REDONDO BEACH, CA — Election Day is Nov. 3, and Redondo Beach voters will decide whether to change the city's development rules while helping elect California's next governor, members of Congress and state lawmakers.
The most significant local question is Measure ART, which would expand development potential in certain commercial and industrial areas while reducing allowable housing density on some residential and mixed-use properties.
The proposal, tied to the city's long-running General Plan update, addresses development along Artesia and Aviation boulevards, Pacific Coast Highway and industrial properties north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Residents will also vote in congressional and legislative contests, decide two Los Angeles County charter amendments and consider 14 statewide propositions covering housing, taxes, elections, medical research and environmental regulations.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has encouraged residents to return their ballots early.
"Voting in California is secure, reliable, and part of California's tradition of encouraging participation in our democracy," Weber said. "I encourage Californians to return their completed ballot as soon as possible, using one of several safe and secure options available to them. Fulfill your civic duty early – vote now, and have your voice heard."
Los Angeles County began mailing vote-by-mail ballots in early October. Every active registered voter automatically receives a ballot, which can be returned by mail, deposited in an official ballot drop box or delivered to a participating Vote Center.
Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by county election officials no later than Nov. 10. Ballots deposited in official drop boxes must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
In-person voting begins Oct. 24 at participating Los Angeles County Vote Centers. Centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 2 and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Additional locations open Oct. 31.
Residents can locate their nearest Vote Center and official ballot drop box through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. California also provides an early voting location search.
The regular voter registration deadline is Oct. 19. Eligible residents who miss that deadline can use California's conditional voter registration process to register and cast a ballot through Election Day.
The Los Angeles County election portal provides personalized sample ballots, registration information, candidate statements and ballot tracking.
Measure ART: Changes To Development Rules
Redondo Beach voters will decide Measure ART, which would amend the city's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance to change allowable development in several areas. The measure would permit increased commercial activity and expanded development potential through changes to floor area ratio limits, building height restrictions and rooftop dining rules along Artesia and Aviation boulevards.
It would also affect industrial properties north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and certain commercial properties along Pacific Coast Highway. At the same time, the measure would reduce allowable housing density on some residential and mixed-use properties elsewhere in the city.
The proposal is part of Redondo Beach's General Plan update, a multiyear process intended to guide land use and development over the coming decades. Some of the changes require voter approval under Article XXVII of the Redondo Beach City Charter, which requires a public vote on certain major changes in allowable land use.
The City Council voted Aug. 4 to place the proposal on the November ballot. According to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's official ballot measure list, the measure requires a simple majority for approval.
A yes vote would approve the proposed General Plan and zoning changes. A no vote would reject those changes. The county identifies the Redondo Beach City Council and mayor as supporters of the measure and Patrick Healy as an opponent.
Residents can review the council's deliberations and supporting documents through the city's legislative records.
Read more: Redondo Beach City Council's Aug. 4 meeting and election action
Additional background: City staff report on proposed land-use changes
U.S. House Of Representatives, 36th Congressional District
Lieu is seeking another term representing the district, which includes Redondo Beach and other South Bay and Westside communities.
California State Senate, 24th Senate District
The two Democrats are competing to succeed state Sen. Ben Allen, who is running for California insurance commissioner.
California State Assembly, 66th Assembly District
Seo, the mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, and Deen, a Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District board member, are competing to succeed term-limited Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi.
The district includes Redondo Beach and other South Bay communities. Voters should consult their personalized Los Angeles County sample ballot to confirm the races appearing at their address.
When Are Redondo Beach's Municipal Elections?
Redondo Beach's next regular municipal election is scheduled for March 2, 2027, rather than November. That election will include city offices and seats on the Redondo Beach Unified School District Board of Education.
The November ballot nevertheless gives residents an opportunity to vote directly on the city's development policies through Measure ART.
Two proposed amendments to the Los Angeles County Charter will also appear on Redondo Beach ballots.
Measure A: Public Safety Labor Disputes
Measure A would establish an impartial binding arbitration process for certain labor disputes involving county public safety employees, including firefighters and sheriff's personnel.
It would also prohibit strikes by specified county employees, including district attorney investigators, medical examiner personnel, lifeguards and certain civilian public safety workers. The measure would reaffirm existing requirements for good-faith labor negotiations. A simple majority is required for approval.
Measure E would revise the county charter to provide greater independence and structure for the Los Angeles County Ethics Commission, Office of Ethics Compliance and ethics compliance officer.
The changes would address appointment procedures, qualifications, terms, duties and responsibilities, while continuing the county's commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration.
