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So given enough money (which should be available from all the organizations lined up against it), some good political consultants, and a quick enough reaction time, it is possible to force it onto the ballot and then defeat it.

I concur, This issue is a bigger slam dunk than Prop 22(prohibiting legal unions betwix the sexually confused)

As for the timing, the window for Nov 2002 is closed, me thinks it closes 6 months before an election.

If "Gay" Davis signs AB 1493, look for an counter-prop in March -or- Nov 2004.
the new law would start biting in 2005.

As for the timing, the window for Nov 2002 is closed, me thinks it closes 6 months before an election.

That's not entirely true. I'm still researching the situation, but Article 2, Section 9(c) of the California Constitution requires that "The Secretary of State shall then submit the measure at the next general election held at least 31 days after it qualifies or at a special statewide election held prior to that general election."

So if the petitioning was really rushed (which is extra expensive), and the signatures were submitted sometime in August rather than using the entire 90 days that are allowed, there would be time for County Registrars to finish validating the signatures (on a sampling basis) by 31 days before the November 2002 election. In that case it still might appear on this year's ballot. That in turn would be very painful (in my opinion) for Governor Davis.