Overview:
The Republicans have made a mess of things for decades. But in recent years they have been explicit that their primary goal is to block any progress that Obama or other non-Republicans might be working for. Even if they know it is harmful to our country, the people and the planet.

This means that it is important to have a unified front on such partisan matters. If there were a credible third alternative, I would be happy to consider it in some cases. In other cases, the Democrats have been exemplary. Barbara Boxer is a good example of someone I support in every way.

OK... Here is how I am voting:
=================================================
First, the State and Federal positions.
I am basically voting the straight Democratic ticket on these.

Governor: Jerry Brown

Lieutenant Governor: Gavin Newsom

Secretary of State: Debra Bowen

Controller: John Chiang

Treasurer: Bill Lockyer

Attorney General: Kamala Harris

Insurance Commissioner: Dave Jones

Board of Equalization: Betty Yee

US Senator: Barbara Boxer

US Representative: Lois Capps

State Assembly: Das Williams
=================================================
Judges: It is difficult to find information on the judges. However, I have two guidelines:
1) Who appointed them
2) What the bad guys think. The site http://www.judgevoterguide.com/ is run by Craig Huey as a guide to Christian Fundamentalists who oppose gay rights, etc. This is helpful information!

I am definitely voting for these based on this information. They are all appointed by Davis and opposed by the bad guys:
Carlos Moreno
Robert Mallano
Steven Perren

The following are Republican appointees and/or vigorously supported by the bad guys. I am definitely voting against these:
Victoria Chaney
Steven Suzukawa
Orville Armstrong
Paul Coffee
Frank Jackson
Tricia Bigelow
Elizabeth Annette Grimes

The others I cannot determine and will not vote for or against them
=================================================
Schools

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tom Torlakson

SB Community College District
Explanation: I see serious problems in the management of City College. My direct experience had to do with Adult Education. I offered to teach a course on science for good citizenship and was turned down. The claim was that no new courses are being considered because of budget problems. But it turns out they would turn down new courses even if they are taught by volunteers. They also prioritize existing classes, no matter how fluffy or outdated, over new courses. I asked what they would do if Socrates offered to teach a course for free. They said he would be turned down. I am in good company.

Meanwhile, they spend money on foolish things.

I trust former Mayor Marty Blum and support throwing out all of the existing trustees and voting for these new ones:
Peter Haslund
Marcia Croninger
Marty Blum
Lisa Macker

SB High School and Elementary District
I am going with the Independent endorsements:
Monique Limon
Kate Parker

Goleta Union School District:
Pam Kinsley
Valerie Kushnerov
Richard Mayer

City of Goleta:
Paula Perotte - She has worked for Safe Routes to School, promoting sustainable transportation in our community for all people... including the one third who cannot drive!
The other candidates have done nothing to earn my support or vote
=================================================
Goleta Water District:
Jack Cunningham
Bertrand Bertrando
The challengers have offered zero information on why the incumbents should be removed, what they have done wrong, or what the challengers would do differently. They never even attended a single Water District meeting before deciding to run!
=================================================
State Propositions:
19 YES
20 NO
21 YES!!!
22 --Abstain--
23 NO
24 YES
25 YES!!!
26 NO
27 YES
=================================================
Bonds:
Q-2010 for Schools - YES
S-2010 for Crime reduction - YES - I find jails and prisons abhorrent. But keeping prisoners overcrowded in old facilities with no rehab programs is even worse.