Update 10/27/06: The current total spending by the Peebles-funded "Yes on L" campaign through 10/21/06 is $1,310,384.78 according to today's election report. That's $415,247.75 just over the last 21 days, or $19,773.70 per day. More details, and the full report, here.

Argument Against Measure L

Don't be fooled! You are not voting on a "new urbanism" town center. The plan dangled before Pacificans is not on the ballot. The only reason for Measure L is to allow 355 housing units.

When South Florida developer R. Donahue Peebles purchased the Quarry in 2005, he took out a $16.5 million "non-recourse" loan from North American Capital Advisors(NACA).

As expected, the City has confirmed that there is no plan, there is no project, there are no tangible benefits to the City nor to us, its citizens, in this ballot measure, nor any way to determine prior to the November 7th election what damage 355 houses in the Quarry would cause to our traffic or our environment.

For reference, below are some email addresses for City officials

In 1996, a full, public, in-depth, open "Steering Committee" process was undertaken to help determine the best direction for the Quarry. The Committee's includes a recommendation that "Residential Use Should Not Be the Cornerstone of Quarry Development". And yet in November 2006 a South Florida developer wants to build 355 new houses in the Quarry.

Full text of Election Code section 9212.

(a) During the circulation of the petition, or before taking either action described in subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 9214, or Section 9215, the legislative body may refer the proposed initiative measure to any city agency or agencies for a report on any or all of the following:

At the charrette, Andres Duany said "There are no endangered species that have been identified, seen, or trapped."

A study of San Francisco Garter Snakes was already underway, the proposal for which clearly stated that:

RECEIVED
MAY 30 2006
CITY CLERK

To: Kathy O'Connell City Clerk for the City of Pacifica, California

Re: Notice of Intent To Circulate Petition, Statement of Reasons, and Request for Ballot Title and Summary for an Initiative Ordinance to Authorize Residential Development Preserving Accessible Open Space and Adding Other Mixed Uses on the Rockaway Quarry Parcel in the City of Pacifica

For more background education on coastal environmental and development issues, the Coastal Commission, and some specifics on Pacifica, check out the acclaimed KQED documentary "Coastal Clash":