The campaign text messages have stopped, and your recycling bin is finally empty of mailers. But while it’s not election season anymore, California lawmakers are still tinkering with how voting happens.

The number of election-related bills introduced this session — close to 50 — is average, election officials said. But that number has been whittled down since January, and this week’s policy committee deadline may narrow the active proposals more.

Some bigger measures failed early on — including a constitutional amendment, inspired by the 2021 failed recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom, to limit a recall ballot for statewide officials to only asking voters “yes” or “no” on removing the official. Under the proposal, a recalled governor would be replaced by the lieutenant governor and others would be replaced in a special election.

Another constitutional amendment that fell by the wayside would have changed the state superintendent of public instruction from an elected position to one appointed by the governor.

Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, dropped his effort to provide more detail to voters on who is funding ballot measures after the bill was heavily amended in committees. The amendments “reduced the impact to the point that it was no longer worth passing,” said Erik Mebust, spokesperson for Wiener’s office.

And a bill that would speed up vote counting by changing how mail ballots are processed is in limbo, having passed the Assembly but been sent to the Senate appropriations “suspense file.”

That issue has been a key focus for Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, who says the state’s notoriously slow results are not just embarrassing but bad for representation and voter confidence.

“The longer that it takes to determine a winner in a contest, the less time that winner has to prepare an agenda for their stint in public office,” she told CalMatters. “The longer that it takes to get the results out to the public, the more suspicious people become.”

She’s not surprised, however, that momentum for bigger election changes has diminished: “Unfortunately, people get really excited about election issues during and immediately following elections. And then you get to the start of the new year and folks might put that behind them.”

But there are still some proposals that could impact voting in 2024. Here are some of the key bills:

Making sense of the ballot

Ballot language can be confusing. Look no further than Proposition 8, which asked voters to ban gay marriage. Voting “no” meant voting “yes” on gay marriage, while voting “yes” meant gay marriage would be disallowed.

The 2008 measure was approved by 52% of voters, then superseded by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. But it’s not the only example: Propositions 6 and 10 on the 2018 ballot — a repeal on the state gas tax, and a rent control measure, respectively — drew similar confusion.

Assembly Bill 421, authored by Culver City Democrat Isaac Bryan, would simplify language on the ballot to make more clear what voters are deciding. When he introduced the bill, Bryan said its aim was to curb abuse of the ballot measure process — increasingly being used by wealthy corporations to overturn laws.

The 2024 ballot already includes two such measures: one by the oil and gas industry to overturn a ban on new oil and gas wells within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, hospitals and other “sensitive” facilities; another by the fast food industry to overturn the law creating a state council to set wages and other workplace standards.

But the current version of the bill is vastly different than what was first introduced.

Originally, the bill sought to curb disinformation by requiring signature gatherers to disclose whether they are paid or volunteers; mandating training and registration with the Secretary of State’s office; and instituting a three-year ban if someone violates the law.

In its latest form, the bill focuses on one primary fix: clarifying ballot language for referendums to either say “keep the law” or “overturn the law.” It’s also now an urgency bill, so if it becomes law, it can take effect for new measures added to the 2024 ballot.

Bryan’s office did not make him available for comment on the amendments.

SEIU California, part of the Empower California Voters coalition backing this effort, says while it plans to continue fighting for further reforms to signature gathering, the bill still “responds urgently to pain points reported by voters: confusing ballot language that is easily exploited by corporations spending their vast wealth to veto policies they don’t like,” Tia Orr, the union’s executive director, said in a statement to CalMatters.

“Under AB 421, voters’ ballots will match their intent,” she wrote. “We know that the best way to do this is a clear statement of what a voter is choosing: to keep or overturn the law. ”

Clearing up the language has strong bipartisan support among voters, according to a poll published in June by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies: 81% of registered voters said they supported clarifying whether a referendum’s intent is to uphold or overturn a law.

Poll respondents also supported other aspects of AB 421 that have now been gutted: requiring a portion of signatures for a referendum to be gathered by volunteers, a requirement that the top three funders of a referendum be disclosed on the signature pages and requiring paid signature gatherers to sign a statement saying they are giving voters accurate information.

