San Francisco voters Tuesday approved four of five ballot measures, refusing only to enact legislation allowing billboards along a section of Market Street, according to preliminary election results.
It was an atypically sparse ballot for San Francisco voters, and elections officials completed their initial vote tally just after 10 p.m.
A total of 69,733 ballots were cast, according to the Elections Department.
Voters approved Proposition A–establishing for the city a two-year budget cycle, instead of the current annual cycle, and adopting a five-year financial plan–with nearly 69 percent of voters approving.
Proposition B, eliminating a city law requiring supervisors to have two aides, was approved by just over 52 percent of voters.
Proposition C, allowing the city to enter into a new naming rights agreement for Candlestick Park, received nearly 58 percent approval.
Supporters said the measure could bring in about $1 million per year to San Francisco.
The measure also specifies that half of the revenue the city receives be used to fund recreation center directors.
Defeated was Proposition D, to create a Mid-Market Special Sign District on Market Street between Fifth and Seventh streets and allow outdoor general advertising signs. A portion of property owners’ revenue would have gone to arts and cultural programs.
The measure would have permitted digital billboards and other signs, as large as 500 feet, on building rooftops and walls.
Supporters said revenue generated from the advertising could help clean up and revitalize the neighborhood, an area once known for its arts and theater venues, but which has struggled with crime, homelessness, drug use, graffiti and abandoned businesses.
But opposition groups protested that allowing massive advertisements was the wrong way to alleviate the neighborhood’s problems.
Just over 54 percent of voters rejected the measure.
Proposition E, which more than 57 percent of voters approved, will ban an increase in advertising on street furniture such as Muni bus shelters, and prohibit new advertising on city-owned buildings.
In the only other items on the ballot, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, running unopposed, was easily reelected, as was Treasurer Jose Cisneros, who was also unopposed.
