RAZA 276 Voter Guide

Endorsed Vote: Yes

"Clean Energy Act
YES, YES, YES
Proposition H is long, long overdue. This charter amendment would require the city to study how to efficiently and affordably achieve 51 percent renewable energy by 2017, scaled up to 100 percent by 2040. Should the study find that a publicly owned utility infrastructure would be most effective, it would allow the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to issue revenue bonds, with approval from the Board of Supervisors, to purchase the necessary lines, poles, and power-generation facilities. The measure includes a green jobs initiative and safeguards benefits and retirement packages for employees who leave Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to work for the SFPUC." -SFBG
(Ben Rodriguez)

Endorsed Vote: Yes

"Affordable housing fund
YES, YES, YES
Housing isn't just the most contentious issue in San Francisco; it's the defining issue, the one that will determine whether the city of tomorrow bears any resemblance to the city of today.

San Francisco is on the brink of becoming a city of the rich and only the rich, a bedroom community for Silicon Valley and an urban nest for wealthy retirees. Some 90 percent of current city residents can't afford the cost of a median-priced house, and working-class people are getting displaced by the day. Tenants are thrown out when their rent-controlled apartments are converted to condos. Young families find they can't rent or buy a place with enough room for kids and are forced to move to the far suburbs. Seniors and people on fixed incomes find there are virtually no housing choices for them in the market, and many wind up on the streets. Small businesses suffer because their employees can't afford to live here; the environment suffers because so many San Francisco workers must commute long distances to find affordable housing.

And meanwhile, the city continues to allow developers to build million-dollar condos for the rich.

Proposition B alone won't solve the problem, but it would be a major first step. The measure would set aside a small percentage of the city's property-tax revenue — enough to generate about $33 million a year — for affordable housing. It would set a baseline appropriation to defend the money the city currently spends on housing. It would expire in 15 years." SFBG
(Ben Rodriguez)

Endorsed Vote: Yes

Prop 4, also known as the Abortion Waiting Period and Parental Notification Initiative will prohibit abortion for minors until 48 hours after the doctor has notified the minor's parents or legal guardians. *if minor informs authorities/ physicians that their parent/guardian is abusive another family member must be informed.

In Favor of Prop 4 (arguments in favor of Prop 4)

-The friends of Sarah, the Parental or Alternative Family Member Act.
(Named after a 15 year girl named Sarah who died after having complications from her abortion.)

-When a minor goes through an abortion and does not inform a family member/guardian, her health can be endangered if after the abortion complications can arise.

-Family members/Guardians are able to assist the minor after surgery and provide accurate medical care to the physicians.

-If minor is pregnant due to sexual violence it may be missed, because the abortion clinic may not be able to report it as a sex crime.

-Although most clinics are mandated to report sexual abuse, there have been several cases were the sexual predator repeats the crime through secret abortions. It can be stopped by notifying parental/Guardians.

-Physicians understand how minors are and how they react when about to go through an abortion and that is why if a parent or family member is informed they minor will be able to feel safer and be able to think about her all her options.

-If parent/guardians are informed they are also able to work through the problems that lead her to the situation.

Against Prop 4 (Arguments Against)

-Having a law that forces parental/guardian notification does not work. No law is able to force family communication.

- some minors are unable to go to their parents and fear that they may be kicked out, beaten, or worse.

-Therefore it will lead to suicide attempts or they will try to perform surgery on themselves.

-If minor decides to tell another adult, parental/guardians are automatically reported to the authorities leading to an investigation.

Personal Opinion
I believe that a minor should inform their parent because at an age where they feel insecure and scared about the situation they are about to face they need to be reassured that it will be okay. By informing the parent/guardian they can work out alternative options as well. I also feel that if I was not able to get my ears pierced with out my parents consent but I am allowed to have an abortion is pretty ridiculous. We need to reconsider minors rights and rethink what we are actually saying, and that is allowing teens to have abortions with out informing anyone. What happens to the teen after her surgery she still needs medical attention, you can't just ignore that you had an abortion. She needs to be able to open with the situation and have support from parents, family members, or guardians. And what if teens start abusing the priviledge to not be allowed to tell their parent/guardians and they go through several abortions, is that right?

A teen is still a child and they need guidance and if a situation like that were to occur they need reassurance and support from the ones that know them best, their parent/guardian.

-Larissa Larcara Raza 276 Section 2