Who draws your districts

Redistricting is the once-a-decade process of redrawing election districts after each Census to make sure each has the same number of people. But without guardrails in place, those who draw the maps can use the process to preserve their own power.

For legislative and congressional maps in 2010 and 2020, California adopted an independent commission to take the power out of the hands of elected officials. The idea has trickled down to some counties and cities, but because state law doesn’t require local independent commissions, local redistricting has varied widely, leading to some allegations of gerrymandered maps.

That’s why, this year, we’re seeing more bills to require independent redistricting — though some may overlap. The bills are scheduled to go before two different committees today and must pass to stay alive this session.

Long Beach residents participate in an independent redistricting commission meeting at City Hall on Oct. 20, 2021. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Building on ordinances in Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Riverside and Kern counties, legislation this year proposes independent redistricting commissions for Orange and Sacramento counties.

Sen. María Elena Durazo also introduced a bill for the city of Los Angeles, though that was later amended to any charter city with a population of at least 2.5 million.

But is this piecemeal approach best? Assemblymember Bryan argues that a statewide bill is needed.

That’s why he introduced two bills. The first is AB 1248, which would require independent redistricting commissions for cities and counties with more than 300,000 residents by the next round in 2030 and would include school and community college districts.

“This is an approach that really answers the question and calling that’s coming statewide,” Bryan said at a July 5 Senate elections committee hearing.

If the statewide requirement fails, though, Bryan has a backup plan: AB 764, which strengthens rules around redistricting, regardless of who draws the maps.

Officials from Common Cause California, a good government advocacy group that is co-sponsoring AB 1248 and AB 764, said they’re excited to see the “groundswell of support” for independent redistricting this year.

“There are some technical amendments to do to make sure the bills don’t conflict with each other,” said Laurel Brodzinsky, legislative director for the organization. “But definitely on a policy level, it’s really exciting to see.”

The bills are opposed by groups representing local governments, including the California State Association of Counties, the Urban Counties of California and the Rural County Representatives of California.

In their opposition letter, they wrote that commissions needed more financial resources and support to achieve the goals of the bill and without it “we are concerned that counties will be set up for failure and such a failure would only serve to validate public distrust in the redistricting process and in our democratic systems that are already under intense public scrutiny.”

Who funds campaigns

Where there’s talk of election reform, you can expect talk of campaign finance.

A bill by Democratic Sens. Tom Umberg of Santa Ana and Ben Allen of Redondo Beach that cleared the policy committee deadline last week proposes expanding public financing of campaigns. The intent of SB 24 is to level the playing field for candidates against those backed by wealthy corporations or interest groups.

If passed, the bill will ask voters to decide in November 2024 whether to lift the ban on public financing of campaigns for state offices and those in counties, most cities and districts. Currently, only charter cities permit public financing programs.

California voters have previously rejected similar ballot measures — though, unlike the current legislation, all three of the failed bills proposed a specific public financing program for state offices.

Some opponents say the legislation would make no change to the status quo because unless public money is the only source of campaign financing, candidates would still face the same financial disadvantages.

Another bill, AB 83, to prohibit foreign-influenced businesses from contributing to California campaigns, was shelved by its author.

Keeping elections secure

While California’s 2022 elections went off without major incidents, some lawmakers aim to ensure that remains the case ahead of the 2024 election.

AB 969, introduced by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, a Santa Cruz Democrat and the new chairperson of the Assembly elections committee, is a response to Shasta County’s termination of its contract with Dominion Voting Systems over unproven allegations of fraud by the company, which provides voting machines.

The bill bans jurisdictions from terminating contracts for a certified voting system without having a plan in place for a replacement. It also seeks to prevent elections officials from choosing or being required to manually tally ballots in elections where there are more than 1,000 registered voters. After passing the Assembly, the bill has made it through the Senate committee process.

Another bill aimed at election integrity is from Assemblymember Mia Bonta, an Oakland Democrat. Her AB 37 would allow candidates or elected officials less restricted use of campaign funds to pay for security expenses.

