protect seniors and low-
income residents from housing displacement;
- Public safety and emergency response teams to address
safety and mental health issues
- The reopening and staffing of public libraries;
- After-school programs for public school children; and
- Crossing guards near public schools.
Together, Measure DT and Measure DTS provide locally-
controlled funding for these vital programs and services of
utmost importance to all Santa Monicans – including renters
and homeowners, young families and older adults, and local
business owners.
Money to address these concerns will come from a modest tax
imposed only on the sales price of commercial and residential
property valued at $8,000,000 or more – and only on the
portion of the sales price in excess of $8,000,000. The affected
sales are projected to constitute a small percentage of all sales
of property in the City. There are exemptions for sales by
churches and other charitable organizations.
We must pass both measures to address the very real
problems associated with homelessness, public safety and our
quality of life.
Please join us in voting YES on both Measures DT and DTS to
keep our community a special place to live.
PHIL BROCK
City Councilmember
GLEAM DAVIS
City Councilmember
MARYANNE LAGUARDIA
Chair, Santa Monica Recreation & Parks Commission
FRANCISCO FRANCO
Board Member, Santa Monica Police Officers
Association
ANN GREENSPUN
Past Board Member, Santa Monica Malibu Education
Foundation
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS MEASURE
WAS SUBMITTED
4300-EN-05193 LA 233-054
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE HMP
Adult-use recreational cannabis is not legal in the City of Santa
Monica and this proposed measure would not change that.
However, it is expected that there will be licensed medicinal
cannabis businesses operating in the City in 2022 that would
not be subject to a cannabis specific tax. Instead, these
businesses would only be subject to the City's standard
business license tax and other generally applicable municipal
taxes.
This measure would impose a general tax of up to 10% of
gross receipts on all licensed cannabis businesses operating
within the City of Santa Monica with the revenue from the tax to
be used for general municipal purposes. The measure would
establish a tax on gross receipts of various types of licensed
cannabis businesses at the following initial rates: (a) 3% for
adult-use non-medicinal cannabis retailers; (b) 2% for medicinal
cannabis retailers; and (c) 1% for other types of licensed
cannabis businesses such as those primarily involved in
distribution, manufacturing, cultivation, or laboratory testing.
These initial cannabis business tax rates would take effect
should the measure be passed by Santa Monica voters. These
initial rates, however, can be subsequently decreased or
increased by the City Council, but can never exceed a
maximum rate of 10% without voter approval.
It is estimated that the proposed cannabis tax could yield $3-5
million annually in general fund revenue, if and when, adult-use
recreational cannabis becomes legal in the City. However this
revenue would not be realized by the City in the near term,
instead it is estimated that the City would receive this revenue
in the next 12-18 months as more cannabis businesses
become licensed to operate in the City.
This measure does not authorize or legalize commercial
nonmedicinal cannabis activities in the City of Santa Monica.
Nor does it authorize the conduct or continuance of any
unlawful business currently operating in the City. Furthermore,
personal uses of cannabis not subject to state licensing
requirements and for which an individual receives no
compensation related to their personal use are exempted from
this measure.
The Santa Monica City Council placed this measure on the
ballot. A "yes" vote supports the addition of Chapter 6.204 to
the Santa Monica Municipal Code to establish a commercial
cannabis business tax; and a "no" vote opposes the addition of
Chapter 6.204 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code. A majority
vote (i.e., more than 50% of the votes cast) is required to pass
the measure.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
HMP. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
HMP
VOTE YES on Measure HMP to keep cannabis tax dollars here
in Santa Monica!
YES on Measure HMP ensures that future cannabis
businesses pay their fair share to secure a safe and clean
environment, making Santa Monica a great place to live, work,
and visit.
Measure HMP is paid ONLY by cannabis businesses to help
maintain essential services including:
• Public safety initiatives to support our Santa Monica police
and fire departments
• New effective direct intervention services for people
experiencing homelessness
• Youth drug prevention programs
• All basic City services
We need Measure HMP! Currently, Santa Monica is a decade
behind our neighboring cities in permitting and regulating
cannabis-related businesses. Passage of Measure HMP will
establish a framework for allowing cannabis-related businesses
to operate legally and responsibly in Santa Monica. Upon
passage, Council will implement a rigorous selection process to
ensure that only the safest, most compliant, and proven
cannabis operators are selected to operate in our city.
Santa Monica loses millions of dollars in cannabis taxes to
dispensaries in Los Angeles at the borders of our city. Once
approved, this measure is estimated to generate $3.5 million to
$5 million dollars annually in tax revenue that will support
services for residents in Santa Monica. By voting Yes on
Measure HMP, Santa Monica residents will have convenient
access to tested, organic and regulated legal cannabis here in
our City where taxes generated will benefit Santa Monica
residents.
Santa Monica's non-partisan City Council authored and
supports measure HMP.
OSCAR DE LA TORRE
Santa Monica City Councilmember
FRANCISCO FRANCO
Santa Monica Police Officers Association
ARMEN MELKONIANS
Civil and Environmental Engineer
PHIL BROCK
City Councilmember
DOMINICK BEI
President, Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST THIS MEASURE
WAS SUBMITTED
4300-EN-05194 LA 233-055
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE RC
Measure RC amends the City’s Rental Control Law, Article
XVIII of the Santa Monica City Charter, “RCCA,” by (i) revising
requirements for owners to evict tenants; (ii) revising certain
election procedures; and (iii) rolling back rent increases for
rent-controlled units, as explained below. Measure RC was
placed on the ballot by the Santa Monica City Council.
The RCCA prohibits evictions except as provided by law.
Owners or qualified relatives who wish to reside in their units
permanently may evict current tenants to do so if they meet
certain requirements. One requirement is the owner or qualified
relative “intend in good faith to move into the unit within thirty
(30) days after the tenant vacates and to occupy the unit as a
primary residence for at least one year”. Measure RC would
require the owner or relative intend occupancy for at least two
years unless exigent circumstances warrant a shorter period.
This measure would require occupancy within sixty days of
tenant vacancy.
The RCCA requires an election to be held even if there are only
as many candidates as open Board positions. Measure RC
would amend the RCCA to state an election is not necessary
when the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the
open positions.
The RCCA allows for an Annual General Adjustment to the
maximum allowable rent (MAR) for rent-controlled units based
upon seventy-five percent of the percentage increase in the
Consumer Price Index for a twelve month period, with a
maximum increase of 6% of the MAR (the “Cap”) or a
maximum dollar cap of $140 per month. Measure RC would
reduce the Cap to 3% and reduce the maximum dollar cap to
$70 per month, except from February 1, 2023, through August
31, 2023, Measure RC reduces the Cap to 0.8% of the MAR in
effect as of August 31, 2022, with a maximum dollar cap of $19
per month (the “Adjusted GA”), providing an approximate 3%
average increase over the 12 month period. The MAR during
this seven month transition period is the MAR in effect as of
August 31, 2022, plus the Adjusted GA. The MAR for any
period after August 31, 2023, is calculated as if the General
Adjustment for the entire period from September 1, 2022,
through August 31, 2023, had been 3%, with a maximum dollar
cap of $70. Measure RC allows individual adjustments by the
Rent Control Board to increase the rent to the Adjusted GA for
landlords who did not increase their rents by the full 6% prior to
February 1, 2023, so long as the average rent increase for the
period from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023, does
not exceed the lower of 3% or $70 per month. Measure RC
allows an owner of a rent-controlled unit to petition the Rent
Control Board for an individual rent increase to enable the
owner to obtain a fair and reasonable return.
DOUGLAS T. SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
RC. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's Office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
RC
SIX PERCENT IS TOO MUCH FOR MANY RENTERS!
Your neighbors, especially fixed-income seniors and low-
income working families, need protection. Rent inflation could
force thousands of renters out of Santa Monica.
Vote YES on Measure RC to help Santa Monica remain the
inclusive, diverse community that rent control has preserved for
more than 40 years.
Measure RC provides stability for tenants in rent-controlled
units by limiting annual rent increases to a maximum of 3% for
2022 and all future years.
Inflation’s at a 40-year high, due to unusual circumstances
caused by the global pandemic. Our current Rent Control Law,
voter-approved in 2012, pegs the annual allowed rent increase
to inflation, but with a 6% maximum. This is the first time the
increase hit that 6% cap.
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO ROLL BACK THE DANGEROUS
INFLATIONARY 6% INCREASE.
A YES vote on Measure RC requires landlords to reduce the
6% increase to under 1% in February 2023. That will average
out the increase for the current year to 3%. In future years,
annual increases will vary with inflation, but will NEVER be
more than 3%.
Measure RC also prevents tenants from being evicted for
owner-occupancy unless the owner intends to live in the unit for
at least two years, instead of just one. If the owner moves out
before two years, they must re-offer the unit to the evicted
tenant.
Finally, Measure RC is a good-government measure, saving
money by not requiring an election if the number of candidates
for the Rent Control Board doesn’t exceed the number of seats
to be filled.
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board proposed these
enhanced protections and the Santa Monica City Council voted
UNANIMOUSLY to place them on the ballot.
VOTE YES ON MEASURE RC. Help keep your neighbors in
their homes.
BEN ALLEN
State Senator
KRISTIN MCCOWAN
Mayor Pro Tempore, Santa Monica
PATRICIA HOFFMAN
Executive Committee & Former Co-Chair, Santa
Monicans for Renters’ Rights
JANET GOLLERY MCKEITHEN
Co-Founder, Committee for Racial Justice
STEPHEN DURON
Chair, Rent Control Board
4300-EN-05195 LA 233-056
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE RC
VOTE NO Measure RC
#1
Under the guise of a lower rent cap the Rent Control advocates
have hatched Measure RC, a scheme that will ultimately
fracture and destroy Rent Control. This Measure creates an
atmosphere for current landlords to sell their buildings to
developers. If costs exceeds the ability to recoup those costs, it
pays to sell.
Santa Monica has been losing approximately 150 rental units
per year because costs have exceeded income on those units.
They are selling out to developers. Tenants are losing their
homes. This Measure will result in an increase of that loss.
For that past 10 years allowable rent increases have been less
than 3%. This year’s increase is an aberration that has not
happened in 32 years!
#2
The Santa Monica Rent Control Board and the City Council
rejected a proposal that would have eliminated this year’s
entire increase for half the tenants in the city. Yes! That’s right!
No increase at all! That half are the deserving low income
tenants that we all want to protect.
They chose to increase everyone’s rent in a scheme where the
rich will pay the lowest percentage increase and the poor will
pay the highest percentage increase.
A NO vote on this Measure RC would tell the Rent Control
Board to create an equitable policy that actually helps those in
need and reflects the City’s often discussed, but rarely enacted,
values.
SAVE RENT CONTROL
VOTE NO
MONICA SANTANA
Pico Neighborhood Renter
CLARA BENREY
Retired School Teacher
LORI BROWN
Parks and Recreation Commissioner
JAY P. JOHNSON
Former Rent Control Board Commissioner
GIACOMO VALENTINI
North of Wilshire Resident
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE RC
Measure RC fails to address the root problems with Santa
Monica rent control and rising rents.
It attempts to tackle a temporary problem with a permanent but
inadequate patch.
It postpones the much needed deeper reforms to make rent
control work in the context of ever rising rents. Rejecting this
proposal will force the city government to confront true reforms.
This measure is a cynical ploy to buy the votes of renters.
Under Measure RC, lower income renters will pay more of their
hard earned income than upper income renters. This is a
regressive policy. In our allegedly progressive city, this is the
ultimate irony.
Its negative impacts on mom and pop landlords of rent
controlled units will only make such units more scarce as small
landlords will sell their properties to developers.
In the July 14, 2022 Rent Control Board meeting, Board
members stated that Rent Control is not for "poor
people." This demonstrates their unwillingness to tackle the
inequalities in the system.
The Rent Control Board and its allies chose to maintain an
outdated and therefore highly flawed system, despite it being
inequitable. They only pretend to be the champions of renters.
Be smart vote NO.
A NO vote on this Measure RC would force the Rent Control
Board to actually create an equitable policy that reflects the
City's often discussed, but rarely enacted, values.
VOTE NO
MONICA SANTANA
Pico Neighborhood Renter
CLARA BENREY
Retired School Teacher
JAY P. JOHNSON
Former Rent Control Board Commissioner
GIACOMO VALENTINI
North of Wilshire Resident
LORI BROWN
Parks and Recreation Commissioner
4300-EN-05196 LA 233-057
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASUE RC
YOU SHOULD VOTE YES ON MEASURE RC.
Right now, while you’re studying how to vote, many Santa
Monica families are being forced to slash household budgets to
cover a sudden inflationary 6% rent increase.
Who’d want rent-burdened Santa Monicans to keep paying
unfairly high rent, and keep struggling?
These landlords, who argue against timely rent relief.
If you’re a renter — or you care about your fellow Santa
Monicans who are renters — you should VOTE YES ON
MEASURE RC!
Your YES vote on Measure RC cuts IN HALF the inflated rent
increases for EVERYONE in rent-controlled housing, and does
it now.
Measure RC is fair to rent-burdened working families and
limited-income seniors.
Meanwhile, landlords continue, by law, to be guaranteed a fair
return.
Our City Council has ALREADY voted to conduct a community
study of rent control next year.
These landlords want to delay Measure RC’s timely rent
reductions, so they can keep their unfair windfall: a 6%
unearned rent increase.
The “deeper reforms” these landlords promise won’t lower high
rents. What these landlords really want is “means-testing,” the
power to examine tenants’ paychecks to see if renters can be
made to pay more.
There’s no reason to delay getting rent inflation under control.
SIX PERCENT IS TOO MUCH FOR MANY RENTERS!
Please don’t leave many of your neighbors at risk, including
rent-burdened working families and limited-income seniors.
VOTE YES ON MEASURE RC.
KRISTIN MCCOWAN
Mayor Pro Tem, Santa Monica City Council
PATRICIA HOFFMAN
Member, Executive Committee Santa Monicans for
Renters’ Rights
STEVE DURON
Chair, Rent Control Board
CITY ATTORNEY'S IMPARTIAL
ANALYSIS OF MEASURE EM
Measure EM amends the City's Rental Control Law, Article
XVIII of the Santa Monica City Charter, by providing the Rent
Control Board authority to disallow or modify otherwise-allowed
annual general adjustments to the maximum allowable rent for
rent-controlled units during a state of emergency declared by
the President of the United States, the Governor, the Los
Angeles County Department of Public Health Officer, or upon
the declaration of a local emergency by the City Council or
Director of Emergency Services. Measure EM still allows an
owner of a rent-controlled unit to petition the Rent Control
Board for an individual rent increase to enable the owner to
obtain a fair and reasonable return. Measure EM was placed
on the ballot by the City Council.
