Below are the PRC's recommendations for State Propositions and one in San Diego City. We've also attached the same voter guide in a one page pdf that you can print out for reference.
Voter Recommendations for November 6, 2012
Because a large part of the mission of the Peace Resource Center of San Diego is to promote Peace, Social Justice, and Environmental Sustainability in the San Diego region, we urge you to vote in the coming election on Tuesday November 6th. Based on a number of sources and our own analysis, we suggest the following ballot measure choices for the upcoming election in pursuit of those values:
YES on 30: Education Funding. A quarter percent (.25%) temporary increase in sales taxes and an increase in income taxes on upper incomes will provide needed funds (that the Legislature failed to pass) for Education and Public Safety. (We suggest No on 38, another education funding measure, which raises taxes for low-income groups.)
NO on 31: State Budget. State and Local Government. While a switch to a two-year state budget might have benefits, this Constitutional Amendment is poorly written, expands the governor's power, and permanently restricts ability to fund vital services.
NO on 32: Political Contributions from Payroll Deductions. This is deceptive and anti-union. It restricts political donations from payroll deductions, which affects primarily labor unions, but does not restrict companies from using their funds for political donations.
NO on 33: Insurance Premiums based on coverage history. Put your car in "Planned non-operation" while you are overseas in the military, or in college, or hard-pressed financially, and when you return your rates can be raised, regardless of your good-driving record.
YES on 34: Death Penalty Repeal. Replaces legalized murder with life without parole.
NO on 35: Human Trafficking. Human trafficking of all kinds is vile, but this measure eradicates any aspect of trafficking other than sex slavery, and eliminates restrictions on coerced domestic work and unfree labor.
YES on 36: Three Strikes Law. Stops mandatory life sentences for three time felons with non-serious, non-violent offenses.
YES on 37: Genetically Engineered Foods. Mandatory Labeling. Genetically Engineered foods (sometimes called GMO's or genetically modified organisms) are different from hybrids that result from cross-pollination. GE foods have various consequences and it is important for consumers to have ability to know what is in their food.
NO on 38: Tax for Education and Early Childhood Programs. Although this provides more revenue for certain types of education than Proposition 30, it imposes taxes on low income groups and only provides funds for new programs sought by local districts applying for grants.
YES on 39: Tax Treatment for Multi-state Businesses. Closes a tax loophole granted (in 2009) to corporations doing business in several states. Passage may raise state revenues by $1 billion and may create 40,000 jobs.
YES on 40: Redistricting State Senate districts. Keeps Senate Districts that have been drawn by the Citizens' Redistricting Commission.
YES on Z: San Diego Neighborhood Schools Classroom Safety and Repair Measure. Funds for facilities and technology needs at local neighborhood and charter schools.
For online access to the full text of the various measures, arguments from each side, editorial opinions, and links to various sources of information, we recommend visiting: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_2012_ballot_propositions
ederal Magistrate judge Rita Federman last Wednesday allowed the U.S. government to dismiss all trespassing charges against the "Vandenberg 15," a group of citizens who in February conducted a civil disobedience action at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The group was attempting to stop a testing of the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that later reached a target in the Marshall Islands (without a nuclear warhead). The group was urging the base commander to stop the testing of thermonuclear warhead delivery vehicles and to eliminate land-based missiles in the U.S.
