SANTA MONICA, CA — Election Day is Nov. 3, and Santa Monica voters face a crowded local ballot that includes 12 candidates competing for three City Council seats, five municipal ballot measures and elections for the city's school, college and rent control boards.
The election will help determine Santa Monica's direction on issues ranging from housing affordability and homelessness to public safety, economic recovery, education funding and tenant protections.
Among the local questions are a proposed $495 annual parcel tax to support public schools, changes to the city's rent control and eviction protections and a measure concerning hotel taxes during major events.
Residents will also help elect California's next governor, members of Congress and state lawmakers, decide two Los Angeles County charter amendments and consider 14 statewide propositions covering housing, taxes, elections, medical research and environmental regulations.
Patch is interviewing all 12 Santa Monica City Council candidates as part of its Council Candidate Spotlight series, giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
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 and its ballot drop-box locator. California also provides an early voting location search.
Voters can cast their ballots at any participating Vote Center in Los Angeles County, regardless of where they live within the county.
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.
Additional local election information is available through the City of Santa Monica's official election website.
Santa Monica City Council
Twelve candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Santa Monica City Council.
According to the city's official list of qualified candidates, they are:
Voters may select up to three candidates.
The field includes incumbent council members Caroline Torosis, currently serving as mayor, and Lana Negrete, a former mayor seeking reelection.
Former Mayor Phil Brock is also seeking a return to the council, while Daniel Ivanov, who chairs the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, and Ericka Lesley, another Rent Control Board member, are among the challengers.
The election will determine three seats on the seven-member council, which oversees the city's budget, land-use policies, public safety, housing, infrastructure and other municipal services.
Among the issues confronting the next council are the city's financial outlook, the future of downtown Santa Monica, housing development, homelessness, public safety and the long-term future of Santa Monica Airport.
Residents can also watch a League of Women Voters forum featuring City Council candidates.
Meet The Candidates: Patch's Council Spotlight Series
Patch is publishing a series of individual interviews with all 12 City Council candidates, asking each the same questions about their background, priorities and positions on major issues facing Santa Monica.
The interviews explore homelessness, public safety, housing, downtown recovery, the city's financial challenges and the future of Santa Monica Airport, among other subjects.
Six interviews have been published so far:
Additional interviews will be published as the series continues ahead of Election Day. The interviews allow readers to compare candidates' answers to the same questions and do not constitute endorsements.
Residents can also review the candidates' official statements and ballot designations through the City of Santa Monica's election website.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board
Five candidates are competing for four seats on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education.
According to the city's election records, the candidates are:
Voters may select up to four candidates.
The school board oversees district finances, educational programs, school facilities and policies affecting students and staff. The election comes as the district continues to address financial pressures, enrollment trends, facilities needs and the proposed reorganization of Santa Monica and Malibu into separate school districts.
Voters can watch a League of Women Voters candidate forum featuring school board candidates.
Santa Monica College Board Of Trustees
Five candidates are competing for four seats on the Santa Monica Community College District Board of Trustees.
The candidates are:
Voters may select up to four candidates.
The board governs Santa Monica College, including its budget, academic programs, facilities, student services and long-term planning.
The election comes as the college prepares for a leadership transition and continues addressing financial challenges, student enrollment and workforce development.
A League of Women Voters forum featuring college board candidates is available online.
Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Five candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board.
The candidates are:
Voters may select up to three candidates.
The board administers Santa Monica's rent control law, including regulations governing allowable rent increases, tenant protections and other matters affecting rent-controlled housing. The election coincides with several ballot measures that would amend the city's charter provisions concerning rent control and eviction protections.
Residents can watch a League of Women Voters forum featuring Rent Control Board candidates.
Five local measures will appear on Santa Monica ballots, addressing education funding, rent control, eviction protections and hotel taxation.
The complete ballot language and supporting materials are available through the city's official election website.
Measure ES: Public School Parcel Tax
Measure ES would establish an annual parcel tax of $495 on taxable parcels within Santa Monica, with the amount adjusted annually for inflation. The measure is intended to provide ongoing funding for local public schools, including retaining teachers, assisting disadvantaged students, supporting arts, music, science, mathematics and early childhood education and maintaining school facilities.
The tax would include exemptions for qualifying seniors, affordable housing, nonprofit organizations, religious organizations and schools. According to the ballot language, the measure is projected to generate approximately $12 million annually and would remain in effect until repealed by voters. It also includes oversight requirements.
Although parcel taxes proposed directly by local governments generally require two-thirds voter approval, Measure ES qualified for the ballot through a citizen initiative and requires a simple majority to pass. A yes vote would authorize the parcel tax. A no vote would reject it.
Read more: City of Santa Monica: Measure ES
Measure GG: Rent Control Board And Eviction Rules
Measure GG would amend the Santa Monica City Charter to make several changes involving the Rent Control Board and the city's eviction laws. The proposal would affirm Santa Monica's just-cause eviction laws, permit Rent Control Board commissioners to serve up to three terms, including appointed service, and allow annual increases to the cap on rent-controlled unit registration fees.
It would also clarify the board's authority to regulate deadlines for deciding rent adjustment petitions. Another provision would allow eviction from affordable housing units when tenants are ineligible or fail to establish their eligibility.
A "yes" vote would approve the charter changes. A no vote would leave the existing provisions unchanged.
Read more: City of Santa Monica: Measure GG
Measure RR: Protection Against Eviction For Small Rent Debts
Measure RR would amend the city charter to prohibit evictions for nonpayment of rent when a tenant owes less than one month of the average fair market rent for Santa Monica ZIP codes. The threshold would be calculated annually using fair market rent figures established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The measure would create a minimum unpaid-rent threshold before a landlord could pursue eviction on those grounds. A "yes" vote would establish the protection. A no vote would reject the proposed charter amendment.
Read more: City of Santa Monica: Measure RR
Measure VV: Eviction Protections For Houses And Condominiums
Measure VV would extend existing eviction protections to tenants renting single-unit dwellings and condominiums. It would also establish requirements for certain owner-occupancy evictions from units not subject to rent control.
Under the proposal, an owner seeking to recover a unit for personal occupancy would have to intend in good faith to move into the property within 60 days after the tenant leaves and remain there for at least two years. A "yes" vote would approve the additional protections and occupancy requirements. A no vote would leave the existing charter provisions unchanged.
Read more: City of Santa Monica: Measure VV
Measure TT: Hotel Taxes During Major Events
Measure TT would maintain Santa Monica's existing transient occupancy tax rates while authorizing the City Council to establish special rules for certain hotel and motel stays during designated major events. The proposal would allow the city to establish major event periods when hotel taxes apply to lodging paid for or obtained by corporate entities for stays exceeding 30 days.
It would also authorize adjustments to the hotel and motel tax rate for those stays. Another provision would clarify that a refund requires an individual to complete at least 31 consecutive days of occupancy.
A "yes" vote would authorize the changes. A no vote would reject them.
Read more: City of Santa Monica: Measure TT
U.S. House Of Representatives, 36th Congressional District
Lieu is seeking another term representing the district, which includes Santa Monica and other Westside and South Bay 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, 51st Assembly District
Zbur is seeking another term representing the district, which includes Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and surrounding communities. Voters should consult their personalized Los Angeles County sample ballot to confirm the races appearing at their address.
Two proposed amendments to the Los Angeles County Charter will also appear on Santa Monica 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: County Ethics And Community Investment
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.
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