SJR3 passed because none of the procedures left the legislative branch. An elected Republican could exercise his
due process without permission from the executive or the judicial.
The legislative minority does have considerable power under California's system but that power is dependent upon the cooperation of the executive in all but isolated situations.
California's financial circumstances would be much different today if the governor had decided to empower the legislative minority after taking office. Legislative Republicans do have the power to derail the majority's agenda but not without the consent of the governor.
You are so right. When Deukmejian was Governor he had a standard policy that he would sign bills based on the makeup of the legislature. If 1/3 of the legislators were Republican then 1/3 the bills he would sign would be authored by Republicans and 2/3 of the bills he would sign would be Democrat. If the Democrats wanted more bills signed, they were then forced to send up more Republican bills. He also refused to sign hijacked bills.
That's how a Republican Governor should act.