Hi there, Manhattan Beach and other voters ~ welcome to another Great Election Adventure!
This election is daunting… so many issues, so many candidates…so many freaking judges!
Please vote. If you don’t know, make an educated guess. California needs you, America needs you.
Don’t hand your vote to the other side by not voting.
Like a frog in slowly boiling water,
our rights are being stripped away.
Do you really want someone else to vote on your behalf? Your voice matters.
So thank you for voting. Thank you for helping to save our democracy. Find a Vote Center
If you’re not from Manhattan Beach, check out the terrific voting resources below for recommendations in your community.
My ballot below includes: US Senator, US Representative, statewide offices, a boatload of judges, local candidates, local measures, 6 propositions… 
and a partridge and a pear tree…which is why this site is a work in progress. I continue to receive input from very smart friends and experts.
Click on: AprilsBallot as of Oct 18 to download a printable list.
(Each time you return to this site, refresh it and clear the cache on your browser, otherwise you may be viewing an old list)
Note: I generally don’t comment on candidates or issues unless they are on my own ballot.
If you live in Los Angeles county, make a plan to vote here.
- Not registered? We’re lucky: California offers Same Day Voter Registration at the Polls
- If you’re mailing it, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by November 15th, or in-person to a secure ballot drop box, to a voting location or your county elections office by 8p.m. on November 8th.
- Need a replacement ballot? I never got mine for the June primary. If this happens to you, go to LAVOTE.GOV or call 800-815-2666. To my surprise, my ballot arrived by mail VERY quickly.
Get my political emails (I send specific, easy actions and a dollop of Hope–and do my best not to clutter your inbox).
Send me an email: rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com. Your subject line: ADD ME
Questions about California elections?
Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Elections But Were Afraid to Ask
Not voting is the #1 cause of unwanted presidencies
Be sure to check out the terrific voting resources below!
NATIONAL CANDIDATES
For U.S. Senate, you will need to vote for Alex Padilla twice: this one is for the 6-year term ending January 3, 2029. Padilla was formerly California’s Secretary of State.
YES
Yup, vote for Alex Padilla again: this vote is for him to serve the remainder of his term ending January 3, 2023. He was originally appointed by Governor Newsom to fill Kamala Harris’s vacant seat when she became Vice President.
YES
YES
Info you may not know about our fabulous Representative Lieu, from UCLA’s International Institute in May, 2022:
“Following the January 6, 2021 insurrection, Lieu co-authored the Article of Impeachment advanced by the House of Representatives and subsequently served as an impeachment manager for the second Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
Lieu’s expertise in technology — he is only one of only four members of Congress with B.S. in computer science — has made him a valued colleague on issues of cybersecurity, cloud computing and innovation. He is well-known in Congress for his advocacy against ethnic and racial profiling, Asian American hate and anti-LGBT discrimination.”
Ted’s articulate, fearless and humorous ~ exactly what we need right now. I’m only bummed he can’t run for President (he was born in Taiwan).
STATE CANDIDATES
YES
If you have a chance, read the “About” section on her website. Wow. She’s exactly the kind of person I want protecting my voting rights.
YES
If you’re like me, you may be scratching your head and thinking, “What the heck is the State Board of Equalization?”
Never fear! Ballotopedia is here: https://ballotpedia.org/California_State_Board_of_Equalization
YES
I’ll never forget sitting around our kitchen table in 2012 with Al and his staff after a house party in his first campaign for State Representative.
On the home page of his official website, scroll down to see all the legislation he’s championed. I’m proud he represents me.
His endorsements include: California Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, SEIU CA, California Professional Firefighters, California Teachers Association, Sierra Club, International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Southern California District Council
Al’s one of the good guys.
JUDICIAL OFFICES
Judges are the reason I began publishing my ballot more than 20 year ago.
In deciding who to vote for, I solicit the opinions of very smart friends (which, depending on the election, may include lawyers, current and former elected officials, and a former judge).
I also consider the Los Angeles County Democratic Party , Stonewall Democratic Club, as well as the LA County Bar Association ratings, SoCalBlue, and sometimes more.
Note: Sometimes I’m puzzled/alarmed to see that some judges one or more of my sources support are also recommended on this ultra right site.
Which simply reminds me that politics is an art, not a science.
