Meeting: City Council

Meeting Time: July 19, 2022 at 6:30pm PDT
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Agenda Item

14.) Ballot Measure "J"

  • Default_avatar
    Yvonne Baginski about 2 years ago

    I have many concerns about the City Council approving a resolution that would place an initiative on the ballot containing false and misleading information. Most importantly, there is no attribution to the sponsor of "Measure J." The first sentence of the narrative misleads us into thinking that this is a city-sponsored initiative. The narrative and statement refer to the property as "vacant, blighted and undeveloped." This property currently contains a thriving, 39-acre vineyard, and irrigation infrastructure, totally in keeping with the strictures of current zoning, The source of the saltwater intrusion is also unproven and doubtful The soil analyst testifying at LAFCO indicated that the sodium chloride came in from the "top down,' and pointed the finger of blame at the American Canyon Recycled Water plant, and the clay soil. We know that the property owners have made several attempts to sell the land through vineyard brokers. This is agricultural land, not vineyard land. There is no mention of their yields. Even while stating that the recycled water was ruining the soil, they continued using it (yes, even now) and have actually increased use by almost 100% in the past four years...even though they have ripped out 2/3s of the vines. No one has tested the soil or made recommendations for possible remediation, Conversations with other soil experts indicate that remediation might be possible over a period of 2-3 years. I understand that GIV LLC was purchased as an investment property The owners now want to divest of the property for the highest profit possible. However, destroying open space land for the highest profit, a common practice in our history, is no longer viable for future generations. American Canyon has an opportunity to create an open space, recreational area for the better health and quality of life for its residents. Walking out on the wetlands any day of the week, one can experience parts of nature unavailable elsewhere. A very diverse community walks and bikes the trail, and having this available at the doorstep of this city is an immense gift. I know the people of American Canyon trust their elected leaders. This trust will be broken if an initiative with this narrative is permitted to go to the ballot. People need to be told the truth. All of you have the ethical position to do just that. Please vote no on moving this initiative to the ballot.