Bonta cited threats against fellow legislators in her introduction of the bill, which is before the Senate appropriations committee.

“As public servants, there is a lot we humbly and willingly sacrifice to serve, including spending time with family and our privacy,” she said. “However, the one thing we should never be willing or expected to give up is our sense of safety, or the safety of our families, and those who work closely with us.”

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Kenneth “Michael” Allen Davis died on July 3, 2023, in McKinleyville. His life was taken by a troubled friend in a senseless act of violence.

Michael was born July 14, 1997, in Arcata, to Mark and Laurie Davis. He was the youngest of three siblings. Michael grew up in McKinleyville near more than 60 family members including cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Michael will be remembered for his booming, infectious laugh, his loyalty, gentleness, kindness and infinite patience. Michael had a heart of gold, and a world without him is sadder in every way.

Michael strove to develop his mind and spirit, including reflecting on how best to exemplify Christ. He was a beloved figure of many churches including New Heart Community Church in McKinleyville, Faith Center in Eureka, and Branches Humboldt in Arcata. Michael’s faith led him to countless beautiful relationships built through youth groups, bible studies and volunteering at North Coast Baptist Association children’s and youth camps.

Michael graduated from McKinleyville High School in 2016 where he was a varsity athlete all four years, competing in track and cross-country. He graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in economics. He worked at Les Schwab in McKinleyville while in college and was hired after graduation by Premier Financial Group as an investment administrator, where he became an associate advisor and was on track to become a certified financial planner.

Michael married his high school sweetheart and joy of his life Jordyn Johnston on July 10, 2021. Shortly before Michael’s death, he and Jordyn bought their first home in McKinleyville and worked hard to paint and renovate it. He was killed a week before their second anniversary.

Michael is survived by Jordyn, and her brother Noah Johnston, her parents Lancey Johnston of Eureka and Dwayne Johnston of McKinleyville; his parents Mark and Laurie Davis of McKinleyville; sister Kimberlie (Stephen) Floyd of Silverton, Ore.; his brother and best friend Daniel (Lana) Davis of Eugene, Ore.; and grandmother Roberta Davis of McKinleyville. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, including the Chins, Chos, Davises, Ragans, Lukens, Hodges, Myers, Gibbs, Holmes, Alders, and Bertains.

The family wishes to thank New Heart Community Church, Branches Humboldt, Catalyst Church, McKinleyville Baptist Church and supportive friends and neighbors. They also want to thank Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire, California State Parks rangers, and National Parks Services for their hard work in finding Michael’s shooter.

Funeral arrangements are through Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. An open house celebration of life will be held at the Fortuna River Lodge on Sunday, August 6 at from 2 to 6 p.m.

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Our Dad, Jay Dean Mitchell went to be with our Mom on June 14, 2023 in Eureka.

He was born September 24, 1939 to James Virgil Mitchell and Helen Marie Ford Mitchell in Fort Smith, Arkansas The family moved to Modesto, and Dad talked often of his young childhood there.

They later moved to Whitethorn. He attended Whitethorn School and graduated from South Fork High School. When he was young he would tend to the families 200 plus chickens and work with his Dad in the woods.

The stories he would tell of growing up at the time in (rural) Whitethorn was unbelievable at times. He started driving Logging truck for Sid Green and found his passion. He loved to get in that logging truck at 2 a.m. and hit the road. He loved the early mornings because he said “everything was waking up.”

He served his country during the Vietnam war as a Mechanic and took those skills into his civilian career. My Dad and Mom were married 56 yrs when she passed in 2017.

He was co-owner of Woodland Access Redwood Construction. The name later was changed to Redwood Coast Trucking. He taught many people how to drive and fix trucks. He was a great teacher and he always had a solution to everything. Dad had quick one liners that always made you laugh.

