Forget L.A., It’s No on A

The term “Los Angelization of San Diego” has become so overused that both sides in the campaign over Proposition A employ it to conjure up images of the terrible things that will happen to the city if the other side prevails. The idea is that, depending on the outcome of the referendum Nov. 5, San Diego is in danger of having its streets and freeways brought to a standstill, its canyons filled with condos and its schools overcrowded. The term “Los Angelization” occupies the same position in this campaign that former Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Assemblyman Tom Hayden have occupied in other local campaigns--bogeyman.

Proposition A’s opponents, in large part those involved with the building industry, seem to have pirated the “No L.A.” slogan from the pro-A forces in an effort to confuse the voters. But Proposition A would create fundamental change in the way certain decisions are made, removing from the City Council the authority to open for development land not designated for that purpose until 1995. It’s an idea that deserves debate on a higher plane than catchy phrases and cheap scare tactics.

Despite our low opinion of the manner in which the anti-A forces have chosen to attack the referendum, and despite our true sympathy with the motivation of those behind the proposition, it should not be passed. The time has long gone when a public vote could be held on matters as specific as a proposed housing tract. Proposition A would create a bad precedent and deprive the City Council of legitimate flexibility.