By Courage California
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Remember to vote or turn in your ballot by Tuesday, March 3rd
Remember to vote or turn in your ballot by Tuesday, March 3rd
Congress
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
49th Congressional District
Member of the House of Representatives
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Representative Mike Levin was raised in South Orange County and Los Angeles before moving away briefly for university and law school. He has returned to live in Orange County, where he currently represents District 49 in Congress.
Rep. Levin was elected to Congress in 2018 and he has been a champion on issues of sustainability and climate change. He is a member of the Natural Resources and Veterans Affairs Committees, as well as the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He has sponsored legislation across a broad range of progressive issues, including electoral reforms, protection of voting rights, protection against discrimination, pay equity, and environmental protections. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Levin was a bold advocate for clean energy and sustainability in Orange County, San Diego, and beyond.
Rep. Levin is being challenged by Brian Maryott (R), a conservative businessman and mayor of San Juan Capistrano. Rep. Levin stands out as a strong progressive voice in Congress who has had significant impact in his first term. According to recent election results, this has been a tough race for Democrats to win, as Levin did in 2018. His strong progressive track record and ability to keep this flipped district make him the strongest choice in this race.
Last updated: 2020-02-28
Endorsed By:
Stonewall Democratic Club, Bend The Arc (PAC), California Democratic Party, California Federation of Teachers, California League of Conservation Voters, California Teachers Association, Democracy for America, Flip the West, NARAL Pro-Choice California, National Union of Healthcare Workers, Orange County Democrats, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, SEIU 221, United Farm Workers
50th Congressional District
Member of the House of Representatives
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Representation
Ammar Campa-Najjar was born and raised in San Diego. According to campaign materials he is running to represent District 50 in Congress to fight for real ethics and campaign finance reform, while protecting an individual’s right to personal health, safety, and economic dignity.
Campa-Najjar has served in a White House position in the Executive Office of the President, at the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and at the U.S. Department of Labor, where he led the Office of Public Affairs for the Employment and Training Administration. His first work experience was as a church janitor to help contribute to his family’s economic security. Through his professional experiences, Campa-Najjar has helped to promote the economic growth of more than 4 million Latinx-owned small businesses, expanded aid for farm workers, launched youth summer jobs programs, and advanced veteran employment opportunities.
This is Campa-Najjar’s second attempt at running for Congressional District 50. In 2018, Campa-Najjar came in second, after what was widely described as an ugly, racist congressional campaign in which Campa-Najjar was smeared by Representative Duncan Hunter, as well as Hunter’s father, a former congressman. Rep. Hunter has since resigned after pleading guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds.
Camapa-Najjar’s campaign has decent childcare, education, and campaign finance reform positions. That said, in this second attempt at running for Congressional District 50, Campa-Najjar has fallen short on advocating for large structural healthcare reform, has said that we would have abstained from voting on impeachment, and has even claimed that he will be a conservative voice for his district.
Challengers include Brian Jones (R), Carl DeMaio (R), Darrell Issa (R), Helen Horvath (NPP), Henry Ota (NPP), Jose Cortes (Peace and Freedom), Lucinda Jahn (NPP), Marisa Calderon (D), and Nathan Wilkins (R). One notable challenger is former House Congressmember Republican Darrell Issa, who was in office from 2001 to 2019. While in office, Issa played a prominent role in GOP-led investigations of the Obama administration in his role as chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Rep. Issa is currently attracting attention for his troubling campaign advertising strategy, which has been criticized for attempting to use another challenger’s sexual orientation against him.
According to recent election results, it's very challenging for a Democrat to win this district. Though we disagree with Campa-Najjar’s healthcare and impeachment stances, as well as his self-proclaimed conservative title, in this crowded field, Campa-Najjar stands out as the best choice because of his commitment to public service, his campaign’s comprehensive policy platform, and his proven ability to compete in his district.
According to our analysis, Ammar Campa-Najjar is the strongest choice for Congressional District 50 and deserves your vote.
Last updated: 2020-02-28
51st Congressional District
Member of the House of Representatives
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Representation
Representative Juan Carlos Vargas was born and raised in California's 51st congressional district, which he was first elected to in 2012.
