SOAR Initiatives

As a former mayor, state senator and U.S. Congressman representing the people of Ventura, I take exception to the characterization by proponents of the Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources initiatives that local elected officials are untrustworthy.

We have representative government in this country with an open electoral process that allows us to reelect officials or vote them out if we disagree with them. We can also overturn their decisions by referendum and initiative. There is a great danger in constantly tearing down those who serve.

Unfortunately, the SOAR proponents are proposing measures that will affect jobs, housing, schools and perhaps the fate of the Point Mugu Naval Air Station and Port Hueneme naval base. Over many years, I have been directly involved in the battle to retain Point Mugu as a viable military installation and to bring new missions such as the E-2 wing there.

Point Mugu pumps $1.6 billion annually into the economy of Ventura County. Yet, if the county SOAR ordinance and city growth boundaries are passed, I fear that the cost of housing will rapidly accelerate, putting homes and apartments out of reach for our Naval personnel. Housing costs play a significant role in determining the advisability of base retention and attracting new missions.

It is entirely possible that a consequence of SOAR will be a grave threat to Point Mugu Naval Air Station in future base-retention hearings in Congress.

How curious that such a deceptively simple “politically correct” ordinance could be so far-reaching.

I urge voters to reject such reckless proposals with unknown consequences. Vote “no” on county Measure B and all city SOAR measures.

ROBERT J. LAGOMARSINO, Ventura

*

Missing from the usual discussions about SOAR is how continued expansion of our communities is depleting precious habitat for some of the other residents of our county. We are continually squeezing or closing the wildlife corridors and building into areas that should be held sacred for reasons other than the ability to make a quick buck.

Do we really want a sterile asphalt and stucco landscape to call home?

How many of us have a story to tell about walking in the hills somewhere here in Ventura County and seeing a bobcat, a golden eagle or a deer? Many species require substantial ranges in order to survive, not boxed in “greenbelts” between cities. Many species of birds call Ventura County home twice a year as they migrate along the Pacific Flyway. Without adequate habitat in which to feed and rest, these populations will decline--and with them our quality of life.

It’s a slow yet insidious thing, this urban sprawl. If you see Ventura County as a living organism then you can imagine too much urbanization as a disease, eventually choking the life from its host. I believe it’s not too late for this patient and strongly urge a “yes” vote for the SOAR measures.

KAREN GEBHARDT, Simi Valley

*

Thanks for all the information you have been giving us about the SOAR initiative. As I now understand it, SOAR would not change any zoning or place additional restrictions on how a person may use one’s land.

What it would do is give local citizens the opportunity to vote on any development of agricultural land, instead of leaving that decision to a handful of politicians.

SARAH BACKUS, Newbury Park

*

It is interesting to me, an agriculturist, that certain segments of the population in Ventura County want to limit and control my ability, and that of my peers, to pursue our livelihood in farming. The SOAR initiatives are a pointed attempt to make farmers bear the burden of the most radical no-growth schemes proposed in our county.

SOAR’s flawed approach throws a wide loop that encompasses a mix of open space and agricultural lands and treats them as if they were of the same value. These proposals should have delineated between class one through eight soils and geographic location. How can you compare 30,000 acres of Oxnard Plain, some of the richest agriculture land in the world, to hillside avocados and citrus or cattle pastureland?

The backers of SOAR don’t seem to recognize the differences, which may explain why they included prime farmland in Oxnard and Camarillo within their proposed city boundaries. Under SOAR, prime farmland within city boundaries would have accelerated pressure to develop, because less-valuable land outside city boundaries would be locked down for 20 years! That land which is most valuable would be destroyed under SOAR!

SOAR proponents do not want to be confused with the facts; they just want to pursue a narrow vision of no growth without regard to the impact on farmers and ranchers.

I urge thinking people across Ventura County to consider how many other flaws are in these proposals, and then vote against the SOAR agenda in November.

BRUCE STRATHEARN, Simi Valley

*

I am so thrilled to see the various SOAR measures on the ballot this November! Being able to vote on an issue as powerful as SOAR reinstates my faith in the political process.

I believe the citizens of Ventura County know what type of communities they want to live in, and this November they can show it at the polls.

EDITH FOLSOM-FOX, Simi Valley