Daily News of Los Angeles: Bond Failure Analyzed; Disgruntled, Confused Voters Cited

By Bhavna Mistry

On Nov. 2, less than 15,000 of the 93,000 voters in young, affluent and conservative Santa Clarita showed up at the polls to decide Measure A, a $ 52 million school construction bond measure.

And while 65.2 percent favored the bond, the measure did not receive the needed two-thirds majority to authorize a new tax. The money was to help the William S. Hart Union High School District build five schools the growing community desperately needs and to renovate aging schools.

“It’s hard to convince 66 percent of any (group) to vote for one thing,” said Karl Frisch, campaign manager for Measure A. “Under any other circumstance it would have passed.”

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November 29, 1999 | Filed Under News Mentions, School Bond | Comment 

Daily News of Los Angeles: Campaign Ordinance Revocation Suggested

By Angela M. Lemire

A city official is calling for the repeal of a campaign ordinance that forbids anonymous political mailings and advertisements.

City Attorney Carl Newton has recommended that the Santa Clarita City Council abolish a code regulating campaign disclosure, after finding that state and federal courts have invalidated similar ordinances on grounds they violated freedom of speech.

The council will discuss the matter at its regular meeting today, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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November 9, 1999 | Filed Under News Mentions, School Bond | Comment 

Daily News of Los Angeles: Hart School District; Bond Vote Not Making Grade

Measure A Backers Say Last Ballots May Spell Win

By Bhavna Mistry & Angela M. Lemire

The Hart School District’s $ 52 million bond measure came up 179 votes short in ballots counted early Wednesday, but backers said they are clinging to the hope that the final tally will bring them a victory.

While carrying a solid majority in the ballots counted, the measure is short of the two-thirds margin necessary to approve a bond that would raise money needed to build new high schools and junior highs and renovate existing ones.

“It’s not over until the provisional ballots are counted,” said Teresa Todd, spokeswoman for the William S. Hart Union High School District. “There is a slim hope.”

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November 4, 1999 | Filed Under News Mentions, School Bond | Comment