San Leandro Voter Guide: 2026 General Election

As your friendly neighborhood advocate and community organizer, I'm here again to bring you the only comprehensive election guide for San Leandro voters! This resource is to help you decide what to vote for (or against) along with the reasons and receipts. My choices are based on my decade plus career in federal, state, and local government, cross-referenced with other local election guides, listed below, and my own experience with many of the candidates and issues, as well as subject matter experts and local media.

This will be a long post, so buckle up! If you're strapped for time, you can find the tl;dr version just below. You can check out the details further down at your leisure. It starts with San Leandro races, then Alameda County races, local nonpartisan district offices and measures, followed by justices/judges with the courts, state offices, federal offices, and state propositions. Depending on where you live, some races may not be on your ballot or on this guide, especially if they are uncontested.

Also, please note that San Leandro recently passed Measure F, which amended the city charter to comply with the California Voting Rights Act. This means all district-based city offfices are voted on by only the members of that district. However, due to some shenangians at the Alameda County ROV and/or our own City Hall, our ballots were not printed with those changes.

BUT YOUR BALLOT IS STILL VALID! Please complete your ballot to the best of your ability for all those races which you are eligible to vote for. If you accidentally voted for a candidate outside of your local district, the ROV will discount that vote but still count the rest of your ballot. You can check on the status of your ballot after it's dropped off by signing up at Ballot Trax and/or contacting the Registrar's Office at (510) 272-6973. 

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City of San Leandro

Mayor: James Maes

City Council, District 1: Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton

City Council, District 2: James Aguilar, with reluctance

City Council, District 3: Lee Thomas

City Council District 5: Xouhoa Bowen

Local Nonpartisan Offices

Oro Loma Sanitary District Director, District 1: Tiare Peña
Oro Loma Sanitary District Director, District 3: Benny Lee

Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 2: Linda Granger

AC Transit District Director, Ward 5: Murphy McCalley

BART Director, District 4: Robert Raburn, with reluctance

East Bay Municipal Utility District, Ward No. 7: Gary Wolff

District Measure

Regional Transit Measure (RTM): Yes

Judicial Offices

Associate & Presiding Justices, Court of Appeal, First District: Yes, retain all

Associate Justices, Supreme Court of California: Yes, retain both

State Offices

State Assembly, 20th District: Liz Ortega

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Richard Barrera

State Board of Equalization, 2nd District: Sally Lieber

Insurance Commissioner: Jane Kim

Treasurer: Eleni Kounalakis, with reluctance

Controller: Malia M. Cohen

Secretary of State: Shirley N. Weber
Attorney General: Rob Bonta

Lieutenant Governor: Fiona Ma, with reluctance
Governor: Xavier Becerra

Federal Offices

U.S. Representative, 12th District: Lateefah Simon

State Propositions

Prop 1: Yes

Prop 2: Yes

Prop 3: Yes!

Prop 4: Yes

Prop 5: Yes

Prop 37: Meh...

Prop 38: Meh...

Prop 39: No!

Prop 40: Yes!

Prop 41: No!

Prop 42: No!

Prop 43: No!

Prop 44: No

Prop 45: No

I reviewed the CalMatters Voter Guide, Ballotpedia, and the official Alameda County Registrar of Voters election website to help compile this guide. I also considered individual guides like the Alameda County Progressive Voters Guide, KQED, the San Francisco League of Pissed Off Voters, and Bay Rising Action. Lastly, in the detailed sections, you can find links to individual claims and/or context that I considered too. (To reduce duplicates, some receipts covering multiple claims were not linked after the first time.) A reference for the local races is also available as a shareable picture in the post!

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For Mayor of the City of San Leandro: James Maes

I've probably investigated and written more extensively about our current mayor, Juan Gonzalez, than anyone else. Based on my findings, I can say without a doubt that Gonzalez is one of the most incompetent and corrupt mayors we've ever had. He attempted to commit campaign finance fraud during his first campaign. He advocated for building AI data centers in our community and then tried to pretend he never did when public pressure mounted against him. He pushed through a $700k+ contract that no one has seen for an AI technology created by Trump regime stooges that will be used by our police department for years. He said on the record that he thinks there's no misogyny in City Hall despite a $600k+ report showing that there was. He opposed affordable housing and the creation of a community police review board, only to then take credit for them when they were passed. He has a massive conflict of interest in trying to use city funds on Lake Chabot Road for the convenience of himself and his donors at the expense of every other city road falling into disrepair. He evicted a mom with a special needs child during the pandemic and then harassed her for telling people about it. He spent his time, not introducing critical legislation, but consolidating power to agendize items and stop other City Councilmembers from introducing legislation. Under his leadership, the city has had more scandals and lawsuits and dysfunction than ever before while, at the same time time, facing a budget shortfall that has cut services for libraries, shelters, mental health, development, and infrastructure.