The Rent Control Board derives its authority solely from the
City Charter. Administrative bodies, such as the Rent Control
Board, do not have general police powers and can only act
pursuant to the laws that created them. The Rent Control Board
has no emergency powers, absent a Charter amendment as
proposed.
DOUGLAS SLOAN
City Attorney
The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure
EM. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please visit
santamonica.gov/elections/2022-11-08 or call the Santa
Monica City Clerk's office at 310-458-8211 and a copy will
be mailed at no cost to you.
4300-EN-05197 LA 233-058
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
EM
Vote YES on Measure EM to protect Santa Monica residents in
rent-controlled units from unreasonable rent increases in times
of declared emergencies.
The global pandemic affected people in ways that were never
imagined. Some of our neighboring cities with rent control laws
were able to freeze rents to protect renters during the
emergency. In Santa Monica, the rent control law specifies how
annual rent increases are determined and does not currently
give the Rent Control Board discretion to modify or suspend
annual rent increases — even during a declared emergency.
Vote YES on Measure EM to change that for the future. If a
state of emergency is declared by the President, Governor, Los
Angeles County, or the City of Santa Monica, the Rent Control
Board will be able to modify or suspend annual rent increases
to protect renters and keep them in their homes.
This power is not a blank check. The Board will be required to
justify why the suspension or modification of rent increases is
required to protect the health and safety of renters. And,
landlords will be able to implement rent increases for their
properties if they prove they are not making a fair return, as
required by the rent control law.
No one saw the Covid-19 pandemic coming. No one has a
crystal ball to see what other types of emergencies could occur.
Let’s be prepared for the future and give the Board the power to
protect renters in times of declared emergencies. Your YES
vote on Measure EM will make that happen.
Protect your neighbors from unreasonable rent increases
during declared emergencies by voting YES on Measure EM.
CAROLINE M. TOROSIS
Elected Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Commissioner
TONY VAZQUEZ
Board of Equalization Member
DENNIS ZANE
Co-founder, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights
ABBY H. ARNOLD
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Forward
NICOLE FARIES
Education Activist
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE EM
Contrary to what supporters claim, this Charter Amendment is a
"blank check" granting drastic new police powers to Santa
Monica's government. Even Santa Monica's own "Impartial
Analysis" admits it. This measure will incentivize Santa Monica
to constantly keep some form of local "state of emergency" in
place in order to have greater power over residents and
businesses. They can proclaim any state of emergency they
wish (e.g. homeless crisis, Chinese submarines off the coast,
energy/water crisis) and then obtain the power to dramatically
alter rents up or down on a case by case basis. Do you even
know who your unelected Director of Emergency Services is
who has the right to declare a state of emergency whenever
(s)he personally wishes? Anyone questioning if there really is
an emergency can be fined or imprisoned for six months under
Santa Monica Municipal Code 2.16.100 for "disinformation."
Such a situation is ripe for bribery from landlords and land
speculators (for example, to get rents raised for earthquake
repairs). This measure, combined with Santa Monica's
Municipal Code 2.16.060(f)2, will even give Santa Monica's
government the right to confiscate property (e.g. taking a
homeowner's garage for housing the homeless) without any
eminent domain proceedings. If you don't want to encourage
the declation of constant states of emergency in this City, Vote
"No" on this measure.
MARION GOLDFARB
Resident
4300-EN-05198 LA 233-059
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE EM
This measure gives an only one-person majority in the City
Council and the highly political Rent Control Board the right to
decrease rents at will and to discriminate between landlords. It
also gives power to an unelected Director of Emergency
Services. Just days ago, the Santa Monica City Council voted
on whether they should let big landlords have six percent raises
on their rental units while forbidding long term mom and pop
Santa Monica landlords from raising rents for four years. Also,
know that almost no small landlord in the history of Santa
Monica Rent Control has been allowed a rent increase under
Section 1805. This is the reason landlords no longer bring rent
increase petitions when they are losing money on their rent-
controlled units. Instead, they sell their rental property to
developers who kick out the tenants and build high end homes.
MARION GOLDFARB
Resident
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASURE EM
VOTE YES ON MEASURE EM. The argument against is
factually incorrect.
Measure EM allows renter-protective action to be taken by the
elected Rent Control Board only in a declared state of
emergency, not at will. Decisions must be made with full
democratic process, including public hearings.
The Director of Emergency Services works at the direction of
the elected City Council, with full public accountability.
The City Council wisely did NOT zero out mom-and-pop
landlord rent increases. They rejected that unfair proposal,
which also would have imposed the very highest rent increases
on already-burdened renters paying the most to corporate
landlords.
Instead, the Council put on the ballot Measure RC, protecting
all rent-controlled tenants from rent inflation while treating
landlords fairly and equitably. Please VOTE YES on BOTH
Measure RC and this companion, Measure EM.
The real reason for so few successful landlord petitions for rent
increases? Rents have already rocketed on the majority of
Santa Monica's rent-controlled housing, due to state-imposed
vacancy decontrol. Most landlords are now enjoying far beyond
the "fair return" guaranteed by law.
Your Santa Monica neighbors, particularly rent-burdened
working families and limited-income seniors, deserve the
housing stability of effective rent control even when unforeseen
emergencies threaten our community.
VOTE YES ON MEASURE EM. It provides that needed
protection in emergencies.
NICOLE FARIES
Education Advocate
TONY VAZQUEZ
State Board of Equalization
DENNIS ZANE
Co-Founder, Santa Monicans for Renter' Rights
ABBY ARNOLD
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Forward
4300-EN-05199 LA 233-060
FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE
SMC
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE AFFORDABLE HIGHER
EDUCATION, CAREER TRAINING, CLASSROOM
UPGRADES. To improve access to affordable education for
local students, veterans, first-generation college students;
provide affordable housing for homeless students; modernize
instructional labs for nursing, healthcare, sustainability, media,
science career training; repair/upgrade obsolete vocational
classrooms/aging facilities, shall Santa Monica Community
College District authorize $375,000,000 in bonds at legal rates,
levying 2.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation, raising
$23,000,000 annually while bonds are outstanding, with
citizens oversight, public spending disclosure?
PROJECT LIST
The Board of Trustees of the Santa Monica Community College
District (the "District") certifies that it has evaluated the District's
urgent and critical capital needs, including District and student
safety issues, enrollment trends, energy efficiency and
computer technology, seismic safety requirements, and aging,
outdated or deteriorating District buildings in developing the
scope of projects to be funded. In developing the scope of
projects, the District has prioritized the key health and safety
and sustainability needs so that the most critical school site
needs are addressed. The Board conducted an evaluation at all
District sites and received input in developing the scope of
projects to be funded. In approving this Project List, the Board
of Trustees determines that the District should:
Adhere to specific COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY
safeguards such as these:
(a) All bond expenditures are subject to review by a Citizens
Oversight Committee which reports to the public, as provided in
Education Code Section 15278 et seq.
(b) The District will involve faculty, staff and students in
curriculum development at financed facilities throughout the life
of the bond construction program.
(c) The District will provide an opportunity for input from
community and neighborhood residents during the
development of projects to be funded by this bond measure.
(d) The District will apply energy-saving and sustainability
standards to all repairs and improvements.
(e) The District will enter into or extend Cooperative Use
Agreements with the City of Santa Monica, the City of Malibu
and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in order to
make the most efficient use of bond funds whenever feasible.
The Project List includes the following types of projects:
All $375 million of bond proceeds will be spent within the Cities
of Santa Monica and Malibu or at sites that share a boundary
and are contiguous with the Cities of Santa Monica or Malibu.
None of the bond proceeds can be taken away by the State of
California.
All projects funded by bond proceeds will be available for
educational and public uses authorized in this Project List.
Replacement safety and modernization projects were identified
by means of an independent facilities assessment.
Replacement projects and projects to meet new educational
needs have been presented to and approved by the District
Board of Trustees and are included as priority items in the
District's Capital Improvement Plan on file with the State
Chancellor's Office.
The items proposed for financing in whole or in part with the
proceeds of the District's general obligation bonds include the
following capital projects at any or all District facilities:
• provide facilities, classrooms and/or equipment for career
education programs in such fields as nursing, respiratory
therapy, computer technology, computer science, new media,
early childhood education, business, graphic design,
photography, film, and other occupations in more than 80 fields
of study;
• development and implementation of facilities master plans
and related requirements such as environmental impact reports
and soils testing, architectural, engineering and similar planning
costs;
• demolition of temporary and/or obsolete and unsafe facilities;
• installation and/or upgrading of emergency lighting, fire alarm
and security systems;
• installation, upgrade or repair of roadways, walkways,
grounds, parking lots and garages;
• entrance improvements; upgrade facilities to comply with
Federal mandated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
handicap accessibility requirements and State of California
seismic standards;
• signage for safety and public information;
• upgrade and/or construction of new and existing restrooms;
• installation, repair and/or replacement of heating, air
conditioning and ventilation systems; upgrade of facilities for
energy efficiency and to reduce fire risks;
• repair and replacement of worn-out and leaky roofs, windows,
walls, doors and drinking fountains;
• installation of wiring and electrical systems to safely
accommodate computers, technology and other electrical
devices and needs;
• resurfacing or replacing hard courts, turf and irrigation
systems and campus landscaping;
• building new and/or renovating existing athletic facilities and
lockers;
• upgrading or replacing inadequate libraries, and
administrative spaces;
• installing interior and exterior painting and floor covering;
installing covered walkways; construction of various forms of
storage and support spaces;
• replacing water and sewer lines and other plumbing systems;
• financing/refinancing of real property leases;
financing/refinancing of previously approved bond-financed
projects;
4300-EN-05200 LA 233-061
• acquiring related furnishings and equipment for all renovation,
improvement and/or new and existing construction project
components;
• the relocation and/or acquisition of temporary facilities during
the renovation, improvement and/or new construction of project
components as necessary to maintain education programs in
operation during construction;
• the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement
of District facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of
District facilities, or the acquisition or lease of real property for
District facilities;
• acquiring, refinancing and/or entering into arrangements for
the use and/or joint use of real property for existing and future
classrooms, student services, child care and/or other uses;
making site improvements, building infrastructure and/or
constructing additional facilities for the purpose of expanding
instructional programs to meet future educational demands of
District students.
SAFETY AND MODERNIZATION PROJECTS
Replacement of a shop-lab building designed to train
students for obsolete industrial jobs in the 1950s and
1960s with modern classrooms where students can learn
today's career skills. The State has identified the former
Technology Building (Drescher Hall) as needing replacement
and has placed it in line to receive partial State funding.
Replacement facilities will benefit accounting, administration of
justice, business, computer science, computer information
systems (CIS), cosmetology, photography, fashion design,
media studies, and STEM.
Replacement of the Student Activities Building. This 1952
building lacks fire sprinklers and is in poor condition, subject to
flooding and utility outages. A replacement building will provide
improved and additional resources for the Student Health
Center and for student basic needs programs, including food
resources and mental health.
Upgrading the Veterans Success Center. SMC's Veterans
Success Center provides support to a student's transition from
the military to college. The program is currently in temporary
quarters.
Expanding the overcrowded Respiratory Therapy program.
Additional facilities will also support new pathway programs in
Health and in Home Health.
Constructing a Santa Monica College Police Department
sub-station. The current police facility is antiquated and
undersized. A new facility will improve public and campus
safety.
Student Housing. Bond funds will provide a local match to
State funds for constructing student housing for full-time
students who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Bond
funds may also be used to provide a match to public and
private funds for purposes of student housing.
Replacement of Temporary Classrooms. Built in the 1950s,
1970s, and 1990s, these facilities are past their time of usable
service.
Landscaping/ Water Conservation Improvements and
Completing Pico Boulevard Frontage Improvements.
Applying bond proceeds for landscaping improvements,
including landscaping improvements to complete the main
campus Pico Boulevard frontage, will improve water
conservation through water reclamation and installation of
drought resistant landscaping.
Converting Library Interiors. Conversion of existing Library
floor space used for book stacks to construct and install
additional student study areas, tutoring and collaborative
learning spaces that will support student success.
Making Environmental Performance Improvements. Bond
funds will be used to upgrade District facilities to achieve
energy or resource use efficiency and water conservation and
achieve sustainability for District operations.
Upgrading Technology Infrastructure. Bond proceeds will be
applied to renovate, replace, upgrade, acquire, install and
integrate major site, building and utility systems, equipment and
related infrastructure, including lighting, electrical, wiring and
related infrastructure for modern technology, classroom
instructional technology, communications and security
technology (including security cameras and monitoring
systems), data, voice, public address and audio-visual
communication, energy efficiency, management monitoring
systems, networks, fixtures, controls and equipment, cable
infrastructure, network expansion, wireless access points,
enterprise resource planning systems, student information
systems, and other communications systems.
COMMUNITY JOINT USE PROJECTS
Providing for a Joint Use Project in the City of Malibu. The
Malibu High School Auditorium no longer meets the
instructional needs of its students, or the public use needs of
the Malibu community. The District will make available bond
funds as needed to assist the school district in replacing the
auditorium and expanding its use to support media studies and
public programs.
Pearl Street Improvements. The District will contribute funding
for Pearl Street upgrades to improve public access and public
safety, particularly for users of the John Adams Performing Arts
Center, the SMC Planetarium, and the SMC Observatory.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
The allocation of bond proceeds may be affected by the
District's receipt of State matching funds and the final costs of
each project. In the absence of State matching funds, which the
District will aggressively pursue to reduce the District's share of
the costs of the projects, the District may undertake fewer than
all of the projects listed above. Some projects may be
undertaken as joint use projects in cooperation with other local
public or non-profit agencies.
Necessary site preparation/ restoration may occur in
connection with new construction, renovation or remodeling,
including ingress and egress, removing, replacing or installing
irrigation, storm drain, and utility lines, trees and landscaping,
relocating fire access roads, and acquiring any necessary
easements, licenses, or rights of way to the property. Proceeds
of the bonds may be used to pay or reimburse the District for
the costs of District staff when performing work on or necessary
and incidental to bond projects. Bond proceeds shall only be
expended for the specific purposes identified herein.
