Propositions

Election 2012: School district Measure G

Voters in West County have a lot to think about this election when it comes to education. The West Contra Costa Unified School District is asking voters to approve a parcel tax extension. Read more about Measure G.

Cinemark joins American Beverage Association in funding opposition to Measure N

The Texas-based movie theater chain Cinemark USA Inc has joined the campaign against Richmond’s Measure N, adding nearly $107,000 in non-monetary contributions against the measure between July 15-Sept. 30, according to campaign statements filed with the City Clerk. During that period, Cinemark was one of two contributors to the Community Coalition Against Beverage Taxes, which has spent $2.2 million this year in opposition to Measure N. CCABT’s other — and largest —  contributor is the American Beverage Association, a lobby…

Anti-beverage tax coalition quadruples campaign spending in efforts to defeat Measure N

The Community Coalition Against Beverage Taxes spent $1.8 million dollars on efforts to defeat Measure N between July 1-September 30, more than four times what it spent on the campaign in the six months between January and July. Campaign contribution statements filed with the city clerk Friday show that the CCABT, a local group funded mainly by the American Beverage Association,   received $1.39 million in total contributions between July and September and spent $1.84 million on its efforts to defeat…

Jovanka Beckles: Vote “Yes” on Measure N to create mentally and physically healthy children

The campaign signs read, “More sports + less sodas = healthy kids.” A tax on sugar sweetened beverages is designed to raise money to provide opportunities for our young people to participate in healthy organized sports. It promises to yield benefits that are priceless to our community, including an increase in both the mental and physical health of our youth. A beneficial byproduct of this improved mental and physical well-being is a decrease in crime, as children are busy and…

Soda sellers decry proposed fee

For Doug Deaver, Richmond’s proposed cent-per-ounce soda tax would mean more paperwork and less profit. While city politicians argue over public health, government overreach and the influence of outside money, Deaver, who owns a vending machine company, worries more about his bottom line. If Measure N passes in November, businesses that sell soda, energy drinks, or other beverages with added sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup would be required to keep tabs on exactly how many ounces of those drinks…