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April's Ballot
Here it is! (Well, not yet, but SOON...)

Hello, hello, and welcome! The candidates and propositions below show how I
marked my March 2024 ballot.

I expect to post my November 2024 ballot by October 1, 2024, fingers crossed.
(If you’re on my email list, you’ll get a notification when it’s ready for prime
time. If you’re not yet on it, Send an email here (note there are 2 Ts in this
rabbit): rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com. Your subject line: ADD ME

The information is based on my research and that of my many smart friends.

The Resources section at the bottom of this page is full of links to websites
that offer lots more information to help you decide the best candidate for each
office, and how the heck to vote on the propositions. 

I’m updating those resources right now. Some links are broken, but all links
will be energized on October 1st. (And I know that some of you will let me know
if a link is still wonky. Thanks in advance.)

As the past reminds us, we can’t take this election for granted. So, as
KidLitForKamala suggests:

 * Get involved with the campaign/your local government to the extent that you
   can

 * Help turn out the vote, particularly with young people. When we vote, we win,
   and this is especially true with our young people.

 * Know a college student headed back to class soon? Check in with them. Make
   sure they’re registered. Make sure they have a voting plan (and an absentee
   ballot if they need one).

So, let’s lace up our marching shoes, choose how we’re going to make a
difference, and breathe in the joy!

~ April

Hi there, Manhattan Beach and other voters ~ welcome to another Great Election
Adventure!

This election is daunting… so many issues, so many candidates…so many freaking
judges!

Please vote. If you don’t know, make an educated guess.  California needs you,
America needs you.
Don’t hand your vote to the other side by not voting.

Like a frog in slowly boiling water, our rights are being stripped away.

Do you really want someone else to vote on your behalf? Your voice matters.

If you’re not from Manhattan Beach, check out the terrific voting resources
below for recommendations in your community.

Note: I generally don’t comment on candidates or issues unless they are on my
own ballot.

If you live in Los Angeles county, make a plan to vote here.

 * Not registered? We’re lucky: California offers Same Day Voter Registration at
   the Polls
 * If you’re mailing it, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election
   Day.
 * Need a replacement ballot? I never got mine for the June primary. If this
   happens to you, go here or call 800-815-2666. To my surprise, my ballot
   arrived by mail VERY quickly.

Get my political emails (I send specific, easy actions and a dollop of Hope–and
do my best not to clutter your inbox).
Send me an email: rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com. Your subject line: ADD ME

Questions about California elections?


Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Elections But Were Afraid to Ask 


NATIONAL CANDIDATES

OfficeCandidate NameNotes President of the United StatesKamala Harris

U.S. Senator – Full term

Katie Porter

Initially, I intended to vote (twice) for Adam Schiff, who I followed in the
1st impeachment trial. Adam also impressed me when he spoke at a Beach Cities
Democrats gathering in September.

But I also was excited by Katie Porter, and contributed to her campaign. Then,
one of my very smart friends sent me the following from northern California
activist Debbie Mytels, whose reasoning clarified this race for me:

Debbie Mytels writes:
“US Senate — Like all of our CA elections now, this is a “Top Two” race in which
the two candidates who get the most votes will go into a run-off in November. 
That adds a wrinkle in this race, because there are three Dems (Barbara
Lee, Katie Porter, & Adam Schiff) and one Republican (former LA Dodger Steve
Garvey).

While I doubt that any of the people I know will be voting for Steve Garvey, his
candidacy presents a problem, because as the lone Republican, Garvey COULD come
in “second” — and while it’s not likely he would win in November, it would also
mean that we won’t have a full and robust debate among the “top two” Democrats
(whom I assume will otherwise be Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, based upon
current polling and campaign funds collected.)   While I think Barbara Lee is a
terrific person and admire her sole vote against the disastrous Iraq War back in
2001, she does not have the financial backing to run for this highly competitive
seat.