NO ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES. PROCEEDS FROM THE
SALE OF THE BONDS AUTHORIZED BY THIS
PROPOSITION SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR THE
4300-EN-05201 LA 233-062
ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION,
REHABILITATION, OR REPLACEMENT OF DISTRICT
FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FURNISHING AND
EQUIPPING OF FACILITIES, AND NOT FOR ANY OTHER
PURPOSE, INCLUDING TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR
SALARIES OR PENSIONS OR OTHER OPERATING
EXPENSES.
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY. THE EXPENDITURE OF BOND
MONEY ON THESE PROJECTS IS SUBJECT TO
STRINGENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
REQUIREMENTS. BY LAW, PERFORMANCE AND
FINANCIAL AUDITS WILL BE PERFORMED ANNUALLY, AND
ALL BOND EXPENDITURES WILL BE MONITORED BY AN
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
(EDUCATION CODE SECTION 15278 ET SEQ.) TO ENSURE
THAT FUNDS ARE SPENT AS PROMISED AND SPECIFIED.
THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MUST INCLUDE,
AMONG OTHERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF A BONA FIDE
TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION, A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
AND A SENIOR CITIZENS ORGANIZATION. NO DISTRICT
EMPLOYEES OR VENDORS ARE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON
THE CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.
BOND AUTHORIZATION
By approval of Measure SMC by at least 55 percent of the
registered voters voting on the measure, the District will be
authorized to issue and sell bonds of up to $375,000,000 in
aggregate principal amount at interest rates not in excess of
the legal limit and to provide financing for the specific District
facilities projects listed in the Project List as set forth above,
subject to the accountability requirements specified below.The
Bonds may be issued under the provisions of the California
Education Code (starting at Section 15100), under the
provisions of the California Government Code (starting at
Section 53506), or under any other provision of law authorizing
the issuance of general obligation bonds by community college
districts. The Bonds may be issued in series by the District from
time to time, and each series of Bonds shall mature within the
legal limitations set forth in the applicable law under which the
Bonds are issued.
FUNDS PROTECTED FOR LOCAL USE
Proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized by Measure SMC
will be used solely on local projects and will not be subject to
appropriation by agencies outside of the District.
ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
The provisions in this section are specifically included in
Measure SMC in order that the voters and taxpayers in the
District may be assured that their money will be spent wisely.
Expenditures to address specific facilities needs of the District
will be in compliance with the requirements of Article XIII A,
Section l(b)(3), of the State Constitution and the Strict
Accountability in Local School Construction Bonds Act of 2000
(codified at Education Code Sections 15264 and following).
The proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be deposited into
a Building Fund to be held by the Los Angeles County
Treasurer, as required by the California Education Code, and
will be used only for the purposes specified in Measure SMC
and not for any other purpose.
Evaluation of Needs: The Board has identified detailed
facilities needs of the District and has determined which
projects to finance from a local bond at this time. The Board
hereby certifies that it has evaluated enrollment growth, student
safety, class size accommodation, repairs/upgrades to older
facilities, and information technology needs in developing the
Project List as set forth above.
Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee: The Board
shall establish an Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee
under Education Code Section 15278 to ensure bond proceeds
are expended only on the college facilities projects listed
above. The Committee will be established within 60 days of the
date when the results of the election appear in the minutes of
the Board.
Performance Audits: The Board shall conduct an annual,
independent performance audit to ensure
that the bond proceeds have been expended only on the
college facilities projects listed as set forth above.
Financial Audits: The Board shall conduct an annual,
independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of
those proceeds have been spent for the college facilities
projects listed above.
Annual Report: The Superintendent/President of the District is
required to cause an annual report to be filed with the Board,
the first report to be filed not later than one year after the
issuance of the first series of the Bonds, which report shall
contain pertinent information regarding the amount of funds
collected and expended, as well as the status of the projects
listed in Measure SMC as required by Sections 53410 and
53411 of the Government Code.
COMPLETION OF PROJECTS
Completion of the bond projects listed above is subject to the
availability of adequate funding to the District. Approval of the
Bond Measure does not guarantee that the proposed projects
in the District that are the subject of Bonds under the measure
will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the
Bond Measure. The District's proposal for the projects may
assume the receipt of matching State funds, which could be
subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a
Statewide bond measure or additional measures. The proceeds
from the sale of the Bonds will be used only for the purposes
specified in Measure SMC, and not for any other purpose.
SCOPE OF PROJECTS
Bond proceeds will be expended to update, repair, replace,
renovate, construct, acquire, equip, furnish, rebuild and
otherwise improve educational and support facilities within the
District. Projects which are described above include all related
and incidental costs, including their share of the costs of the
election and bond issuance and costs of design, engineering,
architectural and other professional services, inspections, site
preparation, utilities, landscaping, construction management
and other planning, legal, accounting and similar costs,
independent annual financial and performance audits, a
customary construction contingency, and other costs incidental
to and necessary for completion of the listed projects.
Bond proceeds may also be expended to acquire real property
(or any interest in real property) for future educational and
support facilities and to acquire and install furniture, fixtures
and equipment at any classrooms and other educational
facilities within the District. The District may alter the scope and
4300-EN-05202 LA 233-063
nature of any of the specific projects which are described
above as required by conditions that arise during the course of
design and construction.
Whenever specific items are included in the above list, they are
presented to provide examples and are not intended to limit the
generality of the broader description of authorized projects. The
order in which particular projects are listed is not intended to
indicate priority for funding or completion.
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE
SMC
By Dawyn Harrison, Acting County Counsel
Approval of Measure SMC ("Measure") would authorize the
Board of Trustees ("Board") of the Santa Monica Community
College District ("District") to issue general obligation bonds in
an amount not to exceed $375,000,000. The District placed the
Measure on the ballot by Resolution No. 2022-06-07.31,
"Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Santa Monica
Community College District of the County of Los Angeles,
California Ordering an Election to Authorize the Issuance of
General Obligation Bonds, Establishing Specifications of the
Election Order, and Requesting Consolidation with Other
Elections Occurring on November 8, 2022," adopted by the
Board on June 7, 2022.
Proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by the
Measure will be used only for the purposes specified in the
Measure, including repairing, acquiring, constructing and
upgrading classrooms and other school facilities; removing
hazardous materials; repairing and replacing gas, electrical,
sewer, plumbing, heating and air systems, windows, walls,
doors, and roofs; upgrading for energy efficiency and to comply
with water, sustainability, accessibility, earthquake and fire
safety regulations and standards; and improving roads and
pedestrian paths, lighting, and technology infrastructure.
A complete list of the allowed project expenditures is included
in the full text of the Measure. Bond proceeds may not be
expended on teacher and administrator salaries and other
operating expenses.
The Board will cause independent performance and financial
audits to be conducted annually to ensure that bond proceeds
are spent only for projects identified in the Measure. The Board
will appoint an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee in
compliance with Education Code section 15278 no later than
60 days after the Board enters the election results in its
minutes. Bond proceeds will be deposited into a Building Fund
held by the County Treasurer as required by the California
Education Code, and the District will comply with the reporting
requirements of Government Code section 53410.
Approval of the Measure does not guarantee that projects
described in the Measure will be funded beyond the local
revenues generated by the Measure. The District's proposal for
certain projects may assume receipt of matching State funds
that are subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval
of a Statewide bond measure.
The bonds will not exceed the maximum interest rate as
allowed by law. According to the District's Tax Rate Statement,
the best estimate of the average tax rate required to fund the
bonds, based on assessed valuations available when the
District filed the statement, is $21 per $100,000 of assessed
valuation. The best estimate of the highest tax rate required to
fund the bonds is $25 per $100,000 of assessed valuation in
fiscal year 2029-2030. The final fiscal year in which the tax to
be levied to fund this bond is anticipated to be fiscal year 2051-
2052. The estimate of debt service, including principal and
interest, is $629,504,320.
This Measure requires approval by fifty-five percent (55%) of
the qualified voters voting in the election for passage.
4300-EN-05203 LA 233-064
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
SMC
Vote Yes on Measure SMC!
Help Santa Monica College continue to build great futures for
local students.
Measure SMC provides these important educational benefits
to Santa Monica and Malibu:
–Replacing and upgrading obsolete classroom and
instructional labs.
–Improving access to new career training programs including
respiratory therapy, fashion design and photography.
–Providing technology and facilities for hybrid in-person and
online learning.
–Upgrading the college's Veterans Success Center.
–Housing for SMC's homeless and qualified low-income
students.
–A state-of-the-art language learning center.
–Replacing Malibu High School's auditorium to support college
and high school media studies.
–Modernizing energy systems and achieving energy savings.
–Providing fire safety and environmental upgrades.
Santa Monica College is recognized as one of the very best
community colleges in the nation.
Tens of thousands of Santa Monica and Malibu students have
used SMC to affordably complete their first two years of
college.
Santa Monica College has the highest number of transfers to
the University of California, UCLA, and USC in the state.
Many more have learned valuable job skills in over 100 fields of
study and professions, including medical, information
technology, communications and media, science, engineering,
business, and accounting.
Today, SMC faces new challenges and an urgent need to
replace or upgrade outdated classrooms and instructional labs,
provide technology for effective hybrid in-person and online
learning, enhance opportunities for veterans and first-
generation college students, and expand career training
programs.
Measure SMC will provide funding to help Santa Monica
College give our local students the bright future they deserve.
All funds must be used locally. None of the bond proceeds can
be taken away by the State. Independent audits are required.
Measure SMC is supported by educators, parents, and local
business and community leaders throughout our community.
Vote Yes on Measure SMC!
DR. LOUISE JAFFE
Chair, Santa Monica College Board of Trustees
DENNIS ZANE
Co-founder, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights
TED WINTERER
Co-Chair, Community for Excellent Public Schools
CHRIS WIZNER
President & Chairman, Malibu Pacific Palisades
Chamber of Commerce
RICHARD BLOOM
Member of the California State Assembly
4300-EN-05204 LA 233-065
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE SMC
Santa Monica "Community" College is now a Cal State LA-
sized regional institution, migrating to 4-year degrees, with a
growing international student population. They don't want us to
know that the number of local students attending is minimal.
Yet they want us to pay.
With Measure SMC, all SMCC bonds since 2022 would total
$1.3 billion.
That's $2.6 billion (with interest) coming essentially from
additions to our mortgage payments and rents, just to
SUBSIDIZE THE STUDENTS FROM OTHER CITIES AND
COUNTRIES WHO BENEFIT.
The funding requests demonstrate the unending growth:
2002 -- Measure U $160 million
2004 -- Measure S $135 million
2008 -- Measure AA $295 million
2016 -- Measure V $345 million
+ 2022 -- Measure SMC $375 million
There is NO END to their requests.
More $$ for more buildings while SMC is now leasing its
unused facilities to our school district! So why build more?
HOW DOES IT MAKE ANY SENSE FOR SANTA MONICA
AND MALIBU RESIDENTS TO FOOT THE BILL?
SMCC officials never discuss with residents their overall
expansion plans and how they will impact our neighborhoods
and family budgets. Vague lists of repairs and improvements
appear on every SMC bond measure, but the result is huge
development projects with big impacts.
The College has been fiscally irresponsible and not
transparent. It throws out crumbs about improving our parks
and schools in order to entice us to vote yes, but it rarely
delivers.
No more bleeding local residents for little return.
VOTE NO!
MARC L. VERVILLE
City of Santa Monica Audit Subcommittee Vice Chair
NANCY COLEMAN
North of Montana Association Chair
ROBERT H. TAYLOR
Ocean Park Association Co-Founder
ARMEN MELKONIANS
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition Board
Member
GERALDINE KENNEDY
Former Santa Monica Planning Commissioner
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE
SMC
Santa Monica Community College wants more of OUR money.
Again!
In the last 20 years, local residents gave SMC nearly $1
BILLION in bonds that will cost us (with interest) $2 BILLION in
taxes!
And yet they still have a whopping $230 Million of our money
that has not even been spent!
THEY WANT MORE???...Yes, $375 Million more for their
regional and international plans that do not directly benefit us.
This development scheme calls for more buildings, higher
density, more traffic, more commuters in an area already
gridlocked.
YOU WILL HAVE NO SAY in how any of this money is spent!
SMC is exempt from local land-use laws. It can build more
buildings and generate more traffic without any public review.
The SMC 2010 Facilities Master Plan estimated 5,600 new
daily car trips, increasing traffic congestion at 36 intersections.
An overwhelming majority of SMC students live outside Santa
Monica and Malibu, yet we get stuck paying.
The taxes on our homes and apartments should not go to their
already bloated piggy bank. And to add insult to injury, we
suffer all the consequences.
Students who live in wealthy Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific
Palisades, Marina del Rey come here. Yet taxpayers from
those communities don't contribute one dime for SMC facilities.
Is that fair?
Let's not forget that SMC promised us $20 million to renovate
Memorial Park with the last bond. That was 6 years ago.
Despite massive funds in their bank account, they have yet to
pay! Would you give more money to someone who owes you?
They've taken in excess and hoarded what's yours. Vote NO.
ZINA JOSEPHS
Friends of Sunset Park President
BRIAN O'NEIL
Pico Neighborhood Association Co-Chair
PATRICIA (TRICIA) CRANE
Chair, Northeast Neighbors
PETER TIGLER
Former Santa Monica City Charter Review
Commissioner
MARIO FONDA-BONARDI
City of Santa Monica Planning Commissioner
4300-EN-05205 LA 233-066
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASURE SMC
Yes on Measure SMC.
Opponents' claims against Measure SMC are simply false.
Supporting education is the issue here.
Neighbor communities are committing to the same level of
support for their community colleges as proposed by Measure
SMC.
Repairing and modernizing SMC classrooms protects our
community's investment in SMC and gives our local residents
facilities designed for a 21st Century education.
SMC has the State's best faculty. Failing to repair our
classrooms risks losing great teachers in future years.
Measure SMC helps fund much-needed updates to existing
SMC career training facilities and provides technology
upgrades to meet emerging needs in the post-pandemic world.
SMC has kept its promises:
FACT: SMC's award-winning public transit program, in place
since 2008, reduced car trips 40% and is now the County of
Los Angeles model for schools.
