MEASURE AA and the status of projects funded under the Measure. BAY RESTORATION These annual audits and reports would be submitted to an AUTHORITY Independent Citizens Oversight Committee for review, with the committee's findings posted on the Authority's website. Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program. The parcel tax would appear as a separate item on residents' property tax bills and would be collected by tax To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by collectors at the same time as and in the same manner as reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving other property taxes. water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing A "yes" vote is a vote to approve a parcel tax of $12 per shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay parcel on taxable parcels within the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per Area for a period of 20 years to fund San Francisco Bay year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty restoration projects. years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all A "no" vote is a vote not to approve a parcel tax of $12 funds staying local? per parcel on taxable parcels within the for a period of 20 years to fund San Francisco Bay IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF restoration projects. MEASURE AA By: The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority was created Kenneth K. Moy by the State of to fund projects to protect and Counsel to the San Francisco Bay restore the San Francisco Bay. The Authority does not Restoration Authority receive any dedicated local, state or federal funding to underwrite such shoreline projects. Reviewed and revised by Orry P. Korb, County Counsel The Authority has placed on the ballot Measure AA, for the County of Santa Clara which if approved by two-thirds of the voters voting on the Measure, would assess a special parcel tax of $12 per year on each parcel of taxable real property wholly or partially within its jurisdiction, the San Francisco Bay Area comprising the Counties of , Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma and the City and County of San Francisco. The parcel tax would be assessed for a period of 20 years, from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2037. According to the Measure, the parcel tax would raise approximately $25 million annually. According to the Measure, proceeds would be used to fund shoreline projects to protect and restore San Francisco Bay for future generations by (1) reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins; (2) improving water quality; (3) improving habitat for fish, birds and wildlife; (4) protecting communities from floods; and (5) increasing shoreline access for public enjoyment. Projects would be prioritized based on criteria set forth in the Measure, including but not limited to, their positive impact on the San Francisco Bay as a whole, in terms of clean water, wildlife habitat, beneficial use to the residents, and ensuring projects are funded in each of the San Francisco Bay Area's nine counties. The Measure ensures allocation of 50% of the funds to the North Bay, East Bay, South Bay, and West Bay proportional to their populations, with the remaining 50% allocated to projects within the jurisdiction without regard to location. Proceeds from the parcel tax would be used solely for the programs set forth in the Measure, would be deposited in a separate account, would be spent exclusively for projects in the nine counties comprising the Authority, and could not be taken by the State, with total administrative expenditures limited to no more than 5% of the Measure's proceeds. An independent, annual audit would be conducted of all proceeds and expenditures, and an annual report would be published detailing the amounts deposited and expended

CC-9012-X1 ARGUMENT IN FAVOR ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE AA MEASURE AA

