Come November, I know that what is on most of our minds is the showdown between Obama and McCain, however for California residents, there are a number of very important propositions on the ballot that need your vote. After getting a call last week from Planned Parenthood urging me to vote no on Proposition 4 and then getting an email from the ASPCA calling for all animal lovers to vote yes on Proposition 2, as well as hearing Warren Olney talk about Proposition 5 on “Which Way L.A” on KCRW, I’ve decided that it might be beneficial to myself and whoever is reading this to be informed when it comes time to cast a vote on Nov. 4.

Proposition 1: High Speed Rail Bonds. Legislative Initiative Amendment

• What it means: California is congested. Rising gasoline prices and grid locked freeways have taken over the state. This act means that the state will build a high-speed train system and improve existing rail lines by creating a rail trust fund that will issue bonds totaling $9.95 billion.
• Pros and cons: The pros are obvious – we know and so does the whole world that our transportation system is horrible. These high-speed trains will not only reduce traffic, but reduce greenhouse gases. They’re also cheaper than building highways. The con side says that this will cost taxpayers $19,200,000,000. Wow, big number. That money could be used for schools, health care and public safety.
• How I will vote: Yes. As someone who is in traffic for more than 2 hours a day, I whole-heartedly agree with this proposition. People might argue that the money could be used for something else, but if it’s not now, it will be five years from now and by that time, there might be so many cars in Los Angeles that it might take someone longer to get to work than it takes me.

Proposition 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals

• What it means: This would require that certain farm animals be allowed for the majority of the day to have enough space to move around so that they can stand up, turn around, extend their limbs or wings and lie down. Voting yes would be that beginning in 2015, the state law would prohibit the confinement of calves, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs.
• Pros and cons: The pros in this case are obvious. Animals deserve humane treatment and denying them space is cruel and wrong. Although in my opinion, there are absolutely NO CONS to this measure, people argue that Proposition 2 would eliminate egg production and increase human exposure to Salmonella and Bird Flu.
• How I will vote: As someone who loves animals dearly and does not eat chicken, pork, beef or turkey anymore, this is perhaps the proposition I am most passionate about. As humans, it is our responsibility to protect the animals on this Earth and if I find out that anyone I know was so selfish and ignorant to vote against this measure, needless to say our relationship will be in trouble

Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act

• What it means: This will authorize funds ($980,000,000 to be exact) for the construction, expansion and overall renovation for children’s hospitals. It is set to cost the state about $2 billion over 30 years or so.
• Pros and cons: This proposition aims to help children with leukemia, cancer, heart disease and traumatic injuries and give them a better chance for life. The con argument again, is that people’s tax dollars are going to fund this while millions from a measure in 2004 for a similar cause remains unused.
• How I will vote: Most definitely yes! I am so tired of Americans complaining about taxes. This is why people in Europe have a better quality of life, including universal health care. Because of taxes. I would rather pay taxes, so that I can go to the doctor whenever I wish than seeing so many people who cannot afford health care.

Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy

• What it means: This proposition if passed, will prohibit abortion for minors until 48 hours after the physician notifies a minor’s legal guardian.
• Pros and cons: The proposition, also known as Sarah’s Law has a track record of working in 30 other states by reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, this can also forced scared and pregnant teens to take matters into their own hands if they are required to tell parents.
• How I will vote: My initial reaction was to vote no, because I believe that if teens are already scared, having to tell their parents will frighten them so much more that they might run away or go to unlicensed doctors or have a child they are not prepared to take care of. However, if the proposition has reduced teen pregnancy and STDs in other states, it might not be such a bad thing. The solution is to teach better sex education, in my opinion. I will most likely vote no on this prop.

Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses : Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation

• What it means: Proposition 5 would require the state of California to use over $1 billion annually to treat and offer rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees. It would shorten parole for most drug offenses and would change certain marijuana misdemeanors to infractions.
• Pros and Cons: The number one pro to this prop might be the fact that it would reduce overcrowded prisons and would create treatment options for people who actually want to get better. Also, a similar prop that was approved, Prop. 36, has provided treatment and rehab for 84,000 people. The cons might be a bit obvious. This could potentially backfire and be seen as a “get out of jail free” card as well as shorten parole for serious drug felonies from three years to six months.
• How I will vote: I’m not sure. Although I do believe that this state and country’s prison system is in dire need of help, I can understand the opposition against this prop. I also believe that reforming the system means recognizing that there are perhaps hundreds if not thousands of people (if not all!) who have seriously mental health issues and what these people need is cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling, not to be put away in a jail cell for the rest of their lives. With that said, what this prop proposes is a great start, I just think it might need to be restructured in a better way.

I will have propositions six through 12 next week.