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KCRW special election preview
You, and millions of your California neighbors, have a lot to think about on this year's ballot. And KCRW has your study guide. From the death penalty and bilingual education, to new, local taxes to house the homeless and build light rail lines, KCRW's Steve Chiotakis walks you through the biggest issues on a crowded ballot.
By Steve Chiotakis • • 57m ListenPhoto: DonkeyHokey
In this episode
10 storiesDeath Penalty: Speed it up or throw it out?
There are two, starkly different measures concerning capital punishment on Tuesday's ballot. Proposition 62 would repeal the death penalty, and make life without parole California's most severe sentence. Proposition 66 seeks to speed up the process, from conviction to execution.
Read the story6 minProposition HHH: New taxes to fund homeless housing
The latest tally by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found roughly 47,000 people live on the streets of LA County -- more than half, in the city of LA. Proposition HHH would raise L.A. city property taxes to fund housing and services for the homeless.
Read the story5 minBuild Better LA: How will LA grow up?
As rent prices continues to rise in LA, Measure JJJ , or the "Build Better LA" initiative, seeks to carve out some space for lower-income Angelenos. It would require so-called mega-developers to set aside as much as one-fifth of their new units for affordable housing. It would also require them to hire local, union labor to build these projects.
Read the story5 minMeasure M could drive LA transportation for the next 4 decades
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority's recent additions to its train network are proving to be popular, and Measure M would finance the next generation. It would raise an estimated $120 billion over the next 40 years to fund new light rail lines, freeway upgrades and bike paths, among other projects.
Read the story5 minUS Senate: Democrats Harris, Sanchez try to distinguish themselves
US Senator Barbara Boxer is retiring after serving in the upper house for more than two decades. Now two fellow Democrats are vying to replace her: California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez . What sets them apart?
Read the story5 minMeasure LV: Santa Monica, the epicenter of anti-development
Measure LV - or the LUVE initiative - is on the ballot in the city of Santa Monica. It seeks to curb high-rise development by requiring new buildings, exceeding two stories, to obtain voter approval before construction can begin (with a few exceptions). Proponents say Measure LV will reduce traffic and congestion.
Read the story4 minProposition 58: Should education always begin with English?
There are roughly 150,000 students enrolled in LAUSD schools that do not speak English as their first language. And some educators say current law is holding many of them back. Proposition 58 would repeal California's 1998 "English in Public Schools" initiative, and allow non-English languages to be used in public educational instruction.
Read the story7 minBig money flows into California ballot initiatives
Ballot initiatives are determined by California voters, but there is a huge amount of money being spent behind the scenes. Big Pharma, Big Tobacco and the plastic bag industry have spent millions of dollars this year on campaign ads seeking to influence votes. KCRW's Warren Olney follows the biggest spenders and what they support.
Read the story7 minProposition 64: Legal pot gets another shot
In many ways, California is a marijuana pioneer. It became the first state in the nation to legalize medical cannabis in 1996. In the years since, however, voter initiatives seeking to legalize recreational use have failed, including in 2010. Proposition 64 would make pot legal, and establish cultivation and sales taxes.
Read the story4 minBallot breakdown: the influence of passing propositions
There are 17 statewide propositions on the ballot this year and the topics are wide-ranging. Ammunition restrictions could strengthen California's already strict gun laws. A mandate for condoms could see the porn industry leave. Proposition 57 seeks to ease prison overcrowding by offering more options for early release.
Read the story6 min
