ballot initiative

Taxpayer advocate Ted Costa blasted Wednesday a redistricting initiative that made the November ballot this week, saying it has too many loopholes to be effective.

Costa, CEO of Sacramento-based group People's Advocate, said a provision in the initiative would allow a commission created to redraw political boundaries the latitude to disregard certain criteria if a particular geographic area met a certain designation.

The reality of gay marriages may compel California voters to vote against them in November, said the election lawyer for a group supporting a ballot measure on the topic.

Andrew Pugno, with Protect Marriage, said every gay marriage now taking place reminds voters that judges have usurped the will of the electorate.

“It’s forced social change without the opportunity to settle the issue first,” said Pugno, referring to the California Supreme Court ruling last month that found state laws barring gay marriage were unconstitutional.