Laguna Beach Votes to Save Canyon

In a grand demonstration of their desire to save Laguna Canyon from development, Laguna Beach voters have resoundingly approved a $20-million bond measure that will help purchase canyon land and put an end to plans for a major residential development in the area.

The measure, which needed a two-thirds majority to pass, was approved Tuesday by 79.7% of the voters.

While other open-space propositions failed in statewide balloting, Laguna Beach voters bucked the trend and rallied for the bond measure that was considered to be the last, best hope of blocking a 3,200-unit development proposed by the Irvine Co. Proceeds from the measure--requiring a property tax hike of 6 1/2 cents per $100 valuation--will go toward a $78-million, 5-year plan to purchase 2,150 acres of canyon land owned by the Irvine Co.

The success of Measure H surprised even the most ardent supporters, who feared that an anti-tax sentiment might hurt the measure.

Voters went to bed late Tuesday evening knowing only that absentee returns showed the measure leading, but shy of the required two-thirds majority. Not until close to midnight did the proposal pull ahead.

“It’s unbelieveable to wake up to what is virtually an 80% approval,” Mayor Lida Lenney said.

While a state parks and wildlife bond proposition that was to be tapped for Laguna Canyon funding failed, Lenney said she will propose a countywide bond measure to help pay for the land.

Opponents, led by the Laguna Beach Taxpayers’ Assn., partly blamed the lopsided defeat on the fact that they were outspent in the campaign by a 12-1 margin.

“I do not know if they (voters) know what they are buying, but they bought it,” association President Jack Hefti said. “Let’s see how it works out.”