Porter and Schiff, on the other hand, represent starkly different perspectives:
 progressive vs. “middle-of-the-road” Democrat. Porter is not accepting any
corporate contributions to her campaign, and as a former UC Irvine economcs
professor, she’s become famous for writing questions on a whiteboard during
Congressional hearings about economic issues.  For example, during a hearing
with Jamie Dimond, CEO  of Chase Bank, Congressmember Porter wrote his salary
with a Sharpie on her whiteboard, holding it up for all the cameras to see — and
comparing it to the wages of a typical Chase worker.

Porter’s pointed questioning has helped many people to see the difficulties our
country faces because of our extreme income inequality.  Schiff, on the other
hand, is unapologetic about the big war chest he has accumulated for his
campaign.  While Schiff has been a leader in former Pres. Trump’s impeachment
hearings, this has not required much courage by the Congressman from a safe Dem.
district in L.A. who has been ambitiously eyeing Feinstein’s seat for a while.
 Porter is a young, dynamic and SMART woman, and I think she would be a great
new Senator.  I’ve been donating to her campaign hoping she can get enough votes
to win the # 2 spot so she can have a one-on-one debate with Schiff.  Schiff,
meanwhile, has strategically been running TV ads that loudly proclaim Garvey as
a Republican (rather than identifying him as an old baseball player who’s never
held public office before) — and it’s clear he’d rather run against Garvey in
November than Porter.”

* SF Chronicle’s Endorsement of Katie Porter:

“Katie Porter was easily the most impressive candidate we interviewed during our
endorsement process. Overflowing with ideas and energy, Porter demonstrated deep
policy knowledge and brought her analytical mind to bear on California’s most
intractable problems — including the potential for water recycling technology to
shore up the state’s residential supply while sustaining the water needs of
farmers.

“Porter’s housing platform is pragmatic, including bipartisan-friendly ideas to
bring homebuilding costs down, such as federal support for 3-D printing and
modular construction. She also proposes allowing the federal government to
finance the construction of four-unit starter homes, which could potentially
make new housing in low-slung neighborhoods like San Francisco’s Sunset District
more financially tenable.

“These practical ideas befit a candidate who has repeatedly won tough elections
in a purple Orange County district. And they’re why we believe Porter has the
chance to be effective for California even if Republicans control Congress.

“To be clear, should Democrats control the levers of power, Porter can swing
big, too, most notably on her ideas to end soft corruption in politics.”

U.S. Senator – Partial TermKatie PorterU.S. House of Representatives ~ District
36

Ted W. Lieu

I’m so proud that he represents me in Congress. if only he could run for
president! Unfortunately, he can’t, as he was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and
immigrated to the US when he was three years old.


STATE CANDIDATES

OfficeCandidate NameNotes Member of the State Assembly, 66th districtAl
MuratsuchiOne of the good guys who has blossomed in his role as our state
assembly member.


JUDGES

Judges are the reason I began publishing my ballot more than 20 year ago.

In deciding who to vote for, I solicit the opinions of very smart friends
(which, depending on the election, may include lawyers, current and former
elected officials, and a former judge).

I also consider the Los Angeles County Democratic Party , Stonewall Democratic
Club, as well as the LA County Bar Association ratings,  and sometimes more.

Note: Sometimes I’m puzzled/alarmed to see that some judges one or more of my
sources support are also recommended on this ultra right site.

Which simply reminds me that politics is an art, not a science.

Look ~ we’re all trying to find the green button, the best candidate, the golden
ticket.


But we can’t possibly know how someone will act until they’re in office. So:
research. Ask friends. Consider your choices. Then vote.