Look ~ we’re all trying to find the green button, the best candidate, the golden ticket.
But we can’t possibly know how someone will act until they’re in office. So: research. Ask friends. Consider your choices. Then vote.
Baron was rated Well Qualified. She’s endorsed by the LA County Federation of Labor and the LA Times, Maxine Waters and more.
YES
One of my sources writes, “A judicial colleague of mine who is a former DA has described Melissa Lyons as the best of all the DAs running this year.”
YES
I support Melissa Hammond rather than her opponent, Carolyn “Jiyoung” Park (who has been rated “Not Qualified” by the state bar), because of the enthusiastic endorsement she got from one of my legal sources. Hammond is endorsed by the LA Times and many other individuals and organizations
YES
Patrick Hare is a Deputy Public Defender and has been endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party, the Stonewall Democratic Club, and the LA Times.
One of my legal sources writes, “I have been told that his interview with Stonewall’s Endorsement Committee was the most impressive of any candidate running this cycle.”
YES
CALIFORNIA STATE COURT OF APPEALS
Ashmann shows up at this site, which supports all the people and positions I reject.
That far-right site LIKES her.
Huge red flag for me.
NO
You can vote YES or NO on each candidate in District 2, Division 4 (and other judicial offices if your ballot so states).
YES!
Currey was appointed to the court by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in 2018. The Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission bestowed an exceptionally well qualified rating on him.
Full disclosure: Brian is a long-time friend; our kids grew up together.
You can vote YES or NO on each candidate in District 2, Division 4, (and other judicial offices if your ballot so states).
YES
You can vote YES or NO on each candidate in District 2, Division 5 (and other judicial offices if your ballot so states).
YES
You can vote YES or NO on each candidate in District 2, Division 5 (and other judicial offices if your ballot so states).
YES
In June 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Justice Baltodano as an Associate Justice to the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, in Division Six. The Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed his appointment on August 3, 2022.
YES
My favorite part of his bio:
Justice Segal…sings tenor in a congregational choir, and plays third base for his softball team.
YES
Uh-oh. Grimes shows up at this site, which supports all the people and positions I reject.
That far-right site LIKES her.
Huge red flag for me.
NO!
Grimes is recommended by the California Republican Lawyers Association. Registered Republican. Prior to her appointment to the Court of Appeals in 2010, Grimes was a judge for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in California. She was appointed to that court by Governor Pete Wilson in 1997.
My favorite part of his bio:
Wiley has climbed The Nose on El Capitan and the Northwest Face of Half Dome.
YES
CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT
Possibly my favorite endorsement of the year:
Jenkins is endorsed by the San Francisco League of Pissed Off Voters
YES
COUNTY ELECTION (one office and two measures)
Los Angeles County Sheriff
Luna’s endorsements are impressive.
Although even a giraffe would be better than the current sheriff. (Sorry, giraffes.)
YES
YES
A “yes” vote supports allowing the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, by a four-fifths vote, to remove the sheriff from office for cause, which is defined to include: violation of laws related to the sheriff’s duties; repeated neglect of the sheriff’s duties; misuse of public funds or properties; willful falsification of documents; or obstruction of an investigation into the department’s conduct.
Some of the controversy surrounding Alex Villanueva’s office is so bad, John Oliver devoted 5 minutes of his show to it in early May.
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH ELECTIONS
Manhattan Beach Unified School District ~
YES!
Link: how the nationwide radical right strategy is playing out in MB School Board and City Council races
Excerpt from a letter by Mike Jenkins, my very smart friend and long time Manhattan Beach resident:
Like many of you, I am disappointed by my town being torn apart by a small vocal group with a regressive agenda. I urge you to reject these candidates. I urge you to vote for Jen, Tina and Wysh for School Board because they are experienced volunteers committed to academic excellence and making our schools a safe place for every student. I urge you to vote for Amy and David for City Council because they are nonpartisan candidates who will focus on local issues for the benefit of the entire community and not lead based on a specific ideology. Let’s get national politics out of our local government and elect candidates who will collaborate constructively and civilly for the best interests of our community and our kids.
YES!
In MB, it’s crucial that we elect Jennifer “Jen” Fenton, Christina “Tina” Shivpuri and Kristen “Wysh” Weinstein. The candidates running against them are regressive, unqualified and frankly dangerous.
