2008 Statewide Ballot Initiatives of Interest to California Sportsmen
With the November 4th general election just around the corner, below is information regarding two statewide ballot initiatives that could have significant, long-term ramifications for sportsmen and women in California.
Proposition 2 - Standards for Confining Farm Animals
What it does:
Beginning in 2015, imposes new restrictions on agriculture for housing and treatment of veal calves, pregnant pigs and egg-laying hens by increasing the amount of room each animal must be allowed, subject to criminal penalties and fines.
Why it is important:
Prop. 2 is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which is arguably the most significant, well-funded anti-hunting group in the country. HSUS has already pumped about $7 million into the effort to pass Prop. 2, and has at its disposal an estimated $140 million budget for the current fiscal year.
HSUS's president, Wayne Pacelle, has publicly stated that its effort to ban all hunting will focus first on California, where it wants to eliminate hunting species by species. In fact, HSUS unsuccessfully tried to ban both dove hunting (AB 1190) and the use of dogs in hunting bears and bobcats (AB 342) via the California State Legislature in 2003. Should HSUS be successful in passing Prop. 2 by going directly to the voters rather than through the State Legislature, it would strongly encourage it and other "animal-rights" organizations to attempt other statewide initiatives in California, including anti-hunting ballot measures.
Proposition 11 - Redistricting
What it does:
Takes the power of drawing legislative districts out of the hands of the majority party in the State Legislature and instead puts it in the hands of a bipartisan 14 member commission made up of Democrats, Republicans and independents who have not held elected office, lobbied or given significant sums money to political candidates.
Why it is important:
Currently, legislative districts are re-drawn every ten (10) years to make them "safe seats" for incumbents and to ensure that the majority party maintains its power. Prop. 11 would result in more competitive legislative districts, which it turn would produce more politically moderate officeholders who would be more likely to support hunting, fishing and other traditional outdoor recreational activities. It would also result in a more equitable distribution of Republicans and Democrats within the State Legislature, which would make it easier to defeat anti-hunting and anti-gun bills. |
 COHA 1st Annual Pheasant Hunt/Sporting Clay Shoot/BBQ Event Scheduled for November 25th.
For full details,visit our COHA web-site, for a flyer email Christine or call Rick Bulloch for details at (916) 606-7039. |
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The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of wildlife conservation and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA was created in early 2006 by the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) to enhance the political effectiveness of hunters and other wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts in the halls of our State Capitol and beyond. For more information on COHA and its member organizations, please visit www.outdoorheritage.org
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