CCMIN082002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Voters of not abiding by its State policy on the environment. She said the League of Women Voters took no action and did not understand how it could be accused of not abiding by its policies. She wanted the City Council and the community to be aware of this situation. She thought campaigning did not usually start until after Labor Day and urged that it begin anew on another basis. Ms. Ayala said she was at the meeting and people have different opinions. She felt the meeting had been conducted in a respectful manner and there was only one speaker for the proponents of the Initiative. She felt it was not a good idea to present complaints based on hearsay. She asked about the status of the direct arguments. Mr. Roush indicated he was asked to review the Argument Against Measure V. He then had a conversation with two of the persons who signed the Argument and requested that they reconsider a couple of the words in the argument. Consideration is being given to deleting the words "fines or" from the argument. He expected that to be filed within a couple of days. David Walden, 5652 Belleza Drive, said he objected to "waving signs" at major intersections and shopping areas on weekends. He felt they were dangerous to drivers because it distracts their attention and poses a safety problem for motorists. He indicated he would not do business with any company who puts people at busy intersections with these obnoxious signs. Jennifer Hosterman, 2922 Chardonnay Drive, presented pictures of the Arroyo del Valle near the Hacienda Mobilehome Park. That neighborhood has noticed the reduction of water in the arroyo, wildlife is dying, there is an odor and a mosquito problem. The Mosquito Abatement District was notified and will be sending a letter to the City outlining potential health hazards. She related a conversation from Eric Teal, a biology teacher at Amador Valley High School, who started "Creek Watch" and involves students in educational programs surrounding the creek. She read an email from Mr. Teal who was in favor of maintaining a wet arroyo and related the need to have aquatic life present in the fall to teach the students ecological concepts. Students develop a greater appreciation for how delicate ecosystems are as well as an interest in protecting natural resources. Because of various factors, he did not believe the arroyo has been in its natural state for many years and it would be impossible to try to return it to a natural state. He felt there was more to be gained by keeping it wet. He referred to Felton, San Luis Obispo, and Walnut Creek as having successful arroyo development. Jacki Hawk, 3231 Vineyard Avenue #36, thanked the City for its efforts in providing water in the downtown portion of the arroyo. She referred to the upper portion of the arroyo behind Shadow Cliffs and beyond. This is the backyard of many families who are concerned about the ecosystems dying. She felt many people believed the annual loss of water in the arroyo was a natural occurrence and she said that was not so. She said many birds such as herons, kites, egrets, and kingfishers are leaving. The arroyo is fed by Lake Del Valle and is a natural waterway and she did not feel this drying up should be allowed to happen. She believed the arroyo has always had steelhead and other fish. These should be protected. She also expressed concern about bacteria and mosquitoes. Pleasanton City Council 7 08/20/02 Minutes