Join Senator Dianne Feinstein and environmental, Preserving the Bay and ensuring clean water are important; business and community leaders from across Contra so are honesty and accountability. Measure AA is more Costa County in voting YES on Measure AA for a clean about filling politicians’ pockets than it is about helping the and healthy San Francisco Bay. This measure is critical environment. to restoring wetlands and protecting wildlife habitat for future generations throughout the Bay Area. Renters, homeowners and small business owners OPPOSE Measure AA because: San Francisco Bay is a part of all of our lives – whether we live along the Bay; work there; walk, jog, or visit parks • Measure AA doesn’t nail down how money will along its shores; or simply appreciate it as we drive over a be spent. In fact, Section 5.A. says the Authority bridge. The Bay also attracts tourists, supports commercial Board can “amend this measure by majority vote.” fishing and attracts quality employers to the region – all of This is like TAXPAYERS WRITING A BLANK which help keep our economy strong. CHECK. • Measure AA ensures POLITICS, NOT SCIENCE, But pollution and other problems have put the health of the DRIVES DECISIONS. There is no requirement for Bay at serious risk. Fish in the Bay are contaminated with a scientific advisory board to evaluate proposed harmful chemicals like PCBs, mercury and pesticides. projects or assess project accomplishments. Measure AA will restore wetlands throughout the Bay Grants will be based on politics instead of objective Area, which provide habitat for fish and wildlife and filter priorities. out pollutants from water to reduce toxins that threaten the • Measure AA is giving money to politicians that it ecosystem. Wetlands also act as a natural barrier against TAKES FROM THE POOR. Google, Facebook flooding and provide urban recreational open space, a and Apple Computer would pay the same tax as resource we all cherish. the owner of a one-bedroom condominium. • High property taxes DRIVE UP HOUSING COSTS Voting YES on AA will: FOR RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS. Many • Reduce trash, pollution and harmful toxins in the people are unemployed, underemployed, or Bay financially stretched and CANNOT AFFORD TO • Improve water quality PAY MORE. • Restore habitat for fish, birds and wildlife • • Protect communities from floods If this tax passes, politicians will ask for more -- but • Increase shoreline public access they DON’T WANT THE PUBLIC HAVING A SAY in how their money is spent. Measure AA includes important fiscal accountability Our environment needs help, and we need to speak up for protections: it. We need to speak up for ourselves. • All funds must stay in the Bay Area to be used only on local habitat restoration and wildlife protection Measure AA doesn't help -- it's a sham. Demand projects accountability from politicians and VOTE NO! • An independent citizens’ oversight committee will oversee funds to ensure they are spent properly CONTRA COSTA TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION • Independent audits and annual public reports Jack Weir, President, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association ensure transparency

Passing this critical measure will ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a clean and healthy San Francisco Bay. Join us—vote YES on AA to protect San Francisco Bay, our greatest natural treasure. www.yesonaaforthebay.com

Steve Glazer, Senator Tony Thurmond, Assemblymember John Gioia, Contra Costa County Supervisor David Lewis, Executive Director, Save the Bay Ron Brown, Retired Executive Director, Save Mount Diablo

CC-9012-X2 REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE AA MEASURE AA

We value clean water and a healthy environment, so we The argument against Measure AA relies upon need to demand genuine protection for them. Measure misinformation. We’ve researched the facts: AA represents a lot of money, but very little will go to the wetlands. The real goal of Measure AA is to raise a lot of Measure AA includes a detailed, equitable allocation money for politicians to spend any way they want. formula that ensures Contra Costa County will benefit. Half of Measure AA funds will be dedicated geographically, with Residents oppose Measure AA because: $90 million guaranteed to the East Bay. The other half will GIVES A BLANK CHECK TO POLITICIANS. be distributed on a competitive basis throughout the Bay • There’s no spending plan, only “example” Area. projects. • No one really knows how money would be spent. Measure AA requires that all projects competing for funding • Measure AA gives politicians power to change the must demonstrate they provide solid benefits in one of law, to spend money however they decide. four program areas: Safe, Clean Water and Pollution Prevention; Fish, Bird and Wildlife Habitat; Integrated Flood TRUE COSTS ARE HIDDEN. Protection; or Shoreline Public Access. Every dollar will be • The Authority plans to issue $1.5 billion in debt, to spent making San Francisco Bay cleaner and healthier. be added to our tax bills. • Repaying this debt, with interest, would cost our The baseline funding commitment of $1 per month that children and grandchildren up to $3 BILLION. Measure AA levies on all parcels represents the minimum FUNDS COULD GET TIED UP INDEFINITELY. we all can do to ensure the shared benefits of a clean • Wetlands restoration requires coordination and healthy bay are preserved for our children and among many agencies. grandchildren. • The San Francisco Bay is a jungle of jurisdictions and regulations. This proposal is rooted deeply in environmental science. • Currently there is no plan to efficiently coordinate Measure AA’s wetlands restoration goals are based on efforts among federal, state and local agencies. scientific studies (baylandsgoals.org). Bay scientists and • Reform must come first. wetlands engineers on the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority's Advisory Committee and Governing Board and WETLAND RESTORATION INCREASES FLOOD preeminent scientific organizations – like RISKS. and The Nature Conservancy – have endorsed Measure • Measure AA doesn’t identify costs for flood AA. mitigation. • Most money would be needed to build new Join scientists, as well as environmental, community and levees, particularly in the South Bay. business leaders, in voting YES on Measure AA to protect • All Bay Area taxpayers shouldn’t pay for ’s flood protection. the natural wonder of our region – the San Francisco Bay. Mark DeSaulnier, Congressman Saving the Bay is too important for us to get wrong. Measure AA is a joke. Amy R. Worth, Orinda City Council Member Jael Myrick, Richmond City Councilmember Vote NO to tell politicians that you expect SMART PLANS Kristine Zeigler, The Nature Conservancy and REAL CHANGE for your tax dollars. Jim Wunderman, President & CEO, Bay Area Council

