Hernandez

Appellants, electors of the City of Los Angeles, asserted a postelection challenge to Measure R, a ballot measure approved by Los Angeles voters at the November 7, 2006 Consolidated General Election. The measure (1) amends the city charter to change the number of terms a city council member can serve from two 4-year terms to three 4-year terms; (2) amends the city charter to prohibit lobbyists from being appointed as city commissioners and to prohibit campaign contributions from lobbyists and lobbying firms to officials and candidates; and (3) makes several revisions to the city’s ethics laws by ordinance.

Appellants filed a petition for writ of mandate in the superior court, seeking an order directing the County of Los Angeles (County), which administered the election, and the City of Los Angeles (City) to cease and desist from any action to implement Measure R and to repeal any changes in the city charter or Los Angeles Municipal Code taken to implement the measure. The superior court denied the petition finding that because Measure R was not an initiative, the single subject rule imposed by the California Constitution does not apply. Appellants appeal, asserting…