Two successful measures -- Measure L in Kern County's Ridgecrest and Measure U in Santa Maria of Santa Barbara County -- were sales tax initiatives to help preserve city services.
A similar proposal, Measure J in Stanton of Orange County, failed. Should that have passed, how the money would have been used was asked in Measure K, an advisory measure, which was approved by 42-point margin. City officials told KCET they are still awaiting the final tally when results becomes certified. The city of 38,000 saw a voter turnout of about 6 percent, according to preliminary results.
In L.A. County, two measures that earned approval were asked for tax extensions that didn't apply to the majority of residents. Measure H sustained the Transient Occupancy Tax, which affects travelers staying hotels, and Measure L kept a tax on gross receipts for landfill operators. Both go to " fund essential County general fund services," according to ballot language.
