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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 7.17 acres west of Escondido Creek, south of Harmony Grove Road addressed as 1839, 1901, 1909, 1919, 1925, 1929, and 1935 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 39 to 0 units and to allow approximately 124,750 square feet of industrial development (as shown on Exhibit 7).

Industrialization belongs near freeways where there is easy access to a large number of commuters. This area is remote, rural and primarily residential and agricultural. Costs to improve infrastructure to provide better access to this area would be borne by YOU the taxpayer. Escondido already has vacant commercially zoned buildings and undeveloped industrial land available! Redevelopment is the answer to providing industrial space, while at the same time improving the city in general. Ruining this rural community will only add to the taxpayers' burden and by decreasing the value of properties will further 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 to this area. Imagine large semi rigs and many extra commuters 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 to and from industry will create more traffic and air pollution and diminished quality of life for all of us.

Most of Harmony Grove is not within the Escondido city boundary; it is a grave injustice that many of the citizens in this area cannot vote to preserve their private property rights.

We support concerns for jobs and business. There is a time and place for everything and this is NOT it.

A NO vote will help stop haphazard urban sprawl and promote smart growth. Exercise your right to protect your quality of life and neighborhood. Vote NO on Prop O.

V. ANN BECK-WITTE PATRICIA MACK NEWTON Director, Harmony Grove/ Eden Valley Business Owner/ Director Citizens for Smart Employment & Growth The Escondido Creek Conservancy

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

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

STEPHEN ISAAC Director, The Christward Ministry & Questhaven Retreat