A proposed half-cent sales tax increase to help fund the Tijuana sewage crisis and other county services held a narrow lead Tuesday night. At the same time, Coronado voters overwhelmingly opposed a separate measure allowing taller multi-family buildings along part of Orange Avenue.
Measure B, the half-cent sales tax increase, received 374,267 votes in favor, or 51.62%, compared to the 350,762 votes against, or 48.38%, according to the first unofficial results released by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The measure needs a simple majority to pass. It led by 23,505 votes in updated unofficial returns, with additional ballots still to be counted.
Coronado voters strongly opposed Measure D, which would allow taller multi-family developments in a designated area along Orange Avenue.
The measure received 3,833 votes against, or 78.22%, compared with 1,067 yes votes, or 21.78%.
Measure B: Countywide sales tax increase
Measure B, also known as the Protect San Diego’s Health and Safety Act, would increase the county’s base sales tax rate by half a percentage point, from 7.75% to 8.25%.
Supporters estimate the increase would generate up to $450 million annually for health care, child care, wildfire prevention and projects addressing sewage pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
The proposal outlines spending targets of 60% for health care and child care, 22.5% for sewage-related projects and 17.5% for wildfire prevention. The County Board of Supervisors would decide how to allocate the revenue.
The measure does not designate funding for a specific sewage treatment project. County officials have discussed constructing a new treatment plant to capture wastewater flowing through the Tijuana River.
The sewage crisis has repeatedly closed beaches near Coronado and affected public health, recreation and military training.
The proposed sales tax increase would be permanent, with no sunset clause.
Measure D: Building heights on Orange Avenue
Measure D, which Coronado voters strongly opposed, would raise the maximum permitted building height in the affected zone from three stories to four stories.
The proposal would change development limits along part of one of Coronado’s main commercial corridors. With more than three-quarters of early votes against it, the measure faced a substantial deficit as counting continued.
Proposition 42: Taxes on personal property
Proposition 42 led in San Diego County with 418,956 votes in favor, or 56.83%, compared with 318,272 votes against, or 43.17%.
The statewide measure would prohibit new state taxes based solely on personal property ownership, including financial assets, and certain retroactive taxes.
The proposition also conflicts with Proposition 40, a proposed tax on billionaires. If both measures pass statewide, Proposition 42 could nullify Proposition 40 if it receives more votes.
Proposition 40: One-time billionaire tax
Proposition 40 trailed in San Diego County, with 425,391 votes against (57.01%) compared to 320,777 votes in favor (42.99%).
The measure would impose a one-time 5% tax on qualifying Californians with assets exceeding $1 billion, with revenue directed primarily toward health care and some funding for food assistance and education.
Supporters argue the money would help address funding pressures on health care services. Opponents warn that the tax could drive wealthy residents and businesses out of California.
Proposition 3: School and health care funding
Proposition 3 led in San Diego County with 404,722 votes for, or 54.64%, compared to 336,043 votes against, or 45.36%.
The measure would make existing higher income tax rates permanent for top earners. The tax would be permanent instead of expiring in 2031.
The revenue supports public schools and community colleges, with excess funds going toward public health care.
Measure A: County oversight and supervisor term limits
Measure A also held a narrow lead, with 364,995 votes in favor, or 51.68%, compared with 341,237 votes against, or 48.32%.
The countywide proposal would establish an independent budget analyst and independent program auditor and extend the term limit for county supervisors to three terms.
All results remain unofficial. The county will continue counting ballots in the coming days, with certification scheduled by Dec. 3.
