Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, September 9, 2024…

Should people who aren’t U.S. citizens be allowed to vote in some elections? Well, that very question is going to be on the November ballot in the Orange County City of Santa Ana in the form of local measure DD.
The hot weather across California this past weekend once again provided a huge challenge for fire crews. In the San Bernardino Mountains, 60 miles east of Los Angeles, the Line Fire exploded in size. It’s burned more than 20,000 acres.
Governor Newsom has vetoed a high profile bill that would have allowed some undocumented residents to qualify for state-backed home loans of up to $150,000 dollars. The loans are offered under the state’s popular Dream for All program.

Ballot Measure In Santa Ana Would allow Non-Citizens To Vote In Local Elections

When voters go to the polls in November in the Orange County city of Santa Ana, they’ll be deciding on a topic that has gained national attention – should non-citizens be allowed to vote in some elections?

If passed, Measure DD would amend Santa Ana’s municipal charter and allow non-citizen residents of the city, both documented and undocumented, to vote in all local elections. That includes mayoral and city council races, proposed sales tax increases on the ballot and municipal bond measures.

Local immigrant rights advocates like Carlos Perea argue that keeping non-citizens from voting takes tax-paying residents out of the political process. “We knew the residents were demanding political representation because we realized that, if we wanted to truly change how City Hall runs, we needed to change who’s allowed to vote,” he said. “This is an issue that will change the game in the city.”

But opponents have argued that implementing the measure would cost the cash-strapped city upwards of $10 million. They also say that voting, at all levels of government, should remain a right of citizenship and if non-citizens want a bigger voice in civic affairs, they should work to become naturalized.

Line Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres, Triggers Evacuations

The Line Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres near the San Bernardino National Forest in East Highland. Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas of East Highland and mountain communities in San Bernardino County.

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Authorities say as of Monday morning, roughly 36,000 homes and structures are at risk, but no damage has been reported. The fire is at 3% containment.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency for San Bernardino County and secured federal resources to support fire agencies.

Newsom Vetoes Controversial Bill To Help Undocumented Immigrants Buy Homes

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he vetoed a controversial bill that would have allowed undocumented immigrants to access a wildly popular first-generation homeownership loan program.

AB 1840, authored by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), would have prohibited California’s Housing Finance Agency from disqualifying applicants from the California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan solely on an applicant’s immigration status.

Under the program, the state loans homebuyers 20% of the purchase price, or up to $150,000. Buyers repay the loan, without interest, when the home is sold, along with 20% of any appreciation on the home’s value.

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Santa Ana Voters To Decide On Whether To Allow Non-Citizens To Vote In Municipal Elections