Image Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki / Pexels
By Anahy Gutierrez
Students are part of America’s largest voting bloc. The Editorial Board of The Sun encourages all students to participate in our democracy and vote your conscience. Following is a brief summary of down ballot candidates and issues that are critically important to the Southwestern Community College community.
LOCAL and REGIONAL MEASURES
Measure G proposes a half a cent sales tax on tangible items in San Diego County. It requires the Board of Supervisors to appoint members into the “Taxpayer Oversight Committee” to keep track of spending which breaks down as follows:
50 percent for:
- repairments to I-5 North Coast corridor rail line
- construction of rail line to the San Diego International Airport
- rail connections from South County to Kearny Mesa
- pedestrian safety
- new routes connecting to Mission Valley, Sorrento Valley, La Mesa, Escondido, South County and the border
27 percent for:
- fire evacuation pathways in at-risk areas
- bridge repairs
- upkeep of routes 56, 76, 78, 94, 125, I-5, I-8, I-15, I-805
7 percent for:
- road maintenance including potholes
12 percent for:
- affordable transportation for seniors, children, veterans and disabled
- janitorial services
- bus stop safety
2 percent for:
- Salaries and benefits
- major business services
Measure P seeks continuation of the half cent sales tax from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2037 for:
- repair of sidewalks and storm drains
- upkeep of recreational areas and streets
- reduction of litter
- traffic alleviation
- removal of homeless encampments
The election pamphlet states Measure P funds may also be used for “municipal purposes” at the city’s discretion.
Measure AA proposes a $360 million bond to upgrade campuses in the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Bonds would fund:
- improvements to science, technology, engineering, arts and math buildings
- update parking lots and pathways to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
- upgraded security systems, fire alarms, cameras and gates
- upgrades of roofs, plumbing systems, air conditioning and electrical systems
- renovation of preschool and kindergarten classrooms to Title 5 requirements
- construction of athletic and performing art spaces
CVESD’s board is required to allow the San Diego County Treasurer to steward the funds. An Independent Citizens Oversight Committee is required to track project expenses and issue annual reports.
Measure SW proposes an $800 million bond for Southwestern College. It requires an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee to monitor projects and issue an annual report.
Funds would target:
- housing for students, staff and faculty
- removing lead and asbestos
- repairing water, gas and sewer systems
- modernizing electrical wiring
- leaking roofs
- renovating the Cesar E. Chavez One Stop Center
- establish student outreach facilities
- upgrading security, fire alarms, sprinkler systems and smoke detectors
- installing emergency response systems
- replacing outdated air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems
- classrooms
- update first responder academies
- upgrading libraries
- relocating transit facilities
- upgrade facilities to comply ADA
Measure RR proposes a $647 million bond for the Sweetwater Union High School District that requires a 55 percent majority to pass. It requires an “Independent Citizens Oversight Committee.”
Bonds would fund:
- plumbing systems
- repairs and improvements to parking lots, pick-up\drop-off areas, ramps, stairs, elevators, fields, tracks, courts, pools, locker rooms, equipment and stadiums
- improvements to spaces such as lunch areas, benches, water fountains and grass areas
- seismic retrofits
- improvements of library technology and new textbooks
- renovating or replacing portable classrooms
- transportation
STATEWIDE PROPOSITIONS
Propositions 2:
- $10 billion general obligation bond to repair and build K-12 public schools, charter schools and community colleges
- annual reports of expenses and progress required
- 35-year time frame to repay the entire bond
Proposition 3:
- Elimination of discriminatory statements in the California Constitution (such as marriage is only between a man and a woman)
Proposition 4:
- $10 billion general obligation bond to fund clean drinking water, wildfire prevention and the preservation of communities and lands
Proposition 5:
- authorizes a 55 percent voter approval instead of the current two-thirds required to pass borrowing bonds that fund affordable housing
- increases property taxes
Proposition 6:
- would remove California prisons’ authority to punish inmates with involuntary labor.
Proposition 32:
- minimum wage increase to $18 starting January 1, 2025 for companies with 26 or more employees.
- employers with less than 25 employees, minimum wage increase to $17 effective Jan. 1, 2025, then $18 on Jan. 1, 2026
Proposition 33:
- allow counties and cities more control over rental rates
- revenue reduction of local property taxes
Proposition 34:
- new regulations for how healthcare corporations spend revenue earned from federal drug discount programs
Proposition 35:
- makes permanent existing tax on healthcare plans which would fund Medi-Cal services
Proposition 36:
- prolongs sentences for possession of certain drug and theft crimes
- treatment for individuals charged with drug possessions may be required
- oversees funding for victim recovery programs
LOCAL CANDIDATES
United States Representative (52nd District)
(D) Juan Vargas- U.S. Congressman
- advocated for the approval of the “American Rescue Plan” which provided direct payments for families in need
- advocated for the “Child Tax Credit” which provides a temporary pause on paying taxes for struggling families
- supported legislation in order to provide funding for the removal of Tijuana’s sewage waste from California beaches
- Justin Lee
- Pledge to battle predators, drugs and crime (Fox 5)
- endorses abortion restrictions (Fox 5)
- promises to “address” rising taxes and utility costs (Fox 5)
Member of State Assembly (80th District)
(D) David A. Alvarez -Assembly member
- advocated for funding for new Chula Vista library
- supported legislation requiring fentanyl education
- advocated for additional resources to mitigate Tijuana River sewage and toxic waste affecting the South Bay
- hosts community events such as financial workshops, college fairs and free clinics
- Michael W. Williams- Analyst/Council Representative for San Diego
- calls for reduced gas prices
- stance on the climate change crisis, “California needs to prepare to accommodate the change, not believe it can be stopped.”
Southwestern Community College District Governing Board, Area No. 2
- Kristine “Kris” Galicia Brown
- current VP of SC Governing Board
- advocates for equitable education for SC students
- Erika Lowery
- supports cybersecurity and green energy maintenance (San Diego Union-Tribune)
- prioritize extended outreach programs for high schools and the special education community (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Chula Vista Elementary School District Governing Board, Seat No. 2
- Sharmane Estolano- Fiduciary/RE Broker
- pledges to work alongside parents, teachers and administrators to create policies that enhance academic environments
- call to build a stronger bond between the board and community
- Lucy Ugarte- Teacher/Board Member
- advocates for parents, teachers and students rights to contribute to district safety plans
Chula Vista Elementary School District Governing Board, Seat No. 4
- Kate Bishop- CVESD Board Trustee, seat 4
- President of San Diego County School Association
- Commended at the state and federal level for mental health support
- Zenith Khan- Teacher
- Aims to enhance students’ academic success and embody a safe environment
- Francisco Tamayo- Educator/Board Member
- supports more tutoring and after-school services
- supports early intervention for challenged students
- Tanya Williams- Educator/Veteran
- contributes to “Shoes for Souls” providing new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts
- calls for stronger relationships between parents and teachers
San Diego County Board Supervisors, District No. 1
- Nora Vargas- San Diego County Supervisor
- advocated for new assessment to evaluate county’s homeless services
- advocate for environmental justice for low-income communities
- Alejandro Galicia
- collected samples of polluted waters
- advocate for stronger relationships with leaders able to negotiate with Mexico regarding Tijuana River sewage
- stated that the county’s homelessness issue can be addressed through better financial investments