But this isn't just about voting against Gonzalez. It's about voting for something better! James Maes has committed to standing up against misogyny and sexual harassment. He wants to bring his experience as an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies to fix our roads, as well as tackle critical infrastructure and community development. He's been a volunteer with the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED), served as a city commissioner, and coached SLHS students, among other accomplishments. At a time when the city is facing so many challenges, it's time we elected someone who knows how to repair things and build them even better than before.

Vote Maes.

For San Leandro City Council, District 1: Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton

Councilmember Viveros-Walton is running unopposed, but a vote for or against can still send a message. She actually represents my district and, generally, I've been pleased with her performance. I have a few quibbles about her potential positions on the issue of Lake Chabot Road and challenges with getting in contact. But overall I deeply appreciate the way she centers morals and ethics in every decision, from rejecting AI expansion to supporting affordable housing, and even calling out misconduct, no matter where she finds it. Vote Viveros-Walton.

For San Leandro City Council, District 2: James Aguilar, with reluctance

Councilmember (James) Aguilar is also running unopposed, but again, a vote for or against can still send a message. Aguilar replaced former Councilmember Bryan Azevedo, who resigned in disgrace and left the state after being revealed as a common crook. Aguilar holds the distinction as one of the youngest elected officials in California history, from his time on the SLUSD school board. However, I've been recently disappointed in his lack of initiative and poor judgement, from failing to introduce any major legislation to his support of using AI technology in SLPD. If you vote in this race, choose write-in to help him hear that he needs to do better.

For San Leandro City Council, District 3: Lee Thomas

This is the only contested City Council race in San Leandro, pitting former District 3 Councilmember and nonprofit executive director, Lee Thomas, against Community Police Review Board commissioner and chief plant operator, Joseph Trujillo. Unfortunately, this race has devolved due to mutual disgust between Thomas' and Trujillo's supporters, with a lot of mud-slinging by campaign surrogates that hasn't been reined in by either candidate as far as I've seen. Which is a shame, because both candidates are well-qualified with equally interesting and different backgrounds.

I consider Thomas a friend, even when we disagree on policies. He's supported legislation to protect public health, at great cost, and has experience with budgeting and business development. He was even instrumental in helping a bill get passed to allow California residents to start their own business as home cooks. But he is a bit conservative when it comes to housing and law enforcement, though has come around on the CPRB. Due to his experiences as a Black homeowner in our former sundown town, he's often had to endurse racism and harassment, often to a ridiculous degree. At the same time, I don't approve of some of the fights he's picked with political opponents, especially the infamous "brawl" at the main library some years ago.

I'm not as close with Trujillo, but I greatly appreciate his work on the CPRB to keep SLPD transparent and accountable. I also like that he has a well-rounded background in community service inside and outside San Leandro to compliment his industrial career. But he is still less experienced. He also originally wasn't intending to run for City Council and allegedly, only changed his mind after several Bryan Azevedo (and current D3 incumbent, Victor Aguilar) supporters convinced him to do so because they disliked Thomas so much. I worry he could end up being used as a proverbial "yes man," just like Azevedo was, rather than a true leader.

Ultimately, I give the edge to Thomas based on his greater experience, willingness to both change his mind and stick to his values, as well as his proven track record of legislative and program achievements, from getting shoe fundraisers for local students to licensing for home cooks and bans on flavored tobacco products that target teens. Vote Thomas.

For San Leandro City Council, District 5: Xouhoa Bowen

Councilmember Bowen is also running unopposed, but a vote for or against can still send a message. While she doesn't represent my district, I consider her a close acquaintance and have been a supporter of hers since she was running Community Impact Lab to help new parents, especially during the pandemic. She's been a strong supporter of affordable housing, protecting public health, and better fiscal management. She's also regularly praised for being one of the most prepared Councilmembers, coming to almost every major meeting with an innovative idea or insightful inquiry.

I do disagree with her recent reluctant vote for using AI technology in SLPD, though she did try to make a friendly-amendment to remove the AI-component. I just wish she hadn't still voted for it when that failed. I also worry about her closeness to very troubling San Leandro figures, like former District 6 Councilmember Pete Ballew.

