We felt it was important to call to your attention two justices on the California 2nd District Court of Appeal who are on the ballot. These justices issued a ruling in December 2025 against taxpayers’ interests and in a manner that weakens Proposition 13. The case was HJTA’s challenge to Measure ULA, the so-called “mansion tax.”
Justice Armen Tamzarian wrote and Justice Audra Mori signed the opinion, which concerningly declared, “The voters did not generally intend for Proposition 13 to limit their own power to raise taxes by initiative.”
By doing so, these justices opened the door for local voters to override the state constitution and Proposition 13 to raise taxes in any manner, in any amount, without a two-thirds vote, if the tax increase is placed on the ballot by a “citizens’ initiative.” Their decision in this case, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association v. City of Los Angeles, severely undermines the taxpayer protections in Proposition 13.
Voters will decide whether Justices Armen Tamzarian and Audra Mori are worthy of retention. Their names will be on the ballot in the 2nd District, which covers Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
