To see all the November 2008 endorsements from The Daily Californian, click here.

Yes on Measure FF

In our books, the neighborhood branch libraries are indispensable hubs for the promotion of literacy and cultivation of knowledge. But besides serving as venues for expanding the mind, libraries anchor the community, bringing patrons of all ages together and offering valuable resources to the public.

Measure FF seeks to revamp Berkeley's four deteriorating branch libraries. The city would be allowed to issue $26 million in bonds to make these much needed upgrades. Some of these libraries have not been renovated in 70 years, and they're overdue to meet seismic regulations and ADA accessibility standards. The project isn't completely free from oversight though; the library Board is required to present an annual progress report to the City Council.

Providing a basic city service, libraries make extensive collections of books, DVDs, magazines and other materials available to the masses. They also house helpful resources used daily by students for research.

The four Berkeley neighborhood branch libraries have logged approximately 900,000 visits per year. Keep them safe and up to date with current building codes. Vote Yes on Measure FF.

Yes on Measure GG

There's no downside to adopting the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared," and Measure GG is one way to ensure the city is ready for the next disaster. Through a minor property tax specifically designated for fire and emergency services, Berkeley residents will be able to help keep fire stations open and provide full paramedic coverage for the entire city. It's a small price to pay if it means saving lives.

These services suffered from budget cuts, and after the city's failure to do their part for the better of the community, now it's up to the voters. Berkeley is the only city left in Alameda County to lack paramedic teams at all fire stations. Radio communication systems also need upgrades, as any firefighter in the 1991 Hills Fire storm can attest to the detriment caused by limited communication in any emergency situation.

According to the US Geological Survey, there's a 70 percent chance that a major earthquake will hit Berkeley before 2032. Preparation should begin now. Vote Yes on Measure GG.

Yes on Measure HH

Measure HH is on the ballot simply because a renewal is needed. Voters already gave the city permission to collect taxes to go towards the maintenance of parks, libraries and emergency services for severely disabled persons. However, the state of California requires cities to ask voters every four years to reaffirm the spending of such tax revenues that were previously approved. The measure is not a tax increase; rather it just authorizes the expenditure of these taxes for the years 2009 through 2012. Vote Yes on Measure HH.

Yes on Measure II

The Berkeley City Council is requesting for more time to redraw council districts to reflect an even distribution of the population. The process used to be completed in one year after each census, but the measure would provide the city more breathing room with three years. Vote Yes on Measure II.

No on Measure JJ

The city of Berkeley is notorious for its especially lax marijuana laws, but this proposal would further decrease regulation. Marijuana is understandably prescribed for those who have ailments that would benefit from its effects, and there should be stringent checks in place to guarantee that it is only being used for such purposes.

Measure JJ would change the city's ordinances to lift the limits on medical cannabis that can be possessed by patients and caregivers. It would also allow medical marijuana dispensaries to be established without being subject to a public hearing.

Chipping away medical marijuana regulation paves the way for easier access and abuse. Vote No on Measure JJ.

No on Measure KK

The key to deciphering Measure KK is to recognize that it's not a direct vote for or against the Bus Rapid Transit lane. Instead, it would add another step to the decision making process for any major public transit project in Berkeley.

If the measure passes, there's a permanent extra hoop for the city to jump through; each time the City Council gives the green light for a project that includes a designated lane change, there would have to be further planning research to create a formal plan. Then, the project is put to the vote of Berkeley residents-but they're only deciding whether the dedicated lane is appropriate. However, if the lane is rejected then the entire project is tossed out the window.

It's pretty transparent that Measure KK is just a last-minute attempt to place obstacles in front of the Bus Rapid Transit plans. There's already a well-established process in Berkeley for vetting any potentially problematic projects. Vote No on Measure KK.

Yes on Measure LL

Landmarks have always occupied a special place in the city's heart, and debate over whether a structure is worthy of such status can easily escalate into heated contention. While the preservation debate continues to spark up periodically, Measure LL aims to enact the agreed-upon stipulations governing city landmarks.

After a six-year process that involved input from the public, the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the City Council, revisions were made to landmark regulations. New provisions include bringing Berkeley's Landmarks Preservation Ordinance in line with California state law and requiring members of the Land Preservation Commission to have sufficient qualifications. The whole compromise is now presented to voters as Measure LL, and the referendum must be approved for these changes to take effect.

It's evident all sides have had a voice in the preservation conversation. Vote Yes on Measure LL.

Tags: ELECTIONS 2008 COMMENTARY, DAILY CAL ENDORSEMENTS