Some Local Election Results

 

California localities approved seven of nine general obligation bonds totaling $2.4 billion, according to a preliminary count by the California Taxpayer Association.

Among the successful bonds — $500 million to improve parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 

San Francisco approved an $887.4 million bond to retrofit San Francisco General hospital. Santa Clara County approved $840 million for seismic improvements and upgrade of its medical facilities. 

Nearly 78 percent of school bonds were approved — 74 of 95 totaling $19 billion. There are still 15 bonds too close to call. After the passage of Propositon 39 in November 2000, the approval threshold for local school bonds fell from two-thirds to 55 percent.

Bonds were approved for districts in the counties of Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno — three bonds passed, two failed — Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lassen, Los Angeles, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Shasta, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare, Ventura and Yuba.

Cal-TaxReports shows the individual districts.

Of 34 sales tax increases on the ballot, 20 were approved. Six are still too close to call. 

Amador County approved a .5 percent increase to pay for fire and emergency services. The city of Colusa rejected a .25 percent boost to pay for “essential city services.”

The Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit District convinced voters to back a .25 percent sales tax increase that would sunset in 20 years to help pay for train service.

And both Oxnard and Port Hueneme in Ventura County upped their sales tax by .5 percent to pay for city services.

Seven of 12 hotel tax increases were approved. One of four business license tax measures was approved but two remain too close to call.  

Parcel taxes, which require a two-thirds vote were approved in 25 of 45 localities. Three are still undecided. 

Eighteen of 24 utility user taxes were successful as were three of five “911” taxes. 

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