Vargas’ district includes Imperial county and the southern part of San Diego county along the U.S-Mexican border. To address local concerns about cross-border pollution, particularly of waterways, Vargas supported the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), specifically citing the $300 million that will be allocated to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP). He has been an advocate for action on climate change, and is one of the co-sponsors of House Resolution 109, which calls on the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.
Vargas has been critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including the wall at the border, the Migrant Protection Protocols, and the deportation of veterans. He urged Democrats to take a strong stance against Trump’s efforts to divert Pentagon funds to build a border wall. Recently, he called for investigations in to efforts by Customs and Border Protection to send asylum seekers to Mexico by issuing documents for fake court hearings. He has also sponsored legislation that would allow Dreamers to apply for FHA loans, which HUD currently denies.
Courage California (then known as Courage Campaign) was deeply involved in the fight for the Homeowner Bill of Rights in 2012, a critical piece of state legislation to protect homeowners from predatory lending practices by mortgage lenders. Then Senator Vargas played a key role as head of the Banking Committee in the California Senate, prior to his election to Congress. Unfortunately, Vargas repeatedly attempted to protect Wall Street from accountability. However, after heroic organizing with our partners at ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment), he stepped down as committee chair, which eventually allowed for the landmark bill to pass. This gives us great pause about Rep. Vargas’ commitment to progressive governance.
Representative Vargas is running against Juan M Hidalgo Jr. (R). While we have major concerns about Vargas and encourage a more progressive candidate to run against him in a future election cycle, there is no question that he is preferable to a Republican given his record, particularly on issues such as climate change and immigration.
Last updated: 2020-02-13
52nd Congressional District
Member of the House of Representatives
Democrat
Scott Peters is the incumbent, having served as Representative since 2013. Peters has often touted himself as independent and has a mixed record on progressive issues.
Peters is an environmental lawyer by trade and served on the San Diego City Council before his election to Congress. He supports women’s rights and reproductive choice, including abortion rights, and LGBTQ equality. He is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL, and Human Rights Campaign. He is also a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and called for laws to toughen background checks and bans on high capacity magazines and assault-style weapons. While he does not support the Green New Deal or Medicare for All, he has supported investing in renewable energy, protections for California’s Coastline, and introduced the "Build More Housing Near Transit Act.”
After the 2010 census redistricting, the district began to slowly trend towards Democrats. Peters narrowly won this race in 2012 and 2014 against a Republican, but in 2016 and 2018 won by comfortable margins. This is now a safe Democratic seat, and constituents deserve strong progressive representation.
Peters is being challenged by Nancy Casady (D), a progressive activist who is running on a Green New Deal platform, however, according to our analysis, she has been unable to mount a viable challenge to Peters, given her lack of fundraising and partner endorsements. We look forward to supporting a viable challenge to Peters in the future.
Two other challengers have qualified for the ballot: Jim DeBello (R) and Ryan Cunningham (NPP). Given the fact that Peters is infinitely preferable to a Republican occupying this seat and his Democratic challenger isn’t viable, we believe Peters is the strongest candidate for this office.
Last updated: 2020-02-28
53rd Congressional District
Member of the House of Representatives
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Georgette Gomez was born in San Diego and grew up in the Barrio Logan neighborhood in south central San Diego, the daughter of working class immigrants. She continues to live in San Diego, where she currently represents Council District 9 on the San Diego City Council. According to campaign materials, Councilmember Gomez is running to represent Congressional District 53 in order to stand up against Trump’s dangerous agenda and put the focus back on what working families in our community need.
Councilmember Gomez was elected to the San Diego City Council in 2016 and became the first LGBTQ Latina to be elected as Council President in 2018. During her tenure, Councilmember Gomez has helped expand affordable housing and renter protections, helped lead the implementation of the San Diego’s Climate Action Plan, and secured funding for community priorities including street repairs, parks and libraries.
Prior to election to the City Council, Councilmember Gomez led the Toxic Free Neighborhoods Campaign at the Environmental Health Coalition to protect kids from lead paint and keep polluting industries out of residential communities and worked as a victims’ advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Her personal and professional experiences have opened her eyes to the issues faced by low income families and immigrant families, and has led to her unwavering commitment to creating a better, more inclusive government for all.