OfficeCandidate NameNotes Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #12Lynn Diane
OlsonLos Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #39Steve NapolitanoSteve
Napolitano ~ though Steve is not a Democrat, I know him and support him. He’s
the youngest ever elected in our city and is now the longest serving Mayor and
City Councilmember for the City of Manhattan Beach. Steve cares deeply and votes
fairly.Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #48Renee RoseLos Angeles
Superior Court Judge, Office #97Victor AvilaLos Angeles Superior Court Judge,
Office #115Sharon RansomLos Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #124Kimberly
Repecka**NOTE: neither candidate is rated “qualified” by the Los Angeles County
Bar Association. Emily Spear is the incumbent; The Beach Cities Dems have
endorsed Repecka.Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #130Leslie
GuitierrezLos Angeles Superior Court Judge, Office #135Steven Yee MacLos Angeles
Superior Court Judge, Office #137Tracey M. Blount


LOS ANGELES COUNTY ELECTIONS

OfficeCandidate NameNotes LA County Supervisor – 2nd DistrictHolly Mitchell

LA County District Attorney

George GasconGeorge Gascon is supported by the Stonewall Dems and is a very
smart judge who sends out a list of his recommendations.Member, County Central
Committee, 66th Assembly District (vote for no more than 7)Jane Affonso (my
brave, smart friend, Jane rushes off each morning to change the world for the
better), Nichelle Henderson, Samuel Liu, Bobbi Buesher, Susan Brooks, Paul Seo,
Wade Martin Kyle


CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH ELECTIONS

OfficeCandidate NameNotes Measure MB – Manhattan Beach Unified School District
Special Parcel Tax ElectionYES

Visit https://www.yes4measuremb.com/

Voting YES to renew Measure MB. Maintains top-rated schools without raising
taxes.

Measure MB is an annual parcel tax that provides reliable and essential locally
controlled funding to Manhattan Beach schools. Renewing it would continue the
current tax rate of $225 per parcel per year for six years. The measure supports
retention of exceptional teachers, keeps class sizes manageable, and protects
excellent core academic programs in Manhattan Beach Unified School District
(MBUSD).

Note: Measure MB exempts homeowners age 65+ for the duration of the measure
after a simple one-time application and qualification process. Those who have
pre-qualified for an age-based exemption under the current measure are not
required to reapply as their exemptions will auto-renew with renewal of the
measure. Available to alleviate financial burden on fixed or limited incomes,
exemptions are optional and filed at the discretion of the homeowner.


STATE OF CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS

OfficeCandidate NameNotes Proposition 1 – Behavioral Health Services Program and
Bond Measure:NO

Northern California activist Debbie Mytels writes:
Whatever Debbie says is right

“This drew my attention when Kaye, the chair of our Unitarian-Universalist
congregation in Redwood City noted that the major donors to Prop. 1 are giant
health care companies — and the opposition was the League of Women Voters!

Another opponent is the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Assn (whose position usually
tells me how NOT to vote!)  Since the LWV is known for its careful studies and
it’s “good government” stance, we both wondered “why the differing positions?” —
and were puzzled over the strange LWV/Howard Jarvis “bedfellows.” I then heard a
woman on KQED who is a staffer at a small community-run clinic in the Central
Valley — and she also opposed Prop. 1 because she said it would deprive their
agency of resources — and take away their local decision-making about what are
appropriate treatments for individuals.

Lastly, I received the note below from Vic Ojakian, a former Palo Alto
Mayor/councilmember who lost his college-age son to suicide about a decade ago. 
Vic and his wife are progressive community leaders — and they have sent out this
statement from the ACLU, also opposing Prop. 1.

You can read Vic’s perspective here: 
DON’T BE FOOLED BY PROPOSITION 1’S FALSE PROMISES by
ACLU https://aclucalaction.org/2024/02/dont-be-fooled-by-proposition-1s-false-promises/;

… in fact, it would have some catastrophic effects. Proposition 1’s changes to
the Mental Health Services Act would force mental health, housing, and substance
use disorder programs to compete for funding and would cause one set of
life-saving services to be provided at the expense of the other. Proposition 1’s
new regulations on counties are projected to lead to a 30-50% reduction in
voluntary outpatient, peer-run, and community-based culturally responsive
treatment programs. California ACLUs are especially concerned about the risk to
programs like non-police mental health crisis response, and diversion programs
for people with mental health needs into treatment instead of incarceration.

