Use the power of your vote to end poverty in the East Bay

On Tuesday, November 6th, 2018, voters across California will weigh-in on the state’s future by selecting new elected officials and approving—or rejecting—propositions and measures that impact all of our lives.

It’s crucial that we don’t sit on the sidelines; this election is far too important to be ignored. The future of criminal justice reform, housing affordability and the economy are at stake. Will our government work to end poverty, or will it simply accept the status quo?

That’s why Rubicon Programs believes that encouraging our participants, staff and community to participate in the process is absolutely essential to accomplishing our vision of an East Bay—and California—without poverty. Local elections like this one are where you can truly make your voice heard.

ENDORSEMENTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL MEASURES

This Election Day, voters will be able to weigh-in on many specific policy proposals, and also select our local representatives. Rubicon carefully reviewed each of the propositions and measures on the ballot and we are sharing our positions with you. We have also provided a brief explanation—listed after our endorsements—for each of the offices on the ballot. We hope this will help you in your decision-making process.

Here are our endorsements for state and local propositions in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties:

 

PROPOSITION 1: YES

Affordable Housing Bond. Prop 1 provides $4 Billion in housing-related programs, grants, projects and housing loans for veterans, the homeless and people with disabilities.  Since housing is the largest monthly cost to people in poverty, they will benefit the most from this easier access to affordable housing. More Information.

 

PROPOSITION 2: YES

Homeless Housing Bond. Prop 2 authorizes $2 billion in bonds to fund the No Place Like Home Act of 2016 and permits unused mental health funds to be spent on services and housing for the homeless. Many people in poverty who have a mental illness will benefit from these funds. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 3: NO RECOMMENDATION

Water Bond. Authorizes $8.9 billion in bonds for water-related infrastructure and environmental projects. Although Prop 3 provides funding for worthwhile water infrastructure and environmental projects, a handful of environmental groups are in opposition due to its impact on certain ecosystems and because it diverts some cap-and-trade funds away from climate change prevention efforts. Since there is disagreement among the environmental community, we encourage you to look closer at this measure and decide for yourself. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 4: YES

Children’s Hospital Bonds. Issues $1.5 billion in bonds for improvements to children's hospitals. Prop 4 would help boost declining children's hospital infrastructure, with some funds specifically dedicated to Oakland Children's hospital. Many families on MediCal would benefit from these improvements. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 5: NO

Property Tax Transfers. Prop 5 revises the process for home-buyers who are age 55 or older to transfer their tax assessments between counties when buying a new house of greater value. In effect, this measure would introduce a new property tax loophole that will reduce state property tax revenue by up to $2 billion, adversely affecting critical education and health services. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 6: NO

Elimination of Road & Public Transit Funding. Prop 6 would repeal 2017's fuel tax and vehicle fee increases, and would require a vote on all future increases. Prop 6 would significantly lower investment in much-needed road improvements and public transit opportunities for people in poverty. Many of these projects are long overdue and would pose a safety risk – and cost in wear-and-tear – to drivers if repealed. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 7: NO RECOMMENDATION

All-Year Daylight Savings Time. Prop 7 would permit the state legislature authorize all-year daylight savings time with a two-thirds vote and approval from the U.S. Congress and the President. Some argue that this would lead to a later sunrise that could endanger children walking to school in the dark, and that it introduces costs and complications in aligning interstate business and air travel. Others argue that it could lower energy costs and the risk of heart disease. We encourage you to examine the issue further yourself. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 8: NO RECOMMENDATION

Cap on Dialysis Profits. Prop 8 would put a 15 percent cap on profits for dialysis service providers and was created in an effort to control healthcare costs. Unfortunately, the measure is written in a way that could make it difficult for many providers to include certain unavoidable expenses in their calculations for the cost of services, thus making the business unsustainable. This could lead to closures and fewer service providers, particularly in low-income communities, just as diabetes and kidney disease rates are starting to rise. We agree with the stated goal but are unsure of its practical impact, and leave it to you to weigh the pros and cons. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 10: YES

Allows Local Governments to Institute Rent Control. Housing costs are skyrocketing across California and in the East Bay, and pose a clear barrier to people in poverty. By repealing the Costa–Hawkins Rental Housing Act, Prop 10 would give cities the option to intervene and implement more comprehensive rent control policies. This would provide municipalities with one more tool to tackle the affordable housing crisis. For that reason, we recommend support for Prop 10, and encourage policymakers to explore additional efforts to increase the affordability of housing. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 11: NO RECOMMENDATION

On-Call Ambulance Employees. Prop 11 would allow private ambulance providers to require workers to remain on-call during their breaks. Prop 11 would prevent ambulance costs from rising by approximately 25 percent, and ensures maximum coverage in communities that already have long response times. Unfortunately, it would do that at the expense of a worker’s opportunity to have an uninterrupted lunch and/or break period. We leave it to you to weigh the pros and cons. More information.