YES!
Sorry to repeat this, but it’s important: In MB, it’s crucial that we elect Jennifer “Jen” Fenton, Christina “Tina” Shivpuri and Kristen “Wysh” Weinstein. The candidates running against them are regressive, unqualified and frankly dangerous.
Manhattan Beach City Council
YES!
Link: how the nationwide radical right strategy is playing out in MB School Board and City Council races
“Amy is just who our town needs to restore civility and common sense to its leadership” ~ Faith Lyons
I agree absolutely.
This article, written in 2019, summarizes both Amy & David’s contributions to our city as their first 8-year terms expired. Written by excellent local journalist Mark McDermott, it’s well worth reading:
https://easyreadernews.com/lesser-howorth-oversaw-major-changes/
YES!
David has worked to make the city of Manhattan Beach better for decades. A vote for David is a vote for steady city leadership; Manhattan Beach sorely needs his calm demeanor and long-term experience.
This article, written in 2019, summarizes both Amy & David’s contributions to our city as their first 8-year terms expired. Written by excellent local journalist Mark McDermott, it’s well worth reading:
https://easyreadernews.com/lesser-howorth-oversaw-major-changes/
Shall a measure repealing Manhattan Beach’s existing prohibition of all commercial cannabis activity; allowing three cannabis retailers within city limits; allowing Manhattan Beach City Council discretion to legalize other cannabis uses; and imposing operational, design, and location requirements on such businesses, be adopted?
Here’s the VOTE NO argument, signed by five our our six current city council members, including Hildy Stern.
Shall the measure readopting Manhattan Beach’s existing: (1) prohibition of all commercial cannabis activities in the City; and (2) allowance of limited indoor cannabis cultivation consistent with state law be adopted?
STATE OF CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS
This proposition cements the right to control our bodies into the state constitution.
“Voters will decide whether the state’s constitution should be changed to explicitly prohibit the state from denying or interfering with a person’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives.” ~ KCRA news
Check out what VotersEdge says in their “Summary for New and Busy Voters”
Although many tribes support this proposition, a close relative of mine was a gambler; I know how it shattered his life.
Prop 26 explained in this one-minute video
LA Times says NO on Proposition 26:
Proposition 26 would allow sports betting in person at four privately owned horse-racing tracks and at tribal casinos that reach agreements with the state. The measure amounts to a toxic brew of industry interests designed not only to enrich the funders but also to push away their competitors. If California ever decides to embrace sports betting, it should be with a framework that is as evenhanded as possible, and not one that so blatantly picks winners and losers.
Proposition 27 explained in this one minute video
This Prop is supported by a few huge on-line sports betting companies and is opposed by many tribes.
LA Times says NO on Proposition 27:
Proposition 27 would allow sports betting online on sites run by California tribes or large companies that partner with them. That would essentially turn every cellphone, tablet and computer into a legal casino where bets could be placed with a few taps on an app, enabling easy access to an addictive form of gambling. The measure presents more risks than benefits, which makes it a bad bet.
More info here at Cal Matters.
As the daughter of a concert pianist and a lucky beneficiary of arts in the schools throughout my education (I learned to play the violin in Franklin Elementary from Mr. Sherman Plepler, (click on his name for a fun fact). I will be voting yes.
YES
The League of Women Voters of California is neutral on Prop 28:
“The League strongly supports a high-quality public education system in California. Because of a variety of voter-supported initiatives which limit and prescribe state and local spending, California does not provide the level of financial support for its schools that the League considers adequate. This proposition would provide additional financial resources (about $1 billion per year), specifically for music and arts education. We recognize that arts and music education, which has been underfunded in California, is beneficial to student achievement, cognitive development, reading comprehension, attendance, and social emotional wellness. Furthermore, Prop 28 is designed to ensure that low-income schools and under-resourced students, who are often kept the farthest away from arts and music education opportunities, will benefit from the increased funding. Despite these advantages, we remain neutral on Prop 28 because making decisions about budget expenditures through ballot measures is not a good policy. It reduces the flexibility our legislators need to react to future needs and makes less revenue available to other important state priorities like climate change, health care, and housing. Earmarking funds in this way also limits the ability of local school boards to respond to local needs. Finally, we are concerned that Prop 28 has extensive reporting requirements paired with an unrealistically low cap (1 percent) on administrative expenses.”
