Local Politics
Voters in five Bay Area counties will decide on a regional sales tax measure on November 3 to fund public transit agencies facing severe financial deficits. The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, plus a one-cent tax in San Francisco, starting in April 2027. If the measure fails, BART has announced that ten low-ridership stations could close as early as January 2027, and Muni may cut up to 20 bus routes. The proposed tax would raise an estimated $980 million annually for 14 years to support agencies including BART, Caltrain, and AC Transit.
Local Politics · Alameda County
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and real estate appraiser Joe Rubay (R-Alamo) are competing in the Nov. 3 general election for a state Assembly seat representing Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, Alamo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. This is the fourth time since 2020 the two have faced each other for the seat, having advanced from a three-candidate primary under California's top-two system. Bauer-Kahan highlighted her legislative record including gun safety laws, Valley Link Rail Project support, utility wildfire liability legislation, and data center energy disclosure requirements. Rubay emphasized public safety concerns citing recent Heller's Jewelers robberies in San Ramon and smash-and-grab crimes in Danville and Pleasanton, along with opposition to state housing mandates and minimum wage increases.
Local Politics · Livermore, CA
The Livermore City Council will consider amendments to the employment contracts of City Manager Marianna Burch and City Attorney Kimberly Cilley at its Monday meeting, along with cost-of-living raises for most executive managers. Burch's amendment adds $9,000 in annual deferred compensation on top of a 4% COLA increase bringing her salary to approximately $408,610. Cilley would receive a total 6% raise (4% COLA plus 2% merit) raising her salary to $354,236, plus additional deferred compensation and vacation hours. The broader package also covers a state minimum-wage increase affecting 56 city employees, effective Dec. 28. Total estimated cost is $191,644, largely already included in the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget.
