More Pitman High student letters on CA propositions | Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
Proposition 1
The United States Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade gave all women in America the right to obtain a safe and legal abortion in 1973. Now that it’s 2022 my reproductive rights could be in jeopardy. Proposition 1’s outcome will determine whether or not I can control the outcome of my life if I get pregnant. If I got pregnant today, I wouldn’t be able to support a child because I am unemployed and still a student. It would change the trajectory of my life. I wouldn’t be able to finish school and it would derail everything I’m currently working for. That’s why it is imperative abortions are written in the California constitution. If the unexpected occurred I would have a choice and an opportunity to look out for my best interest instead of being forced to do what the government wants me to. Many women around the world do not have this luxury. Countries where abortion is prohibited altogether, also lack equal rights for women. If we were to ban abortion in the upcoming election, we’d also be taking a human right from women which sets us back decades since it has been a constitutional right since 1973.
Robbi Waln, Turlock
Prop 1 entitles abortions into our state constitution. Many women and people with uteruses will be affected by this law, as a woman myself, I would vote yes on Prop 1. Abortions aren’t a good thing, and I will never claim they are. Anyone can be subjected to its wrath at any time. Abortions aren’t anything someone wants, but may need. Whether it be a stillborn, or a surprise pregnancy, anyone deserves the right to an abortion with privacy.
Abortions are healthcare. They are used when a mother’s life and livelihood is at risk. Healthcare should be an undeniable right. I’ve had family who needed an abortion, it was never her first choice. The baby had put her life at risk and it was the only option left.
Many of the arguments against voting yes on Prop 1 believe that this amendment will allow late-term abortion. Despite this possibility, the current legislature on abortions here in California allow abortion up to 24 weeks. This law will still have to pass through a judge hearing and will possibly be modified and specified.
Abortion should always be a personal choice, one I hope isn’t taken away from me or anyone else. Vote yes on Prop 1.
Lilyanna Hernandez, Turlock
Proposition 26
I’m a student from Pitman High School, writing my thoughts on the upcoming election. In regards to the propositions on this year’s ballot, I have some issues with prop 26’s legalization of sports betting. Cash made from betting at casinos and horse races will fund programs, as well as support local tribes. However, those earnings are affected by deals with the state, and lawsuits resulting from broken rules. The funds set aside for mental health studies, and gambling addiction, will not do much to help in the grand scheme of things. I know some people who have trouble controlling money, spending it on slots. Around the country, billions are spent on gambling. The addiction problem is more widespread than I first thought.
Making gambling more accessible, even to only those over the legal age, is something I cannot support. It is parallel with making smoking more accessible to the public, with alternatives like e-cigarettes and flavors. The state should continue to restrict sports betting, online and in person. Prohibition of dice games and roulette would be in many Californians’s best interest. It’s in our best interest to vote no on proposition 26.
Alexis Perez, Turlock
Proposition 28
Voting no on Proposition 28 neglects children all over the state. A yes vote for Proposition 28 supports additional funding being provided for K-12 arts and music programs at schools. This is crucial because art and music programs provide a safe space and outlet for most students. Now, more than ever, students need an outlet to support them. As a student involved in performing arts at my school, I guarantee you that the student body relies on the art/music program to support us, provide friendships, inspire our community, and encourage each other to share our gifts. For example, the drama program here at Pitman has established a sense of family for many students; everyone is included and celebrated. Everybody belongs. Not to mention, this proposition would not raise taxes at all. Prop 28 would add 1% of education funding towards art and music programs which takes nothing from your wallet. The additional one billion dollars going towards art and music programs will come from an already existing education budget. The money would simply be put towards art and music exclusively instead of general education. Vote yes on Proposition 28. Support today’s students.
Annika Reich, Turlock
As a student who wants to study graphic design, finding a class that actually can help me has always been my issue. In my school, there is only one class that is about graphic design. And the lesson is not just focused on graphic design but also involved with some animation and photography. It was difficult for me to find a class that will get deeper on graphic design. Unlike other classes, for example English, there are AP English, honor English, AP Literature. It is unfair for art students to only have a little bit of choice in public school. Art and music also helps with mental health issues. After the pandemic, students need a way to express their emotion, art and music would be the perfect choice. Sentience has approved that art and music can help students claim down by only focusing on one thing. Vote yes on proposition 28 to help students with their education and mental health.
Lingzi Ma, Turlock
Oftentimes, people view visual and performing arts as ‘unnecessary subjects’, as the majority of people do not go into artistic fields, especially with STEM careers becoming increasingly popular. Art provides so much that cannot be found in a math or english class. The arts benefit people in every field. It requires attention to the little details and critical thinking, as it calls for near perfection. Personally, I have been in band for eight years. Playing the flute has saved my mental health, providing a healthy coping mechanism and form of escapism. Art teaches people how to healthily express their emotions, whether that is through colors, sounds, or acting. Art education is not strictly about teaching art, it teaches children vital life lessons, allowing them to safely learn how to navigate life. It is unacceptable that there are kids that might never take an art class. This November, California is voting on seven propositions. Proposition 28 would allot an additional $1 billion (about 1% of the state’s general budget) to art and music education in public schools. This won’t raise taxes, it only affects the division of the current budget.