Councilmember Gomez is running for the open seat of Congressional District 53, as current Representative Susan Davis has announced her retirement. Other candidates include Annette Meza (D), Chris Stoddard (R), Devorah Ann Fox (D), Eric Kutner (D), Famela Ramos (R), Fernando Garcia (I), Janessa Goldbeck (D), Joaquin Vazquez (D), John E. Brooks (D), Jose Caballero (D), Joseph Fountain (D), Michael Oristian (R), Sara Jacobs (D), Suzette Santori (D), and Tom Wong (D). Councilmember Gomez stands out in a crowded field as a strong progressive choice for office because of her track record as a champion of progressive values and numerous endorsements from progressive organizations.
According to our analysis, Councilmember Gomez is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-24
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Janessa Goldbeck, a veteran, was born and raised in San Diego, the daughter of a public school teacher and a tow truck driver. She currently lives in Talmage. According to campaign materials, she is running to fight for bold, progressive solutions that make a difference in the lives of San Diegans.
Janessa left active service in the Marines in 2019. During her time in service, Janessa served as a Uniformed Victim Advocate, providing support to Marines who had experienced sexual assault. Prior to joining the Marines in December 2012, she was a human rights lobbyist. She is a co-founder of the local chapter of the Truman National Security Project in San Diego.
Goldbeck holds progressive positions in areas including health care and electoral reform. She is a strong supporter of the Family and Insurance Medical Leave Act, which proposes a national program which would guarantee all workers up to 12 weeks paid leave no matter the size of the company or type of work they do. She pledges to support efforts to codify the right to an abortion into law, guarantee full Medicare coverage of contraception coverage and family planning methods, and ensure Title X funds only go to providers who offer comprehensive, evidence-based care. She also identifies as a supporter of the Second Amendment who favors common-sense efforts to reduce gun violence and promote gun safety.
Goldbeck is running for the open seat of Congressional District 53, as current Representative Susan Davis has announced her retirement. Other candidates include Annette Meza (D), Chris Stoddard (R), Devorah Ann Fox (D), Eric Kutner (D), Famela Ramos (R), Fernando Garcia (I), Georgette Gomez (D), Joaquin Vazquez (D), John E. Brooks (D), Jose Caballero (D), Joseph Fountain (D), Michael Oristian (R), Sara Jacobs (D), Suzette Santori (D), and Tom Wong (D). Goldbeck stands out in a crowded field as one of two openly LGBT progressive candidates competing for the same office.
According to our analysis, Goldbeck is a strong choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-24
Website: https://janessagoldbeck.com
Endorsements: https://janessagoldbeck.com/endorsements/index.html
Endorsements: https://janessagoldbeck.com/endorsements/index.html
State Assembly
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Assembly races on your ballot.
State Assembly, 71st District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Representation
Elizabeth Lavertu lives in Spring Valley, CA. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly because she wants to reinvest taxes in the community to improve schools, infrastructure, healthcare, and affordable housing.
Elizabeth Lavertu is a Co-Chair of the Spring Valley Community Planning Group, where she uses the position to improve roads and other infrastructure and bring economic development to the community. In this role, she has been an advocate for preserving arts programs in schools, and raised over $100,000 for an outdoor fitness circuit at the Jamacha Elementary School. She has also vocally opposed the Cottonwood Sand Mine developments over concerns about the health impacts to students and residents nearby.
Lavertu is running against candidate Randy Voepel (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016. According to recent election results, it's rare that Democrats win this seat. Elizabeth Lavertu is the best the progressive choice because of her commitment to universal healthcare, quality education and a living wage.
According to our analysis, Elizabeth Lavertu is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
State Assembly, 75th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Representation
Karen “Kate” Schwartz has lived in the Bonsall and Fallbrook areas for over 20 years. According to campaign materials she is running for State Assembly because she is frustrated by the District’s Tea Party representation.
Kate Schwartz is an elected Director on the Fallbrook Regional Health District board where she has advocated for healthcare patients and their families. In 2017, Fallbrook Regional Health District decreased its operation costs while increasing its affordable public health services for low and fixed income populations by over a third. Kate Schwartz has also created new programs for youth, and evaluated the communities she serves for needed services. She has been a licensed behavioral healthcare provider for 34 years.
Kate Schwartz is running against Marie Waldron (R), who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2012, as well as Roger Garcia (D). According to recent election results, it's challenging for Democrats to win this seat. Kate Schwartz stands out as the progressive choice because of her stated commitment to prioritizing universal healthcare, climate change, homelessness, and public education.
