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they want to submit a new plan for the Oak Grove property, provided it addresses all the concerns raised at the Council's February meeting. Fred Norman said the defining argument against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is the slaughter of people. He said over 5,500 American military men and women and hundreds of thousands of Afghan and Iraqi men, women, and children have been killed to date. He said most Americans do not seem to care much about the number killed but do seem to care about money and will do almost anything to keep as much of it in their pockets as possible. He said these wars have cost Americans more than $1 trillion, with Pleasanton's share between $450 and $500 million, and over the next nine years they will spend much more. He acknowledged the actions of the Mayor and Council of Binghamton, NY and proposed that Pleasanton also install a "cost of war counter." Kathy Dowding read the names of the 31 American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since the last Council meeting. She invited the Tri- valley to join Pleasantonians for Peace at its next peaceful protest and peace vigil. Councilmember Sullivan thanked Mr. Norman for the suggestion and assured him he would raise it under Matters Initiated. In response to those who spoke on Measure D, he thanked those on both sides of the issue for a hard fought campaign. He said what is most important is that the City's process of self government worked and the people of Pleasanton were represented. Mayor Hosterman said a number of them have worked on both the winning and losing sides of referendums and initiatives over the years, but everyone tonight is correct in that the spirit of democracy is truly alive and well in Pleasanton. Troy Bourne, Vice President of Planning and Development for Continuing Life Communities, said he is the builder and future operator of Stoneridge Creek, a retirement community planned for Staples Ranch. The original schedule called for the project to receive final approval in May 2006. In May 2007, believing the delayed approvals to be imminent, they opened an information center and allowed interested future residents to place deposits for the reservation of homes. While one of the community's most attractive features is to be able to provide convenient access to all levels of long -term care for its residents, State law requires that residents be capable of independent living upon moving into the community. As the approvals have been delayed repeatedly, he said that many of the 1,000 seniors who made deposit with the hopes of remaining in Pleasanton have been forced to make other arrangements. He recognized that some of the events resulting in the approval delays are outside of the Council's control and thanked them for the efforts made to move this process forward. He was greatly surprised and discouraged to see the item removed from tonight's agenda and urged the Council to approve the SEIR and all other related approval documents as quickly as possible. Patti Baer said she and her husband are proponents and hopeful residents of the Stoneridge Creek senior living facility. Pleasanton prides itself as a well planned city, which requires consideration of all residents in providing diverse housing options. She reminded the Council that the senior population is projected to increase 147% by 2050. Numerous studies have been conducted regarding this project, including the extension of Stoneridge Drive which, she noted, has been incorporated in the City's General Plan for many years. She said the project has undergone intense scrutiny and it is time for the Council to take a positive action by certifying and approving this project. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 11 June 15, 2010