Yes on Libraries and More

Three relatively small bond issues on the state ballot March 7 would, taken together, help pay for the construction and renovation of badly needed public libraries, local crime laboratories and residential homes for veterans. The Times urges a yes vote on Proposition 14, the California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond; Proposition 15, the Hertzberg-Polanco Crime Laboratories Construction Bond, and Proposition 16, the Veterans’ Homes Bond.

Proposition 14, a $350-million libraries bond, would expand literacy programs and increase access to library facilities for all California residents. Priority would be given to joint use projects, such as libraries and schools, an incentive that would help schools that have a shortage of library books. Local jurisdictions would be required to provide a 35% match for state funds, and not a penny of bond proceeds could be spent on administrative costs.

Proposition 14 is supported by public librarians, Gov. Gray Davis, a bipartisan majority of the California Legislature, the California Teachers Assn. and the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs.

Proposition 15 is a $220-million crime lab bond supported by Gov. Davis and state and local law enforcement and firefighters. With cramped, deteriorating and outdated labs throughout the state, this money is needed to ensure the quality and professionalism of forensic crime analysis. A new seven-member Forensic Laboratories Authority would award the bond money to local governments. To receive it, a local government would have to provide 10% of total project costs (although this provision could be modified by the Legislature). Part of the money would fund a joint LAPD/Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department lab.

Proposition 16 is a $50-million bond issue to build three residential homes for military veterans in Southern California and to renovate a facility at Yountville. The federal government would contribute 65% of the costs. While the state’s share probably should have come from the general fund surplus, this is a reasonable program that would provide about 1,200 new beds for vets, in addition to the 1,400 beds now in Yountville.

Vote yes on Propositions 14, 15 and 16.