According to our analysis, Kate Schwartz is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-18
Endorsed By:
SEIU 221
Website: https://www.kateforassembly2020.com
Endorsements: https://www.kateforassembly2020.com/endorsements.html
Endorsements: https://www.kateforassembly2020.com/endorsements.html
State Assembly, 76th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Tasha Boerner Horvath is from Encinitas and has lived in North San Diego County all her life. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2018. According to campaign materials, she is running for State Assembly to fight for a sustainable, prosperous, and safe North San Diego County.
In the State Assembly, she authored the “Equal Pay for Equal Play” bill, which requires gender-equal prizes for all sporting competitions held on state lands. Boerner Horvarth currently chairs the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she served on the Encinitas City Council.
While Boerner Horvath has supported some progressive policies, she has NOT supported legislation on a variety of key progressive issues, such as criminal justice reform and banking reform.
Tasha Boerner Horvath is running against Melanie Burkholder (R). Assemblywoman Boerner Horvath has a lifetime Courage Score of 40, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. This district was held by Republicans until Borner Horvath flipped it in 2018. While we disagree with her votes on the issues listed above, given the district's history, her support on some progressive issues, and a conservative opponent, Boerner Horvath is the most progressive candidate on the ballot.
According to our analysis, Tasha Boerner Horvath is the strongest choice for this seat.
Last updated: 2020-02-25
State Assembly, 77th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Brian Maienschein grew up in Assembly District 77. He is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, he is running again to continue his work to improve policy around homelessness and mental health in the district.
In the State Assembly, he has worked on various efforts toward increased public safety. Maienschein introduced legislation to allow for criminal background checks on youth sports coaches and has supported legislation that reduces the impacts of prisoner realignment. He has been recognized by the March of Dimes for working to improve maternal mental health and has championed disability rights efforts. He currently serves on six committees, including Housing Affordability for the Middle and Working Class. Prior to his election, Maienschein served two terms in the San Diego City Council and was the founding Commissioner on Homelessness.
Maienschein has progressive positions on mental healthcare and climate change. That said, he served in the State Assembly as a Republican from 2012 to 2018, voted against prisoner protections, and has been silent on protection efforts for youth offenders and former inmates.
Maienschein is being challenged by Jane Yang Cutter (R). He only has an 18 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. According to recent election results, it will be very difficult for Democrats to win this seat. Though we disagree with Maienschein's stance on the issues listed above, his base of support in a conservative district makes him a strong choice in this race.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
State Assembly, 78th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Chris Ward is from San Diego and lives in University Heights. According to campaign materials, he is running to represent District 78 to support working families, improve access to the California Dream, and promote a sustainable and healthy natural environment.
Chris Ward has been the District 3 Councilmember on San Diego’s City Council since 2016. He chairs the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless, which is committed to “housing-first” strategies to address the city’s homelessness. In 2017, Councilmember Ward introduced an ordinance that requires city contractors to pay men and women the same rates for equal work. In 2019, the city council approved his ordinance for a city-wide ban on ban styrofoam and single-use plastics. Councilmember Ward’s track record demonstrates his commitment to getting results.
Prior to his election to city council, Ward served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Marty Block and had worked as an environmental planner. He received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and his masters from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Chris Ward is running against candidates Micah Perlin (D) and Sarah Davies (D) for this open seat. According to recent election results, Democrats usually win this seat. Chris Ward is the best progressive choice because of his commitment to housing and economic development, equal pay, and the environment.
According to our analysis, Chris Ward is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
State Assembly, 79th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Shirley Weber has lived in California since age 3 and has lived in District 79 for over 30 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2012. According to campaign materials, she is running for re-election to fight for education that’s accessible at all levels, policies that create jobs, and to grow the economy responsibly.
In the State Senate and State Assembly, she authored several critical bills on criminal justice reform. Most recently, Rep.Weber authored the landmark police use of force bill, AB392, which limits police use deadly force to imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. She currently Chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety. Prior to her election to the State Assembly she served as the mayor's appointee and Chair on the Citizens' Equal Opportunity Commission.
Shirley Weber is being challenged by Carmelita “C.L.” Larrabaster (R), and John Moore (R). She has a 94 out of 100 lifetime score on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Shirley Weber has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.
