Election Archives - The Oak Leaf

Kunde to Retire, Chaaban to assume trustee seat

Sean Young and Nick Vides • November 8, 2022

After more than 16 years, winemaker Jeff Kunde is retiring his seat on the Sonoma County Junior College District Board of Trustees this month and will be replaced by newcomer Ezrah Chaaban. “I've...

The Oak Leaf election blog: November 2022 edition

Oak Leaf Staff • November 8, 2022

California Ballot Proposition status with 35 days left until the results will be certified, Dec. 16, according to the California Secretary of State’s website. Prop 1- Abortion Rights Yes 64.7%...

The 2022 Oak Leaf Editorial Board Proposition Recommendations

The Oak Leaf Editorial Board • October 24, 2022

Californians will vote in the California General Election Nov. 8, and The Oak Leaf Editorial Board has researched each proposition and formed our recommendations on how to vote on this year's propositions. Proposition...

California Proposition 28

Lucas Cadigan-Carranza, Reporter • October 24, 2022

After decades of instability for public school arts programs, a political and election lawyer has proposed to provide additional funding for arts and music education in public schools with Proposition...

California Proposition 27

Tony Moeckel, Editor • October 24, 2022

Proposition 27 allows Californians 21 and older to place bets on sports teams via mobile device or the internet. If this proposition passes, people anywhere in California, not just those on tribal lands,...

California Proposition 30

Peter Morales, Reporter • October 24, 2022

Amid the countless fires that have ravaged California, citizens, with the help of rideshare company Lyft, have offered a chance to reduce California’s carbon footprint, and help push towards an electric...

California Proposition 29

Stephen Howe, Editor • October 24, 2022

Proposition 29 on the California General Election Ballot Nov. 8 will require kidney dialysis clinics to have an on-site medical professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant,...

California Proposition 31

Peter Morales, Reporter • October 24, 2022

Proposition 31 brings voters into the debate over flavored tobacco products that research shows lure kids into addictive smoking habits. Senate Bill 793 enacted a ban on the sale of such products into...

California Proposition 1

Michael Combs, Editor-In-Chief • October 24, 2022

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's repeal of Roe vs. Wade, Proposition 1, on the California General Election ballot Nov. 8, proposes to safeguard an individual’s right to choose abortion. Since...

California Proposition 26

Christian Vieyra, Editor • October 24, 2022

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to legalize commercial sports betting. California state law limits gambling, outlawing sports betting, roulette and dice games. Proposition 26 will legalize...

Election reflection: SRJC students weigh in on Biden, division and two-party fatigue

Lilia Epstein, Staff Writer • December 10, 2020

Ally Lubas chats with me over Zoom while she sits at her desk in a bright, sunlit room. She’s cheerful, but always speaks carefully. A self-described anti-violence advocate, Lubas always tries to see...

The Oak Leaf election blog 2020

Oak Leaf Staff • November 3, 2020

This is The Oak Leaf Editorial Board's rolling coverage of election night 2020. Check here for updates. 9:13 a.m. Saturday Vice President Joseph R. Biden crossed the 270-vote threshold to beat President...

Disillusioned and dejected: Why some college-aged citizens won’t vote

Willow Ornellas, Staff Writer • November 1, 2020

The internet teems with propaganda from both the left and the right. Everyone from celebrities to local politicians is urging citizens to get out and vote, and, for many, the stakes have never been higher....

Proposition 21 could create more affordable housing, but not without a fiscal impact

Priscilla Navas, Staff Writer • October 29, 2020

Proposition 21 revisits rent control — an issue that can directly impact students’ budgets — on the 2020 ballot. Passing Proposition 21 would allow cities to stop landlords from raising rents...

SRJC students cite climate change as paramount election issue

Peyton Krzyzek, Staff Writer • October 29, 2020

Santa Rosa Junior College students, on the heels of two major wildfires in the county this semester, reported that climate change is the most important issue for them in next week’s election. An...

Don’t miss the moment: SRJC students eager and anxious to vote

Emma Molloy, Staff Writer • October 27, 2020

Election day is fast approaching and Santa Rosa Junior College students are on the edge of their seats, anxious to hear who will be the next U.S. president. Students recognize the importance of this election...

The Oak Leaf 2020 proposition and measure endorsements

The Oak Leaf Editorial Board • October 27, 2020

California has a lot of layered, complex propositions and measures on the ballot this year. The Oak Leaf’s editorial board is supporting some and opposing others; we couldn’t come to a consensus on...

Understanding Proposition 19: A multi-perspective look at one of the most complex choices on the ballot

Garrett Ashton, Special to The Oak Leaf • October 27, 2020

Proposition 19 may be one of the more complicated choices for voters in the upcoming election. The official "YesOn19" campaign, supported by numerous organizations and elected officials, including...

Measure P: Increasing transparency and accountability over the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office

Michael Combs, Staff Writer • October 27, 2020

Sonoma County’s Measure P promises to expand civilian oversight of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to increase transparency, accountability and public trust in local law enforcement during a time...

