Editor’s note: This is the first of seven issue-focused voter’s guides based on data from the City College Community Agenda. Check back often for the rest of the guides and the latest election-related news and information here.
Living in Imperial Beach, San Diego City College student Alina Ramirez, 40, feels the effects of environmental degradation in the Tijuana River firsthand.
“We have an issue with the smell, and I see the (candidates) that are working, talking when they have the elections,” the small business management major told City Times Media in August. “‘Oh, we do this or this,’ but you’re not fixing the problem. People were getting sick.”
Climate change and the environment are at the forefront of many voters’ minds this election season, with 51% of respondents to the City College Community Agenda survey listing it as one of their priorities, according to Oct. 1 data.
The City College Community Agenda compiles the responses to a survey completed by students, faculty, staff, and community members. It is designed to identify issues and elicit questions that City Times Media reporters use to engage political candidates and focus their election reporting.
Based on the agenda data, the community’s concerns about the environment are not reflected on the California ballot. City Times Media found only one state proposition, Proposition 4, directly tackles threats to the environment.
Specific issues brought up in the survey, such as the pollution caused by sewage in the Tijuana River, do not appear on the ballot.
Below is the City Times Media voter’s guide for those concerned about climate and the environment.
State Propositions
Proposition 4
This proposition seeks approval to issue $10 billion dollars in general obligation bonds. The funds will be allocated toward water infrastructure improvements, wildfire prevention measures, and the protection of communities and natural lands. The proposition also requires annual audits to ensure accountability in spending. — Ballotpedia
- Proposition 4 – Authorizes Bonds for Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, and Protecting Communities and Natural Lands from Climate Risks. Legislative Statute – California SOS
- Ballotpedia: California Proposition 4, Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond Measure (2024)
Fiscal Impacts:
If passed, the state will incur $400 million annually for 40 years to repay the bond increasing state costs — California Official Voter Information Guide
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