Notably, Bowen was the victim of not just sexual assault at a National League of Cities event as part of her work for San Leandro, but she was also the target of a smear campaign by a couple of her fellow Councilmembers, Fred Simon in District 4 and Victor Aguilar in District 3. A damning report was released last year outlining the scandal. Both Simon and Aguilar were censured for their misconduct in part, specifically for their misbehavior towards former City Manager, Fran Robustelli. Yet, Bowen exhibited a rare kind of resilience and has continued to work hard on behalf of her district and the city as a whole. Vote Bowen.

For Oro Loma Sanitary District Director, District 3: Benny Lee

The other Oro Loma Sanitary District serving parts of San Leandro is District 3 and has been recently represented by incumbent San Leandro City Councilmember, District 4, Fred Simon. However, Simon's documented misconduct towards fellow Councilmember Xouhoa Bowen as well as former City Manager Fran Robustelli, even if not intentional, is disqualifying. I believe that, for the near future at least, he should resign all of his offices and take some time to reconcile his recent failures.

Coincidentally, his opponent, Benny Lee is the former San Leandro City Councilmember for District 4 and also currently a vice president for the board at Oro Loma! Lee has significant experience in both public and private sector technology development. I've consulted with him on many different local topics, from voting to finance to housing to broadband. I can say from personal experience that, when it comes to complex municipal issues, Lee is very good at identifying problems and coming up with solutions. Vote Lee.

For Oro Loma Sanitary District Director, District 1: Tiare Peña

The Oro Loma Sanitary District is a special local government agency that provides wastewater collection and treatment, as well as solid waste and recycling services. District 1 covers parts of San Leandro and is currently represented by former San Leandro Mayor Shelia Young, who is also president of the Oro Loma board. While Young has a lot of political and business experience, she's also over 80 years old! Respectfully, I'm not a fan of a gerontocracy, given what we've seen how it negatively affects government at the federal level. (I.e. Biden, Trump, Feinstein, McConnell, Grassley, Pelosi, Clyburn, Bernie, etc. I think Young should been stepping down to let in some new faces and new blood.

Fortunately, Tiare Peña is challenging her for the seat. Peña has served as a commissioner here in San Leandro for years, in addition to over 30 years of civil service with San Mateo County as a land use planner. While I've not had the chance to see her up close myself, she comes highly recommended by smart people I have spent years working with on local politics. More importantly, she has promised not to be a rubber stamp, empty suit, or chair filler when it comes to improving services for residents serviced by Oro Loma. Vote Peña.

For Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Trustee, Area 2: Linda Granger

The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) is a public community college district that provides educational opportunities for tens of thousands of students at Chabot College in Hayward and Las Positas College in Livermore. The Area 2 trustee covers parts of San Leandro.

Now, based on your ballot, you wouldn't realize that Linda Granger is actually the incumbent for this office! She's a longtime San Leandro resident, graduating from SLHS, and has spent most of her career involved with San Leandro public schools. There's not a lot of independent information about her accomplishments with CLPCCD, but from what I could see in meeting minutes, she's been an active and collaborative trustee.

Her challenger is Cindy Rocha, who currently serves on the SLUSD Board of Trustees for Area 3. Now I have heard quite a lot about Rocha since she first joined the board in 2024, and none of it has been good. Parents have complained in private Facebook groups about her dismissive and condescending comments. Rocha has allegedly engaged in discrimination to special needs students. Based on my own experience, Rocha has mostly been an empty suit, acting with little urgency or concern for educational disparities for Black and Brown students in the district.

Rocha hasn't even done a good job in her current elected office. Let's not subject CLPCCD to that too. Vote Granger.

For AC Transit District Director, Ward 5: Murphy McCalley

This low-level race is a choice between the incumbent, McCalley, and two Republican extremists, Reynoso and Grcar, who run for as many offices as possible in the hopes they might win by accident. AC Transit provides critical public transportation, which includes a bunch of different bus lines through San Leandor that connect us to BART and other East Bay cities. Let's keep someone sane in charge of our ward. Vote McCalley.

For BART Director, District 4: Robert Raburn, reluctantly

This is another race between the incumbent, Raburn, and crazy GOP frequent filer, Reynoso. Raburn has been a BART director for over over a decade and hasn't really accomplished much considering the state of things. (See the RTM item below.) But, again, this is about ensuring that we at least have a sane person representing our district. Vote Raburn with reluctance.