Proposition 16: Reinstating affirmative action

Maritza Camacho, Staff Writer • October 26, 2020

Proposition 16 is a state-level constitutional amendment that would bring back affirmative action, or the active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority...

Politics still polarize families

Jonathan Bigall, Editor • October 22, 2020

Mikayla Simpson thought she had lost her red “Keep America Great” hat in the spring of 2019. Then, to both her surprise and anger, she found it three months later hidden in her mother’s closet. Simpson,...

Prop 18: Voting rights for 17-year-old Californians

Cecelia Caro, Special to The Oak Leaf • October 22, 2020

Proposition 18 would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they turn 18 at the time of the next general election. Upon approval, California would be the 19th state to adopt this...

The Oak Leaf endorses Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman for Congress

The Oak Leaf Editorial Board • October 17, 2020

Rep. Mike Thompson and Rep. Jared Huffman’s deep understanding of their respective districts and those districts' needs have earned them The Oak Leaf's endorsement for re-election on Nov. 3. Thompson,...

The Oak Leaf endorses Bañuelos and Martinez for Board of Trustees, Rego close third

The Oak Leaf Editorial Board • October 16, 2020

The Oak Leaf is proud to endorse Caroline Bañuelos and incumbent Mariana Martinez for Santa Rosa Junior College’s Board of Trustees, with Kerry Rego a very close third. They are among five candidates...

ICC in need of new leader

David Tamayo, Staff Writer • April 16, 2018

The Santa Rosa Junior College Inter-Club Council (ICC) may soon be in need of a new chair. Current ICC chair Josh Pinaula announced he may have to resign his post before club reps heard from candidates...

SGA Associated student presidential candidate videos

April 18, 2017

Robert Martinez* https://youtu.be/vGCvZI7V4Y0 Eduardo Osario Juarez https://youtu.be/GpO7h1aIDK4 Evelyn Navarro https://youtu.be/rQUHTYsc3oA *Endorsed by The Oak Leaf...

Meet the candidates: SGA elections happening now

Simon Isaksson, Executive Editor and Co-News Editor • April 18, 2017

See slideshow above for complete candidate biographies and statements. To see the interviews of each presidential candidate, please go to https://www.theoakleafnews.com/web-exclusive/2017/04/18/sga-associated-student-presidential-candidates/ It...

Forget Trump’s rhetoric, look at his agenda

Daniel Kong, Guest opinion • November 15, 2016

Watching social media implode over the past few days has been, as usual, infuriating. For any normal election, I would have said my own reaction is exaggerated and naive: the people who say that we need...

You still have a voice

November 15, 2016

Many think that Trump himself is horrifying, but what I feel is most scary is this nation's division of values and ideas. We clearly saw the map Tuesday night. These problems America face go as far back...

Obama’s final move: protecting women’s health

Nikki Goetz, Guest Opinion • November 15, 2016

After the election of Donald Trump, President Barack Obama took executive action to sign Title X Nov. 10, which means states can’t vote to defund Planned Parenthood and the services it provides. During...

Donald Trump can’t poison our country if we take action

Thomas De Alba, Contributing Writer • November 15, 2016

The hardest part of my election night was sitting at the foot of my mother’s bed, staring through her glossy, tear-burdened eyes and holding her tight, telling her everything was going to be OK. She...

Life goes on

Jocelyn Mobley, Features editor • November 15, 2016

My loving, accepting and educated mother voted for Donald Trump. Many people see him as an arrogant buffoon who ridicules people just because they come from different races and values. But my mother explained...

What does a safety pin have to do with Donald Trump?

Beatriz Verneaux, Co-News Editor • November 15, 2016

Santa Rosa Junior College staff and students are wearing safety pins on their clothes to support the community in the wake of Donald Trump’s election win. This idea of wearing a safety pin was shared...

Student Election Results

Rebecca Livingston , Staff Writer • May 1, 2014

Thanks to nearly 1,000 student votes, the 2014-15 Associated Student Senate members have been chosen and the senate is eagerly anticipating the new year. New and current members alike are excited about...

Student Voters: Despite Public Opinion, Participation Makes a Difference in 2012 Election

Peter Njoroge, Opinion Editor • November 1, 2012

In the middle of campus on Monday Oct. 15 at SRJC, some students sat, some relaxed and others rushed to class. There was a voting registration booth near Bertolini but no one ran in to ask questions, register...

Local Councilman Best Bet for 10th District Assembly Seat

Spencer Harris, Staff Writer • November 1, 2012

The race between Assemblyman Michael Allen and his challenger, San Rafael Councilman Marc Levine, for California’s 10th District seat in the State Assembly is a fractious Democrat-on- Democrat battle. Allen’s...

Mike Thompson for the 5th Congressional District

William Rohrs, Staff Writer • November 1, 2012

After consecutive interviews with incumbent Congressman Mike Thompson and his opponent Randy Loftin, the Oak Leaf is confident that Thompson is the better choice for California’s 5th District seat in...

