Updated with results: The Nov. 4 ballot measures

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Seems like it wasn’t that long ago that we were talking about plans for summer vacation and weekends at the beach.  But now Columbus Day has come and gone; Halloween is a week away; and Election Day is just around the corner.  That means it’s time to take a closer look at some of the issues California voters will be weighing in on next month. Over the next few days we’re going to tackle each of the statewide measures on the ballot.

Updated November 5, 2014

State Ballot Measures from the California Sec. of State.
State Ballot Measures from the California Sec. of State.(The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Proposition 1 PASSED 

If voters approve Proposition 1, California would sell $7.5 billion dollars in bonds, to help raise money for different types of projects aimed at increasing the state’s water supply. More than a third of that money–$2.7 billion dollars—would go for water storage. The rest would be divvied up between things like increasing water recycling; reclaiming more storm water; and cleaning up groundwater in places like the San Fernando Valley and the Central Valley.

Stan Lester, a fourth generation farmer in Solano County, about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, says that sounds good. “We know weather is unpredictable in California, and especially lately.  And so we need to set aside water and store water in these reservoirs in time of need,” he says.

Prop 1 is supported by both the California Democratic and Republican parties; the state Chamber of Commerce; the California Farm Bureau Federation; and by some environmental groups—like The Nature Conservancy and the state chapter of the Audubon Society.