 

PROPOSITION 12: NO RECOMMENDATION

Farming Standards for Animals. Prop 12 would ban sale of meat from animals confined in spaces below specific sizes. Prop 12 helps many animals. It could also increase the cost of food, which will impact our clients. We leave it to you to decide. More information.

 

OAKLAND CITY MEASURE AA: YES

Parcel Tax for Childcare and Early Education. Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the number one preventive measure to end intergenerational poverty. Measure AA is a $198 per year parcel tax that would fund up to $30 million annually for preschool and other ECE services that can help break poverty in the East Bay.

 

OAKLAND MEASURE W: YES

Vacant Property Tax for Homeless Services. Measure W enacts a vacant property tax on parcels used less than 50 days per year, at annual rates of $6,000 per parcel, $3,000 for condominium units, and other specified rates; raising about $10,000,000 annually for 20 years; to fund homeless services. This will help alleviate homelessness while also incentivizing property owners to rent out properties, increasing the housing supply.

 

OAKLAND MEASURE Y: YES

Eviction Protections. Measure Y extends just cause eviction protection to residents of duplexes and triplexes, and permits the city council to increase protections for tenants. This will benefit renters and people in poverty in particular.

 

OAKLAND MEASURE Z: YES

Workplace Protections and Minimum Wage. Measure Z installs regulations to protect housekeeping and janitorial staff at large hotel chains, increases the hotel minimum wage to $20, and establishes a department to set additional workplace standards for non-hotel workers. This will benefit many of our participants who may take jobs in this industry and others, and generally encourages better treatment of workers in the City of Oakland.

 

RICHMOND CITY MEASURE H: YES

Real Estate Documentary Transfer Tax Increase. Richmond Measure H will increase revenue for crucial city services by charging more on higher-value property sales and transfers. The tax will primary impact high-net-worth landowners and benefit average Richmond residents.
 

RICHMOND CITY MEASURE T: NO RECOMMENDATION

Vacant Property Tax. Richmond Measures T incentivizes the utilization of residential property, lowering the cost of housing in the long run by implementing a tax on vacant properties. Funds raised may be used to fund homeless services and housing, as well as blight and dumping elimination. Since the funds will be distributed by the City's Housing Commission, it is unclear what share of the funds will go to end homelessness, and how much could be spent on the clearing of encampments with no alternatives for people who are being moved.

 

OTHER LOCAL MEASURES: YES

The following local measures make essential investments in city, county or school operations, and in some cases, necessary facilities improvements. Each has a minor fiscal impact on the average individual – with most of these Measures primarily impacting high net-worth homeowners or purchasers of luxury goods. In exchange, the community and people in poverty receive a significant benefit to the local economy, their quality of life and their education.

• Antioch City Measure W
• Contra Costa Measure R
• East Bay Parks Measure FF
• Hayward Measure T      
• Hayward USD Measure H            
• Martinez Measure X      
• Martinez USD Measure G
• Mt. Diablo USD Measure J
• Oakland Measure X
• Peralta Community College District Measure E
• Peralta Community College District Measure G 
• Pittsburg USD Measure P

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ELECTION

This Election Day, residents of Contra Costa County and Alameda County, including most of Rubicon Programs’ participants and staff, will also have the opportunity to vote for some of the following local elected officials:

• The County Superintendent, who oversees school districts and provide education to incarcerated minors and those with special needs.
• Community College Board Members, who manage East Bay two-year colleges and contribute to the development of the region’s workforce.
• School Board Members, who manage the policies and budgets of our K-12 schools.
• Special District Board Members, who manage our water, parks, public safety and sanitary districts.
• City Councilmembers & Mayors, who oversee city operations like law enforcement and housing development, and write local laws.
• Judges, who interpret the law and sentence in criminal proceedings.