Proposition 33

Danette Ellsworth, Contributing Writer • November 1, 2012

What is it? Proposition 33 is the auto insurance industry’s initiative statute that bases prices on the history of a driver’s insurance coverage. It changes the current law and allows insurance...

Proposition 34

Darcy Fracolli, Contributing Writer • November 1, 2012

What is it? When California voters decide the fate of Proposition 34 this fall, they will also decide the fate of current and future death row inmates. Proposition 34 repeals the death penalty as the...

Proposition 37

Julia Somers, Contributing Writer • November 1, 2012

What is it? Californians will cast their votes next month on Proposition 37, a ballot initiative that would require labeling on food made from genetically modified organisms. In the past months,...

Proposition 32

Jeremy Hoskins, Contributing Writer • November 1, 2012

What is it? Proposition 32 will halt union garnishing of wages to support political campaigns, ban donations to candidates and candidate-controlled committees by unions and corporations and halt corporations...

Proposition 30

Nashelly Chavez, Contributing Writer • November 1, 2012

What is it? Proposition 30 is a tax initiative that, if passed, will raise approximately $6 billion annually to help fund California schools and community colleges. The tax initiative, more formally...

Students react to California midterm election results

Craig Couden, Web Editor • November 14, 2010

Student reactions to California's midterm election ranged from excited to apathetic about hotly-contested races and ballot items, but opinions were scarce for lower profile issues.

Election results 2010

Craig Couden, Web Editor • November 3, 2010

Faced with an expensive, negative and hotly contested gubernatorial race and controversial ballot measures, Californians chose former governor Jerry Brown over former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and affirmed environmental protection and a simpler budget process, but rejected the legalization of marijuana on Nov. 2.

Proposition 20

Isabel Johnson, News Editor • October 26, 2010

Proposition 20 requires that California's congressional districts for the House of Representatives be drawn by a commission of 14 California residents comprised of five Democrats, five Republicans and four of neither party established by 2008's Prop. 11.

Proposition 21

Art Dickinson, Contributing Writer • October 26, 2010

California residents will determine the future of state parks this November when they vote on Proposition 21, also known as the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act. Prop. 21 establishes an $18 annual vehicle license surcharge, and mandates all trust fund revenue be used solely to operate, maintain and repair state parks and to protect wildlife and natural resources. In exchange for the yearly fee, surcharged vehicles (commercial vehicles, trailers and mobile homes excluded) will be granted free admission to all state parks.

Proposition 25

Quinn Conklin, Opinion Editor • October 26, 2010

Prop. 25 is an attempt to reform the budget making process in California. Currently, the legislature is required to pass a budget with a super majority by midnight on June 15. This means two-thirds of both the State Senate and the State Assembly must agree in order to pass the budget. If they are not able to pass the budget by then their pay is withheld until they do pass a budget. Prop. 25 changes this so that instead of a super majority, a simple majority will be required. Their pay will be docked for every day the budget is late.

Proposition 23

Haley Sansom, Layout Editor • October 26, 2010

Proposition 23 calls for the suspension of the Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32), which requires companies with large amounts of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If Prop. 23 passes, AB 32 will be suspended until unemployment levels drop to or below 5.5 percent for an entire year and state agencies may not adopt new regulations that resemble AB 32.

Proposition 27

Ken Kutska, Contributing Writer • October 26, 2010

Proposition 27 will consolidate authority for redistricting with elected representatives. In this process Prop. 27 will eliminate the 14-member commission assigned for redistricting from a pool picked by auditors from the government. The new authority consolidates and would establish the State Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization districts responsible for drawing the different representative congressional districts.

SRJC students combat voter apathy

Michelle Peirano, Co-Editor in Chief • October 26, 2010

When Santa Rosa Junior College student Thomas Zedrick walked into the Democratic Party headquarters in downtown Santa Rosa looking for an opportunity to help raise voter awareness for the 2010 midterm election, the salutation he received was: "We'll sign off on your hours." He had no idea what they were talking about. They thought a class requirement was the only reason he had opened their Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown paraphernalia-plastered double doors.

Students throughout California gather support for Proposition 19

Quinn Conklin, Opinion Editor • October 26, 2010

Across California student organization with different agendas, allegiances and values are coming together to help pass Prop. 19, a controversial ballot measure that would decriminalize marijuana consumption in the state of California. These organizations are working not just to educate students about Prop. 19 but also to encourage them to get out and vote.

Proposition 19

James L. Alban, Sports Editor • October 26, 2010

If Proposition 19 passes, it will legalize various marijuana-related activities in the state of California. Citizens of the state would be allowed to possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams), consume and grow marijuana in non-public environments for personal use while remaining within the legal boundaries.

Editorial: Yes on Proposition 73

November 7, 2005

In another example of absurd lawmaking in California, a child needs a parent's permission to visit a tanning salon, get a tattoo or have her teeth cleaned. But, an older boyfriend or school employee can take a child to have an abortion without either of her parents even knowing.