FACT: SMC's increase in online education will reduce its
footprint and reduce car trips.
FACT: 50% of Santa Monica High School students attend SMC.
FACT: More than 27,500 Santa Monica and Malibu residents
have attended Santa Monica College in the past decade.
FACT: SMC has safeguarded funds for Memorial Park and is
pleased that the City has restarted the project.
FACT: SMC housing for homeless and qualified low-income
students will prioritize local families and individuals.
SMC remains number one in transfers to the University of
California, UCLA, and USC.
Measure SMC is supported by educators, parents, and local
business and community leaders.
Have more questions? Call Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, SMC President,
310-434-4200 or visit VoteYESforSMC.com.
Vote Yes for Measure SMC.
MARIA LEON-VASQUEZ
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of
Education, President
GREG MORENA
Chairman, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
IAN ROVEN, ESQ.
Malibu Chamber of Commerce past Chair; Malibu High
School and SMC alumnus
JENNIFER FERRO
KCRW President
BEN ALLEN
California State Senator
TAX RATE STATEMENT - MEASURE
SMC
An election will be held in Santa Monica Community College
District (the "District") on November 8, 2022 for the purpose of
submitting to the electors of the District the question of incurring
bonded indebtedness of the District in the principal amount of
$375 million. If such bonds are authorized and sold, the
principal thereof and interest thereon will be payable from the
proceeds of taxes levied on the taxable property in the District.
The following information regarding tax rates is given in
compliance with Section 9401 of the California Elections Code.
This information is based upon the best estimates and
projections presently available from official sources, upon
experience within the District and other demonstrable factors.
Based upon the foregoing and projections of the assessed
valuations of taxable property in the District, and assuming the
entire debt service on the bonds will be paid through property
taxation:
1. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate that would
be required to be levied to fund the bond issue over the entire
duration of the bond debt service, based on assessed
valuations available at the time of the filing of this statement, or
a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or
other demonstrable factors is 2.1 cents per $100 of assessed
valuation of all property to be taxed. It is estimated that the final
fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is
2051-52.
2. The best estimate of the highest tax rate that would be
required to be levied to fund the bond issue, and an estimate of
the year in which that rate will apply, based on estimated
assessed valuations available at the time of the filing of this
statement, or a projection based on experience within the same
jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is 2.5 cents per $100
of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed and the year is
2029-2030.
3. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the
principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all
the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $629,504,320.
Attention of voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing
information is based upon projections and estimates only. The
actual timing of sales of the bonds and the amount to be sold at
any time will be governed by the needs of the District and other
factors. The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be
sold, which will not exceed the maximum permitted by law, will
depend upon the bond market at the time of sale. The actual
assessed valuations in future years will depend upon the value
of property within the District as determined in the assessment
and the equalization process. Assessed valuation is not the
same as market price of real property. Therefore, the actual tax
rates and the years in which those tax rates will be applicable
may vary from those presently estimated and stated above.
Voters should note that estimated tax rates are based on the
ASSESSED VALUE of taxable property on the County's official
tax rolls, not on the property's market value. Property owners
should consult their own property tax bills to determine their
property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.
Dated: June 7, 2022
4300-EN-05206 LA 233-067
DR. KATHRYN E. JEFFERY
Superintendent/President
Santa Monica Community College District
STATEMENT OF BOB HERTZBERG
CANDIDATE FOR SUPERVISOR, 3RD
DISTRICT
EVERYONE DESERVES REAL SOLUTIONS TO
HOMELESSNESS
- Bob will demand accountability from local governments for
providing shelter and housing
- Will direct $2 billion of unallocated county funds towards
expanding mental health services
- Will establish a single governing authority for homelessness
that coordinates the work of all 88 cities
EVERYONE DESERVES SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS
- Bob is endorsed by every police organization in the Valley
and Westside
- Has the support of LA County firefighters and nurses
- Fought to get assault weapons and ghost guns off our streets
and eliminated the rape kit backlog by creating the largest DNA
Crime Lab in the country
EVERYONE DESERVES A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
- Was named "50 people to save the Planet" by the Guardian
- Bob opened the first solar company in Los Angeles
- Established the first long-term plan to save water and fight
droughts
BOB IS A RESPONSIBLE PROBLEM SOLVER
- A clean energy entrepreneur, job creator and now a Senator
– Bob will get things done for you at the county
- Bob passed the largest public-school investment in state
history to help our kids
- He received an 100% Rating from Planned Parenthood and
wrote law increasing access to contraception
www.hertzbergforsupervisor.com
4300-EN-05207 LA 233-068
STATEMENT OF ROBERT LUNA
CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF
I'm running for Los Angeles County Sheriff to reduce crime and
bring new leadership and accountability to the Sheriff's
Department.
The current Sheriff's Department is mismanaged, which has put
our public safety at risk.
We can do much better.
My priorities as your next Sheriff:
1. Reduce Violent Crime
2. Address Homelessness
3. Restore Public Trust and Eradicate Deputy Gangs
4. Reform and Modernize the Sheriff's Department and Jails
5. Improve Employee Wellness
As Police Chief of Long Beach for the last seven years, I have
a proven track record of success making more than 100 policy
changes that resulted in reduced violent crime, property crime,
officer-involved shootings and citizen complaints.
I have been promoted through every rank of the Long Beach
Police Department, and have worked with law enforcement
agencies across the nation on the Executive Board of the Major
Cities Chiefs Association.
The Democratic Party, Los Angeles Times, Daily News and
Southern California News Group, Los Angeles County
Federation of Labor, Los Angeles County Business Federation
and all five County Supervisors have endorsed my candidacy.
Growing up in East Los Angeles, patrolled by the Sheriff's
Department, opened my eyes to examples of both good and
bad policing, and inspired my 36-year career in law
enforcement.
My bottom line: as Sheriff, our service always needs to be
effective, respectful and constitutional.
I would be honored to earn your vote.
www.LunaForSheriff.com
FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE A
An ordinance calling a special election to be held on November
8, 2022, throughout the County of Los Angeles for the purpose
of voting upon an amendment to the Charter of the County of
Los Angeles and directing the consolidation of the election with
the Statewide general election to be held on the same day.
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles ordains
as follows:
SECTION 1. Call of Election and Purpose.
A special election is hereby called, proclaimed, and ordered to
be held on November 8, 2022, for the purpose of voting upon a
proposed amendment to the Charter of the County of Los
Angeles.
SECTION 2. Form of Measure.
The exact form of the measure as it is to appear on the ballot
and the complete text of the proposed Charter amendment is
as follows:
PROPOSED COUNTY
CHARTER AMENDMENT.
CHARTER AMENDMENT –
PROVIDING AUTHORITY TO
REMOVE AN ELECTED
SHERIFF FOR CAUSE. Shall
the measure amending the
County of Los Angeles Charter
to grant the Board of
Supervisors authority to
remove an elected Sheriff from
office for cause, including
violation of law related to a
Sheriff's duties, flagrant or
repeated neglect of duties,
misappropriation of funds,
willful falsification of
documents, or obstructing an
investigation, by a four-fifths
vote of the Board of
Supervisors, after written notice
and an opportunity to be heard,
be adopted?
YES
NO
This measure will become effective only if submitted to the
voters at the election held on November 8, 2022, and only after
approval by a majority of qualified voters voting in the election
on the issue.
The Charter amendment will take effect as provided for in
sections 23713 and 23714 of the Government Code.
Section 13.5 of Article IV of the Charter of Los Angeles County
is added to read as follows:
Section 13.5
A. The Board of Supervisors may remove a Sheriff from office
for cause, by a four-fifths vote, after a Sheriff has been:
(1) Served with a written statement of alleged grounds for
removal; and
(2) Provided a reasonable opportunity to be heard regarding
any explanation or defense.
4300-EN-05208 LA 233-069
B. For the purposes of this Section, "cause" means:
(1) Violation of any law related to the performance of a Sheriff's
duties;
(2) Flagrant or repeated neglect of a Sheriff's duties as defined
by law;
(3) Misappropriation of public funds or property as defined in
California law;
(4) Willful falsification of a relevant official statement or
document; or
(5) Obstruction, as defined in federal, State, or local law
applicable to a Sheriff, of any investigation into the conduct of a
Sheriff and/or the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department by any
government agency, office, or commission with jurisdiction to
conduct such an investigation.
C. The Board of Supervisors may provide for procedures by
which a removal proceeding pursuant to this Section shall be
conducted.
D. This Section shall not be applied to interfere with the
independent and constitutionally and statutorily designated
investigative function of a Sheriff.
SECTION 3 Legal Effect of Inoperative Provisions.
In the event that the amendment to the County of Los Angeles
("County") Charter contained in this measure is rendered
inoperative because of the actions of any court, legislative or
other body, or for any other reason, the provisions of the
County Charter in effect on November 8, 2022, will remain in
full force and effect.
SECTION 4 Legal Effect of Invalid Provisions.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence,
clause, phrase, or word of this proposition is for any reason
held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or
unenforceability will not affect the validity or enforceability of the
remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or words of section 13.5 of Article
IV of the County Charter. The voters of the County declare that
they would have independently adopted each section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase,
or word of this Proposition irrespective of the fact that any one
or more other sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or words of section 13.5 of Article
IV is declared invalid or unenforceable.
SECTION 5 Consolidation.
The special election will be consolidated with the Statewide
general election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
The measure will be placed on the same ballot as that provided
for the general election. The precincts, polling places or vote
centers, and precinct board members will be the same as
provided for the Statewide general election.
SECTION 6 Proclamation.
Pursuant to section 12001 of the Elections Code, the Board of
Supervisors of the County hereby PROCLAIMS that a special
Countywide election will be held on Tuesday, November 8,
2022, to vote upon the Charter amendment described in
Section 2 of this ordinance.
SECTION 7 Effective Date.
Pursuant to section 9141 of the Elections Code and section
25123 of the Government Code, this ordinance will take effect
upon the adoption thereof.
SECTION 8 Authority.
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to sections 23720, 23730,
and 23731 of the Government Code, and sections 9141,
10402, 10403, and 12001 of the Elections Code.
SECTION 9 Publication.
This ordinance must be published once before the expiration of
fifteen (15) days after its passage in a daily newspaper of
general circulation, printed, published, and circulated in the
County pursuant to section 25124 of the Government Code.
The Executive Officer of the Board of Supervisors is ordered to
file a copy of this ordinance with the County Registrar-Recorder
at least 88 days prior to the day of the election.
4300-EN-05209 LA 233-070
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE
A
By Dawyn R. Harrison, Acting County
Counsel
Approval of Measure A ("Measure") would amend the Charter
of the County of Los Angeles ("Charter") to grant the Board of
Supervisors ("Board") authority to remove an elected Sheriff
from office for cause, by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the Board.
This Measure was placed on the ballot by ordinance and
resolution passed by a majority vote of the Board.
The Charter currently does not give the Board authority to
remove an elected Sheriff. This Measure would grant the Board
with the authority to remove an elected Sheriff from office for
cause after a Sheriff has been served with a written statement
of the alleged grounds for removal and provided with a
reasonable opportunity to be heard regarding any explanation
or defense. The Measure further provides the following grounds
as cause to remove an elected Sheriff: (1) Violation of any law
related to the performance of a Sheriff's duties; (2) Flagrant or
repeated neglect of a Sheriff's duties as defined by law; (3)
Misappropriation of public funds or property as defined in
California law; (4) Willful falsification of a relevant official
statement or document; or (5) Obstruction, as defined in
federal, State, or local law applicable to a Sheriff, of any
investigation into the conduct of a Sheriff and/or the Los
Angeles Sheriff's Department by any government agency,
office, or commission with jurisdiction to conduct such
investigation. The Board may provide procedures for how to
conduct the removal proceedings. If approved by the voters,
the removal for cause provisions in Section 13.5 of Article IV of
the Charter shall not be applied to interfere with the
independent and constitutionally and statutorily designated
investigative function of a Sheriff.
This Measure requires approval by a majority of the qualified
voters voting in the election.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
A
Vote Yes on Measure A for SHERIFF ACCOUNTABILITY.
Vote Yes on Measure A to create necessary safeguards to
protect against a Sheriff who abuses power and violates
our rights.
Vote Yes on Measure A to authorize the removal of a
Sheriff if they commit serious violations of the public trust,
such as breaking the law, stealing county funds, or obstructing
investigations into deputy misconduct.
Measure A establishes long-overdue checks and balances
and essential civilian oversight over the official that operates
the largest jail system in the country, controls as budget of
more than $3.5 billion, and employs over 10,000 deputies. With
this law in place, future Sheriffs will know that they cannot
violate the law and people's rights without consequence.
Los Angeles County has a history of Sheriffs who disregard the
law and cause great harm to the public as a result. Former
Sheriff Lee Baca oversaw extreme violence in the jails and was
recently released from federal prison after lying to FBI agents
and federal prosecutors and obstructing a federal investigation.
Sheriffs have ignored or concealed deputy gang violence in
allegations, in violation of department policy; defied lawful
subpoenas and court orders; and violated laws on transparency
and oversight.
More than 120 community and labor organizations —
including Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern
California, ACLU of Southern California, Bend the Arc: Jewish
Action, California Poor People's Campaign, Central American
Resource Center (CARECEN) - Los Angeles, Clergy and Laity
United for Economic Justice (CLUE), Dignity and Power Now,
Disability Rights California, Homeboy Industries, Immigrant
Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley, LA Voice, NAACP San
Fernando Valley Branch, SEIU 2015, Southern Christian
Leadership Conference of Southern California, and Women's
March Action — urged the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors to place this measure on the ballot, so that
voters could amend the county charter to establish a
process to hold accountable any Sheriff who abuses
power.
Vote Yes on Measure A to create accountability and
common-sense checks and balances.
No official, especially as Sheriff, should be above the law.
www.sheriffaccountability.la
DOLORES C. HUERTA
President, Dolores Huerta Foundation
MELINA ABDULLAH
Co-Founder BLMLA
EUNISSES HERNANDEZ
Co-Founder of La Defensa
KURT PETERSEN
Co-President, Unite Here Local 11
MANJUSHA P. KULKARNI
Executive Director, AAPI Equity Alliance
4300-EN-05210 LA 233-071
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE A
Let's cut through the nonsense and the smokescreens.