They will also choose State Constitutional Officers and legislators, including the:

• Governor, California’s Chief Executive, responsible for approving the state’s budget and implementing the state’s laws.
• Lieutenant Governor, who serves as a critical member of the state’s many policy commissions, and fulfills the duties of the Governor when he or she is out of state or indisposed.
• Attorney General, who prosecutes the law, determines who is charged with state crimes and plays a major role in shaping statewide criminal justice policy.
• Controller, Treasurer and Board of Equalization Member, who each ensure the state pays its bills, invests its funds, and assesses its taxes responsibly.
• Superintendent of Public Instruction, who oversees California’s schools, community colleges and universities.
• Secretary of State, who manages elections and the administration of business.
• State Senator, State Assemblymember, U.S. Congressmember and U.S. Senator, each of whom write state and federal laws on legislation covering nearly every topic imaginable.

We hope that you - each of our readers and participants - study each of the candidates’ positions, so that you can identify and support candidates that reflect your priorities for criminal justice reform, early childhood education, affordable housing, and social programs as we all work to end poverty in the East Bay and throughout the State of California.

Please note, Rubicon does not endorse any specific candidate or political party. If you would like to compare all of the candidates, propositions and measures, and review nonpartisan, unbiased summaries online, please visit www.votersedge.org.

 

Don’t Forget to Vote on November 6!

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 6, 2018.

If you have not yet registered to vote, be sure to do so by the state’s voter registration deadline for the General Election, October 22, online here. If you are unsure of your status, or wish to find your polling place, visit either the Contra Costa County Elections Office or Alameda County Elections Office online.

And remember, many individuals with a criminal record are allowed vote. If you’re unsure of you rights, check here for further information.

You can also vote-by-mail. Learn how by visiting the Contra Costa County Clerk or Alameda County Clerk. Additionally, Contra Costa residents may also vote at Regional Early Voting Sites located across the county.

Thank you for participating!

Sources: Maplight’s Voter’s Edge, League of Women Voters of California Education Fund's Easy Voter Guide, and the California Secretary of State, Alameda County Clerk-Recorder and Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder.

On Tuesday, November 3, voters across California will vote in an election that is, in a word, monumental, with a long, complicated ballot to match. At stake this year for Californians: a dozen statewide propositions that seek to, among other things, raise or lower taxes; expand voting rights; resurrect affirmative action; change gig worker classification; and tighten criminal sentencing laws.

Here at Rubicon, members of our Participant Advisory Board, staff, and Board of Directors, came together as a Voter Guide Task Force to analyze the state propositions and selected Alameda and Contra Costa County measures through a financial equity and racial justice lens. Members of the Task Force are: Adriana Ponce-Matteucci, Adrienne Kimball, Alisha Semplar, Becky Johnson, Claire Levay-Young, Kalani Siegrist, Paul Leonard, Sarah Williams, Tara Cantu-Nishimoto, Taunita Trotter, and Jane Fischberg.  
 
Quite a few measures on the ballot address systemic racism and economic justice. We break them down for you so you can feel confident that you’re casting your vote to end poverty and oppose inequality.  
  
RUBICON'S ENDORSEMENTS

PROPOSITION 15: YES
Schools & Communities First: Prop 15 asks California voters to raise an estimated $6.4 billion to $11.5 billion in funding for local schools and governments by increasing property taxes on commercial and industrial properties based on current market value instead of their much lower original purchase price. The measure is considered one of the largest revisions of Proposition 13, the landmark 1978 initiative that slashed property taxes and limited how much they could go up, providing instant tax relief but devastating government services. The proposition will maintain existing exemptions for small businesses, homeowners, agricultural lands, and renters.

A multibillion-dollar corrective to a decades-old economic injustice, Prop 15 creates an influx of funding for public schools, community colleges, and government services. Our one concern is ensuring oversight around how the funds are allocated, but as long as there is transparency, we are all for it. We should note that oversight and ensuring that the goals of public spending initiatives are met is an ongoing concern for many of these propositions and local measures. 

PROPOSITION 16: YES
Opportunity for All: Proposition 16 would repeal Prop 209, which restricts local and state governments from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting. If passed, Prop 16 would permit governments to consider those protected categories in order to promote inclusive hiring and admissions programs in California’s public universities, government, and public agencies.

