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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 5.3 acres south of Citracado Parkway, east and north of Interstate 15, addressed as 2258 Citracado Parkway from the current designation of Suburban to Planned Commercial to decrease the number of single family units allowed from 17 to 0 units and to allow approximately 92,000 square feet of planned commercial development (as shown on Exhibit 4).

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION L. It proposes sensible land planning by locating high-quality commercial uses at a major freeway offramp, while avoiding the construction of 17 homes next to busy Interstate 15.

Commercial uses should be located where they will serve and enhance neighborhoods. Plans for the property call for a state-of-the-art, fully-enclosed small animal hospital, a day care facility, and professional offices. As guaranteed at a City public hearing, the owners will not build a 24-hour convenience store, gasoline station or fast-food restaurant on the site.

Escondido takes pride in its high quality of residential life, but homes do not belong next to a freeway. Could you enjoy a backyard barbecue next to an eight-lane freeway?

The planned project will enhance the neighborhood, and it has already won hearty support from the neighboring church. It would be an asset to Escondido and would abide by the spirit and intent of the City's General Plan.

Proposition L is simply good, sensible land-use planning. It deserves your YES vote.

LORI HOLT PFEILER, Mayor, City of Escondido

BRUCE QUICK, Planning Commissioner, City of Escondido DENNIS JOHNSON, Pastor, New Life Presbyterian Church

GARY GALLERSTEIN, D. V. M., Hospital Director, Acacia Animal Hospital

NICK BARNETT, Chairman, Board of Management, Palomar Family YMCA

Escondido has more than enough commercial property!

The fact is, a nationally known economic development consulting firm did a commercial needs study of the city and found there was over twice as much commercial property as will be needed to complete build out of the city.

The City of Escondido is currently funding attempts to attract commercial enterprises in three areas of the city to improve the economic base of the city. Adding new commercial areas leads to further decline in older commercial areas. The fact is, if a veterinary hospital wants to relocate, there is plenty of existing commercial property from which to choose.

The proponents claim that there won't be fast food, a gas station or a convenience store. The fact is, if the zoning on this property is changed, the likelihood is there will be fast food, a gas station or a convenience store because there are no restrictions on these types of uses.

The basic issue is whether this parcel should be changed from residential to commercial.

This proposal went to the Planning Commission. City staff recommended NO. The Planning Commission voted NO by a 6-1 vote.

We hope the residents will agree and VOTE NO on Proposition L.

MARK A. EDMONDS, Businessman

THOMAS E. RASTLE, Vice President, Bear Valley Rural Neighbors

LYNN R. TAGGE

PHYLLIS HASSINGER Member, Escondido General Plan Review Committee, 1988-89

We agree!

Some may argue that this is "only" 5 acres, but once commercial is approved in a new area, it always spreads to nearby properties.

Some may argue that you can't build houses near a freeway, but all the new houses near the freeway refute that.

No one could argue that there is a need for more commercial to serve the area. Centre City Pkwy. and Escondido Blvd. refute that.

No one could argue that increased traffic would benefit the parents and children of nearby Miller School.

Could houses be built on this site? Yes.
Could a church be built on this site? Yes.
Could a residential care facility be built on this site? Yes.

All of these uses are much more compatible with the character of the area and would not need a change in the General Plan.

Not every freeway interchange has to be commercial. The Felicita area is semi-rural in spite of the freeway.

Starting yet another commercial area isn't good for the city or the neighborhood!

Please vote NO on Proposition L.

VIRGINIA L. ARMBRUST, Friends of Felicita Planning Commissioner 1990-1996

PHYLLIS A. HASSINGER, Felicita Area Resident

Escondido is steadily seeing fewer vacant storefronts and declining strip-malls, but that is not what is proposed. Proposition L proposes a state-of-the-art animal hospital, a non-profit care facility for persons with disabling brain injuries, offices, day care, and other services. There will be no fast food, gas stations, or convenience stores.

Proposition L applies to only one small property sandwiched between a freeway, a church, and a four-lane parkway. Proposition L won't allow any other property to be used for business. Proposition L will provide jobs, services, public improvements, and public funds benefiting Escondido. Proceeds from the project will also be donated to local non-profit organizations like the YMCA, the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation, and the New Life Church.

Don't ask what could be built on this site, but what should be built there. The location is too noisy for single-family homes, which the zoning allowed since before the Interstate was built. Freeways are natural corridors for businesses--not houses. Proponents who claim that the General Plan guards "quality of life" do not live next to a freeway. Nor would they. It's simple. It's common sense. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION L.

LORI HOLT PFEILER, Mayor, City of Escondido

BRUCE QUICK, Planning Commissioner, City of Escondido

E. W. BILL SMITH, Member, Board of Directors

STEPHAN A. TOTTEN ,Executive Director, San Diego Brain Injury Foundation Palomar Family YMCA

GARY GALLERSTEIN, D. V. M., Hospital Director, Acacia Animal Hospital