For East Bay Municipal Utility District, Ward No. 7: Gary Wolff

What would normally be a low-level race has, unfortunately, become a bit disappointing. EBMUD Ward 7 incumbent, April Chan, was found to have engaged in misconduct last year that was arguably racist in nature. For her part, she's been unapologetic and defiant. I believe her continued behavior is disqualifying. At the same time, Reynoso and Grcar are running in this race too. As such, the only choice left for competent and scandal-free representation is water resources engineer, Gary Wolff.

For Regional Transit Measure (RTM): Yes

If you've been following the news, then you may have heard that Bay Area public transportation, especially BART, is in crisis. This measure would basically increase sales taxes for over a decade to bailout AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, MUNI, and other local transit agencies, as well as fund a few other related infrastructure improvements. Understandably, many people are pissed about the idea of raising sales taxes in one arguably the most expensive region in the US. Particularly given the mismanagement at BART and other transit agencies, including inappropriate levels of pay for executives given failing performance.

However, not passing RTM would only exacerbate everything the opponents hate: worse public transit service, more traffic, increased costs of living, and even an economic downturn. It would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face, throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and eating a muffin of broken glass instead of stale bread. If RTM doesn't pass, BART will immediately start collapsing services. AC Transit will do the same. Other agencies will need to go into a similar criss mode. It's unlikely that public transit would be able to recover any time soon, impacting tens to hundreds of thousands of Bay Area residents who would be shifted to driving cars on increasingly poor roads already packed full.

Notably, RTM actually has good provisions to require proper management of the funds and guidance from the state and regional partners that will help our public transit agencies become functional again. And even improve their services!

I get the frustration with these agencies and the feeling that life's expensive enough here as it is. But don't let anyone convince you that the solution is to just let things fall apart even more. We can and should fix this. Vote yes on RTM.

To Retain Associate & Presiding Justices, Court of Appeal, First District: Yes for all

I know this may seem confusing, but under the California Constitution, justices for our Courts of Appeal are required to go through retention elections at regular intervals. That's why there's a bunch of them on the ballot and the question is just "yes or no." The nuances and details of each individual justice are somewhat lengthy and mostly boring unless you're a real insider when it comes to the California judicial branch. But based on my experience working in the state's judicial branch, I can confidently say that all of these justices are good enough at their jobs that they should continue to serve in those roles (robes?). Vote yes for all.

To Retain Associate Justices, Supreme Court of California: Yes for both

Again, the California Constitution requires all justices for our state's Supreme Court to go through retention elections. And again, based on my experience working in the state's judicial branch, I can confidently say that Groban and Evans are more than good enough at their jobs that they should continue to serve. Vote yes for both.

For California State Assembly, 20th District: Liz Ortega

From my write-up in the primary: if you live in San Leandro, chances are you know about Liz Ortega, whose effectively represented us in Sacramento for years. Her voting record speaks for itself, with support for workers and families, as well as key initiatives for regulating AI, keeping ICE out of our communities, and expanding healthcare access. Her Republican opponent, Patricia Muga, is a real estate appraiser who ran for two offices at the same time. She doesn't actually have any experience, but her campaign website reads like a social media troll fever dream. Let's stick with the best person for the job that is already doing the damn thing. Vote Ortega.

For California State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Richard Barrera

I stand by what I said in the primary: I'm choosing Richard Barrera. Unlike with so many other districts during and after the pandemic, his in San Diego was able to continue paying teachers a living wage while growing programs for students and pushing back against disparities in education (especially for BIPOC kids). That he did this in relatively conservative San Diego while also consulting around the state with other education advocates is a testament to his ability to walk and chew gum at the same time. I believe he'll do a great job at improving California's public school standing. Vote Barrera.

For California State Board of Equalization, 2nd District: Sally Lieber

From my write-up in the primary: the state's Board of Equalization collects tax, and is the only publicly-elected tax commission in the country. They can hold corporations accountable by ensuring they pay their taxes. Lieber is the incumbent whose been doing a bang up job over the past four years, protecting the integrity of voter-approved funds for housing and tax credits for businesses investing in California's future. Conversely, her opponent, John Pimentel, actually describes himself as a "moderate, business-oriented Democrat," which seems to be politcal-speak for a tired centrist who won't good trouble to help Californians. Vote Lieber.