Passed in 1996, Proposition 209 is a regressive measure that has propped up systems of oppression for far too long. Studies show that banning affirmative action led to a marked decrease in Black and Latinx students in the UC system. California is one of only nine states that bans affirmative action, and it is time for us to get on the right side of history and level the playing field for women and people of color. Additionally, all Californians suffer when they are corralled into environments devoid of diverse thoughts and experiences. The evolution of our nation depends on increasing our competency with navigating ourselves and others in multicultural environments. The global economy is here to stay; to remain competitive we all need to practice and be comfortable with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
 
Proposition 17: YES
Restore Voting Rights: This state constitutional amendment would allow people on parole for felony convictions to vote after their state or federal prison term ends. The state’s constitution currently prohibits people with felony convictions from voting until both their incarceration and parole are finished. The change, proposed by state lawmakers, would restore voting rights to approximately 40,000 Californians, according to a state Senate analysis. 
 
Denying parolees the right to vote is racist. Black Californians make up about 28% of all prison populations despite only making up 6% of California’s total population; the current law is obviously rooted in Jim Crow-era tactics designed to disenfranchise Black voters. Parolees pay taxes and serve on juries; their disenfranchisement is taxation without representation. Parolees are allowed to vote in 14 other states; once again, California is behind the curve on this one, and it is time for us to get with the program. 

PROPOSITION 18: YES
Voting Rights for 17-Year-Olds: This is a constitutional amendment to allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections. 
 
This amendment corrects a minor loophole in the system. So many people in the US who are eligible to vote do not; we should not discourage eager voters who are on the cusp of turning 18 from voting in primaries. 
 
PROPOSITION 19: NO
Property Tax Breaks: The ballot measure would change the rules for tax assessment transfers. In California, eligible homeowners can transfer their tax assessments to a different home of the same or lesser market value, which allows them to move without paying higher taxes. Homeowners who are eligible for tax assessment transfers are persons over 55 years old, persons with severe disabilities, and victims of natural disasters and hazardous waste contamination.

After the overwhelming defeat of the eerily similar Prop 5 in 2018, this is the latest attempt by the Association of Realtors to line their pockets by providing property tax breaks for older homebuyers, incentivizing them to move and to buy more expensive properties. Realtor associations have contributed $36,270,000 in support of the proposition. While the measure’s goals of funding fire protection are laudable, these goals can and should be accomplished by more narrowly tailored means that do not create a tax loophole. Rubicon supports investment in our schools and local communities, but we do not believe that broadening tax loopholes is the answer. To recap, Proposition 19 widens the already-existing wealth gap, perpetuates the status quo, and rewards those who seek to “buy a law."

PROPOSITION 20: NO
Rollback on Criminal Justice Reforms: Prop 20 would roll back changes to California’s criminal sentencing laws approved over the past decade, including parts of Prop 57, which made inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies eligible for parole after serving just the term for their primary offense. It would authorize judges to impose felony charges on certain theft or fraud crimes currently chargeable only as misdemeanors. It would also restrict the number of inmates eligible for parole by adding drug, theft and other crimes to the list of violent crimes or sentence enhancements excluded from parole review. Lastly, the measure would require people convicted of drug, theft or domestic violence misdemeanors to submit to DNA collection for the state database.

These are draconian measures proposed, supported, and financed by retrograde politicians and police and sheriff associations, and fed to the public using the same scare tactic “tough on crime” rhetoric that led to the wave of harsh, unjust criminal sentencing laws of 1990s (e.g. Three Strikes). Why, at a time when California’s violent and property crimes rates are still at historic lows, are three police unions the top funders of Prop 20? More “criminals” and longer sentencing means increased unsubstantiated financial gain and power for the criminal justice system and purveyors of private prisons. This is dangerous and irresponsible. 

PROPOSITION 21: YES
Local Governments & Rent Control: Prop 21 allows cities and counties to implement rent control for certain residential properties over 15 years old. The initiative's official summary says it would grant exemptions from new rent control policies for individuals who own no more than two homes. The measure is meant to replace the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibited rent control for housing that was built after 1995 as well as for units such as single-family homes, town homes and condos. In addition, Prop 21 would limit rent in rent-controlled properties to increase up to 15 percent over a period of three years with the start of a new tenancy.

If you know anything about the Bay Area you know that increasingly high rents have forced families from their homes, devastated communities, and intensified poverty and homelessness. The measure would allow cities more autonomy in establishing measures on rent increases – it would not in itself create rent control laws. This welcome measure to roll back Costa-Hawkins would let cities put limits on rent increases to protect families who are one rent hike away from being driven out of their homes and neighborhoods. Prop 21 is a much-needed step to curb homelessness and slow gentrification.