A simple majority is required for approval. Voters can review the full ballot language, fiscal impact statements and impartial analyses for both measures through the Los Angeles County election information portal.
Millions of Californians will vote in November to decide who will occupy the governor's office and several other statewide positions.
Governor
Democrat Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. secretary of health and human services, faces Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The contest follows a crowded June primary that saw former Rep. Eric Swalwell leave the race amid sexual assault allegations.
California has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won another term as governor. Registered Democrats substantially outnumber Republicans, although polling has also found widespread voter concerns about the economy and the state's direction.
Hilton has made affordability a central campaign issue, including a proposal to reduce gasoline prices to $3 a gallon. Becerra has emphasized his experience in state and federal government.
"I've never said it's going to be easy," Hilton told The Associated Press. "It's obviously an uphill battle. I still see this as a winnable race."
Read more: 'Creepy, Weird, Disturbing' Campaign Ad By Candidate For CA Governor Draws GOP Condemnation
Attorney General
Incumbent Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat and former state lawmaker, faces Republican Michael E. Gates, a deputy U.S. attorney and former Huntington Beach city attorney. Bonta was appointed attorney general after Becerra joined President Joe Biden's administration and later won election to a full term.
The attorney general oversees California's Department of Justice, directs state law enforcement efforts and represents the state in legal proceedings.
Insurance Commissioner
Democratic state Sen. Ben Allen faces Republican attorney Jane Kim in the contest to lead California's Department of Insurance. The office regulates an insurance industry facing mounting pressure from wildfire-related losses, rising premiums and the withdrawal of major insurers from some markets.
Allen has emphasized stabilizing the insurance market, protecting policyholders and addressing problems involving California's FAIR Plan. Kim has called for stronger oversight of insurers that deny claims following disasters.
Read more: The Race For Insurance Commissioner
Related: Santa Monica Sen. Ben Allen Picks Up Major Endorsement In Insurance Race
Secretary Of State
Incumbent Democrat Shirley Weber faces Republican Orange County Supervisor Donald P. Wagner. Weber, who was appointed after Alex Padilla became a U.S. senator, has overseen California's universal vote-by-mail system and emphasized election security.
Wagner has supported voter identification requirements and greater cooperation with federal election investigations. The secretary of state oversees California's elections, business filings and other government records.
Read more: The Race For Secretary Of State
Controller
Incumbent Democrat Malia M. Cohen faces Republican Herb W. Morgan. The controller serves as California's chief fiscal officer, overseeing state accounting, financial reporting and certain auditing functions.
Read more: The Race For CA Controller
State Treasurer
Democratic Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis faces Republican Jennifer Hawks in the contest to oversee California's investments and debt financing. Kounalakis is seeking to exchange offices with State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who is running for lieutenant governor.
Read more: The Race For CA Treasurer
Lieutenant Governor
Democratic State Treasurer Fiona Ma faces Republican Gloria Romero, a former state senator. The lieutenant governor serves as acting governor when necessary and sits on several state boards and commissions.
Read more: The Race For CA Lieutenant Governor
Voters will decide 14 statewide propositions addressing housing, taxation, elections, medical research, health care and environmental regulations.
Proposition 1: Affordable Housing Bonds
Proposition 1 would authorize California to issue $11.25 billion in bonds for affordable housing, homeownership assistance and veterans' housing programs. Of that amount, $10 billion would support affordable rental housing and homeownership programs, while another $1.25 billion would fund housing assistance for veterans.
The proposal is expected to help finance approximately 40,000 new homes or apartments while providing homeownership assistance to another 40,000 people.
Read more: CA Proposition 1: Bonds For Housing Affordability Programs
Proposition 2: State Rainy Day Fund
Proposition 2 would amend California's Constitution to strengthen the state's rainy day fund, allowing additional savings during periods of strong revenues.
The measure would increase the maximum size of the Budget Stabilization Account and give lawmakers greater flexibility to manage reserves and debt. Supporters say the changes would help California prepare for economic downturns.
Read more: CA Proposition 2: Amendment To Increase The State's Rainy Day Fund
Proposition 3: Income Taxes On High Earners
California's higher income tax rates on high earners were established under Proposition 30 in 2012 and extended through Proposition 55 in 2016. Those provisions are scheduled to expire in 2031. Proposition 3 would make them permanent, continuing the state's progressive income tax structure.
Read more: CA Proposition 3: Makes Progressive Income Tax Rates Permanent
Proposition 4: Public Campaign Financing
Proposition 4 would repeal a prohibition dating to 1988 on using taxpayer funds to finance campaigns for state and most local government offices. The measure would allow state and local governments to establish public campaign financing programs under specified restrictions.