According to our analysis, Shirley Weber is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
State Assembly, 80th District
Member of the State Assembly
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez is the daughter of an immigrant farmworker and a nurse who grew up in North San Diego County. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2013.
In the State Assembly, Rep. Gonzalez has authored numerous pieces of legislation with significant progressive victories every year she has served in office. Rep. Gonzalez chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee and heads the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She also serves on the Judiciary and Labor and Employment Committees, Chairs the Committee on Women in the Workplace and serves on numerous other select committees. Prior to her election to the State Assembly, she served Secretary-Treasurer for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Assemblymember Gonzalez is being challenged by Lincoln Pickard ( R), and John J. Vogel (R). In 2019 Gonzalez scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records, showing she has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.
According to our analysis, Assemblymember Gonzalez is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
Endorsed By:
California Democratic Party, California Environmental Justice Alliance, California Federation of Teachers, California Teachers Association, NARAL Pro-Choice California, National Union of Healthcare Workers, SEIU CA, SEIU 221, Sierra Club California, United Domestic Workers, United Farm Workers
State Senator, 39th District
Depending on where you live, you may have the below races on your ballot.
Member of the State Senate
Democrat
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Toni Atkins is from Virginia and has lived in San Diego for over 30 years. She is the incumbent, having served in this position since 2016. According to campaign materials she is running for re-election to continue to champion issues of equity, including affordable housing, healthcare, women’s rights, and LGBTQ protections.
In the State Senate, Atkins passed legislation that created a permanent source of funding for affordable housing. She currently serves as the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and is the first woman and first openly LGBTQ person to hold that position. Atkins is on the Rules Committee and three additional committees. Prior to her election to the State Senate, she served two terms in the State Assembly where she instituted a $7.5m water bond, and established the state’s first Earned Income Tax Credit. Atkins also served as the Director of Clinic Services at Womancare Health Center before being elected to the San Diego City Council, and briefly acting as the interim Mayor.
Toni Atkins is running unopposed. She scores a lifetime 99 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting record. Based on our Courage Score analysis, Senator Atkins has consistently shown great courage advocating for the needs of constituents and facing down corporate lobbyists and interest groups that exploit Californians.
According to our analysis, Toni Atkins is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-21
San Diego County Board of Supervisors
San Diego Board of Supervisors, District 3
Non-Partisan
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Olga Diaz is a lifelong California resident and has lived in Escondido for over 10 years. According to campaign materials she is running for Board of Supervisors to use her unique understanding of the diverse needs of the community to advocate for environmental and social justice issues at the county level.
Diaz is a member of the Escondido City Council, which she does to apply her academic background in public administration and accounting to the city’s challenging issues of budgeting and priority setting. Diaz has collaborated with a variety of stakeholders and, as the first Latino elected to the City Council, has worked to put inclusive community relationships at the front of her local work. She has been instrumental in the Escondido Creek restoration project that is in progress, which demonstrates a dynamic focus on environmental protection, urban renewal, and public safety. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, Diaz would build on this experience to take actionable steps to improve the region's response to climate change, to produce more affordable housing, and to provide wrap-around services for individuals experiencing homelessness. As a citizen, Diaz has served on the Board of Directors for the Voice of San Diego, the Community Advisory Council for San Diego Gas & Electric, the California Coastal Commission, the CSU President’s Advisory Committee, and the San Diego Union Tribune Latino Advisory Board.
Diaz is running against Kristin Gaspar, who is the incumbent and has held the seat since 2016, as well as Terra Lawson-Remer. Diaz is the best progressive choice because of her experience in local government and her track record of working to be an effective consensus builder to get things done for constituents.
According to our analysis, Olga Diaz is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-27
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition 13
VOTE YES
Vote YES On Prop 13, School and College Facilities Bond
This proposition would provide $9 billion for desperately needed renovations to public preschools and grade schools throughout the state, and $6 billion for construction to community colleges, the Cal State system, and the UC system. This will allow the state of California to use tax revenue to pay for improvements that local communities cannot afford.
The funding would come from bonds the state would pay back over 35 years, totaling an estimated $26 billion, which includes $15 billion in principal and $11 billion in interest. This investment is well worth the costs. It takes money, after all, to ensure that students -- especially those in districts that can’t afford major capital improvement projects -- do not have to learn in dangerous environments.