For California State Insurance Commissioner: Jane Kim

I stand by my write-up during the primary and even at the risk of offending many of my fellow policy wonks in the public sector when I say that Jane Kim is the best option. The Insurance Commissioner regulates the nation’s largest property and casualty insurance market, approves premium rate increases, and regulates life, health, and workers’ comp insurance. Homeowners insurance is also entwined with real estate and mortgage lending. In California, we've seen insurers gutting consumers on premiums while denying claims, even threatening and actually fleeing the state in response to regulation and/or oversight of fraudulent denials. The system has been messed up for years and is only getting worse.

Outsider Jane Kim is the right choice for this moment. With respect to the well-qualified Ben Allen, who I'm sure would be technically great at the job, California needs someone who is going to provide vision and leadership that can overhaul our broken insurance system. We need someone who is committed to affordability over profiteering, transparency over ambiguity, and willing to create a public option for consumers to get adequate insurance coverage. We have enough subject matter experts at the California Department of Insurance. What we need is someone who can run turn that into transformative change for consumers. Vote Kim.

For California State Treasurer: Eleni Kounalakis, with reluctance

I can safely say that I loathe Eleni Kounalakis, who has only continued to coast through California politics on the basis of her family's fortunte. Yet, her Republican opponent, Jennifer Hawks, wants to let homeless people die on the street, stop funding any kind of animal conservation, and permanently end any chance at high speed rail. She also supports voter suppression. So, in the name of harm reduction, I'm hold my proverbial and actual nose to vote Kounalakis with extreme reluctance.

For California State Controller: Malia M. Cohen

I reiterate what I said in the primary: California’s controller serves as the state’s chief accountant, overseeing spending and in charge of auditing the state’s finances, as well as paying government employees. With respect to some of the progressives I know, the incumbent Malia Cohen is my choice. This isn't the kind of a job for a Republican stooge. Based on my experience working in state government, I have been happy with Cohen's work keeping the trains running on time in a position that really needs it. True, she could be doing more to fulfill her campaign promises and be more proactive in program outcomes, like returning unclaimed money. But her opponents would be far less competent. Vote Cohen.

For California Secretary of State: Shirley N. Weber

I reiterate what I said in the primary: Weber has been a staunch defender of voting rights for years, providing universal vote-by-mail, helping to enfranchise tens of thousands of formerly incarcerated people, as well as stopping Republican party attempts to purge voters and their votes. Weber has even stood up against her fellow Dems when she refused to let Newsom break the rules during the gubernatorial recall, got sued for it, and the won because of her integrity! Her opponent, Orange County Republican Don Wagner, wants to undo all of those accomplishments. Vote Weber.

For California Attorney General: Rob Bonta

In the primary, I was comfortable with Bonta's margins to register a small protest against how he failed to seek justice for high-profile Bay Area tragedies caused by police brutality. But in the general? Against another scandal-ridden Republican who opposes affordable housing and wants to see law enforcement become even more brutal? I'm choosing the guy who has protected over $200 million in state funding, filed dozens of successful lawsuits against the Trump regime, and worked to safeguard our state against reckless AI companies, not to mention major busts from medical fraud. Vote Bonta.

For California Lieutenant Governor: Fiona Ma, with reluctance

Sadly, my primary pick, Michael Tubbs, didn't make it through. While Fiona Ma is problematic at best, her Republican opponent, Gloria Romero, is objectively worse. Romero switched parties because she hates "wokeness" (whatever that means to her) and trans people existing. She also doesn't believe in climate change and wants to stop universities from allegedly turning people into liberals. Vote Ma for basic harm reduction with a ton of reluctance.

For California Governor: Xavier Becerra

While Tom Steyer didn't make it through the primary, at least we didn't end up with two Republicans vying off for the gubernatorial race. Just Xavier Becerra versus Steve Hilton. On the merits, Becerra is a standard Democrat, which is to say he's status quo. Meanwhile, Hilton is an moderate Republican, which is to say he's still weird and incredibly crazy. Vote Becerra for harm reduction and preserving some semblance of government. 

For United States House of Representatives, 12th District: Lateefah Simon

This is an interesting race because the incumbent, Lateefah Simon, is being challenged from the left by Jamie Joyce. I'll be honest, Simon has been a great rep in a dysfunctional Congress controlled by the Trump regime and never forgets to deliver for her district. Recently, she secured over $1 million for San Leandro to help fix up our infamously dilapidated shoreline. In fact, she's secured over $11.2 million for East Bay projects.

