In an effort to inform voters, last week we took a look at Propositions 1 through 4. This week it will be 5 through 8.

These measures will change our state, for better or worse, depending on your vote. So please, read on.

Prop. 5 would allocate $460,000,000 to improve and expand drug treatment/substance abuse programs, with the aim of reducing repeat drug offense-related incarceration by dealing with the root cause, addiction.

It would limit the court’s authority to incarcerate certain drug offenders or people who violate the conditions of their parole.

Those in favor claim that it would reduce prison overcrowding and create drug prevention programs for youth.

They also claim that non-violent offenders/parolees would be offered an easier path to rehabilitation.

Those opposed to Prop. 5 say it would shorten parole for meth dealers, who often are also violent criminals, from three years to six months.

They further maintain that the proposition is flawed in that it contains loopholes that could allow defendants accused of other crimes like domestic violence, child abuse and vehicular manslaughter to escape prosecution.

Prop 6. would send almost a billion dollars of state funds each year to enhance law enforcement.

It would make revisions to 30 current state laws with the aim of increasing penalties for crimes including gang activity and drug crimes.

In favor of the proposition are law enforcement agencies who believe Prop. 6 would give them more leeway in fighting gangs and drugs.

They also say that taxpayer money would be returned to local law enforcement agencies.

Those opposed to Prop. 6 say it will take Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] money away from schools, healthcare and public safety, like fire prevention.

Proposition 7 would require government-owned utilities to generate 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2010, which is a standard that is currently applied to private electrical corporations.

It would further require that they increase this percentage to 40 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025.

Supporters of the measure ask that voters combat global warming by favoring renewable energy over fossil fuels.

Those opposed say that the measure is poorly drafted and will result in less electricity being available to consumers, as well as driving small companies that supply renewable energy out of the market.

Prop. 8 would mandate that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid in California.

Proponents of the measure point out that 61 percent of California voters have already approved the concept.

They further claim that the court should not have the ability to overturn the will of the voters.

They also say that Prop. 8 does not take away any currently existing rights or benefits from gay domestic partners.

Those against Prop. 8 say that the measure removes equality and equal protection under the Contitution for persons in same sex relationships.

Next week we will take a look at Propositions 9 through 12.

California’s future will be shaped by the outcome of these and other measures on the ballot, so please, be an informed voter.

Dave Reynolds is a political consultant/writer currently residing in Menifee. During the 1990s he served as chief of staff to the State Assembly Representative from the 66th District.