The vast majority of Democrats in the state legislature support it, as does Gov. Newsom, and the only major opposition is a group called the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. This is the group famous for destroying California’s school funding system in 1978 through another proposition, ironically one that was also dubbed Prop 13. The group spends most of its time lobbying to reduce tax rates. It has never shown any interest in supporting California’s children, at least if that means wealthy individuals or giant corporations would pay their fair share in taxes.
Critics of the measure have pointed out that the ballot measure’s language includes a provision that frees new multi-family developments around subway stops and bus stations from school impact fees. This provision will make it easier for developers to build apartment buildings within a half-mile of public transit but could also drive up the cost of new housing and take funds away from school districts across the state. Despite this provision, the measure is still supported by most education groups in the state, who believe the overall funding allocation to schools outweighs the impact of reduced funding to school districts located near transit hubs. 2020’s Prop 13 is worth the investment since it means children will soon be able to attend school in buildings that are retrofitted to withstand earthquakes and no longer have lead in their water.
We strongly recommend a YES vote on Prop 13.
San Diego County Ballot Measures
Measure A
VOTE YES
Vote YES on Measure A
Both Measures A and B on the San Diego County March ballot deal with housing development in the county’s unincorporated areas. While Measure B is related to the future of a specific development -- the one that inspired both of these measures -- Measure A would address the approval process for all developments in the unincorporated lands around San Diego.
Dubbed by advocates as the “Save Our San Diego Countryside Measure,” Measure A would require a countywide vote on any major projects granted a General Plan amendment. (The county’s General Plan covers zoning and land use was last updated in 2012. Large housing developments generally require an amendment in order to proceed.) Developers rarely fare well in these kinds of public votes, but proponents of the measure believe residents should have a greater voice in any changes that involve building in the fire-prone areas in the outskirts of the county. They also note that the county government is too easily bought off by donations from the building industry and developers.
The opposition, unsurprisingly, comes primarily from those very people -- the building industry and developers. Opponents claim it’s being financed by the ultra wealthy and primarily designed to save properties like the Golden Door Spa, the luxury retreat funding the opposition to Measure B, from development despite the fact that over a dozen environmental groups support the measure. They reiterate the conservative claim that Measure A would stymie new housing projects due to the expense involved in putting anything before a public vote.
Developers often are irresponsible stewards of our responsibility to build and expand affordable housing. Measure A would ensure that the public's voice is heard when it comes to amending the General Plan, which impacts both affordable housing and safety. It would prevent elected officials from changing the General Plan without justifying those amendments to voters in order to appease developers. While it might be well-meaning to build more housing in an attempt to address the housing crisis, if it's done in high-risk areas where families may lose their homes and potentially their lives down the line, it is misguided -- as we've seen with the countless wildfires throughout the state that have devastated various communities in fire-risk areas.
Vote YES on Measure A.
Measure B
VOTE NO
Vote NO on Measure B
Both Measures A and B on the San Diego County March ballot deal with housing development in the county’s unincorporated areas. While Measure A is designed to increase public oversight and approval over any large development project in San Diego County, Measure B reaffirms the approval of a specific large development project called Newland Sierra by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
San Diego County’s Measure B would uphold the approval of Newland Sierra, a planned high density development just north of Escondido on land currently zoned as rural or semi-rural. The Newland Sierra project would build 2,135 homes on land previously zoned for 99 residences, as well as the development of about 2 million square feet of commercial space. In addition to approving the land rezoning, the San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the county’s development guidelines specifically for Newland Sierra.
The Supervisors have failed to set in place any long-term action plans on affordable housing or climate for the county, which is how Newland Sierra was approved with no affordable housing guarantees in part of the county identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as an area of severe fire danger.
Proponents of Measure B argue that a legal agreement signed by the the developer of the project guarantees affordable housing be included in the project, and that the project will help alleviate the housing crisis in the area. Opponents of Measure B, have pointed out that the signed legal agreement can be changed at any time by the developer and is therefore not enforceable by the county or the public. This is a strong example of how developers are often irresponsible stewards of our responsibility to build and expand affordable housing, while making sure that this housing is built in areas safe from excessive wildfire danger.
We recommend a NO on Measure B.
