Candidate for
Board Member; Lakeside Community Planning Area

PRESERVE LAKESIDE AREA NEIGHBORHOODS

Lakeside's many unique and distinctive neighborhoods must be preserved. Residents must have a strong voice when new development is proposed. Any development that impacts existing character, that adds too much traffic, or that will be detrimental to a homeowner's property values, should not be approved.

The conversion of apartments to condominiums is a two edged sword for the community. While it may provide an opportunity for ownership, it also means residents who rent may be forced out with very few options to remain in the community. All developer proposals for apartment conversions must make provisions for our existing residents within the community, if the residents so desire.

There is a proposal to expand industrial storage yards in Lakeside. But the only way to do so is to move into residential areas. I oppose expansion of outdoor industrial into our residential neighborhoods.

EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Lakeside has many recreational attractions including a variety of County Parks. Yet there is a distinct shortage of fields suitable for youth sports. We need to provide for the future by adding youth sports fields now since soon there will be very little suitable flat land left. I support Supervisor Dianne Jacobs' proposed youth sports complex west of Riverford Road on County owned land. I have also supported improvement of fields at El Capitan High School for joint use with local youth groups. I would also encourage the County to acquire flat land in Blossom Valley or Moreno Valley if possible.

Lakeside is the only community in the County without an adopted Trails map. Yet our community has a very high rate of horse ownership, and over seventy businesses, clubs and organizations associated with equestrian activities. I am Chair of the Lakeside Planning Group's multipurpose pathways and trails subcommittee and have worked for many years in the development of a pathway and trail plan for the community. It is my hope that the County will soon adopt our Pathway and Trail Map.

A RIVER PARK FOR LAKESIDE

Many years ago the community was promised a river park along the San Diego River to replace the pits left by years of sand mining. Now, the promise is about to be realized. I am a member of Lakeside's River Park Conservancy and support the purchase of land for our park.

DESIGN REVIEW

I strongly support Lakeside's Design Review program and was Chair of the Lakeside Design Review Board for 13 years. Design Review is essential for the community to move forward, to create and sustain an attractive, welcoming environment for both new high quality businesses and all residents. Lakeside's Design Review program was established at the community's request in 1989, following two years of public meetings where Lakeside specific guidelines for commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments were developed. These guidelines are a basic framework describing architectural techniques to create visual interest, landscaping to provide shading and screening, and minimizing the impact of signs and parking lots. Existing businesses as they renovate or expand should also strive to meet the guidelines. Lakeside deserves quality in all new development and all businesses should take pride in Lakeside.

TOWN CENTER

Lakeside's Historic Town center on Maine Street must be preserved. The County, at the community's request, has completed a historic survey of the town center and has proposed various options for its preservation. I support the creation of a Historic District for Lakeside. The Community of Julian has preserved and enhanced their main street and Lakeside should do the same.