PROPOSITION 22: NO
Rideshare & Delivery Drivers: Proposition 22 asks voters to classify drivers for ride-share and delivery companies as independent contractors, not employees. 
Don’t believe the hype! This slickly packaged proposition is a self-serving attempt by rideshare and delivery companies like Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash to further mistreat and underpay their drivers. By classifying drivers as contractors, these corporations will be freed up to carry out the human rights violations of their dreams. Pay less than minimum wage? Check. Deny unemployment benefits, overtime pay, and sick leave? Check, check, and check. AB 5, which Prop 22 is trying to repeal, guarantees paid family leave, paid sick days, and unemployment insurance—essential protections during a global pandemic—to those classified as gig employees. The sick thing is that ads for the proposition try to sell it as giving drivers the flexibility they want. Hey, Uber – flexibility and human decency aren’t mutually exclusive.  

While we are recommending voting against this proposition, some members of our Task Force have depended on gig driving as a source of income, and they brought a different perspective to the table. One committee member liked the flexibility that gig work allowed and wanted to ensure that would still be in place if workers were treated as employees. In addition, gig work is relatively easy to secure compared with other types of jobs, which is especially helpful to people who are facing barriers to employment.

PROPOSITION 25: YES
End Cash Bail: This is a referendum to overturn a 2018 law to replace California’s cash bail system with a new pretrial release system based on public safety and flight risk. The law, SB10, was put on hold after the referendum qualified for the ballot in early 2019. A “Yes” vote on Prop 25 would approve the law taking effect and end cash bail in California, while a “No” vote would keep the current cash bail system the way it is.

The cash bail system is fundamentally unjust—poor people awaiting trial are forced to stay in jail while people of means buy their way out, perpetuating the cycles of poverty and incarceration in disproportionately Black and Brown communities. The bail bond industry has a financial stake in people getting arrested, so a vote for this referendum is a vote against a parasitic business. At the same time, this proposition is far from perfect. We are concerned that the algorithmic assessment tools that will become the primary determinant of pretrial risk are inherently biased against Black and Brown people. With these concerns in mind, while we recommend a “Yes” vote on Prop 25, we urge the legislature to oversee and monitor the outcomes of using these tools and to act swiftly to correct any bias in the assessment process.

ALAMEDA COUNTY MEASURE W: YES
Measure W is an Alameda County-wide half percent general sales tax that will raise $150 million a year for 10 years. Measure W provides funding that Alameda County can use to:  
• Provide housing assistance, mental health resources, and substance use treatment for our most vulnerable residents.  
• Help people who are at risk of homelessness stay in their homes.  
• Increase hygiene and sanitation services.
• Support homeless veterans, seniors and families with services.  
• Increase employment opportunities through job training. 
• Shelter people experiencing homelessness to reduce COVID19 impacts. 
 
We recommend a Yes vote on this measure. At the same time, we want to ensure that the people who will be directly impacted have input in the decision-making process. 

Oakland, California, Police Oversight and Inspector General Charter Amendment: YES
This is an amendment to city charter 604 to strengthen the independence of the Oakland Police Commission by modifying the powers, duties, and staffing of the Oakland Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency, and creating an Office of Inspector General. A “Yes” vote supports changing the powers, duties, and staffing of the Oakland Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency and creating the Office of the Inspector General to review policies of the police commission and review agency. A “No” vote opposes changing the powers, duties, and staffing of the Oakland Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency creating the Office of the Inspector General to review policies of the police commission and review agency. 
 
Oakland’s history of police violence and this historic moment of reckoning make this amendment a resounding YES from us.  

Hayward Measures NN and OO: YES
 
NN - Transient Occupancy Tax 
 
OO - Would amend charter of City of Hayward to eliminate the requirement of being a qualified elector/registered voter to serve on City Council-appointed advisory commissions, and eliminate gender-based designations and titles and instead use neutral, gender-free designations and titles.
 
Contra Costa County Measure X: YES
This measure will raise an estimated $81 million annually through a 20-year, half½ percent sales tax to support severe insecurities in health, housing, food and other vital needs. Developed through the collaboration of local community-based organizations, hospital and healthcare affiliates, and labor unions, representing essential healthcare, fire and emergency professionals, advocates for interpersonal violence prevention and mental health, early childhood programming and other critical safety net services, the Contra Costa County Needs Assessment is the basis for this campaign. 