Measure A is nothing but a power grab by the County
Board of Supervisors to let them overturn your vote. They
want to take away your power.
In November, you, the voters, will elect a Sheriff. Over a million
people will vote for the winner, whoever it is. But the very next
day, Measure A would allow just four members of the
Board of Supervisors to overturn your votes, and hire
anyone else as Sheriff.
That's the definition of undemocratic. Why would you allow the
Board of Supervisors to replace the Sheriff after he or she was
properly and legally elected by you?
If you don't like the Sheriff, you can vote him or her out of office
on Election Day. If he or she did something wrong while in
office, you can vote to recall the Sheriff whenever you want. But
in both of those situations, you are in charge. Measure A
would take away your vote, and give it to four politicians who
were elected into office by voters in their individual districts, not
by the greater electorate of Los Angeles County.
DEFEND DEMOCRACY. Vote No on Measure A!
CHAD BIANCO
California State Sheriffs Assn.
HONOR "MIMI" ROBSON
Libertarian Party of California Chair
DANIEL WELBY
Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County Chair
DAVID HERNANDEZ
Chair LA Hispanic Republican Club
DAVID BOWERS
Chair, Region 65 of LPLAC
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE A
Measure A deserves the contempt of every voter in the county.
It's called a bill of attainder. It's also an ex post facto law.
If you've read your constitutions, you know that these are
unconstitutional in every sense of the word.
County counsel and her entire staff should be forced to resign
in shame. They wrote it. They took two oaths -- one as lawyers
and one as public employees. They are a disgrace to the
county, the state, and the nation. Disbarment would be well
deserved.
Instead of standing up for the law, they acted like henchmen for
a vindictive political campaign against a sheriff that you voted
into office.
This amendment singles out and punishes (attainder) an
elected sheriff for conduct that the corrupt board of supervisors
will determine, after the fact (ex post facto).
If any official commits a crime, he should be prosecuted. That's
what the Public Integrity Division of the District Attorney does.
Are they corrupt too?
The supes want to be judge, judge, and executioner. That's not
due process. That's hubris!
Not only should this measure go down in flames, if it ever
reaches the ballot, it should be a rallying cry to throw out each
of the four queens who voted for it.
County counsel and each supervisor should be sued to
reimburse, out of their own pocket, the county (that's you) for
the entire cost of this hot mess.
It's a travesty.
By putting a bill of attainder on the ballot, the supervisors are
telling you that they are queens, gods, above the law.
There's no other way to put it. Vote NO on Measure A, as many
times as the county registrar allows.
Join us: http://bit.ly/NoSheriffAttainder
HONOR "MIMI" ROBSON
Libertarian Party of California Chair
DANIEL WELBY
Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County Chair
4300-EN-05211 LA 233-072
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT AGAINST
MEASURE A
Vote Yes on Measure A: END DEPUTY GANGS
Multiple investigations have uncovered over a dozen deputy
gangs within the L.A. Sheriff's Department, who have abused
county residents for decades.
These include the Compton "Executioners," whose tattoos
depict a skull with an alleged Nazi-style helmet, the East L.A.
"Banditos," and the white supremacist Lynwood "Vikings."
Sheriffs have resisted meaningful actions to stop deputy gang
violence, instead denying their existence and shielding
deputies from discipline.
Settlements related to deputy gangs have cost taxpayers about
$55 million.
YES ON MEASURE A means Sheriffs who condone deputy
gangs and their abuses could be removed.
Vote Yes on Measure A: END SHERIFF ABUSE OF POWER
"With [Sheriff] Baca's knowledge and ... involvement,
[Undersheriff] Tanaka oversaw a group of deputies and mid-
level commanders who worked to derail the FBI investigation
[into corruption and civil rights abuses]." – L.A. Times, May 12,
2017.
"[Sheriff] Villanueva through his subordinates ordered the
deputies involved [in taking and sharing pictures of the tragic
Kobe Bryant crash] to delete the crash photos instead of
opening an investigation into the alleged misconduct." – L.A.
Times, June 17, 2022.
"The Sheriff's Department's handling of the case [in which a
deputy knelt on the head of a handcuffed individual] is the
subject of a criminal grand jury investigation." – L.A. Times,
August 24, 2022.
If found liable for cause, Sheriffs who cover up serious
misconduct, lie in official statements, or obstruct investigations
should face real consequences. We need a direct way to keep
them in check.
YES ON MEASURE A means adopting common-sense checks
and balances to hold any Sheriff accountable.
www.sheriffaccountability.la
DOLORES C. HUERTA
President Dolores Huerta Foundation
MELINA ABDULLAH
Co-founder BLMLA
EUNISSES HERNANDEZ
Cofounder of LA Defense
KURT PETERSEN
Co-President, Unite Here Local 11
MANJUSHA P. KULKARNI
Executive Director, AAPI Equity Alliance
FULL TEXT OF BALLOT MEASURE C
An ordinance amending Title 4 – Revenue and Finance of the
Los Angeles County Code to add Chapter 4.71 Cannabis
Business Tax to tax Cannabis Businesses in the
unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The ordinance
also establishes enforcement, collection, and appeals of taxes
levied under this Chapter.
The people of the County of Los Angeles ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 4.71 is hereby added to read as follows:
CHAPTER 4.71 CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
4.71.010 Authority and Purpose.
4.71.020 Intent.
4.71.030 Applicability.
4.71.040 Definitions.
4.71.050 No Effect on Other Taxes, Fees or
Charges, or Other
Permits of Licenses.
4.71.060 Payment of Tax Does Not Authorize
Unlawful Business.
4.71.070 Tax Imposed.
4.71.080 Tax Registration.
4.71.090 Payment and Tax Statement Required
Monthly.
4.71.100 Payments and Communications Made by
Mail—Proof of
Timely Submittal.
4.71.110 Payment—When Taxes Deemed
Delinquent.
4.71.120 Notice Not Required by County.
4.71.130 Payment—Penalties and Interest for
Delinquency.
4.71.140 Cancellation of Penalties and Interest.
4.71.150 Refunds—Procedures.
4.71.160 Refunds—Credits.
4.71.170 Exemptions—Personal Cultivation and
Use.
4.71.180 Rules and Regulations.
4.71.190 Enforcement—Duties of Tax
Administrator and Sheriff.
4.71.200 Constitutionality and Legality.
4.71.210 Apportionment.
4.71.220 Audit and Examination of Premises and
Records.
4.71.230 Tax Deemed Debt to County—Lien
Procedure.
4.71.240 Deficiency Determinations.
4.71.250 Tax Assessment—Authorized When—
Nonpayment—
Fraud.
4.71.260 Tax Assessment—Notice Requirements.
4.71.270 Tax Assessment—Hearing—Application
—
Determination—Appeal.
4.71.280 Violation Deemed Misdemeanor–Civil
Penalty–
Administrative Fines.
4.71.290 Conviction or Civil Judgment for Chapter
Violation—
Taxes Not Waived.
4.71.300 Severability.
4.71.310 Effect of State and Federal
Reference/Authorization.
4300-EN-05212 LA 233-073
4.71.320 Remedies Cumulative.
4.71.330 Amendment or Repeal.
4.71.340 Execution.
4.71.010 Authority and Purpose.
This Chapter will be known as the "Cannabis Business Tax
Ordinance" and is enacted to raise revenue, pursuant to
sections 7284, 7284.4, and 34021.5 of the California Revenue
and Taxation Code, for general governmental purposes of the
County. All of the proceeds from the Tax imposed by this
Chapter must be deposited to the County's general fund.
The Cannabis Business Tax is levied based upon a Business's
Gross Receipts except for Commercial Cannabis Cultivation,
which will be taxed based on square footage, as specified in
this Chapter. The Cannabis Business Tax is not a sales and
use tax, a tax upon income, or a tax upon real property and
must not be calculated or assessed as such. The Cannabis
Business Tax must not be separately identified or otherwise
specifically assessed or charged by any person to a customer,
patient, or caretaker.
4.71.020 Intent.
The intent of this Chapter is to levy a Tax on all Cannabis
Businesses in the unincorporated areas of the County,
regardless of whether such Cannabis Business would have
been legal at the time this Chapter was adopted. Nothing in this
Chapter will be interpreted to authorize or permit any Cannabis
Business that would not otherwise be legal or permissible
under State and local laws applicable to Cannabis Business.
4.71.030 Applicability.
The provisions of this Chapter apply to the unincorporated
areas of the County.
4.71.040 Definitions.
The terms below have the following meanings:
A. "Arm's Length Transaction" means a Sale entered into in
good faith and for valuable consideration at a sales price that
reflects the fair market value in the open market between
informed and willing parties, neither under any compulsion to
participate in the transaction.
B. "Board of Supervisors" means the County of Los Angeles
Board of Supervisors.
C. "Business" means all activities engaged in or caused to be
engaged in within the County, including any commercial or
industrial enterprise, trade, profession, occupation, vocation,
calling, or livelihood, whether or not carried on for gain or profit,
excluding services rendered by an employee to their employer.
D. "Cannabis" means:
1. All parts of the plant cannabis sativa linnaeus, cannabis
indica, or cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds
thereof; the resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any
part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt,
derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or
resin; and
2. The separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained
from cannabis.
Cannabis does not include Industrial Hemp, unless otherwise
specified.
E. "Cannabis Business" means any Business requiring a
Commercial Cannabis Permit, including but not limited to
cultivating, transporting, distributing, Manufacturing,
compounding, converting, Processing, preparing, storing,
packaging, transporting, delivering, testing, dispensing,
retailing, or any other Business requiring a Commercial
Cannabis Permit, and wholesaling of Cannabis, Cannabis
Products, or of ancillary products and accessories, whether or
not carried on for gain or profit.
F. "Cannabis Business Tax" means the Tax due pursuant to
this Chapter for a Cannabis Business in the unincorporated
areas of the County.
G. "Cannabis Product" means the same as the definition in
section 11018.1 of the California Health and Safety Code, and
is not limited to medicinal Cannabis Products.
H. "Canopy" means all areas occupied by any portion of a
Cannabis plant whether contiguous or noncontiguous on any
one site. When plants occupy multiple horizontal planes (as
when plants are placed on shelving above other plants) each
plane must be counted as a separate Canopy area.
I. "Chapter" means a Chapter of this Title.
J. "Code" means the Los Angeles County Code.
K. "Commercial Cannabis Cultivation" means cultivation of
Cannabis undertaken in the course of conducting a Cannabis
Business.
L. "Commercial Cannabis Permit" means a permit, certificate,
or other approval issued by the County to a Person authorizing
that Person to operate a Cannabis Business or engage in
Business as a Cannabis Business within the unincorporated
areas of the County.
M. "County" means the County of Los Angeles.
N. "Cultivation" means any activity involving the planting,
growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of
Cannabis and includes, but is not limited to, the operation of a
Nursery.
O. "Days" means calendar days, which is all days including
Saturdays, Sundays, and County holidays, unless otherwise
specified.
P. "Distribution" means the procurement, Sale, transport, or
delivery of Cannabis and Cannabis Products between
Businesses or Persons in the unincorporated areas of the
County in accordance with Section 4.71.210.
Q. "Gross Receipts," except as otherwise specifically provided,
means:
1. The total amount (including all receipts, cash, credits,
services and property of any kind or nature) received or
payable for the Sale of goods, or for the performance of any act
or service of any nature for which a charge is made or credit
allowed (whether such service, act or for employment done as
part of or in connection with the Sale of goods, wares,
merchandise or not) related to Cannabis Business, without any
deduction therefrom on account of the cost of the property sold,
the cost of materials used, labor or service costs, interest paid
or payable, losses or any other expense whatsoever.
4300-EN-05213 LA 233-074
2. Gross Receipts include the total amount received or payable
related to Cannabis Business whether designated as a sales
price, royalty, rent, membership fee, automated teller machine
(ATM) service fee, delivery fee, slotting fee, any other fee,
vaping room service charge, commission, dividend, or other
designation.
3. In the event the Business is involved in a Non-Arm's Length
Transaction, the Gross Receipts will be the fair market value
using a methodology approved by the Tax Administrator.
4. The following are excluded from Gross Receipts:
a. Cash discounts where allowed and taken on Sales.
b. Any tax required by law to be included in or added to
the purchase price and collected from the consumer or
purchaser.
c. Such part of the sale price of any property returned by
purchasers to the seller as refunded by the seller by way of
cash or credit allowances or return of refundable deposits
previously included in Gross Receipts.
d. Receipts derived from the occasional Sale of used, obsolete
or surplus trade fixtures, machinery or other equipment used by
the taxpayer in the regular course of the taxpayer's Business.
e. Cash value of Sales, trades or transactions between
departments or units of the same Business located in the
unincorporated areas of the County if authorized by the Tax
Administrator in writing in accordance with
Section 4.71.210.
f. Receipts of refundable deposits, except forfeited deposits
calculated as income for the Business.
g. Retail Sales of non-Cannabis Products, such as t-shirts,
sweaters, hats, stickers, key chains, bags, books, posters,
rolling papers, Cannabis accessories such as pipes, pipe
screens, vape pen batteries (without Cannabis) or other
personal tangible property.
h. Payments made by the Tax-reporting Cannabis Business to
a Cannabis customer for the difference in the original price and
subsequent renegotiated or finalized price of products or
services sold. This type of transaction is referred to as a
"Billback." The Tax-reporting Cannabis Business must provide
supporting documentation to the Tax Administrator to
substantiate the transaction in order to be eligible for a Gross
Receipts exclusion.
i. Whenever there are included within the Gross Receipts
amounts which reflect Sales for which credit was extended and
such amount proved uncollectible in a subsequent year, those
amounts may be excluded from the Gross Receipts in the year
they prove to be uncollectible; provided, however, if the whole
or portion of such amounts excluded as uncollectible are
subsequently collected, they must be included in the amount of
Gross Receipts for the period when they are recovered.
R. "Hearing Officer" means the person qualified to conduct a
fair and impartial hearing, including but not limited to the Office
of the County Hearing Officer if one has been created.
S. "Industrial Hemp" means a fiber or oilseed crop, or both,
that is limited to types of the plant Cannabis sativa L. having no
more than three-tenths (3/10) of one percent (1%)
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contained in the dried flowering
tops, whether growing or not, the seeds of the plant, the resin
extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound,
manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the
plant, its seeds or resin produced therefrom.