Conversely, her opponent, Jamie Joyce, got caught in an argument on social media over a controversial take about Simon's alleged support from pro-Israel groups. I actually got the chance to speak with Joyce at length about the issue. While she came off as sincere and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to technology and AI, I just didn't see anything to support how she would be more qualified and/or effective than Simon. I also didn't find her take about pro-Israel support for Simon to be very credible, even despite her past experience with the Jewish community, especially in the current climate of increasing antisemitism that is often laundered through antizionism, which any ally of Jews should be more sensitive to. I also couldn't substantiate any of her claims about Simon's support from pro-Israel groups or other vague claims that Simon didn't actually do any real work to secure those federal funds for the district. But I think if Joyce can move past some of these early missteps, she might be able to secure a future in local politics given her nonprofit savvy and passion for innovation.

Regardless, in my opinion, Simon has been solid in Congress on every issue while delivering results for her constituents. Vote Simon.

Prop 1: Yes

A bond for $11.25 million to create more affordable housing? Obviously we should do this.

Prop 2: Yes

Raise the limits on the state's rainy day fund? To better protect us from economic downturns so that we don't have to cut more services? Again, obviously yes.

Prop 3: Yes!

Make the tax that high earners already pay permanent? It pays for education and healthcare? Seems like we should vote yes.

Prop 4: Yes

Allow publicly funded elections and campaigns? Helps prevent big dark money from influencing our politics? Empowers regular folks? Vote yes.

Prop 5: Yes

Make recall elections less confusing? We only vote on one thing at a time in a recall? Sounds like a yes.

Prop 37: Meh...

Creates an up to $25 million program to help first time homebuyers. But doesn't actually do all that much to relieve our housing problems and most of the benefits go to mortgage companies and developers instead of regular folks. Yes or no, it's a meh.

Prop 38: Meh...

Borrows $8.4 billion for medical research, such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other major illnesses. However, most of the money goes to the prop's billionaire author's favorite institution and it's not clear if there will be any benefit. Yes or no, it's a meh. 

Prop 39: No!

A voter suppression law? They want to force everyone to present an ID to vote? Even though you already provide ID to register to vote? And they don't care that it will make it harder for people to vote? And they don't even care that there's no evidence of voter fraud to begin with? Hell no.

Prop 40: Yes!

A tax on billionaires to fund healthcare? It's only a one time tax, but it also helps education and food assistance. Instead of billionaires using all of their money to game the system, we could use a tiny fraction of  their money to help the people who make their wealth possible. This is a yes.

Prop 41: No!

A deceptive law to nullify prop 40? Funded by the billionaires who don't want to pay their fair share? Nope!

Prop 42: No!

Another deceptive law to nullify prop 40? Funded by the billionaires who don't want to pay their fair share? No!

Prop 43: No!

They want to make it harder for people to raise revenue for services? By making it harder to pass any laws doing so? And even the author of the proposition opposes it? And they only put it on the ballot to stop a bunch of Republica extremists from trying to put something worse on the ballot? It's a no from me.

Prop 44: No

Make it even harder for community clinics to help people? By making those already struggling clinics go broke? By imposing insane requirements on their budgets? While they're already dealing with other insane requirements from the Trump regime?Absolutely not.

Prop 45: No

Speeds up the environmental review process for development under CEQA. (California Environmental Quality Act.) CEQA is often misused and abused to stop good community development, but this isn't the way to fix that. It doesn't even necessarily speed up the things we actually want to build, like housing or high speed rail. No.

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Well, that's it for my voter guide for the 2026 general election! I hope y'all find it useful, but please take it only as my 2¢. Ultimately, I just hope everyone votes, because our democracy works best when everyone participates.

*Standard caveats: I have not received in fact or in promise any money from any candidate. I have not received in fact or in promise a vote for a specific interest that would benefit me financially or professionally. I have no financial interest, such as a business or investment, that would directly profit from any of the ballot propositions or measures. While these represent my votes for the 2026 general election, my support is not uncritical or unconditional. I reserve the right to modify and/or withdraw it at any time for any reason with or without notice, based on any information or based on no information. Further, the reasons given for my votes are not meant to be comprehensive and I do not guarantee their accuracy beyond that I believe they are true to the best of my knowledge at the time they were written. Lastly, my opinion is solely my own and should not be misconstrued as the position of any of my employers, nor should it be misconstrued as the position of any group I am/was affiliated with, except to the extent that we share similar goals or values for our society.*

Take note and take care.