Additionally, Proposition 1 encourages expanding ineffective, force-first
approaches to mental health treatment. Instead of housing, Proposition 1’s bond
measure focuses on funding about 10,000 inpatient psychiatric beds, which are
typically used for involuntary treatment, and creates a funding stream for
for-profit locked mental health facilities, where people with mental health
needs can be placed long-term without the right to leave, consent or refuse
certain treatments, or other basic civil liberties.

Forced treatment facilities are significantly more expensive than
community-based, voluntary care programs, and they are also not effective
long-term. People who are involuntarily hospitalized and/or warehoused in
institutions typically do not recover and stabilize – when they are released,
they quickly end up back in crisis or on the streets. People who feel they are
being coerced into mental health hospitalization against their will are more
likely to attempt suicide after being released from the hospital [Jordan, J.T.
and McNiel, D. E., Perceived Coercion During Admission Into Psychiatric
Hospitalization Increases Risk of Suicide Attempts after Discharge, Suicide and
Life Threatening Behavior Journal (2020)].

Most people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders, and those
experiencing houselessness, can live independently in the community in housing
with the appropriate, voluntary support. Institutionalizing individuals who do
not require that restrictive of a setting simply because that is the only
placement available presents serious civil rights and constitutionality
concerns.

They got it right. — Vic Ojakian

Thanks again to Debbie Mytels and my very smart friend who sent her positions to
me

FABULOUS VOTER RESOURCES

 * VOTE411 ~ This site is easy to use. Compare candidates. Dive deep: who
   contributed to this campaign and how much? What organizations are behind this
   candidate or proposition?
 * Register to vote in your state here ~ a one-stop shop for everything you need
   to know about the candidates and measures on your ballot.
 * Californians:  REGISTER WHERE YOU VOTE–-AND  VOTE that day. Yay!
 * Check out this GREAT one-stop chart comparing endorsements from progressive
   organizations and others, including the LA Times: Indivisible South Bay
   L.A.’s Endorsement Tracker.
 * LAist’s VOTER GAME PLAN 2024 This the LA NPR station that I listen to. Their
   reporters have compiled a terrific website just for YOU. Worth exploring.
 * League of Women Voters Beach Cities
 * Opposition: see how the far right votes . Very useful to see who not to vote
   for.
 * CalMatters Voter Guide CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news
   organization…We are the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering
   America’s biggest state, 39 million Californians and the world’s fifth
   largest economy.
 * The California Democratic Party’s endorsements and VOTER HOTLINE
 * CAvotes.org ~ the League of Women Voter’s Education Fund’s site. Click on
   “VOTE,” and become a wizard in all things election-related. While you’re
   there, consider making a donation  (contributions to the League’s Education
   Fund are tax deductible.)
 * Beach Cities Democrats ~ my local Dem club ~ scroll down for the chart of
   their endorsements.
 * Los Angeles Times endorsements This link may or may not work for you.
 * Raucus Caucus Voting Guide
 * Stonewall Democratic Club According to Wikipedia: The Stonewall Democratic
   Club was established in 1975 in Los Angeles, the first ‘Stonewall Democratic
   Club’ in the country established for LGBT individuals and straight allies
   committed to achieving equality for all and to advancing progressive and
   feminist values through the Democratic Party. (The National Stonewall
   Democratic Federation was a national organization of LGBT Democratic clubs
   and individuals founded in 1998, in Kansas City, Missouri. On January 1,
   2013, National Stonewall suspended operations due to a financial deficit.
 * Vote Save America Just go here–it’s an extraordinarily well-done voting site.
   It’s produced by the folks at Pod Save America.
 * Swing Left ~ Swing Left helps you find and commit to supporting progressives
   in your closest Swing District to ensure we take back the  Senate and more.
 * Indivisible ~ “Defeat Maga. Save Democracy.” ~ They’re a grassroots movement
   of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive
   leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda. This is a GREAT
   one-stop chart comparing 10 progressive organizations’ endorsements:
   Indivisible South Bay L.A.’s Endorsement Tracker.
 * Field Team 6  Their tagline is “Register Democrats. Save the World.” Field
   Team 6 meets people where they are – via phone, text, postcard, social media,
   and voter drives. Armed with Voterizer.org, they track down “every
   good-hearted eligible voter we can, and get them on the voter rolls where
   they belong. And sign them up to vote from home! “
 * Blue Voters Guide ~ “Let endorsements guide you” ~ on this site you have the
   option of choosing candidates one at a time OR choosing an organization you
   have an affinity for and building your ballot based on that
   organization’srecommendations.  Pretty cool.
 * Open Secrets ~ Following the Money in Politics. “Nonpartisan, independent and
   nonprofit, OpenSecrets is the nation’s premier research group tracking money
   in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Our mission
   is to track the flow of money in American politics and provide the data and
   analysis to strengthen democracy. Our vision is for Americans to use this
   knowledge to create a more vibrant, representative and accountable
   democracy.”
 * MB United ~ “Advocacy Rooted in Community” ~ MB United represents a broad
   coalition committed to a Manhattan Beach that is welcoming, inclusive, safe
   and supportive for residents, business, employees and visitors. We advocate
   for city leadership and policy decisions that promote these goals through
   grassroots community action and reliable public information. If you live in
   Manhattan Beach, please consider subscribing to  our weekly newsletter which
   includes summaries of school board and city council meetings as well as local
   events and businesses worth supporting.