T. "Lighting" means a source of light that is primarily used for
promoting the biological process of plant growth. Lighting does
not include sources of light that primarily exist for the safety or
convenience of staff or visitors to the facility, such as
emergency lighting, walkway lighting, or light admitted via small
skylights, windows, or ventilation openings.
U. "Manufacturing" means the Processing, production,
preparation, propagation, or compounding of Cannabis or
Cannabis Products either directly or indirectly or by extraction
and/or infusion and chemical synthesis methods, at a fixed
location that packages or repackages Cannabis or Cannabis
Products, and includes the preparing, holding, or storing of
components and ingredients of Cannabis and Cannabis
Products.
V. "May" means permissive.
W. "Must" means mandatory.
X. "Nursery" means a facility or part of a facility that is used
only for producing clones, immature plants, seeds, and other
agricultural products used specifically for the planting,
propagation, and cultivation of Cannabis.
Y. "Non-Arm's Length Transaction" means a Sale not entered
in good faith or that does not reflect fair market value in the
open market.
Z. "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, joint
venture, association, corporation, limited liability company,
estate, trust, or Business trust, or any other entity or
association conducting or representing a Business for purposes
of this Chapter.
AA. "Processing" means a cultivation site that conducts only
trimming, drying, curing, grading, packaging, or labeling of
Cannabis and non-manufactured Cannabis Products.
AB. "Retailer" means a Person who Sells Cannabis or
Cannabis Products at their place of business or by delivery to
an end user or customer for use or consumption rather than to
another Person or business for resale.
AC. "Sale" or "Sell" means and includes any sale, exchange,
or barter either as a retailer or wholesaler by a Person. "Sale"
or "Sell" also means any transaction whereby, for any
consideration, title to Cannabis or Cannabis Products are
transferred from one Person to another and includes the
delivery of Cannabis or Cannabis Products pursuant to an
order placed for the purchase of the same, but does not include
the return of Cannabis or Cannabis Products to the Commercial
Cannabis permittee from whom the Cannabis or Cannabis
Product was purchased.
AD. "State" means the State of California.
AE. "State License" means a license issued pursuant to
California Business and Professions Code section 26050, and
all other applicable State laws, required for operating a
Cannabis Business.
AF. "Tax" means the Cannabis Business Tax levied under this
Chapter.
4300-EN-05214 LA 233-075
AG. "Tax Administrator" means the Treasurer and Tax
Collector of the County of Los Angeles or their designee(s).
AH. "Testing Laboratory" means a Cannabis Business that: (i)
offers or performs tests of Cannabis or Cannabis Products, (ii)
Sells no products, excepting only testing supplies and
materials, (iii) is accredited by an accrediting body that is
independent from all other Persons involved in the Cannabis
industry in the State, and (iv) is registered with the Department
of Cannabis Control or other State agency.
4.71.050 No Effect on Other Taxes, Fees or Charges, or
Other Permits or Licenses.
A. The Cannabis Business Tax is additional to all other taxes.
This Chapter shall not be deemed to repeal, amend, be in lieu
of, replace or in any way affect any Tax, fee or other charge
imposed, assessed or required by, under or by virtue of any
other Title or Chapter of this Code, any other ordinance or
resolution of the County or any city within the County, or as
required by law.
B. Nothing contained in this Chapter will be deemed to repeal,
amend, be in lieu of, replace or in any way affect any
requirements for any Commercial Cannabis Permit, or any
other permit, license, or other certificate required by, under or
by virtue of any provision of any other Title or Chapter of this
Code, any other ordinance or resolution of the County or any
city within the County, or as required by law.
C. A Commercial Cannabis Permit issued by the County may
be revoked, suspended, or not renewed in the event that the
Person holding that permit has failed
to:
1. Register or renew such Tax registration with the Tax
Administrator;
or
2. Timely pay all taxes, interest, penalties, and fees owed
under this Chapter.
4.71.060 Payment of Tax Does Not Authorize Unlawful
Business.
A. The payment of the Cannabis Business Tax required by this
Chapter, and its acceptance by the County, does not entitle any
Person to carry on any Cannabis Business unless the Person
has complied with all of the requirements of this Code and all
other applicable State and local laws.
B. No Tax paid under the provisions of this Chapter will be
construed as authorizing the conduct or continuance of any
illegal or unlawful Business, or any Business in violation of any
local or State law.
4.71.070 Tax Imposed.
A. Beginning July 1, 2023, there will be a Cannabis Business
Tax imposed upon each Person who is engaged in Business as
a Cannabis Business in the unincorporated areas of the
County. Such Tax is payable regardless of whether the Person
has been issued a Commercial Cannabis Permit to operate
lawfully in the unincorporated areas of the County or is
operating unlawfully. The County's acceptance of a Tax
payment from a Cannabis Business operating illegally does not
constitute the County's approval or consent to such illegal
operations.
B. The rate of the Tax will be as follows:
1. Every Person engaged in retail Sales of Cannabis and
Cannabis Products, including as a retailer, dispensary, non-
storefront retailer, retail delivery, or microbusiness, as defined
in Government Code section 14837, must pay a Tax at the
rates specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
on retail Sales of Cannabis and Cannabis Products will be four
percent (4%) of Gross Receipts. After June 30, 2026, the Tax
rate will remain at four percent (4%) of Gross Receipts, unless
the Board of Supervisors adjusts the rate.
b. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rate of the Cannabis
Business Tax on retail Sales of Cannabis and Cannabis
Products may be adjusted by resolution of the Board of
Supervisors to a rate less than or equal to the maximum rate,
which is six percent (6%) of Gross Receipts.
2. Every Person engaged in Manufacturing or Processing of
Cannabis and Cannabis Products must pay a Tax at the rates
specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
on Manufacturing or Processing of Cannabis and Cannabis
Products will be three percent (3%) of Gross Receipts. After
June 30, 2026, the Tax rate will remain at three percent (3%) of
Gross Receipts, unless the Board of Supervisors adjusts the
rate.
b . Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rate of the Cannabis
Business Tax on Manufacturing or Processing of Cannabis and
Cannabis Products may be adjusted by resolution of the Board
of Supervisors to a rate less than or equal to the maximum rate,
which is four percent (4%) of Gross Receipts.
3. Every Person engaged in Distribution of Cannabis and
Cannabis Products must pay a Tax at the rate specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
on Distribution of Cannabis and Cannabis Products will be
three percent (3%) of Gross Receipts. After June 30, 2026, the
Tax rate will remain at three percent (3%) of Gross Receipts,
unless the Board of Supervisors adjusts the rate.
b. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rate of the Cannabis
Business Tax on Distribution of Cannabis and Cannabis
Products may be adjusted by resolution of the Board of
Supervisors to a rate less than or equal to the maximum rate,
which is three percent (3%) of Gross Receipts.
4. Every Person engaged in operating a Testing Laboratory for
Cannabis and Cannabis Products must pay a Tax at the rates
specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
on operating a Testing Laboratory for Cannabis and Cannabis
Products will be one percent (1%) of Gross Receipts. After
June 30, 2026, the Tax rate will remain at one percent (1%) of
Gross Receipts, unless the Board of Supervisors adjusts the
rate.
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b. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rate of the Cannabis
Business Tax on operating a Testing Laboratory for Cannabis
and Cannabis Products may be adjusted by resolution of the
Board of Supervisors to a rate less than or equal to the
maximum rate, which is two percent (2%) of Gross Receipts.
5. Every Person engaged in Commercial Cannabis Cultivation
must pay a Tax at the annual rates specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
for Commercial Cannabis Cultivation will be:
i. Seven dollars ($7) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses exclusively artificial Lighting.
ii. Four dollars ($4) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses a combination of natural and artificial Lighting.
iii. Four dollars ($4) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses no artificial Lighting.
iv. Two dollars ($2) per square foot of Canopy space for any
Nursery.
b. After June 30, 2026, the Tax rates for Commercial Cannabis
Cultivation will remain as specified in Section 4.71.070(B)(5)(a),
unless the Board of Supervisors adjusts the rates.
c. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rates of the Cannabis
Business Tax on Commercial Cannabis Cultivation may be
adjusted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to rates less
than or equal to the maximum annual rates, which are:
i. Ten dollars ($10) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses exclusively artificial Lighting.
ii. Seven dollars ($7) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses a combination of natural and artificial Lighting.
iii. Four dollars ($4) per square foot of Canopy space in a
facility that uses no artificial Lighting.
iv. Two dollars ($2) per square foot of Canopy space for any
Nursery.
d. Beginning July 1, 2027 and on each July 1 thereafter, the
maximum annual Tax rates for Commercial Cannabis
Cultivation specified in Section 4.71.070(B)(5)(c) will increase
annually for inflation based on the average Consumer Price
Index ("CPI") for the Los Angeles County area for the preceding
year as published by the United States Government Bureau of
Labor Statistics. However, no CPI adjustment resulting in a
decrease of any Tax imposed may be made.
e. For purposes of determining the Tax imposed under this
Section, the square footage of Canopy space is the maximum
square footage of Canopy space allowed by the Commercial
Cannabis Permit authorizing the Commercial Cannabis
Cultivation. If a Person engaged in Commercial Cannabis
Cultivation does not have a Commercial Cannabis Permit
issued by the County, then the square footage of Canopy space
is determined by the Tax Administrator.
6. Every Person engaged in any type of Cannabis Business
not described in Sections 4.71.070(B)(1) through 4.71.070(B)
(5) must pay a Tax at the rates specified below:
a. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026, the Tax rate
on any type of Cannabis Business not described in Sections
4.71.070(B)(1) through 4.71.070(B)(5) will be four percent (4%)
of Gross Receipts. After June 30, 2026, the Tax rate will remain
at four percent (4%) of Gross Receipts, unless the Board of
Supervisors adjusts the rate.
b. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Tax rate of the Cannabis
Business Tax on any type of Cannabis Business not described
in Sections 4.71.070(B)(1) through 4.71.070(B)(5) may be
adjusted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors to a rate less
than or equal to the maximum rate, which is four percent (4%)
of Gross Receipts.
4.71.080 Tax Registration.
Any Person who engages in Business as a Cannabis Business,
whether an existing, newly established, or acquired Business,
must register with the Tax Administrator within thirty (30) Days
of commencing operation or within thirty (30) Days after the
effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, and
must annually renew such tax registration within thirty (30)
Days of the Cannabis Business Tax registration anniversary
date of each year thereafter. Registration requires each Person
to furnish to the Tax Administrator affirmation under penalty of
perjury, on a form or electronic submission determined by the
Tax Administrator that may set forth the following information:
A. General Information.
1. The name of the Business, the street address where such
Business is to be carried on, and a telephone number and
email address for the Business;
2. The registrant's name, address, telephone number and
email address;
3. A description of the exact nature or kind of Business;
4. If a Business is conducted at a specific location, information
for the property owner or lessor of record, including but not
limited to, the name, address, telephone number, and email
address of the property owner or lessor of record; and
5. Any additional information that the Tax Administrator may
require.
B. Business Entity Information.
1. The registrant must provide the name, address, telephone
number, and email address of each owner of the Business. If
applicable, the registrant must also provide the following
information:
a. Proof of the Business' active status and the entity number
assigned by the California Secretary of State;
b. An email address, telephone number, address of corporate
headquarters, and website address for the Business;
c. For a partnership, the name, address, telephone number,
website address and email address of each partner of the
Business. If one or more of the partners is a corporation, the
provisions of this Chapter as to a corporate registrant apply;
d. For a corporation, the name that appears in the articles of
incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State; the
name, address, telephone number, website address, and email
address of each officer; the name, address, telephone number,
and email address of each shareholder owning shares equal to
4300-EN-05216 LA 233-077
or greater than ten percent (10%) of the total shares issued by
the corporation; and the name and address of an officer duly
authorized to accept legal service of process;
e. For a limited liability company, the name, address,
telephone number, and email address of each member and
every Person having any right, title, or interest in the premises.
If applicable, the name of each managing member, or the
name, address, telephone number, website address, and email
address of the manager if the limited liability company is not
managed by any of its members;
f. For an estate, trust, or business trust, the name, address,
telephone number, website address, and email address of the
trustee(s); or
g. For any Business organizational structure not referenced in
Subsections c through f above, the Tax Administrator may
require additional ownership information as needed.
2. If the Business is advertised to the public and known by a
name or designation other than the name on the Tax
registration, the registrant must provide the other name(s) or
designation(s) for the Business, also referred to as a "Fictitious
Business Name Statement."
C. The Business must notify the Tax Administrator in writing or
by an electronic submission method determined by the Tax
Administrator within thirty (30) Days of any changed information
provided in a Tax registration. Following review of the notice of
change, the Tax Administrator will determine whether a new
Tax registration is required and will notify the Business. Failure
to provide the required notice of change constitutes a violation
of this Chapter.
D. In the event there is a change in ownership of any Cannabis
Business:
1. The new owner is required to submit an updated Tax
registration to the Tax Administrator with thirty (30) Days; and
2. Unless otherwise provided by law, it is the joint and several
liability of both the seller and buyer to remit any taxes, interest,
penalties, and fees due up until the date of Sale; otherwise, a
certificate of lien may be recorded against both the seller
and/or buyer in an amount determined by the Tax
Administrator.
4.71.090 Payment and Tax Statement Required Monthly.
The Tax imposed by this Chapter will be due and payable as
follows:
A. On or before the last day of each calendar month, every
Person owing a Tax under this Chapter must provide a tax
statement to the Tax Administrator of the amount of Tax owed
for the preceding calendar month. Payment for the full amount
of Tax owed for the preceding calendar month must be remitted
to the Tax Administrator with the tax statement each calendar
month.
B. All tax statements must be completed on forms or a website
determined by the Tax Administrator.
C. Tax statements and payments for all outstanding taxes
owed to the County are immediately due to the Tax
Administrator upon cessation of a Cannabis Business for any
reason.
D. The Tax Administrator may, at their discretion, establish
alternative reporting and payment periods for any taxpayer as
the Tax Administrator deems necessary to ensure effective
collection of the Cannabis Business Tax. The Tax Administrator
may require that a taxpayer make payments via a cashier's
check, money order, wire transfer, or similar instrument.
4.71.100 Payments and Communications Made by Mail—
Proof of Timely Submittal.