We support this measure, and once again, we would like to see the people who are directly affected have input and agency.  
 
Richmond Measure U: YES 

Analysis by City Finance Director: Measure U would amend the City’s business tax rate structure to authorize the City to tax businesses based on a range of .06% to 5.00% of gross receipts rather than based on the number of employees. Generally, the highest rates will be charged to businesses with the highest gross revenue, with exemptions for specific businesses and activities as identified in the ordinance. If the measure passes, it would provide an estimated $5.950 million annually in new revenue to the City, based on historical sales tax and rental property data. Staff projects that the City would incur software implementation costs as well as annual costs for additional staff support.  

We recommend a Yes vote on this measure to reduce the tax burden on small businesses, which are hardest hit by COVID. 

Vote for justice & equity in our communities!

At Rubicon, we are committed to helping our participants move out of poverty through success in building assets, increasing their income, being well, and building their network of professional and personal connections. We have studied the statewide ballot measures and adopted positions that support our participants' movement toward economic mobility and work to dismantle systemic forces that disproportionately impact communities of color. Our guide is grounded in Rubicon's values of hope, justice, and humility. 

We hope that you will consider our recommendations on the upcoming ballot measures. Let's move toward our vision of an East Bay without poverty.
 
Please consider our recommendations on the upcoming ballot measures. Register to vote before October 24 in Alameda & Contra Costa Counties. ​ Let’s move towards our vision of an East Bay without poverty.

Prop 57 - Vote Yes

Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act: Would increase sentencing credits for adult inmates, allow earlier parole for non-violent felons and let judges decide which juvenile offenders are tried as adults.

At Rubicon, we believe prison is not an effective or equitable way to increase public safety, especially as a response to non-violent offenses. We support getting more people out of the prison system and back to their families, where they can build the skills and connections needed to better their lives and be positive change agents in their communities. 

Prop 61- Vote Yes

State Prescription Drug Purchases. Pricing Standards. Initiative Statute: Would impose controls on state purchases of prescription drugs, establishing that prices can be no higher than what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays.

Wellness plays an integral part in being able to secure and retain employment, remain proactive in your life, engage in positive relationships and activities, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty. We support keeping prescription drug costs under control to ensure that people experiencing poverty can continue to improve and maintain their health and wellness.

Prop 62 - Vote Yes

Justice That Works: Death Penalty Abolition: Would do away with the nation's largest death row and substitute life sentences with no chance of parole for nearly 750 condemned inmates. A competing measure to speed up executions is also on the ballot. 

Rubicon is against the costly, dysfunctional, and racially biased death penalty system that disproportionately affect our communities. Mounting evidence indicates the death penalty convictions are often biased, and is applied unevenly to poor people and people of color. We unequivocally support abolishing the death penalty. 

Prop 63 - Vote Yes

Safety for All Act: Would tighten California’s already tough gun control laws by requiring background checks to buy ammunition, outlaw possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and streamline a program that allows authorities to seize firearms from owners who are no longer allowed to own them. NOTE: Increases the penalty for theft of a firearm to a Felony, regardless of whether $950 or under.

Many of the communities that we serve are disproportionately impacted by gun violence. We believe that tightening gun control laws will lead to less violence. There is growing evidence that demonstrates that states with strong gun control laws see fewer overall gun deaths.

Prop 64 - Vote Yes

Marijuana Legalization: Would allow adults 21 and over to buy an ounce of marijuana and marijuana-infused products at licensed retail outlets and also to grow up to six pot plants for personal recreational use. 

Rubicon supports the decriminalization of drug use. Historically, drug laws have disproportionately impacted people of color living in poverty. This proposition also reduces the sale of marijuana to a misdemeanor, and allows for destruction of records within two years for certain marijuana offenses. Individuals with prior marijuana sales or growing convictions would be eligible for re-sentencing, and those with completed sentences could apply to have their records expunged.

Prop 66 - Vote No

Shortening Death Penalty Appeals: Would accelerate appeals by inmates on death row to speed up executions. A competing measure to repeal the death penalty is also on the ballot. NOTE: If both 62 and 66 pass the one with the higher percentage of the vote will become law.

Rubicon does not support the death penalty. The potential of taking the life of an innocent person is unacceptable. Mounting evidence indicates that false convictions are frequent and disproportionately impact people of color.