This is the 3rd time California voters have been asked to weigh in on the issue of dialysis. IMHO, that’s crazy. Neither voters nor politicians should be weighing in on medical issues…a medical advisory group decide this.
And although the League of Women Voters is neutral on this issue, a woman I trust has a friend on dialysis who writes this:
“The proposition keeps coming back in new clothes, recycled and recycled. I don’t understand all the details, but I’m pretty sure it’s about the dialysis companies’ bottom line: follow the money.”
In addition, the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board writes: “The proponents says the proposition is intended to improve patient care. It’s an assertion they can’t back up with evidence. No other state requires a doctor on-site, nor do the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the California State Department of Public Health, which regulates dialysis centers. Nor is there evidence that the current arrangement has harmed patients… Voters should reject Proposition 29.”
California Prop 30: Income Tax for Electric Cars, explained in this one minute video
Bill Magavern, Policy Director of Clean Air California is one of the authors and a leading spokesperson for Proposition 30. There’s a well-funded NO campaign by billionaires and the Republican Party. PLEASE read Bill’s blog post on why we should vote YES on Prop 30.
In addition, the pro Prop. 30 endorsement list is impressive. It includes The Union of Concerned Scientists and more…take a minute to scroll through it: https://yeson30.org/about/
California Prop 31 explained in this one minute video
The League of Women Voters of California recommends YES:
BEACH CITIES HEALTH DISTRICT
“Both are doctors and both are intelligent, critical-thinking team players with a vision for helping beach cities residents to live healthier longer lives by making wise financial decisions and promoting cutting edge wellness programs for the community.”
“Although Noel Chun and I come from opposite sides of the political spectrum, we share a vision for the health and wellness of the community and he’s a conscientious and involved board member who always adds a positive note to our discussions.” ~ Vanessa Poster, Board Member, BCHD*
*Affiliation for identification purposes only.
For detailed information about each of these incumbents, click on this link and scroll down to Board of Directors: https://www.bchd.org/board-directors
FABULOUS VOTER RESOURCES
- Voter’s Edge ~ This site is easy to use. Compare candidates. Dive deep: who contributed to this campaign and how much? What organizations are behind this candidate or proposition?
- Register to vote in your state here ~ a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the candidates and measures on your ballot.
- Californians: REGISTER WHERE YOU VOTE–-AND VOTE that day. Yay!
- Opposition: see how the far right votes . Very useful to see who not to vote for.
- CalMatters Voter Guide CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization…We are the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering America’s biggest state, 39 million Californians and the world’s fifth largest economy.
- The California Democratic Party’s endorsements and VOTER HOTLINE
- CAvotes.org ~ the League of Women Voter’s Education Fund’s site. Click on “VOTE,” and become a wizard in all things election-related. While you’re there, consider making a donation (contributions to the League’s Education Fund are tax deductible.)
- Beach Cities Democrats ~ my local Dem club ~ scroll down for the chart of their endorsements.
- Los Angeles Times endorsements This link may or may not work for you.
- Stonewall Democratic Club According to Wikipedia: The Stonewall Democratic Club was established in 1975 in Los Angeles, the first ‘Stonewall Democratic Club’ in the country established for LGBT individuals and straight allies committed to achieving equality for all and to advancing progressive and feminist values through the Democratic Party. (The National Stonewall Democratic Federation was a national organization of LGBT Democratic clubs and individuals founded in 1998, in Kansas City, Missouri. On January 1, 2013, National Stonewall suspended operations due to a financial deficit.
- Vote Save America Just go here–it’s an extraordinarily well-done voting site. It’s produced by the folks at Pod Save America.
- Generation Blue Political Fund ~ an organization of smart, forward thinking South Bay voters who effectively educate, inspire and activate voters. The link goes to their resources page.
- Swing Left ~ Swing Left helps you find and commit to supporting progressives in your closest Swing District to ensure we take back the Senate and more.
- Indivisible ~“We Beat Trump, Now Let’s Save Democracy” ~ They’re a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda. Check out Indivisible South Bay L.A.’s chart comparing 18 organizations’ voting recommendations.
