VOTERS TO WEIGH AN ARRAY OF LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES

By Miriam Raftery

September 7, 2014 (San Diego) – Eighteen local initiatives will appear on ballots in San Diego County, on issues ranging from school bond for funding schools to measures that would legalize medical marijuana dispensaries.

La Mesa voters will be asked whether the city should allow and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, as well as whether to impose term limits for council members and the mayor, and whether ot make the city clerk an appointed position instead of elected by voters.

Julian voters will be asked to approve a new benefit fee for emergency medical response and firefighting in the Julian Cuyamaca Fire District, which has opted to remain independent from the County Fire Authority.

Escondido residents will vote on whether Escondido should become a charter city and on an initiative to adopt the Lakes Specific plan.

National City wants voters to increase sales tax by a penny for 20 years to fund police, firefighting, graffiti removal, senior and youth services, road repairs and more.

Chula Vista voters will vote on whether to require competitive bidding on major contracts.  Another Chula Vista initiative would end run-off elections to fill council vacancies if a candidate receives over 50 percent of votes.

Encinitas voters will consider whether to authorize and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries.

Rincon Ranch Community Services District will vote on a tax for road repairs and resurfacing.

Voters will weigh school bonds in several districts.

Cajon Valley Union School District wants a $20 million bond to increase student access to computers and improve technology. 

Lakeside Union School District seeks a $31 million bond to modernize classroom, build science labs, and increase student access to computers.

Lemon Grove School District is asking voters for $10 million to  fix or replace leaking roofs, modernize facilities, build more classrooms, and increase student access to computers.

Ramona Unified School District is asking for $40 million in bond funds for modernizing classrooms and restrooms, fixing or replacing roofs, electrical and plumbing systems, and more.

Escondido Union School District seeks a whopping $182 million in bonds for repair or replacement of classrooms, improved security, and technology upgrades from classrooms to libraries and science labs.

National School District wants $26.1 million to rebuild aging classrooms and facilities, meet access requirements for the disabled, improve technology and upgrade heating and air conditionoing.

Vallecitos School District wants voters to fund $2 million in bonds for improving its educational facilities and technology, also making health and safety improvements.