According to San Diego Union-Tribune, voters in San Diego tend to veto ballot measures that promote specific projects but sometimes approve more general, pro-development efforts. A proposed ocean-bluff resort project and a suburban-style development just north of Escondido both failed at the last election. San Diego County also killed Measure B, an initiative that would have given the green light to a 2,135-home project. On the other hand, the fate of Measure A which did not target a particular project and would require voter approval of any future amendment to the county general plan is still undecided.
A similar drama is taking place in Oceanside over the 585-home North River Farms project planned for Morro Hills. The City Council approved the development on a 3-2 vote, sparking a referendum to overturn the decision. One of the council members who supported the project, Christopher Rodriguez, has been served with a recall notice.
Less than two years ago, Oceanside voters rejected Measure Y, which would have required a public vote before the City Council could allow open space and agricultural land to be turned over for development.
While this year’s Measure A did not target a singular project, it was a response to a handful of them. Three years ago, county supervisors approved several amendments to the general plan calling for some 7,000 homes. Those projects have not yet moved forward, amid legal and procedural wrangling. If those developments ultimately fall by the wayside, it won’t be because of Measure A, if it ultimately passes. The initiative is not retroactive.
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