Santa Rosa Measure L Holds Strong Early Lead

Santa Rosa’s Measure L held a strong early lead, with 66.68% of roughly 30,000 counted ballots in favor and 33.32% opposed. The measure would replace the city’s existing half-cent sales tax with a one-cent tax, bringing the overall sales tax rate to 10.5% and generating an estimated $46 million annually. City officials say the revenue would help address a $14.4 million structural deficit and avert deeper cuts to police, fire and other services, including potential reductions to specialized police teams and fire station closures. Results remain unofficial while Sonoma County counts outstanding ballots and completes its canvass.