Whenever any payment, statement, report, request, or other
communication received by the Tax Administrator is received
after the time prescribed by this Chapter for the receipt thereof,
but is in an envelope bearing a postmark showing that it was
mailed on or prior to the date prescribed in this Chapter for the
receipt thereof, or whenever the Tax Administrator is furnished
substantial proof, as determined by the Tax Administrator, that
the payment, statement, report, request, or other
communication was in fact deposited in the United States mail
on or prior to the date prescribed for receipt thereof, the Tax
Administrator may regard such payment, statement, report,
request, or other communication as having been timely
received. If the due date is a Saturday, Sunday, or a County
holiday, the due date will be the next regular business day.
4.71.110 Payment—When Taxes Deemed Delinquent.
Unless otherwise specifically provided under other provisions of
this Chapter, any Tax, interest, or penalty due under the
provisions of this Chapter must be deemed delinquent if not
paid on or before the due date specified in Section 4.71.090.
4.71.120 Notice Not Required by County.
The Tax Administrator is not required to send a delinquency or
other notice or bill to any Person subject to the provisions of
this Chapter and failure to send such notice or bill will not affect
the validity of any Tax, interest, or penalty due under the
provisions of this Chapter.
4.71.130 Payment—Penalties and Interest for Delinquency.
A. Any Person who fails to pay any Tax required to be paid
pursuant to this Chapter on or before the due date must pay
penalties and interest as follows:
1. A penalty equal to ten percent (10%) of the unpaid Tax.
2. An additional penalty equal to ten percent (10%) of the
unpaid Tax if the Tax remains unpaid for a period exceeding
one (1) calendar month beyond the due date.
3. Interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per
month on the amount of the unpaid Tax. Interest will be applied
at the monthly rate from the date on which the remittance
first became delinquent and will continue to accrue monthly on
the Tax, exclusive of penalties, until the balance is paid in full.
4. Whenever a check, whether paper or electronic, is
submitted to the Tax Administrator as payment of the Tax and
the check is subsequently returned unpaid by the bank upon
which the check is drawn, the taxpayer is responsible for the
Tax amount due plus the returned check fee, penalties, interest
as provided for in this Section, and any amount allowed under
State law.
4.71.140 Cancellation of Penalties and Interest.
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The Tax Administrator may cancel the penalties and interest
imposed upon any Person pursuant to Section 4.71.130 if the
Person provides evidence satisfactory to the Tax Administrator
that the delinquency was due to circumstances beyond the
control of the Person and occurred notwithstanding the
exercise of ordinary care and the absence of willful neglect,
and the Person paid the delinquent Tax owed the County, prior
to applying to the Tax Administrator for a cancellation.
4.71.150 Refunds—Procedures.
A. Whenever the amount of any Tax, penalty, or interest has
been overpaid, paid more than once, or has been erroneously
collected or received by the County under this Chapter, it may
be refunded to the claimant who paid the Tax, provided that a
written or electronic submission claim for Tax refund is signed
under penalty of perjury and filed with the Tax Administrator
within three (3) years of the date the Tax was originally due and
payable.
B. The Tax Administrator or the Tax Administrator's authorized
agent has the right to examine and audit all the books and
business records of the claimant and any other information
deemed necessary by the Tax Administrator in order to
determine the eligibility of the claimant to the claimed refund. A
claim for refund may not be granted if the claimant refuses to
allow such examination of claimant's books, business records,
and other information after a request by the Tax Administrator.
C. In the event that the Tax was erroneously paid and it is
determined by the Tax Administrator to be an error on its part,
the entire amount of the Tax erroneously paid will be refunded
to the claimant.
D. No refund will be made of any Tax collected pursuant to this
Chapter, except as provided in Section 4.71.160.
E. No refund of any Tax collected pursuant to this Chapter will
be made because of the discontinuation, dissolution, or other
termination of a Business.
4.71.160 Refunds—Credits.
Any Person entitled to a refund of Taxes paid pursuant to this
Chapter may elect in writing to have such refund applied as a
credit against such Person’s subsequent Taxes.
4.71.170 Exemption—Personal Cultivation and Use.
The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to personal
Cannabis cultivation or personal use of Cannabis, to the extent
those activities are authorized in the "Medicinal and Adult Use
Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act," as may be amended.
This Chapter does not apply to personal use of Cannabis that
is specifically exempted from State licensing requirements, that
meets the definition of personal use or equivalent terminology
under State law, and provided that the individual receives no
compensation whatsoever related to that personal cultivation or
use.
4.71.180 Rules and Regulations.
A. The Tax Administrator has the power and duty to enforce
each and all of the provisions of this Chapter.
B. The Tax Administrator may adopt administrative rules and
regulations consistent with provisions of this Chapter for the
purpose of interpreting, clarifying, carrying out, and enforcing
the payment, collection, and remittance of the Tax imposed by
this Chapter, as well as developing rules and procedures for
appeals and selecting the appropriate administrative hearing
process that provides a fair and impartial hearing. A copy of
such administrative rules and regulations may be on file in the
Tax Administrator's office. To the extent the Tax Administrator
determines that the Tax imposed under this Chapter may not
be collected in full for any period of time from any particular
Business, such determination is an exercise of the Tax
Administrator's discretion to settle disputes and must not
constitute a change in taxing methodology, nor is such
determination a waiver of the County's ability to impose the Tax
in full.
C. Upon a proper showing of good cause, the Tax
Administrator may make administrative agreements, with
appropriate conditions, to vary from the strict requirements of
this Chapter and thereby (1) conform to the billing procedures
of a particular Cannabis Business so long as said agreements
result in the collection of the Tax in conformance with the
general purpose and scope of this Chapter; or (2) to avoid a
hardship where the administrative costs of collection and
remittance greatly outweigh the Tax benefit. A copy of each
such agreement must be on file in the Tax Administrator's office
and is voidable by the Tax Administrator at any time.
D. Upon receipt of a written or electronic submission request of
a Cannabis Business, and for good cause, the Tax
Administrator may extend the time for filing any Tax statement
required pursuant Section 4.71.090 for a period of not to
exceed forty-five (45) Days, provided that the time for filing the
required Tax statement has not already passed when the
request is received. No penalty for delinquent payment will
accrue by reason of such extension. Interest will accrue during
said extension at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%)
per month, prorated for any portion thereof.
4.71.190 Enforcement—Duties of Tax Administrator and
Sheriff.
It is the duty of the Tax Administrator to enforce each and every
provision of this Chapter, and the Sheriff must render such
assistance in the enforcement of this Chapter as may from time
to time be required by the Tax Administrator. The Tax
Administrator may also request assistance from other County
departments, or from local, State, or federal authorities, for the
civil or criminal enforcement of the Chapter.
4.71.200 Constitutionality and Legality.
The terms of this Chapter must not be deemed or construed to
apply to any Person when imposition of the Tax upon that
Person would violate the Constitution of the United States or
that of the State of California or preemptive State or federal
law. The Tax provided for by this Chapter must not be applied
so as to cause an undue burden upon interstate commerce or
be violative of the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses
of the Constitutions of the United States or the State of
California. If a Person believes that the Tax, as applied to them,
is impermissible under applicable law, that Person may request
that the Tax Administrator release them from the obligation to
pay the impermissible portion of the Tax.
4.71.210 Apportionment.
A. If a Person subject to the Tax is operating both within the
unincorporated areas of the County and outside the
unincorporated areas of the County, it is the intent of the
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County to apply the Cannabis Business Tax so that the
measure of the Tax fairly reflects the proportion of the taxed
activity carried on in the unincorporated areas of the County.
B. To the extent a Person subject to the Tax seeks an
apportionment that Person may apply to the Tax Administrator
for an adjustment of the Tax. It is that Person's burden to
provide the Tax Administrator a written or electronic request
under penalty of perjury for an adjustment within one (1) year
after the date of payment of the Tax. If that Person does not
request an adjustment in writing or by an electronic submission,
within one (1) year from the date of payment, then that Person
must be conclusively deemed to have waived any adjustment
for that Tax year and all prior Tax years.
C. The Person seeking the adjustment must, by sworn
statement and supporting testimony, show the method and
volume of Business, the Gross Receipts, and such other
information as the Tax Administrator may deem necessary. The
Tax Administrator may conduct an investigation, and may
adjust the Tax for that Person to an amount that is reasonable
and nondiscriminatory, or if the Tax has already been paid, may
order a refund of the amount over and above the Tax
adjustment. The Tax Administrator has the authority to base the
Tax on a percentage of Gross Receipts or any other measure
which will assure that the Tax assessed is uniform with
Businesses of like nature, so long as the amount assessed
does not exceed the Tax as prescribed by this Chapter.
D. The Tax Administrator may promulgate administrative
procedures for apportionment as deemed useful or necessary.
4.71.220 Audit and Examination of Premises and Records.
A. For purpose of ascertaining the amount of Cannabis
Business Tax owed or verifying the representations made by
any Person engaged in a Cannabis Business in support of their
tax calculation, the Tax Administrator or the Tax Administrator's
authorized agent has the power to inspect any location where
Cannabis Business occurs. The Tax Administrator or the Tax
Administrator's authorized agent has the authority to audit and
examine, or cause to be audited and examined, all books and
records of Persons engaged in a Cannabis Business including
both State and federal income tax returns, to the extent not
preempted by State and federal privacy laws, California sales
tax returns, other evidence documenting the Gross Receipts,
all equipment of any Person engaged in Cannabis Business in
the unincorporated areas of the County, and such other
information the Tax Administrator deems necessary for the
purpose of ascertaining the amount of Tax, if any, required to
be paid by the provisions of this Chapter, and for the purpose of
verifying any statements or any item thereof when filed by any
Person pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter. If such
Person, after written demand by the Tax Administrator, refuses
to make available for audit, examination or verification such
books, records, equipment, or other information as the Tax
Administrator requests, the Tax Administrator may, after full
consideration of all information within their knowledge
concerning the Cannabis Business and activities of the Person
so refusing, make an assessment in the manner provided in
Sections 4.71.230 through 4.71.250 of any Taxes, penalties,
and interest estimated to be due.
B. It is the duty of every Person liable for the collection and
payment to the County of any Tax imposed by this Chapter to
keep and preserve, for a period of at least four (4) years, all
records as may be necessary to determine the amount of such
Tax as they may have been liable for the collection of and
payment to the County, of which records the Tax Administrator
has the authority to inspect.
4.71.230 Tax Deemed Debt to County—Lien Procedure.
A. The amount of any Tax, penalties, and interest imposed by
the provisions of this Chapter on any Person engaged in any
Business will be deemed a debt to the County. The Tax
Administrator, in the name of the County, may bring suit for the
recovery of any Tax, penalties, interest, and fees due to the
County pursuant to this Chapter.
B. In addition to any other method of collection authorized by
law, the County may collect the Tax imposed pursuant to this
Chapter by way of a lien in the same manner as other liens as
prescribed in sections 2191.3 through 2191.6 of the California
Revenue and Taxation Code.
4.71.240 Deficiency Determinations.
If the Tax Administrator is not satisfied that a Tax statement as
required under Section 4.71.090 is correct, or that the Tax
payment remitted to the Tax Administrator is correctly
computed, the Tax Administrator may compute and determine
the amount to be paid and make a deficiency determination
upon the basis of the facts contained in the Tax statement or
upon the basis of any information in their possession or that
may come into their possession within three (3) years of the
date the Tax was originally due and payable. One or more
deficiency determinations of the amount of Tax due for a period
or periods may be made. When a Person discontinues,
dissolves, or terminates a Business, a deficiency determination
may be made by the Tax Administrator at any time within three
(3) years thereafter as to any Tax liability of such Business
whether or not a deficiency determination is issued prior to the
date the Tax would otherwise be due. Notice of a deficiency
determination by the Tax Administrator will be given to the
Person in the same manner as notices of assessment are
given under Section 4.71.260.
4.71.250 Tax Assessment—Authorized When—
Nonpayment—Fraud.
A. At any time under one or more of the following
circumstances, the Tax Administrator may make and give
notice to a Person of a Tax assessment amount due under this
Chapter:
1. If the Person has not filed any Tax statement required under
the provisions of this Chapter including Section 4.71.090;
2. If the Person has not paid any Tax due under the provisions
of this Chapter; or
3. If the Person has not, after demand by the Tax
Administrator, filed a corrected Tax statement, or furnished to
the Tax Administrator adequate substantiation of the
information contained in a Tax statement already filed, or paid
any additional amount of Tax due under the provisions of this
Chapter.
B. If the Tax Administrator determines that the nonpayment of
any Tax due under this Chapter is due to fraud, a penalty of
twenty-five percent (25%) of the Tax amount due may be added
to the assessment, in addition to penalties and interest
otherwise stated in this Chapter.
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C. The notice of assessment must separately set forth the
amount of any Tax known by the Tax Administrator to be due or
estimated to be due under this Chapter, after consideration of
all information within the Tax Administrator's knowledge
concerning the assessment, and must include the amount of
any penalties and interest accrued on each amount due or
estimated to be due under this Chapter.
4.71.260 Tax Assessment—Notice Requirements.
The notice of assessment may be served upon the Person
either by serving such notice personally, or by a deposit of the
notice in the United States mail addressed to the Person, the
Business address, or to such other address as they may file
with the Tax Administrator for the purpose of receiving notices
provided under this Chapter; or, should the Person have no
current address registered with the Tax Administrator for such
purpose, then to such Person’s last known address. For the
purposes of this Section, service by mail is complete on the
date of deposit in the United States mail.
4.71.270 Tax Assessment—Hearing—Application—
Determination—Appeal.
A. The Tax Administrator will advise in the notice of
assessment that a Person or Business may appeal a Tax
assessment. An appeal may be requested by a notice of
appeal in writing, by an electronic submission, or other method
established by the Tax Administrator, for an appeal hearing on
the Tax assessment. A notice of appeal must be received by
the Tax Administrator within thirty (30) Days following the date
of service of the notice of assessment.
B. A notice of appeal must state all bases for an appeal,
including a detailed statement of defense to the Tax
assessment, any supporting evidence, and the appellant's
signature under penalty of perjury.
C. If a timely notice of appeal is not received by the Tax
Administrator within thirty (30) Days from the date of service of
the notice of assessment, the Tax assessment by the Tax
Administrator will be a final decision of the County, and any
Tax, penalties, and interest imposed will be due.
