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In 1998, the voters adopted Proposition S, which changed the Escondido general plan to require that amendments to certain portions of the general plan can only occur after a majority vote of the people at an election.

Proposition S specifically provides that general plan amendments or specific plans cannot be adopted without a vote of the people if the changes increase residential density, change the general plan's residential land use categories, or change certain residential designations (rural, estate, suburban, and urban) to a commercial or industrial designation.

In addition, Proposition S re-adopted specific policies from the current general plan. These policies are those which regulate land use patterns and character, residential development, and residential preservation and development. The measure re-adopts specific policies regarding planned development zoning, specific planning areas, clustering of residential development and the population objectives. Proposition S required that changes to these policies in the future cannot be made except by a vote of the people at an election.

This particular Measure asks whether the land use category of the Escondido General Plan should be amended for 4.8 acres west of Escondido Creek, south of Harmony Grove Road, addressed as 2005 Harmony Grove Road from the current designation of Urban I (5.5 du/ acre) to Light Industrial to decrease the number of single family units allowed from 26 to 0 units and to allow approximately 83,500 square feet of industrial development (as shown on Exhibit 3).

Industrialization belongs near freeways with easy access to a large number of commuters. This area is remote, rural and primarily residential and agricultural. Costs to improve infrastructure to this area would be borne by YOU the taxpayer. Escondido already has vacant commercially zoned buildings and undeveloped industrial land!

Redevelopment is the answer to providing industrial space and improving the city in general. Ruining this rural community will only add to the taxpayers' burden. Decreasing the value of properties will degrade the quality of Escondido's schools. This area's roads are rural and winding and are not designed for this many additional daily commutes; additional traffic fatalities are expected if industrial use is added. Imagine large semi rigs rumbling through your neighborhood while your children are out riding their bikes!

The increased land use will contribute to our higher energy costs and potential water shortages. Increased commutes will create more traffic and air pollution and diminished quality of life.

Area citizens voiced their concerns against this zoning change during a March 17, 1999 meeting. Escondido's Planning Commission Report dated April 27,1999 states: "A number of concerns were expressed by the property owners including, compatibility with residences on the north side of Harmony Grove Road, traffic, drainage, aesthetics, loss of property values . . . ln general residents on the north side of Harmony Grove Road opposed the concept of incorporating industrial uses to the south."

It is a grave injustice that many of the citizens in this area cannot vote to preserve their private property rights.

Exercise your right to protect your private property rights and quality of life. Vote NO on Prop. K.

V. ANN BECK-WITTE, Director, Harmony Grove/ Eden Valley Citizens for Smart Employment & Growth

EVELYN ALEMANNI, Business Owner/ Director Elfin Forest/ Harmony Grove Town Council

PATRICIA MACK NEWTON, Business Owner, Director, The Escondido Creek Conservancy

MARK N. RODRIGUEZ, Engineer, Treasurer, Quail Hills Concerned Neighbors

STEPHEN ISAAC, Director, The Christward Ministry & Questhaven Retreat