SAN DIEGO -- California's special election is just four days away, and it appears most of the propositions on the ballot are heading for defeat, 10News reported.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said if the propositions do not pass it could mean releasing thousands of prisoners, borrowing billions of dollars from already-strapped local governments and even drilling off the Santa Barbara coast.

Several TV commercials have urged Californians to vote "yes" on the propositions.

The yes side has spent six times as much as the no side, but five of the six propositions are losing, according to a statewide 10News poll.

Proposition 1A, which would set aside money for a rainy day fund and extend recent tax increases, is failing by 13 points.

Proposition 1B, which would require payments to schools, is losing by nine points.

To San Miguel Fire Chief Augie Ghio, the propositions' failure would be a major blow.

"That will be catastrophic to the fire service in San Diego, as well as elsewhere in California. We're going to lose firefighters, and we're going to lose fire engines. That's just the way it is," said Ghio.

But Escondido City Councilmember Marie Waldron said the propositions should go down to defeat.

"The problem with Sacramento is they don't know how to stop spending. I think it's time to stop that spending addiction," said Waldron.

Schwarzenegger said the propositions are essential reform.

"Until we fix the system, the budget madness that has affected the state will never go away," said Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger also said no votes would add $6 billion to the state deficit and lead to cuts in schools, health and welfare programs and a wide variety of other state programs.

Waldron said, "I would call that a scare tactic."

But with more money spent and the support of firefighters and police, and teachers and health care, why are the propositions trailing?

"People are tired of other people reaching into their pockets. That's what it really boils down to," said Ghio.

The only proposition passing in the 10News poll is Prop. 1F, which would prohibit pay raises for legislature, governor and other elected officials if the state is expected to have a deficit.

It is leading by 10 points, according to the poll.