The Torrance Refinery Action Alliance is a well-organized grassroots
organization that has taught me a lot ~ click on this link for videos and maps
of the horrendous consequences if MHF (the deadly acid modified hydrofluoric
acid) is released by the Torrance Refinery or the Wilmington Refinery.

Peace Action ~ Of all the groups I give money to, I save my biggest donation for
Peace Action, which is a lean, efficient and politically pragmatic organization.
Once a year, a Peace Action staffer comes over for lunch and teaches me a TON
about the peace movement and specifically what Peace Action is doing to move our
politicians, our policies, our country towards peace. Contact me if you’d like
to join us for lunch: rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com with the header: PEACE
ACTION



Movement Voter Project  I recently helped promote a fundraiser for MVP, which
raises millions of dollars and supports volunteers in more than 600 grassroots
groups of color, youth, and LGBTQ individuals in key states. Local groups are
best at registering, motivating, and turning out voters. These are the groups
that help elect people who will protect our electoral system and democracy. 
Movement Voter Project’s long-range plan is what excites me the most. Go to
https://movement.vote/, click on “Learn More,” then click on “Progressive Decade
Plan.” (mic drop)

The LA County Bar Association rates judges. LACBA considers the following when
interviewing and evaluating judicial candidates:
(1)  Integrity and character
(2) Judgment and intellectual capacity
(3) Fairness
(4) Experience
(5) Industry and diligence
(6) Judicial temperament, including whether the candidate would be courteous and
considerate of counsel, parties, witnesses and jurors, and
whether the candidate is even-tempered
(7) Professional ability and knowledge of the law
(8) Health problems that might affect the candidate’s ability to serve as a
judge
(9) General reputation in the community
(10) Civic and community activities
(11) Candor in preparing the Personal Data Questionnaire and list of references,
and responding to inquiries by Committee members
(12) Other relevant matters of concern including any issues relating to
potential bias

Useful links from the LA County Registrar:
Find a drop-off location to return your Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot before
Election Day.
Text Messages~receive quick and easy text message notifications about important
election information.

LAvote.net ~ Everything you wanted to know about voting in LA County but were
afraid to ask.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650 (800) 815-2666, Opt. 3

****************************************************************************

So…why the heck do I tell you and your friends how I voted?

I started this site because I used to call my brilliant uncle Raphael
Konigsberg and ask him how to vote–especially for judges. I mean, who knew how
to pick judges?  When he died, I said, “So now who’ll tell me how to vote?”

Then I realized, “Uh-oh…”

So…I’ve been researching, comparing, and sharing my ballot with friends, and
friends of friends for more than 20 years.  Many thanks to the individuals and
groups who continue to share their views with me.

If you’d like to be on my political email list, email me at:
rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com with the header: ADD ME

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