Yes on Measure A1 (Animal Care)

http://www.smartvoter.org/2012/11/06/ca/alm/meas/A1/

Measure A1 seeks voter approval to authorize an annual special parcel tax on each parcel of taxable real property following adoption of the measure until December 31, 2037. The tax will fund certain services and projects at the Oakland Zoo ("Zoo"). 

The authority to levy special taxes upon approval by two-thirds of the votes cast on special tax measures is pursuant to Article XIIIA of the California Constitution and sections 23027 and 50075 of the California Government Code. 

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this measure vote for approval, the County of Alameda ("County") will impose a special tax on all parcels of taxable real property annually. The tax rates will be as follows: $12.00 (twelve dollars) per parcel for single family residential and multi-family residential parcels, and $72.00 (seventy-two dollars) per parcel for nonresidential parcels. For purposes of this special parcel tax, the County will levy the tax on each parcel of real property that receives a separate ad valorem tax bill. 

The Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector will collect the tax at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem property taxes. Certain exemptions are available to any parcel owned and occupied by individuals 67 years of age or over or to any owner whose combined family income qualifies as "low income" under federal law. All property that is otherwise exempt from ad valorem property taxes by state law shall also be exempt from this tax. 

If the measure passes, the funding revenue will be used for the specific services and projects at the Zoo as set forth in the full text of the measure and expenditure plan printed in this sample ballot pamphlet. Some of those purposes include: providing for animal care; providing educational and conservation programs; maintaining, operating, and improving existing facilities; and maintaining and improving visitor services. The measure further provides that the monies collected shall be accounted for separately and expended only for those specified purposes. The measure provides for an independent citizens' oversight committee and revenue and expenditure reports. 

If two-thirds of the qualified electors voting on this measure do not vote for approval, the measure will fail, and the County will not be authorized to levy the special tax outlined above.