(November 5, 2005) -- The Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB) conducted a no-nonsense GOTV effort (politicalspeak for "Get Out The Vote") and precinct walk in parts of ELB today (Nov. 5) to urge a "No" vote on Propositions 74, 75 and 76 on Nov. 8.

TALB's website (www.talb.org) says on its front page (Nov. 5), "Sometimes your most important work is outside the classroom, join your colleagues in TALB's ongoing phone banks to fight these three initiatives."

The website's "Take Action" link says in part, "If you are a teacher who lives or works in Long Beach, Lakewood, or Signal Hill and want to give information to your home/school neighbors about the Governor's unfair, anti-public education initiatives, for more click here," which connects to a list of zip codes and a form soliciting micro-precinct captains.

TALB volunteers assembled in Wardlow Park (Wardlow b/w Clark Ave. and Bellflower Blvd.) at 9:00 a.m. and received lists of addresses along with door hangers, lawn signs and campaign materials, then fanned out into neighborhoods at midmorning.

TALB President Tony Diaz told LBReport.com, "This special election is not needed. It's costing the taxpayers $50-$55 million. It's unnecessary and it's also silencing the voices of teachers, firefighters, policemen and nurses, so we're here to get out today and put door hangers out and tell people to vote No on these three propositions [74, 75 & 76]."

Walkers appeared well-organized. Within two hours, yellow door hangers were visible in ELB's South of Conant area. "Long Beach Teachers Are Asking For Your Help. On Tuesday, November 8, Vote No On Props 74, 75 & 76," they read. Lawn signs also popped up in increased number.

TALB says on its website: "On November 8th, voters will go to the polls to decide on three initiatives aimed directly at the heart of our public schools. If any of these pass, life in the classroom will never be the same." TALB's website describes the measures as follows:

"Proposition 74 would give principals the unchecked power to terminate veteran teachers by simply giving them two consecutive unsatisfactory job performances, with no opportunity for the teachers to defend themselves. Proposition 76 would give the Governor unchecked power to suspend funds to schools whenever he declares a fiscal emergency (like the one we have had for the past four years)...Proposition 75 will silence those who have stood against the Governor when he previously tried to cut funding for schools."

Props 74, 75 and 76 (and 77) are supported by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the taxpayer watchdog group stating on its website:

"Prop. 74 -- Extends length of evaluation for period before public school teaches are given permanent status; Prop. 75 -- Provides paycheck protection for public union workers by requiring employee consent before their dues can be used for political contributions; Prop. 76 -- The Live Within Our Means Act would slow down increases in state spending."

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Ass'n also supports Prop 77...which it describes as "Reapportionment: would bar politicians from drawing lines that guarantee their re-election." TALB is neutral on Prop 77...but is part of an alliance of groups opposing Prop 77.

On November 3, Gov. Schwarzenegger held a press event in LB urging support for Props 74, 75 and 76. (He is also on record supporting Prop 77.)

Two days earlier on Nov. 1, the LB City Council voted 6-0 to oppose Props 74, 75 and 76 (Kell, Colonna, Lerch absent, Lerch exiting on the vote after publicly stating his opposed to the Council taking any position on the statewide ballot measures.)

TALB President Diaz told LBReport.com that 6th district Councilwoman Laura Richardson was expected to attend the TALB GOTV event later that day...and Councilwoman Richardson confirmed to us that she'd be heading to the TALB event following her morning participation in LB's Veterans Day Parade.)

The LB Community College Board of Trustees has voted 4-1 (Kellogg dissenting) to oppose Prop 76.

TALB's website indicates phone banking opposed to Props 74, 75 and 76 has been taking place for several days...and will continue on Sunday Nov. 6 and Monday Nov. 7 in advance of the Nov. 8 election.