D. Within thirty (30) Days of receipt of a timely and complete
notice of appeal a Hearing Officer will be appointed, and once
appointed the Tax Administrator will forward the notice of
appeal and all relevant Tax documents to the Hearing Officer.
E. Within thirty (30) Days of receipt of an appellant's notice of
appeal, the Hearing Officer may schedule the matter for
hearing. The Hearing Officer must send notice of the hearing to
the appellant, Tax Administrator, and any applicable County
department fifteen (15) Days prior to the hearing by registered
or certified mail, or by email if requested by the appellant on the
notice of appeal.
F. The Hearing Officer notice will be entitled, "Hearing Officer
Notice of Cannabis Business Tax Appeal Hearing" and must
include, at a minimum: the name and address of the Person or
Business assessed by the Tax Administrator; the date, time and
place of the hearing; and the following statement: "Any
interested individual may at any time prior to the date above
named, file with the Hearing Officer written testimony and/or
documentary evidence, and may appear at the time and place
of the hearing to offer their testimony."
G. The Hearing Officer may consider all competent evidence if
such evidence is relevant to the Tax assessment being
appealed. The Hearing Officer may at their option hear and
consider additional argument and points and authorities of law.
At such hearing an appellant may appear, which may include a
remote appearance at the discretion of the Hearing Officer, and
offer oral evidence under oath to explain why the assessment
by the Tax Administrator should not be confirmed and fixed as
the Tax, penalties, and interest due. The burden of proof rests
with the appellant to show why an amount assessed by the Tax
Administrator is not due.
H. Applicable rules of evidence may be applied by the Hearing
Officer to the same extent that they are now or hereafter
recognized in civil actions; such as witness testimony may be
subject to cross-examination, privileged information or
privileged documents may be protected from disclosure, and
irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded.
I. At any time prior to a final decision by the Hearing Officer, a
notice of assessment may be amended or supplemented by the
Tax Administrator. Notice must be given by the Tax
Administrator of all amended Tax assessments in the manner
prescribed in Section 4.71.260 for giving notice of assessment,
and the notice must disclose how to file an appeal or amend a
notice of appeal previously filed.
J. The Hearing Officer will issue a notice of order containing
the final decision of the County on the appeal, and send such
notice to the appellant, Tax Administrator, and any applicable
County department in the manner prescribed in Section
4.71.260 for giving notice of assessment. The notice of order
from the Hearing Officer must contain the amount of Tax,
interest, and penalties, if any, due to the County by the
appellant. This order will be final and conclusive. Any amount
due is immediately payable upon the service of the said notice
of order.
4.71.280 Violation Deemed Misdemeanor–Civil Penalty–
Administrative Fine.
A. Misdemeanor. Any Person violating any of the provisions of
this Chapter may be guilty of a misdemeanor in Superior Court,
and upon conviction thereof may be punished by a fine of not
more than five hundred dollars ($500), imprisonment for a
period of not more than six (6) months, or by both fine and
imprisonment.
B. Civil Penalty. The Tax Administrator in the name of the
County may bring a civil action to seek imposition of civil
penalties of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation,
including the recovery of any Tax, interest, or penalty due to the
County pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, and any
other appropriate legal or equitable relief in any court of
competent jurisdiction for violations of this Chapter.
C. Administrative Fine. Any Person violating any of the
provisions of this Chapter will be subject to an administrative
fine, issued by the Tax Administrator pursuant to Chapter 1.25
of this Code, not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per
violation.
4.71.290 Conviction or Civil Judgment for Chapter
Violation—Taxes Not Waived.
The conviction and punishment or civil judgment against any
Person for failure to pay the required Tax will not excuse or
exempt such Person from any civil action for the Tax, penalty,
4300-EN-05220 LA 233-081
and interest debt unpaid at the time of such conviction. No civil
action will prevent a criminal prosecution for any violation of the
provisions of this Chapter or of any State law requiring the
payment of all taxes.
4.71.300 Severability.
Should any provision of this Chapter, or its application to any
Person or circumstance, be determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be unlawful, unenforceable, or otherwise void,
that determination will not affect any other provision of this
Chapter or the application of this Chapter to any other Person
or circumstance and, to that end, the provisions hereof are
severable.
4.71.310 Effect of State and Federal
Reference/Authorization.
A. Any reference to a State or federal statute in this Chapter
means such statute as it may be amended from time to time;
provided, that such reference to a statute herein may not
include any amendment thereto, or to any change of
interpretation thereto by a State or federal agency or court of
law with the duty to interpret such law, to the extent that such
amendment or change of interpretation would, under California
law, require voter approval of such amendment or
interpretation, or to the extent that such change would result in
a Tax decrease. To the extent voter approval would otherwise
be required or a Tax decrease would result, the prior version of
the statute (or interpretation) will remain applicable; for any
application or situation that would not require voter approval or
result in a decrease of a Tax, provisions of the amended statute
(or new interpretation) will be applicable to the maximum extent
possible.
B. To the extent that the County's authorization to collect or
impose any Tax imposed under this Chapter is expanded as a
result of changes in State or federal law, no amendment or
modification of this Chapter may be required to conform the Tax
to those changes, and the Tax must be imposed and collected
to the full extent of the authorization up to the full amount of the
Tax imposed under this Chapter.
4.71.320 Remedies Cumulative.
All remedies and penalties prescribed by this Chapter or which
are available under any other provision of law or equity,
including but not limited to the California False Claims Act
(California Government Code section 12650 et seq.) and the
California Unfair Practices Act (California Business and
Professions Code section 17070 et seq.), are cumulative. The
use of one or more remedies by the County will not bar the use
of any other remedy for the purpose of enforcing the provisions
of this Chapter.
4.71.330 Amendment or Repeal.
This Chapter of the Los Angeles County Code may be repealed
or amended, by resolution or ordinance, by a majority vote of
the members of the Board of Supervisors and without a vote of
the people. However, pursuant to California Constitution, Article
XIII C, voter approval is required for any amendment provision
that would expand, extend, or increase the rate of any Tax
levied pursuant to this Chapter. The people of the County of
Los Angeles affirm that the following actions will not constitute
an increase of the rate of a Tax:
A. The restoration of the rate of the Tax to the maximum rate
that is no higher than that set by this Chapter, if the Board of
Supervisors has acted to reduce the rate of the Tax;
B. An action that interprets or clarifies the methodology of the
Tax, or any definition applicable to the Tax, so long as
interpretation or clarification (even if contrary to some prior
interpretation or clarification) is not inconsistent with the
language of this Chapter;
C. The establishment of a class of Person that is exempt or
excepted from the Tax or the discontinuation of any such
exemption or exception (other than the discontinuation of an
exemption or exception specifically set forth in this Chapter); or
D. The collection of the Tax imposed by this Chapter, even if
the County had, for some period of time, failed to collect the
Tax.
4.71.340 Execution.
The Chair of the Board of Supervisors is authorized to attest to
the adoption of this ordinance by the voters of the County at the
Election.
4300-EN-05221 LA 233-082
IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE
C
By Dawyn Harrison, Acting County Counsel
Approval of Measure C ("Measure") would authorize the County
of Los Angeles ("County") to impose a general tax on cannabis
business activities within the unincorporated area of the
County. This Measure was placed on the ballot by a resolution
approved by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the members of the
County Board of Supervisors ("Board"). If approved by the
voters, the County Code will be amended to authorize a tax on
cannabis businesses engaged in activities defined in the
ordinance such as cultivating, selling, processing, distributing,
or testing cannabis or cannabis products in the unincorporated
areas of the County. Personal cannabis cultivation or use would
be exempt from this tax.
From July 1, 2023 until June 30, 2026, the Measure authorizes
initial tax rates of:
• $7 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using
exclusively artificial lighting;
• $4 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using
combination lighting;
• $4 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using no
artificial lighting;
• $2 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation in any
nursery;
• 4 percent of gross receipts for retail cannabis businesses;
• 3 percent of gross receipts for manufacturing and processing
cannabis businesses;
• 3 percent of gross receipts for distribution cannabis
businesses;
• 1 percent of gross receipts for testing laboratory cannabis
businesses; and
• 4 percent of gross receipts for any other type of cannabis
business.
Beginning July 1, 2026, until repealed by the voters, the
Measure authorizes the Board to adjust the tax to a rate less
than or equal to the maximum annual rates not to exceed:
• $10 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using
exclusively artificial lighting;
• $7 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using
combination lighting;
• $4 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation using no
artificial lighting;
• $2 per square foot of canopy space for cultivation in any
nursery;
• 6 percent of gross receipts for retail cannabis businesses;
• 4 percent of gross receipts for manufacturing and processing
cannabis businesses;
• 3 percent of gross receipts for distribution cannabis
businesses;
• 2 percent of gross receipts for testing laboratory cannabis
businesses; and
• 4 percent of gross receipts for any other type of cannabis
business.
Beginning in July 2027, the maximum annual tax rate for
cultivation will be adjusted for inflation. The ordinance also
establishes processes for registration, collection, enforcement,
and tax appeals.
Payment of the tax does not authorize illegal or unlawful
cannabis business activities, nor does it entitle a person to
engage in illegal or unlawful cannabis business activities in
violation of any local or State law.
If approved, revenue derived from the tax will be deposited into
the County's general fund and may be used for any County
governmental purpose.
This measure requires a majority vote of the qualified voters in
the County of Los Angeles who cast votes in the election.
4300-EN-05222 LA 233-083
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE
C
Measure C will allow the County to impose a general business
tax on cannabis businesses located in the unincorporated
areas of Los Angeles County ("County"). Currently, the County
is developing a cannabis business permitting process that is
expected to launch in late 2023.
The proposed initial tax rates in the measure are low compared
to many other jurisdictions in order to better support the
regulated cannabis market and incentivize consumers to buy
legal, tested products, while generating revenue for County
programs and services. Mindful of the dynamic nature of the
cannabis market, Measure C allows the Board of Supervisors
to either decrease or increase these tax rates up to the
maximum rate provided by the measure after the first three
years the initial rates are in effect.
If approved, this measure is projected to generate
approximately $10 million in annual revenue that will be
deposited into the County's General Fund, with the potential to
grow with a maturing market. Revenue may be used to fund a
broad array of programs or services that can benefit all
residents of the County.
The needs and impact of the legal cannabis industry will
continue to shift in the coming years, and the tax revenue can
help support the County's development of a health and social
equity-led cannabis program. The support includes workforce
and economic development programs, reinvestment in
communities disproportionately impacted by historical and
current cannabis policies, enforcement and compliance
programs to combat the proliferation of untested and unsafe
cannabis, mitigation of adverse environmental impacts and
more.
Approval of Measure C is a critical step towards the full
implementation of an equitable, legal, commercial cannabis
market in Los Angeles County.
RAFAEL CARBAJAL
Director, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
OPHELIA CHONG
Founder, Asian Americans for Cannabis Education
JONATAN CVETKO
Executive Director, United Cannabis Business
Association
CHERYL A. BRANCH
Executive Director, Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches
Founder, Green Believers Project
LINDSAY ROBINSON
Executive Director, California Cannabis Industry
Association
REBUTTAL TO ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
OF MEASURE C
Do you feel that medicinal use cannabis should be exempt?
Think again. Government greed knows no bounds.
You've been tricked before. Measure M (2016), the forever
metro transportation tax. Measure W (2018), the forever rain
tax. Forever taxes are the new trend.
Why continue to pretend that it needs your money for an
unexpected short fall? It wants your money now. It wants your
money later. Its glutinous appetite doesn't care whether you
can afford it. it craves your money to feed itself to keep growing
fatter and fatter every day.
How many billions have you already paid to the homeless
industrial complex? Do you see progress?
Or do you see new permanent bureaucracies? That's what
forever taxes fund -- forever bureaucracies.
Let's face it, local governments are desperate. Bloated
numbers of paper pushers, outrageously high salaries, 24 karat
gold pensions and medical benefits, along with all the same
increasing costs (all caused by government policy) for food,
utilities, health care, and inflation are driving them to
bankruptcy.
The gloves have come off. Government doesn't want future
voters to have a choice.
And when it runs out of familiar things to tax, it invents new
ways to tax.
Universal law of taxes: Businesses don't pay taxes, people (like
you) do in the increased prices you pay for everything.
The wealthy hire people to find loopholes to avoid taxes or
simply relocate.
Vote NO on Measure C ($758,500,000 forever increasing,
forever tax) and every measure on your ballot.
Join us: http://bit.ly/NoForeverCannabisTax
HONOR "MIMI" ROBSON
Libertarian Party of California Chair
DANIEL WELBY
Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County Chair
DAVID BOWERS
Chair, Region 65 of LPLAC
MARK REYNOLDS
Director of Operations - Digital Glue
4300-EN-05223 LA 233-084
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE C
Whether you personally agree with the sale of recreational
marijuana or not, Los Angeles County allows it.
Why? Because, over and above the regular sales tax, the
county can gouge these local, small businesses by forcing
them to pay additional taxes.
If you see this on your ballot, it's because you live outside of a
city boundary.
These taxes are the precise reason that the black market for
marijuana is estimated to be twice the legal market. Do you
really think the buyers will be gouged with these taxes? Would
you overpay when a cheaper alternative is available?
Some say, "I don't use it, so I don't pay the tax." True. It's just
like the hotel tax. Someone else paying is one of the main
arguments.
You heard about the failed district attorney recall? Don't count
on the registrar of voters to be on the side of the people, even if
they can raise enough money and spend enough time and
energy to get a petition to repeal this monstrosity. The county
bureaucracy will fight them every step of the way and write a
ballot label that favors its defeat.
Remember Measure W? The Rain Tax? That's a FOREVER
TAX too. You will never end the $300,000,000 a year that the
county steals from you. The county will get its pound of flesh.
By making it forever, the corrupt supervisors are saying that
they own you. They know better than the voters. Don't fall for it.
This tax is PERMANENT. It's FOREVER.
It INCREASES every year FOREVER.
On that basis alone, you should vote against it.
There's no other way to put it. Vote NO, as many times as the
county registrar allows.
Join us: http://bit.ly/NoForeverCannabisTax
HONOR "MIMI" ROBSON
Libertarian Party of California Chair
DANIEL WELBY
Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County Chair
4300-EN-05224 LA 233-085
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