CALIFORNIA NOTABLE ELECTION RESULTS AND THE STATE HOUSING LAW CHANGES KEEP COMING

The November 5^th Federal and Statewide election contained a lot of surprises. I will leave it to others to opine of the impact of the return of President Trump and the control by the Republican Party of all the Presidency and Congress.

My focus is to point out some interesting election results which could, although may not, indicate that the voters of California have moderated their views. In addition, I have highlighted some additional new state housing laws which will impact local government.

SIGINFICANT STATE PROPOSITION RESULTS

California has been correctly perceived as consistently moving leftward in its political views and election results. It has been almost 20 years since a Republican has held statewide office and the State Legislature has had a 2/3 super majority for the Democrat Party for many years. However, for the first time in recent memory the Republican Party not only held onto its current seats but flipped 3 Democrat seats. While this did not change the super majority, when considered along with the election results on the State Propositions it could indicate that the voters are ready to change course at least a little to the middle of the political Spectrum.

The most notable result of the State Propositions was the overwhelming passage of Proposition 36 which focused on overturning major portions of previous propositions which had reduced the punishment of numerous crimes. This created at least the perception of an increase in crime, especially retail theft. Public Opinion polls throughout the State showed voters had a renewed concern about public safety. The 68.6% yes vote confirmed this public safety concern and in comparison, was more than even Proposition 13 received in its historic victory in 1978 during the property tax crisis. Even in Los Angeles County voters supported Proposition 36 with 64.43% yes vote, and also handedly defeated incumbent Progressive DA George Cascon by electing Nathan Hochman with 59.89% of the vote.

While state voters had no problem voting for large bond measures in support of schools (Proposition 1 58.7%) and Water, Wildlife and Climate Changes (Proposition 2 59.8%) they also soundly rejected a 3^rd state bond measure to fund affordable housing (Proposition 5 only 45%). On other matters affecting government impact on business and the economy, the voters rejected an effort to increase the Minimum Wage even further than it is already scheduled to be increased with only 49.3% and allowing an increase in the ability of local governments to enact rent control with only 40% yes.

These results appear to indicate that the voters are still willing to spend money, but are concerned about public safety and will not give a blank check to government regarding mandates.

In Los Angeles County the major ballot measure was Measure G which while narrowly passing by only 51.62% will significantly change LA Government in the future. This will increase the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 after the 2030 Census and create a Countywide Executive to be voted on in 2028. The current Board of Supervisors was split 3-2 to put this measure on the ballot with our local Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposed. It will remain to be seen if this measure creates a more responsive LA County Government.