He is survived by his son Mike Mitchell (Karen) Deborah Mitchell Lankila (Ken) his grandchildren Michelle Mitchell Mehl (Matt) Greg Mitchell (Tiffany), Matthew (Ashley), Justin (Amanda) and Erica Lankila. He is also survived by his great -grandchildren Rylan Mitchell, Julianna and Liam Lankila, Mitchell, Marshal and Maxwell Mehl, Emmett an Eloise Lankila and his brother Guy Mitchell. Dad was a man cut from the “old cloth”. He is greatly missed, loved by his family and by others as well. The family is hosting a Memorial in Dad’s honor July 22, 2023 at The Ranch House 210 Anker Ln/Fieldbrook in McKinleyville from 2-5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dad’s name to McKinleyville Little League PO BOX 2284, McKinleyville, CA 95519 or the Sequoia Zoo 3414 W. Street, Eureka, CA 95503.

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Elvi Niemi of Fortuna passed away on June 18, 2023. Elvi lived a long and good life.

Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to immigrant parents in 1923, she was the youngest of seven children. Elvi enjoyed life and shared her appreciation of her life experiences with her family and friends. She grew up on a farm during the Great Depression, and the experiences she had during those years guided many of her life’s pleasures and choices. Elvi and her husband enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking and camping in the woods and the high deserts, farming, and raising a family. She was an avid antiques collector, reader, and crossword puzzle player, as well as an accomplished shorthand stenographer and typist, and a meticulous bookkeeper.

Elvi was widowed in 1993, and after that enjoyed camping and visiting with her daughters and their families, long daily walks, and playing pinochle at the Fortuna Senior Center.

Elvi had a great sense of humor, and told stories of her early family life that made us all belly laugh until we cried. She loved the three daughters she and her husband raised together here in California, and the sisters and brothers and their children that she left behind when she and her husband moved from Michigan to the West Coast. She is survived by three daughters, eight grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren.

Elvi was a wonderful and loving mom and friend. We miss her greatly, and have wonderful memories of her that will last our lifetimes.

Special thanks to First Choice Care Home in Fortuna, where Elvi comfortably spent her last years, to Angela Murray FNP for caring and attentive medical care, and to Hospice of Humboldt.

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Colley Blair Baird was born on September 26, 1951 in Scotia to Harvey and Juanita “Fame” Baird. He joined older brother Jesse and soon after became the big brother to Griff and Tana. He was raised in Rohnerville and attended Fortuna High School, graduating with the class of 1969. During this time he was figuring out who he was and demonstrated his character many times, even refusing to cut his long hair to remain on the football team. He also found his love for music, picking up his brother’s guitar one day and never looking back. He played in bands all throughout high school, quickly growing in skill and it was clear to all around him he had a gift, not only in music, but also in entertainment. He knew how to WOO a crowd, and created an atmosphere everywhere he went that only he could.

After graduating from high school he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home a young man looking for love. He met Kathy Bice and together they welcomed Colleen, their first child into the world and he immediately felt the change that fatherhood brings. He loved being a father and it was clear to those all around him. Several years later, after the relationship with Kathy had ended, he met Patti Mogni. Colley and Patti brought his son Chandler, and youngest daughter Keely into this world. His kids were everything to him. They enjoyed many adventures and created memories in their many years together. He coached Chandler’s soccer and t-ball teams and pushed Chandler to pursue tennis and various scouting ventures. When Keely was young he coached her in softball and traveled with her to all her games, near and far! He loved watching her play and was, to this day, her biggest fan.

Colley finally found the woman he would spend the rest of his life with one day as she was picking weeds out of her gutter, Phyllis was literally his girl next door! She remembers him being her “Tom Selleck” – his mustache and dark features made us all do a double take! Colley and Phyllis each had three children from their prior relationships, but they never let on that they were step-parents. Colley loved her kids, Roxie, Reena and Ross as if they were his own. They were married on July 1, 2000 and with their combined 6 kids became the “Baird Bunch” (even though no one called them that!).