CONTRA COSTA TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION Jack Weir, President, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

CC-9012-X3 FULL TEXT OF general, ad valorem taxes collected by the Tax Collectors. MEASURE AA The Special Tax and any penalty shall bear interest at the same rate as the rate for unpaid ad valorem property THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY CLEAN WATER, taxes until paid. Any Special Tax levied shall become a POLLUTION PREVENTION AND HABITAT lien upon the properties against which taxes are assessed RESTORATION MEASURE and collectible as herein provided. The Special Tax shall appear as a separate item on the tax bill.

The people of the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority All property that is otherwise exempt from ad valorem do ordain as follows: property taxes in any year shall also be exempt from the Special Tax in such year. The Authority shall adopt Section 1. Findings and Purpose. procedures that set forth any clarifications and exemptions to address unique circumstances and any procedure for claimants seeking an exemption, refund, reduction or Over the last century, landfill and toxic pollution have recomputation of the Special Tax. had a massive impact on San Francisco Bay (sometimes referred to herein as the “Bay”). It is not too late to reverse this impact and restore the Bay for future generations. Section 3. San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution To meet that objective, in 2008, state law established the Prevention and Habitat Restoration Expenditure Plan. San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority (the “Authority”), to raise and allocate resources for the restoration, The revenues from the Special Tax set forth in Section 2 enhancement, protection, and enjoyment of wetlands and above shall be used solely for the purpose of supporting wildlife habitats in the San Francisco Bay and along its programs and priorities and purposes set forth in this shoreline. Measure, including the following:

The purpose of the San Francisco Bay Clean Water, A. Program Descriptions Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Measure (the “Measure”) is to protect and restore San Francisco Bay to Under this Measure, the Authority may fund projects benefit future generations by reducing trash, pollution, and along the Bay shorelines within the Authority’s harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for jurisdiction, which consists of the Counties of Alameda, fish, birds, and wildlife, protecting communities from flood Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and increasing shoreline public access and recreational Solano and Sonoma and the City and County of San areas. Francisco. The shorelines include the shorelines of San Francisco Bay, , , Section 2. Funding of San Francisco Bay Clean , and most of the Northern Contra Costa Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration County Shoreline to the edge of the Delta Primary Expenditure Plan. Zone. These projects shall advance the following programs: Subject to voter approval, the Authority hereby establishes a special parcel tax (the “Special Tax”) the proceeds of 1. Safe, Clean Water and Pollution Prevention which shall be used solely for the purpose of supporting Program the programs and priorities and other purposes set forth in this Measure. The Special Tax shall be levied at a rate The purpose of this program to be funded under the of twelve dollars ($12) per parcel within the jurisdiction of Measure is to remove pollution, trash and harmful the Authority, which consists of the Counties of Alameda, toxins from the Bay in order to provide clean water for Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, fish, birds, wildlife, and people. Solano and Sonoma and the City and County of San a. Improve water quality by reducing pollution and Francisco (such nine counties, collectively, the “San engaging in restoration activities, protecting public Francisco Bay Area”). The Special Tax shall be levied health and making fish and wildlife healthier. annually for a total of twenty (20) years, commencing July b. Reduce pollution levels through shoreline cleanup 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2037. and trash removal from the Bay. c. Restore wetlands that provide natural filters and The Special Tax shall be levied on each parcel of taxable remove pollution from the Bay’s water. property within the San Francisco Bay Area, and shall be d. Clean and enhance creek outlets where they flow collected by the tax collectors of each county (including the into the Bay. City and County of San Francisco) in the San Francisco Bay Area (the “Tax Collectors”) at the same time as, and along with, and will be subject to the same penalties as