City of San Diego
Measure C
VOTE YES
Vote YES on Measure C, Lodging Tax for Convention Center Expansion, Street Repairs, and Homelessness Programs
As is so often the case with local propositions and ballot initiatives, the debate over San Diego’s Measure C has taken a bizarre, nit-picky turn. The bulk of the measure is relatively non-controversial and would slightly increase the tax rate on certain San Diego hotel rooms to pay for an expansion of the convention center itself. Much of the tourism industry is in favor of the measure because the convention center provides a hefty chunk of business, and local taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for any of the funds.
Advocates claim the measure could raise more than $6 billion over the next four decades, with 59% of the money going to the convention center project and the remaining 41% going to community projects. That’s where the controversy starts, however. That 41% would be earmarked for infrastructure spending and programs combating homelessness. Opponents are worried that the measure isn’t specific enough about what kinds of homelessness programs that money will be spent on, and advocates for the chronically unhoused are additionally concerned that the sum Measure C would raise will fall far short of the $1.9 billion necessary to enact the city’s already-written 10-year homelessness plan. That could give the appearance of a funding solution while simultaneously making it incredibly difficult to get their plan - a $900 million housing bond that would pay for new units of affordable housing - onto the ballot in November. Several City Council members have even indicated that if Measure C passes, they will no longer support that bond measure, which is a frustrating turn.
Ultimately, San Diego residents should push for both, not allow themselves to be backed into picking one or the other. Measure C would require a two-thirds majority to pass and is not a substitute for other funds necessary to combat homelessness, but funding is funding and the city should devote as many resources to addressing their housing crisis as possible.
Vote YES on Measure C.
Measure D
VOTE YES
Vote YES on Measure D, City Auditor Selection and Term Charter Amendment
Measure D would amend the process by which San Diego’s auditor -- the person responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse for the city -- is appointed. At present, the auditor is appointed by the mayor, but Measure D would amend the San Diego City Charter to allow the City Council to appoint the auditor instead. The purpose of the change is to ensure the auditor is as independent as possible, and the measure has unanimous support from the City Council and Mayor’s office itself. In fact, it hasn’t attracted any real opposition.
Under Measure D, the Audit Committee would forward a minimum of three nominees to the full City Council, which would then make the final hiring decision. It would also limit the auditor to two five-year terms. An independent auditor’s office is important and, after the chaos of the previous auditor’s resignation in 2018 that led to the city government going without oversight for a spell, reforming the process is a worthy goal.
Vote YES on Measure D.
City of San Diego
San Diego Mayor
Non-Partisan
Builds Power
Builds Progress
Builds Representation
Todd Gloria is a lifelong San Diegan, and grew up in Clairemont. According to campaign materials, he is running for San Diego Mayor to continue to work to align his public service with his philosophy that public systems should work dynamically to benefit all members of a community, not just the wealthy and connected.
Gloria is a California State Assemblymember representing the 78th Assembly District, and does this work to find legislative solutions to the issues affecting his community, like affordable housing, gun violence prevention, and climate change. He was elected to this seat in 2016, and served as the Assistant Majority Whip before assuming his current role of Majority Whip. Early in his career, Gloria worked for the County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency, and worked as the District Director for Congresswoman Susan Davis. He served 8 years in the San Diego City Council, eventually acting as Interim Mayor, and authoring an aggressive and nationally recognized Climate Action Plan. Gloria was a popular and accessible member of city government, advocating for local infrastructure projects, championing LGBTQ rights, and working to raise the city's minimum wage.
Gloria is running against Barbara Bry, Rich Riel, Scott Sherman, Gita Applebaum Singh, and Tasha Williamson for this open seat. As an Assemblymember in 2019, he scored a 98 out of 100 on Courage Score, our annual analysis of a legislator's progressive voting records. Gloria is the progressive choice because of his history of demonstrated leadership, and his track record of successfully working to pass legislation that benefits diverse communities in the region.
According to our analysis, Todd Gloria is the strongest choice for progressive leadership in office.
Last updated: 2020-02-27
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There are two well-qualified candidates in this race who have received broad support from progressive advocates and leaders: Georgette Gomez and Janessa Goldbeck. After extensive research, we believe both are good choices. Read the full descriptions of each candidate to find the candidate who best fits your values and priorities for Congressional District 53 Representative.