Supporters argue that public financing could help candidates without substantial personal wealth or access to wealthy donors compete for office. Opponents object to using taxpayer money to subsidize political campaigns, including those involving candidates they do not support.
Read more: CA Proposition 4: Changing The Rules On Public Campaign Donations
Proposition 5: Recall Elections
Proposition 5 would change the process for replacing state officials removed through recall elections. Instead of choosing a successor during the same election, voters would decide whether to remove the official. If the recall succeeded, the resulting vacancy would generally be filled through the procedures used for other vacancies.
Read more: CA Proposition 5: Constitutional Amendment Changing The State's Recall Process
Proposition 37: Homebuyer Loan Program
Proposition 37 would authorize up to $25 billion in bonds to support loans for qualifying middle-income homebuyers. The proposed program would provide loans of up to 17 percent of a home's purchase price to help buyers assemble a down payment. Eligibility would extend to buyers earning up to twice their area's median income.
Read more: CA Proposition 37: Loan Program For Middle-Income Homebuyers
Proposition 38: Medical Research Bonds
Proposition 38 would authorize California to issue $8.4 billion in bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research, including studies involving cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The measure would direct half the funding to the University of California, with the remainder going to eligible public and nonprofit research facilities. It would also establish requirements involving discounts for medications developed with the funding and the return of a portion of resulting revenue to the state. Voters can review the measure in the California Secretary of State's official voter information guide.
Proposition 39: Voter Identification
Proposition 39 would amend California's Constitution to require government-issued identification for in-person voting and additional identifying information on mail-in ballots. The measure would also require the state to verify voter registration lists, conduct regular compliance audits and adopt implementing laws.
Read more: CA Proposition 39: Voter ID Measure
Proposition 40: Billionaire Tax
Proposition 40 would impose a one-time state tax of up to 5 percent on California residents with assets exceeding $1 billion, excluding real estate and certain pension or retirement accounts. Revenue from the labor union-backed initiative would be directed toward health care, food assistance and education programs. The proposal has attracted significant campaign spending and opposition, including competing ballot measures that could affect its implementation.
Read more: CA Proposition 40: The Billionaire Tax
Also: Billionaire Tax Explained: What You Need To Know About Prop. 40
Proposition 41: State Tax And Spending Rules
Proposition 41 would prohibit new state taxes that exclude their revenues from California's constitutional spending limit, approved by voters in 1979. It would also require audits of programs funded by new special taxes. The measure could affect the implementation of Proposition 40, depending on the election results.
Read more: CA Proposition 41: Counter To Billionaire Tax
Proposition 42: Personal Property Taxes
Proposition 42 would prohibit new state taxes on certain personal property, including business interests, intellectual property and financial assets such as retirement and investment accounts. Like Proposition 41, it could affect the implementation of the proposed billionaire tax.
Read more: CA Proposition 42: Bars New Taxes On Personal Property; Could Blow Up Billionaire Tax
Proposition 43: Local Special Taxes
Proposition 43 would amend California's Constitution to increase the voter approval threshold for certain local special taxes proposed through citizen initiatives. Instead of a simple majority, those measures would require approval from two-thirds of voters.
Supporters of the change argue that higher thresholds protect taxpayers, while opponents contend that the measure would make it harder for communities to finance local services.
Read more: CA Proposition 43: Raises Threshold For Passing New Tax Ballot Measures
Proposition 44: Community Clinic Spending
Proposition 44 would require certain nonprofit community health clinics to spend at least 90 percent of their annual revenue on qualifying program services rather than administrative or other expenses.
The measure would authorize financial penalties for clinics that fail to meet the requirement, with provisions allowing penalties to be returned if a clinic subsequently complies. Money from penalties not returned would support clinic worker training, recruitment and retention.
Read more: California Prop. 44: What To Know About Community Clinic Spending Measure
Proposition 45: Environmental Reviews
Proposition 45 would change environmental review procedures under the California Environmental Quality Act, establishing deadlines and revised legal challenge procedures for certain housing, transportation and water projects.
Supporters argue that existing procedures can delay needed development. Opponents warn that shortening reviews could weaken environmental protections. A yes vote would allow eligible projects to use the new procedures, while a no vote would preserve the existing system.
Read more: CA Proposition 45: How Environmental Review Laws Turned Into Spending War
Voters can find the complete text, fiscal analyses and arguments for and against the statewide propositions in the California Secretary of State's official voter information guide.
For additional election information, including registration, voting locations and ballot tracking, visit LAVote.gov or the Los Angeles County election information page.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Redondo Beach Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.