San Diego County Measure B leads as votes are counted on half-cent sales tax

San Diego County voters are narrowly favoring Measure B, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase intended to support health care, public safety and efforts to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis.

The latest unofficial tally reported by The Ballot Book shows 374,267 votes in favor of the measure, or 51.6%, compared with 350,762 votes against, or 48.4%.

That puts the measure ahead by 23,505 votes, although the results remain unofficial and additional ballots are still being counted.

Measure B requires a simple majority to pass.

Measure B holds lead after close election night

The measure was initially much closer.

According to City News Service reporting published by Patch, Wednesday morning returns showed 332,812 votes in favor, or 50.29%, and 329,022 against, or 49.71%.

That early margin was fewer than 4,000 votes.

A later tally reported by The Ballot Book shows a larger advantage for supporters, but the outcome will not be official until the San Diego County Registrar of Voters completes its count and certifies the results.

What the proposed sales tax would fund

Measure B, formally known as the San Diego County Health & Safety Act, would increase the local sales tax by 0.5 percentage points on purchases subject to California sales tax.

The measure has no expiration date.

Supporters estimate the tax could generate approximately $400 million to $450 million annually.

The proposed revenue would support several categories of county services, including health care for low-income residents, childcare assistance, food security programs, wildfire prevention, emergency response and projects addressing sewage pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.

According to KPBS, the measure includes funding for childcare providers, assistance for families, health services for uninsured residents, sewage-control infrastructure and improvements to the regional emergency communications system.

Tijuana River sewage cleanup is a major focus

The sewage crisis affecting the Tijuana River Valley and South County beaches has been one of the most prominent issues in the campaign.

For years, untreated wastewater and contaminated flows crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have affected coastal water quality, recreational access and nearby communities.

Measure B would establish a local funding source for projects intended to reduce sewage flows and address related public health concerns.

Supporters, including labor and environmental organizations, argue that local funding is needed alongside state and federal investments.

The UCSD Guardian reported that SEIU Local 221, Children First San Diego and the Surfrider Foundation supported the initiative.

Supporters and opponents disagree over costs

Supporters say the proposed tax would provide a dependable source of revenue for services that face continuing funding pressures.

They point to the need for health care access, support for families and long-term sewage infrastructure improvements.

Opponents argue that the tax would increase costs for consumers at a time when many residents are already struggling with affordability.

Assemblymember Carl DeMaio opposed the proposal, according to NBC San Diego.

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association also raised concerns about the measure's lack of an expiration date and its long-term fiscal implications.

The election results will determine whether county officials gain authority to collect the additional revenue.

What the results mean for La Jolla residents

Measure B is a countywide proposal, meaning its outcome affects voters in La Jolla and throughout San Diego County.

If approved, the additional tax would apply to qualifying taxable purchases, rather than directly increasing property taxes.

County officials would oversee how the revenue is distributed among eligible programs and projects.

For La Jolla residents, the measure raises broader questions about the cost of living, regional health services, environmental protection and emergency preparedness.

When will the results be final?

The San Diego County Registrar of Voters is continuing to count eligible mail ballots, provisional ballots and other outstanding votes from the November 3 election.

Additional returns could change the measure's margin.

The county is expected to certify the election results by December 3.

Residents can follow updated figures at the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.