SLO County Market Update & Proposition 50 Article
*INTERESTING FACT –
Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion this year, up from $11.6 billion last year and exceeding the previous $12.2 billion record set in 2023.
Proposition 50
By now, most people have heard the arguments for and against Prop 50. This newsletter focuses on providing SLO County residents with clear, objective information—including maps and local details—about how the measure could affect our region. Amid the political debate, details can easily become obscured. Our goal is to present them clearly so everyone can make an informed decision.
Current Congressional Districting Process:
In 2008, voters passed Prop 11, creating the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) to draw state districts, and in 2010 expanded its scope to draw congressional lines. The Commission is made up of 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans and 4 members that are not registered with either party. After each federal census (conducted every 10 years), the CCRC uses census data to redraw the Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization district boundaries. A “No” vote on Prop 50 would mean current district maps drawn by the CCRC would continue to be used until the Commission draws new maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.
If Prop 50 Passes:
A “Yes” vote on this measure means the state would use new, legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026 and for the next three election cycles. The Prop 50 maps would create more districts with Democratic majorities and these maps would be used until the CCRC redraws the districts again following the 2030 U.S. Census. Prop 50 also asks the U.S. Congress to change federal law and propose an amendment to the Constitution to require redistricting be done by “fair, independent & nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide.” (Prop 50 expresses voter support for this idea, but does not actually change federal law.)
SLO County:
San Luis Obispo County is represented by two members of Congress: Jimmy Panetta (District 19) and Salud Carbajal (District 24). Most of the county lies in District 24, which also covers all of Santa Barbara County and parts of Ventura County. If Prop 50 passes, only the southern boundary of District 24 (in Ventura County) would change. District 19 extends from south San Jose through Santa Cruz & Monterey counties into northern SLO County and would remain largely the same.
For more information, visit:
www.lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis
www.sos.ca.gov/elections/california-redistricting
