Vote 'No' on Proposition 37

This editorial comes out against Prop. 37, which reclassifies feesused to "mitigate the societal or economic effects of an activity" as atax.

1 minute read

October 14, 2000, 6:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


This Press Democrat editorial comes out against Prop. 37, ameasure on the November ballot that overturns the 1997 Sinclair PaintCompany vs. State Board of Equalization decision by reclassifying feesused to "mitigate the societal or economic effects of an activity" as atax. This policy change would thus require a supermajority vote by thelegislature to pass state fees and two-thirds voter approval for localfees, a threshold that is often difficult to obtain. With tobacco, oiland liquor companies as the leading campaign contributors to Prop. 37,this measure is representative of business special interest groupsattempting to make it more difficult for state and local government toimpose fees based on the negative impacts of business activities, theeditorial states.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Saturday, October 14, 2000 in Santa Rosa Press Democrat

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of traffic congestion from behind cars on a freeway in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop

When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

March 17, 2025 - Todd Litman

Lava visible in crater with steam coming out in Hawaii.

Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?

Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

5 hours ago - Honolulu Civil Beat

Purple, orange, and yellow wildflowers in a field in California.

Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles

TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.

6 hours ago - TreePeople

Close-up on charging port for electric cars.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California

California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.

7 hours ago - Inside EVs