CC-9012-X4 2. Vital Fish, Bird and Wildlife Habitat Program revenue is spent in the most efficient and effective manner, consistent with the public interest and in The purpose of this program to be funded under the compliance with existing law. The Authority shall Measure is to significantly improve wildlife habitat give priority to projects that: that will support and increase vital populations of fish, a. Have the greatest positive impact on the Bay as birds, and other wildlife in and around the Bay. a whole, in terms of clean water, wildlife habitat a. Enhance the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife and beneficial use to Bay Area residents. Refuge, shoreline parks and open space preserves, b. Have the greatest long-term impact on the and other protected lands in and around the Bay, Bay, to benefit future generations. providing expanded and improved habitat for fish, c. Provide for geographic distribution across birds and mammals. the region and ensure that there are projects b. Protect and restore wetlands and other Bay and funded in each of the nine counties in the shoreline habitats to benefit wildlife, including San Francisco Bay Area over the life of the shorebirds, waterfowl and fish. Measure. c. Provide for stewardship, maintenance and d. Increase impact value by leveraging state monitoring of habitat restoration projects in and and federal resources and public/private around the Bay, to ensure their ongoing benefits partnerships. to wildlife and people. e. Benefit economically disadvantaged communities. 3. Integrated Flood Protection Program f. Benefit the region’s economy, including local workforce development, employment The purpose of this program to be funded under opportunities for Bay Area residents, and the Measure is to use natural habitats to protect nature-based flood protection for critical communities along the Bay’s shoreline from the risks infrastructure and existing shoreline of severe coastal flooding caused by storms and high communities. water levels. g. Work with local organizations and businesses a. Provide nature-based flood protection through to engage youth and young adults and assist wetland and habitat restoration along the Bay’s them in gaining skills related to natural resource edge and at creek outlets that flow to the Bay. protection. b. Build and/or improve flood protection levees h. Incorporate monitoring, maintenance and that are a necessary part of wetland restoration stewardship to develop the most efficient activities, to protect existing shoreline communities, and effective strategies for restoration and agriculture, and infrastructure. achievement of intended benefits. i. Meet the selection criteria of the Coastal 4. Shoreline Public Access Program Conservancy’s San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program and are consistent The purpose of this program to be funded under the with the San Francisco Bay Conservation Measure is to enhance the quality of life of Bay Area and Development Commission’s coastal residents, including those with disabilities, through management program and with the San safer and improved public access, as part of and Francisco Bay Joint Venture’s implementation compatible with wildlife habitat restoration projects in strategy. and around the Bay. a. Construct new, repair existing and/or replace 2. The Authority shall ensure that 50% of the total deteriorating public access trails, signs, and net revenue generated during the 20-year term of related facilities along the shoreline and manage the Special Tax is allocated to the four Bay Area these public access facilities. regions, defined as the North Bay (Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Solano Counties), East Bay (Alameda b. Provide interpretive materials and special outreach and Contra Costa Counties), West Bay (City events about pollution prevention, wildlife habitat, and County of San Francisco and San Mateo public access, and flood protection, to protect County) and South Bay (Santa Clara County) in the Bay’s health and encourage community proportion to each region’s share of the Bay Area’s engagement. population, as determined in the 2010 census, and consistent with the priorities set forth in this B. Additional Allocation Criteria and Community section. As a result, each region will receive the Benefits following minimum percentage of total net revenue generated during the 20-year term of the Special 1. The Authority shall ensure that the Measure’s Tax: North Bay: 9%, East Bay: 18%, West Bay:

CC-9012-X5 11%, South Bay: 12%. The remaining revenue in, and all expenditures made from, the separate shall be allocated consistent with all other account and publish annual financial statements. provisions of this Measure. 3. All Special Tax revenue, except as set forth in 3. The Authority shall conduct one or more public Section 3.B.6 above, shall be spent on projects meetings annually to gain public input on selection for the benefit of the San Francisco Bay Area, and of projects under this Measure. All actions, shall not be taken by the State. including decisions about selecting projects for 4. The Authority shall prepare annual written reports funding, will be made by the Authority in public showing (i) the amount of funds collected and meetings with advance notice and with meeting expended from Special Tax proceeds and (ii) materials made available in advance to the public. the status of any projects or programs required or authorized to be funded from the proceeds of 4. The Authority may accumulate revenue over the Special Tax, as identified above. The report multiple years so that sufficient funding is available shall comply with Government Code section for larger and long-term projects. All interest 50075.3, be posted on the Authority’s website, income shall be used solely to support programs and be submitted to the Bay Restoration Advisory and priorities set forth in this Measure. Committee, established pursuant to Government Code section 66703.7 (the “Advisory Committee”), 5. No Special Tax proceeds shall be used for for review and comment. campaign advocacy. 5. The Advisory Committee shall provide advice to 6. No more than 5% of the Special Tax proceeds the Authority on all aspects of its activities under generated in any given fiscal year may be used this Measure to ensure maximum benefit, value, by the Authority for general government purposes and transparency. Advisory Committee meetings in such fiscal year, including to administer the will be announced in advance and will be open projects funded under this Measure. Any unused to the public. The responsibilities of the Advisory funds may be carried over for use in subsequent Committee shall include, but shall not be limited fiscal years. to: (a) advising the Authority about implementation of this Measure; and (b) making recommendations regarding expenditure priorities under this 7. The Authority shall have the right, power and Measure. authority to pledge Special Tax proceeds to the payment of bonds of the Authority or another 6. The Authority shall appoint six members of the public agency (including, but not limited to, a joint public to an Independent Citizens Oversight powers authority created pursuant to Article 1 of Committee that shall: (a) annually review the the Joint Exercise of Powers Act (Government Authority’s conformance with the Measure; (b) Code Section 6500 et seq.)), and use Special Tax review the Authority’s audits and expenditure and proceeds to pay debt service on such bonds and financial reports; and (c) publish an annual report of the costs of issuance related thereto. its findings, which shall be posted on the Authority’s website. The six members shall include residents of C. Accountability and Oversight the North Bay, East Bay, West Bay, and South Bay, as defined in Government Code 66703(a), who are In order to ensure accountability, transparency and experts in water quality, pollution reduction, habitat public oversight of funds collected and allocated restoration, flood protection, improvement of public under this Measure and comply with State law, all of access to the Bay, or financing of these objectives. the following shall apply: No person may serve on the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee who (a) is an elected official 1. The specific purpose of the Special Tax shall be or government employee, or (b) has had or to support only programs and priorities and other could have a financial interest in decisions of the purposes listed in this Measure. The Special Authority as defined by Government Code section Tax proceeds shall be applied only for specific 87103 and the Fair Political Practices Commission. purposes of this Measure and shall be spent only in accordance with the procedures and limitations Section 4. Establishment of Appropriation Limit. set forth in this Measure.

2. A separate account shall be created by the Pursuant to Article XIII-B of the California Constitution Authority into which all Special Tax proceeds must and section 66704.05(b)(2) of the Government Code, be deposited. The Authority shall commission an the appropriation limit of the Authority shall be set by the independent annual audit of all revenues deposited total revenues actually received by the Authority from the

CC-9012-X6 proceeds of the Special Tax levied in fiscal year 2017-18, as adjusted each fiscal year thereafter for the estimated change in the cost of living, population and number of parcels on which the Special Tax is levied (such estimate to be determined by the Governing Body of the Authority and be conclusive for all purposes after made). The appropriation limit may be further adjusted by any other changes that may be permitted or required by Article XIII-B of the California Constitution.

Section 5. Amendments and Severability.

A. The Governing Board of the Authority shall be empowered to amend this Measure by majority vote of its members to further the purposes of this Measure, to conform the provisions of this Measure to applicable State law, to modify the methods of levy and collection of the Special Tax, or to assign the duties of public officials under this Measure.

B. If any part of this Measure is held to be invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Measure and the voters declare that they would have passed the remainder of this Measure as if such invalid portion were not included.

CC-9012-X7