Valley voters on Tuesday decided the fate of several key initiatives in their cities.In Burbank, voters shot down Measure RC, a controversial attempt to strengthen eviction protections, expand rent control and create an independent landlord-tenant commission to oversee housing activity. All five of Burbank’s sitting city council members opposed the measure and argued in formal statements it was poorly written and would be extremely expensive for the city.The measure’s final tally was 24,520 “no” votes to 14,124 “yes” votes. Across the Valley in Calabasas, voters approved Measure C, which would place a 10 percent excise tax on businesses that manufacture, process, sell or deliver cannabis products within city limits.Such businesses are currently outlawed in Calabasas, but the measure sets up the city to collect tax dollars if it ever changes its mind or if, for example, the state decides to require all cities to permit cannabis businesses. The measure itself does not change Calabasas’ existing prohibition on cannabis stores.Measure C drew 6,392 “yes” votes and 3,884 “no” votes. The city of San Fernando saw a slightly tighter race surrounding Measure SF, a proposal to increase the city’s sales tax – previously a 10 percent tax – by a quarter of a percent. Measure SF passed with 3,261 “yes” votes and 2,395 “no” votes. It will replace Measure A, which was passed in 2013 and expires this year. Measure A has generated more than $15 million for the city.
Burbank Nixes Rent Control; Calabasas May Tax Cannabis
