Vote like the future of your children depends on it

by Kevin Uhrich, Pasadena Weekly, Nov. 1, 2018

Before endorsing candidates and measures appearing on Tuesday’s ballot, we decided to share some happy Pasadena Weekly news.

First, we welcome to the world Sienna Mercy Chapman, born last week to longtime PW contributors Justin Chapman and Mercedes Blackehart. It seems like only yesterday that Justin was a student at PCC and freelancing for PW. Soon after that, he became the youngest person elected to the Altadena Town Council before heading off to UC Berkeley. Since they’ve been together, Mercedes has been a freelance photographer for the paper. Congratulations to you both.

Many of our readers remember PW Deputy Editor Joe Piasecki, who is now editor of one of our sister publications, The Argonaut, covering LA’s West Side. Joe and Kelly Corrigan, a digital editor for the LA Times, recently married in a grand ceremony full of family and friends at a church in Montrose. We wish both of you love, joy and happiness in your lives together.

Finally, Rashi Kesarwani, who contributed to the paper in 2007, is a candidate for the Berkeley City Council. Who knew? Now married and mother of a newborn son, Austin, Rashi is a 2005 graduate of Brown University who earned her master’s degree in public policy from UC Berkeley in 2012. That city would do well to have Rashi among its council members.

Speaking of babies, Ted Uhrich, the PW editor’s son, and his wife Dorene are expecting again. Their adorably loquacious 3-year-old, Kedt, is anxiously waiting to meet his little sister on Dec. 1.

And Amaré Thompson, who turned 2 in August, just moved to France to be near his dad, who plays pro basketball there. Little Mars, grandson of PW Office Manager Ann Turrietta, stays in touch with Grandma via FaceTime.

Regarding the election, Republican and Democrat alike would acknowledge that the country is in trouble right now, with the potential to go well beyond the constitutional crises caused by Watergate. War seems more imminent than ever, and portions of our planet are aflame as other regions sink further under water. This is the world that our families and friends will inherit, and this is why elections matter.

On Tuesday, California voters will choose a new governor and lieutenant governor, and decide on the offices of secretary of state, attorney general, controller, treasurer, insurance commissioner and superintendent of schools. There is also a full slate of state propositions. At the county level, Sheriff Jim McDonnell is up for re-election, and Measure W asks for a parcel tax to collect, clean and store rainwater runoff.

In the race for governor, we can’t really think of much Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s done in the legislative and political arena. Let’s just say Jerry Brown he’s not. Unfortunately, however, the same could be said of his opponent. With white supremacy on the rise and the republic teetering on the brink of calamity, now is not the time for division here at home. Vote for Gavin Newsom. Also Vote for Jim McDonnell and Vote Yes on Measure W.

Pasadena voters also have one US Senate race, two House contests and two ballot initiatives to weigh.

Her opponent may be right, that it’s time for US Sen. Dianne Feinstein, now 85, to step aside. But he is not the one to replace her. Feinstein’s done some stellar things while in office, and she remains a champion of core democratic values. Vote for Dianne Feinstein.

In the 28th Congressional District, Congressman Adam Schiff, a former federal prosecutor whose district includes portions of Pasadena, has been extremely adept at holding President Trump accountable. Vote for Adam Schiff.

Congresswoman Judy Chu of the 27th District has been a fighter for health care, gun control, labor rights and equal rights. Vote for Judy Chu.

Measure I is a three-quarter cent sales tax hike expected to raise $21 million a year for the city and go toward improving public safety and financing after-school programs, among other things. Vote Yes on Measure I.

Measure J is an advisory measure which asks if the city should give the Pasadena school district a third of those funds. Don’t punish the children for the mistakes of the adults. Instead, replace the district’s leaders with people who can actually do the job. Vote Yes on Measure J.

Proposition 6 would repeal a state gas tax used for infrastructure improvements. Yes, it’s a regressive tax, but we all drive and contribute to the problem. Vote No on Proposition 6.

Proposition 10 would repeal a state law prohibiting local communities from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords didn’t have to raise rents so much, but they did, mostly because they could, thus creating much of the homeless and housing crisis we are now experiencing. Vote Yes on Proposition 10.

This Tuesday, vote for public safety, affordable housing and education because the quality of life for you and your kids really does depend on it.