San Pablo’s November Ballot Has Measures R and S, Two Council Seats, a Clerk and a Treasurer

SAN PABLO, Contra Costa County — October 23, 2026. San Pablo voters face multiple city decisions November 3, not just statewide races. The City Clerk’s election page lists two City Council seats, plus elected City Clerk and City Treasurer, and local ballot measures R and S.

Who is running for City Council?

The city’s official notice names Anna Villalobos, Rita Xavier, Caden Cotton Blake and Elizabeth Pabon-Alvarado for the two councilmember positions, with instructions to vote for no more than two candidates. It lists Dorothy Gantt for City Clerk and Viviana Toledo for Treasurer. Voters should examine the official ballot and candidate information, and remember that being listed on the ballot is not an endorsement from this newspaper.

Measure R: A temporary sales-tax proposal

The city says Measure R would adopt an additional half-cent local transactions-and-use tax for five years, then reduce that tax to one-quarter cent for another five years, before ending. The ballot text estimates about $2 million per year during the first period and $1 million annually during the second, though real collections could vary. Revenue would support general city services and be subject to public oversight and financial auditing. The city’s Measure R explanation provides the official proposal and related analyses.

Measure S: A different rent-control system

Measure S asks whether to adopt an ordinance that would restrict increases for certain covered residential rentals to the lower of 3% or 60% of the CPI change, with processes for some additional increases and other tenant protections. The city’s published ballot wording includes administrative cost estimates of approximately $1.08 million to $2.36 million annually, to be funded by rental-property owner fees. This is a proposed ordinance, not yet adopted by voters.

Is Measure S the same as the new rent review program?

No. San Pablo Council has already adopted a rent-review process scheduled to start January 1, 2027, for certain rent increases above 7% in a twelve-month period. That procedure does not establish the same mandatory rent caps as the proposed Measure S. Voters and housing providers should keep the separate policies and legal effects clear when evaluating the ballot.

How to decide and where to vote

Read the official impartial analyses, arguments and county sample ballot through the Contra Costa County Elections Division. Supporters and opponents of the tax and rent proposals may differ about municipal finances, household affordability and potential effects on investment and housing supply. Those arguments should be weighed against the actual ballot text. For current vote centers, drop boxes and conditional registration, use the county’s election resources.

Follow San Pablo News and Richmond News. Submit original records or corrections to California58 Newsroom. Support nonpartisan community reporting.

Primary sources: City of San Pablo November 2026 election notices, Measures R and S official ballot text, and Contra Costa County Elections Division. Nonpartisan voter information, not campaign advocacy.

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