- Field Team 6 Their tagline is “Register Democrats. Save the World.” Field Team 6 meets people where they are – via phone, text, postcard, social media, and voter drives. Armed with Voterizer.org, they track down “every good-hearted eligible voter we can, and get them on the voter rolls where they belong. And sign them up to vote from home! “
- Blue Voters Guide ~ “Let endorsements guide you” ~ on this site you have the option of choosing candidates one at a time OR choosing an organization you have an affinity for and building your ballot based on that organization’srecommendations. Pretty cool.
- Open Secrets ~ Following the Money in Politics. “Nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, OpenSecrets is the nation’s premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Our mission is to track the flow of money in American politics and provide the data and analysis to strengthen democracy. Our vision is for Americans to use this knowledge to create a more vibrant, representative and accountable democracy.”
- MB United ~ “Advocacy Rooted in Community” ~ MB United represents a broad coalition committed to a Manhattan Beach that is welcoming, inclusive, safe and supportive for residents, business, employees and visitors. We advocate for city leadership and policy decisions that promote these goals through grassroots community action and reliable public information. If you live in Manhattan Beach, please consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter which includes summaries of school board and city council meetings as well as local events and businesses worth supporting.
- The Torrance Refinery Action Alliance is a well-organized grassroots organization that has taught me a lot ~ click on this link for videos and maps of the horrendous consequences if MHF (the deadly acid modified hydrofluoric acid) is released by the Torrance Refinery or the Wilmington Refinery.
Peace Action ~ Of all the groups I give money to, I save my biggest donation for Peace Action, which is a lean, efficient and politically pragmatic organization. Once a year, a Peace Action staffer comes over for lunch and teaches me a TON about the peace movement and specifically what Peace Action is doing to move our politicians, our policies, our country towards peace. Contact me if you’d like to join us for lunch: rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com with the header: PEACE ACTION
Authors and Illustrators for Children Children’s author Bruce Balan and I founded AIC in 2004. It’s a nationwide organization of children’s book creators and associates committed to vote, campaign, and speak out for candidates and policies to create a safe, healthy, and inspired future for children everywhere. Join us! (In 2022, we’re encouraging AIC members to focus their activism and creative energies on local elections.)
Movement Voter Project I recently helped promote a fundraiser for MVP, which raises millions of dollars and supports volunteers in more than 600 grassroots groups of color, youth, and LGBTQ individuals in key states. Local groups are best at registering, motivating, and turning out voters. These are the groups that help elect people who will protect our electoral system and democracy. Movement Voter Project’s long-range plan is what excites me the most. Go to https://movement.vote/, click on “Learn More,” then click on “Progressive Decade Plan.” (mic drop)
The LA County Bar Association rates judges. LACBA considers the following when interviewing and evaluating judicial candidates:
(1) Integrity and character
(2) Judgment and intellectual capacity
(3) Fairness
(4) Experience
(5) Industry and diligence
(6) Judicial temperament, including whether the candidate would be courteous and considerate of counsel, parties, witnesses and jurors, and
whether the candidate is even-tempered
(7) Professional ability and knowledge of the law
(8) Health problems that might affect the candidate’s ability to serve as a judge
(9) General reputation in the community
(10) Civic and community activities
(11) Candor in preparing the Personal Data Questionnaire and list of references, and responding to inquiries by Committee members
(12) Other relevant matters of concern including any issues relating to potential bias
Useful links from the LA County Registrar:
Find a drop-off location to return your Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot before Election Day.
Text Messages~receive quick and easy text message notifications about important election information.
LAvote.net ~ Everything you wanted to know about voting in LA County but were afraid to ask.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650 (800) 815-2666, Opt. 3
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So…why the heck do I tell you and your friends how I voted?
I started this site because I used to call my brilliant uncle Raphael Konigsberg and ask him how to vote–especially for judges. I mean, who knew how to pick judges? When he died, I said, “So now who’ll tell me how to vote?”
Then I realized, “Uh-oh…”
So…I’ve been researching, comparing, and sharing my ballot with friends, and friends of friends for more than 20 years. Many thanks to the individuals and groups who continue to share their views with me.
If you’d like to be on my political email list, email me at:
rabbitt101 (at) aol (dot) com with the header: ADD ME
