On this proposition, USC students Merdith Deane, Kristy Lucero, and Natasha Yasher all wrote smart explorations of the issue of drug rehab instead of incarceration for certain drug crimes. When they had concluded thier research, Meridith and Kristy decided that the proposition was a good idea in theory but too expensive and possibly poory executed. While Natasha thought it imperfect, but more benificial than not, but worried about the cost during the current economic downturn. So two recommended a NO vote, one recommend a qualified YES.

Here’s their reasoning:

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LAST WEEK I ASSIGNED some of my smart USC students to each write a 300-word news story explaining one of the propositions that will appear on the California ballot on Tuesday.

Below you’ll find clips from the resulting commentaries, with still more to come tomorrow.

(USC student Holly Villamagna’s assessment of Prop. 11, posted earlier, may be found here.)

ALSO TOMORROW, A FULL LIST OF ENDORSEMENTS.

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first…PROP. 6

Proposition 6 is a 30-page monster that is arguably the worst thing on the November 4 ballot—even worse, in some ways, than the loathsome Prop. 8 because the social and fiscal razor-blades it contains are so perniciously disguised.

When students, Sarah Eigner, Dina Diaz, and Chelsea Dunlap, researched the issue, they got quickly to the heart of the complicated and deceivingly written proposition (and they did it with out any nudging or cues from me).

Here’s what they wrote:

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We all understand that moving ahead quickly on issues of renewable energy issue is essential. But is the well-intentioned but dreadfully written Prop. 7 the way to go?

Soojin Yoon and Rachel Geragos chose to examine this issue and each concluded that Prop 7 should be a big NO Vote:

Rachel Geragos observed that, “Those who are for Proposition 7….want to see California become a world leader in clean power technology and to help ceate a solution for wiring energy costs…”

But, she wrote, the pricey proposition was created and paid for almost entirely by out-of-state “billionaire Peter Sperling from Arizona,” while opposed by a long list of California organizations—from renewable energy providers to taxpayer groups and all major environmental organizations.

And here’s Soojin Yoon wrote about Prop. 7:

To what lengths are Californians willing to go to increase the quantity of renewable energy sources in the state?

Come November 4th, there will be a definitive answer as voters cast their choice for or against Proposition 7.

The proposed measure would require Californian utility companies to generate a certain portion of their power from renewable energy sources, with a goal of 50% renewable energy generated by the year 2025. Those companies failing to comply with benchmarks set in place would be subject to penalties. Additionally, some jurisdiction over such utilities would be transferred from the Public Utilities Commission to the Energy Comission.

Proponents for this ballot measure see this as a great opportunity to assert California as a leader in clean power technology. Additionally, there would be many new jobs created by Proposition 7, which would be a nice boost to the sagging economy. Further, the proposal allows for the state to help set the pace for the goal of 50% renewable energy by the year 2025 set by the federal government. To boot, proponents claim that the plan meets environmental protection standards.

Meanwhile, detractors have come out from across the state to voice their strong displeasure for the initiative.

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Marin Austine, Michelle LaRue and Charlotte Bergin chose Proposition 4, the proposed parental consent law.

After researching the pros and cons, all three came down very firmly against the measure.

(NOTE: Californians: Listen to your daughters on this issue.)

Here’s what they had to say:

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From now through Monday, I’ll be running informational posts —written by me and others—on most of the various propositions.

(For instance, some of my very smart USC students have written some nice and pithy analyses, which I’ll be putting online, and there will be more voices)

Then on Monday, I’ll post a list of endorsements.

(Since the LA Weekly has stopped doing endorsements, some readers have suggested that another voice or three would be helpful. And I agreed.)

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FIRST…..PROPOSITION A:

KPPC’s Frank Stolz did an excellent short and informative, rundown on Prop. A.

In case you don’t remember, Proposition A is the City of LA parcel tax to fund gang-prevention programs. It will raise $30 million every year through a $3 per month parcel tax dedicated solely to gang prevention, intervention and after-school programs, plus vocational, job training and apprenticeship programs. Supporting it are LAPD Chief Bill Bratton, Sheriff Lee Baca, the police union, Steve Cooley, Connie Rice, Antonio Villaraigosa, former mayor, Dick Riordan, the teachers’ union, the LA firefighters….and on and on.

HERE’S what Frank Stolze says:

Southern California remains the gang capital of the world. Law enforcement officials estimate more than 100,000 mostly young adults claim membership in hundreds of gangs. Police have had some success in reducing gang violence. But they say they can’t keep up with the constant flow of kids joining gangs. In the city of Los Angeles next week, voters will consider a new tax to pay for more gang prevention and intervention programs. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze reports.

Frank Stoltze: Being asked to join a gang is almost a rite of passage in many Southern California neighborhoods. James Vasquez recalls hanging out with friends after school one day when he was 12.

James Vasquez: A big group of guys just came out of nowhere and said, “where are you from?” And we said, “we’re not from anywhere.” And they’re like, “you want to join our gang,” and I said “no thank you.” My other friend said “sure, why not.” I know, it’s weird how one friend said yeah, and I said no.

Stoltze: Not long after that, Vasquez’ teachers helped enroll him in a gang prevention program called “Bridges.” Outside a Tommy’s Burger in his Hollywood neighborhood, Vasquez says his parents weren’t really around at the time.

Vasquez: If I wasn’t in this program, I would have been doing drugs. I would have been gang banging with my friends, you know.

Stoltze: Why do you say that? Why do you think you would have ended up there?

Vasquez: ‘Cause I wouldn’t have anywhere to go.

There’s much more after the jump (and there’s an audio version if you’d prefer):

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I asked the members of my USC Newswriting class to each write about one of the propositions. And, as I mentioned above, I’ll be posting many of them in the next few days.

This report, by smart USC Student Holly Villamagna, will give you the rundown on Prop. 11.

(By the way, after researching the matter, Holly recommends a NO vote.)

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Prop 11 highlights partisan bickering

Proponents of Proposition 11 say it would give the people of California more control over their government, but many are wondering if it’s just another political power play.

The proposition would strip the state legislature of its power to draw legislative districts and give the job to a panel of 14 citizens instead. But the California Democratic Party says Republicans are using the bill to gain more seats in the legislature.

Redistricting is known for creating conflicts of interest. Politicians try to draw district lines so an area is overwhelmingly in favor of one political party. As a result, the candidates elected in primaries tend to follow the party line and centrist politicians are rarely able to break through.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has emerged as one of Proposition 11’s strongest supporters. In September, Schwarzenegger signed the state budget a record-breaking 85 days late. Soon after, he said Proposition 11 could prevent the type of partisan gridlock that made budget negotiations so difficult.

“This is a fixed system,” Schwarzenegger said, “a system that rewards legislators for rigid partisanship, and a system that punishes legislators for wanting to come in the middle and to go for compromise.”

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