Colley and Phyllis traveled the world together, collecting spoon rests wherever they went. His favorite place to visit was the New England coast. He even had lobster from Maine shipped out several times over the years so he could enjoy it again. During these years he never stopped being the outdoorsman he was, often taking trips with his best friend and father, Harvey, to go fishing, abalone diving, and hunting. He loved to come home and feed his family his prized bucks, or chukars he would disguise as “baby chickens” so his picky daughters would eat them. Each day he learned how challenging, and yet rewarding fatherhood was, and in having all of their children in one house he developed his love language of cooking for everyone. In the midst of all the chaos and life and sports and activities that six kids brings, he reserved Wednesday nights for family dinner often welcoming in his children’s friends as well and sharing his delicious meals with them. In retirement he would cook lunch for his wife every day, and would make special meals for each grandchild when they would visit.

In addition to being the most talented chef and musician, he stayed physically active all throughout his life, playing tennis and golf and going to the gym.

As the years went on he welcomed his grandchildren, and quickly fell in love with being known as “Papa”. His oldest daughter Colleen brought him his first grandchild, Cari, and his other children soon followed suit bringing more grandbabies. For a few years he found himself with two sidekicks, Grace and Hope, where he’d drag them around on every errand he had with Grace reading aloud from the backseat. He created their tradition of getting ice cream at Rite-Aid on the first Tuesday of the month, but because he was the best Papa, he would splurge on other occasions as well! When taking his three grandsons to the fair he complained about the price the entire time, but spent it anyways and didn’t have any regrets. Colley loved being a Papa more than anything else in the world, and it was clear to those all around him. He had a soft spot for his family and spread his love with every act.

Colley took his last breath around 1 a.m. on July 2, 2023, surrounded by loved ones and hand-in-hand with his wife. We will be gathered to celebrate his life on July 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in Fortuna, California.

Colley is survived by his wife, Phyllis Baird, and his children Colleen Baird, Chandler Baird, Keely Baird, Roxie Christiansen (Zach), Reena Powell (Brent), and Ross Young, his siblings Jesse Baird, Griff Baird (Wanda) and Tana Bryan (Jerry), his grandchildren Cari, Kelly, Shania, Raime, Cole, Grace, Hope, James, Max, Sam, Emma, Jacob, Nicholas, and Jesse, and his great-grandchildren Bladen, Baylon, Brighton, Ashton, and Aiden, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Colley is predeceased by his mother Fame and father Harvey. We love you Papa.

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John 6:39-40

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

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Press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:

Today, a Humboldt County jury found Frederick Adams (43) of Eureka, guilty of the six felony charges brought against him by the District Attorney, including two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child against different victims.

Adams faces a sentence of over 15 years to life in prison. 

On May 13, 2021, 16-year-old Jane Doe disclosed to an interviewer with the Child Abuse Services Team that her father, Adams, had been sexually abusing her since she turned 11. Additional investigation by the Rio Dell Police Department uncovered another victim, Adams’ step-daughter, whom he continuously abused from the time she turned 11 years old.   

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from both survivors, now aged 18 and 21.  District Attorney Stacey Eads commends the victims who showed incredible bravery testifying in front of their abuser.
Adams is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25 by Judge Christopher Wilson, as he presided over the trial.       

Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal prosecuted Adams with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Ryan Hill and Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie.   Deputy Public Defender Zack Curtis of the Conflict Counsel’s Office represented the defendant. 

PREVIOUSLY:

• Fortuna Police Investigating Alleged Carny Kidnapping Attempt

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Press release from the Fortuna Police Department:

The original story regarding the alleged attempted kidnapping of an individual at the carnival event in Fortuna, California has gained some traction in the media, causing unnecessary fear and panic. After conducting a thorough investigation, the Fortuna Police Department has yet to find any credible evidence to support that any crime or attempted crime occurred.

During follow-up investigation by Fortuna Detectives, a clear case of mistaken communication between parent and child was confirmed to have occurred. Police now know through extended interviews that there was no grabbing or attempt to grab at any of the involved juveniles. In addition, no proper identification of any suspect(s) was made and there is a high probability of a real time misidentification of the carnival employee that was listed previously as a “person of interest”.

In addition, the aforementioned person of interest has been identified and contacted by Fortuna Police and has been fully cooperative.

The employee is no longer in the Humboldt County region and there is no immediate threat to the community. Members of the public and/or witnesses can still reach the Fortuna Police Department at 707-725-7550 with any information on this matter.