• Listen to the program

Today we spend the hour on all 12 propositions on California’s ballot. With so much attention being paid to the presidential race, many of us have not had time to think about which propositions to vote yes or no on. So settle in and grab something to write with so that you can figure out what position to take on the variety of issues at stake.

GUESTS: Frank Russo, publisher of the California Progress Report, Judy Dugan Research Director with Consumer Watchdog, Jane Garrison, Volunteer Coordinator of the Yes on 2 campaigns in LA and OC, Geri Silva, Executive Director of Families to Amend California’s Three Strikes, and Esperanza Martinez, organizer with the Bus Riders Union.

Below is a summary of our guests’ positions on the ballot propositions:

Proposition 1A – provides for a bond issue of $9.95 billion to establish high-speed train service. The Labor Community Strategy Center says Vote No, Consumer Watchdog says Vote Yes on Prop 1a.

Proposition 2 – standards for confining farm animals. Yes.

Proposition 3 – authorizes $980 million in general obligation bonds to fund construction and financing of children’s hospitals. California Progress Report’s Frank Russo says to Vote No because the funding would go to private hospitals among other things.

Proposition 4 – would change the California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor’s parent or legal guardian. No.

Proposition 5 – would expand treatment programs for persons convicted of drug and other offenses, and changes sentencing and parole policies. Yes.

Proposition 6 – would require minimum annual funding for police and law enforcement, and amend laws and penalties for certain gang, methamphetamine, and car-theft crimes. No.

Proposition 7 – requires utilities to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010. Most of California’s Environmental organizations say Vote No on Prop 7.

Proposition 8 – changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. No.

Proposition 9 – requires victims families an opportunity for input during phases of the criminal justice process. No.

Proposition 10 – provides for $5 billion in general obligation bonds for the purchase and development of renewable energy resources. No.

Proposition 11 – changes authority for establishing Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization district boundaries from elected representatives to a 14 member commission. California Progress Report’s Frank Russo says California’s redistricting is a mess that needs fixing but this proposition may or may not fix it.

Proposition 12 – provides for a bond issue of $900 million to provide loans to California veterans to purchase farms and homes. Yes.