Evelyn Blachly, Turlock
I am writing this letter to express my concern for Proposition 28, which guarantees funding for arts and music education. As the United States transitions into a STEM focused world, arts and music education is losing interest among educators and learners. Personally, growing up I was sheltered from the arts. I was told to focus on things of “ importance” such as math and I did. Little did I know that I would later discover my passion for dramatic arts in high school. I wish I had more opportunities at a younger age in order to spark my passion earlier on. Most schools either don’t have any arts programs or they don’t promote it. A reason for that was funding. For example, say that a school district got a major grant for education and school funding. What program would it go to? STEM.
Art is required for almost every education level,whether it’s elementary school or high school. It’s a requirement to get into CSU or UC. If itś a requirement, and we are providing little funding in those areas, how can we expect students to excel in those areas, and put as much passion as they would in other areas?
Simar Kaur, Turlock
Proposition 30
This November, residents of the Valley will have the opportunity to cast their vote and decide on the outcome of Proposition 30. Residents should strongly consider voting “Yes” because of the current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure in the valley and to combat wildfires.
Not only will the valley gain extra revenue on future ZEV projects, but the extra revenue from Prop. 30 will help reduce the impact of wildfires. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), the Central Valley appears twice in the top ten most air-polluted cities. One of the primary causes of our poor quality stems from wildfires; therefore, any resident should jump at the opportunity to resolve the poor air quality that negatively affects all.
Although Prop. 30 seeks to improve the environment, its opponents focus on the increment of taxes that it suggests. A raise in taxes, especially in California, may quickly unease many residents; however, only around 3% of the population will be affected.
A “Yes” on Prop. 30 will not only improve our current ZEV infrastructure, but it can help the impact of wildfires and improve the Valley’s air quality.
Bryan Soto, Turlock
Climate change is an ever-growing crisis that Prop 30 could take another small step in helping to combat the worst pollution and wildfires we’ve seen in recent memory.
California has seen thousands of fires this year alone, not to mention the droughts, extended heatwaves, 90 degree weather well into the fall, and it is projected that the climate will only continue to worsen at this rate. Funding for programs to turn back the effects of global warming and climate change is crucial now more than ever before. It is projected that this Prop would bring $3.5 to $5 billion in revenue. Not only does Prop 30 contribute to programs that reduce pollution, it would not be affecting the average Californian; only those very well off, with a $2 million or more income, would be seeing a tax raise. Rest assured that this Prop will not be putting a strain on the financial status of any Californian, and only serves to help prevent the billions of dollars in damages, hundreds of thousands of burned acres of land, and the worst air pollution in the nation, all for such a low cost from us Californians.
Ellie Rasuli, Turlock
Proposition 31
I am tired of seeing these teenagers my age with E- cigarettes. We should get rid of them due to the fact that teens are getting their hands on this and are driving our generation into a downward spiral. Almost half the time I walk into my school bathroom, I see some kid with a Juul or a vape pen smoking with their friends. Most of the consumers for flavored tobacco products are mainly teenagers and young adults. If this continues teenagers are going to build up nicotine addiction. According to the Truth Initiative, ¨15- to 17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to vape than 25- to 34-year-olds.¨ These puff pens are literally killing our generation. It is time we change. A solution to this is getting rid of puff bars completely or changing the industry from advertising it to our youth.
Anthony Lepe, Keyes
As a student I have first-hand experienced the effects flavored tobacco products have on many of my peers around me. The number only gets much bigger once you think statewide. According to fightcancer.org, over two million middle/high schools students use e-cigarettes and almost all are flavored tobacco products. These products have become highly addicting even to the point where every time I go into the bathroom at school I see a colorful e-cigarette being used. The big tobacco companies are trying to get the future generation hooked by adding the same sweeteners they add to candy and soda. If they really wanted their audience to be older folks they would stick to their traditional tobacco flavors. Imagine sending your student to school where you think it’s a safe environment just to be surrounded by things that are supposed to appeal to adults. One might argue that it’s their body therefore it’s their choice so if adults want to smoke tobacco products then so be it, but why jeopardize the future generation from falling into the same trap that our older generations fell into. This is why we need a yes on prop thirty one.
Jonathan Rocha, Turlock
Have you ever come across students who are smoking or using electric vapes that are very harmful for their body? Why are we allowing our young students to get addicted to these harmful products? Do you want to see your son, daughter, brother or sister smoking and affecting their health? As a high school student, I see students using electric or flavored vape in the restrooms whenever they get a chance. I see students who sell electric pens for money or trade them for other substances that students should not have. This cycle of sell and buy is increasing at an alarming rate. Looking at this, other students are also getting attracted to this activity. Something should be done in order to prevent this. Proposition 31 states absolute ban on retail sale of certain flavored tobacco products. Passing this proposition would also have a positive financial effect. Decreased state tobacco tax revenues ranging from tens of millions of dollars annually to around $100 million annually. This proposition has both health and financial benefits to society.
Simer Deep, Turlock