NO on L: The campaign against Pacifica’s Measure L

Sadly, it is a longstanding tradition in this country for the electorate to begrudgingly apply "the lesser of two evils" strategy when casting its vote either for candidates or on important issues. In his recent letter to Pacifica residents Don Peebles is relying heavily on this regrettable convention. What he fails to realize when demonizing chain developments like Wal-Mart is that his ilk too is a controversial and often deservedly disdained euphemism. His letter truly could not be more misleading, manipulative and one-sided. And in his attempt to veil his true intentions and objectives he quite clearly reveals that his interest is purely economics such as when he indicates that while the Quarry remains "vacant" it "generates no benefits for the community". To the contrary, I, along with many who enjoy that open space for a variety of reasons feel the Quarry to be a benefit simply because it is "vacant" or more suitably stated natural and undeveloped open space. I would caution Pacifica voters to think long and hard about Mr. Peeble's deceptive proposition. I was born and raised in an area of California once known for its orange groves and open space. Drive through the heart of Orange County CA today and the only open space you will find is in a parking lot that supports and endless stream of commercialized development. The notion of developing Rockaway Quarry is not something that simply either equates to traffic concerns or economic benefits. This issue is about a veteran developer thinking he can do what no one has succeeded in doing before him; developing an area of Pacifica that he sees as defenseless and a formidable money maker. Not only does his plan deserve to be declined by Pacifica voters, through their vote those same voters should designate the quarry once and for all an area that will never be developed so that it may remain a sanctuary and a symbol of Pacifica's appreciation and respect for the natural setting that makes it unique among Peninsula communities.

Dana Brenner
Manor