Stark choice for Moraga voters

Vote yes on Measure K, no on Measure J

Panoramic hillsides or McMansions? Undeveloped ridgelines or obstructed views? Protected open space or large subdivisions? Moraga voters will decide between competing land use initiatives on the ballot in November.

Measure K, the Moraga Open Space Ordinance 2008 Initiative, was written by local residents and put on the ballot by the Friends of Moraga Open Space, an all-volunteer army of citizens. An update to the original Moraga Open Space Ordinance (MOSO) passed by Moraga voters in 1986, it became necessary because large open-space areas not included in the original measure are now threatened by large-scale subdivisions.

The competing Measure J was put on the ballot by Russell Bruzzone, Inc., the largest private developer in Moraga. Measure J would require the Moraga Town Council to sign a 25-year development agreement with the developer and would re-zone open-space lands to allow 300 sprawling houses. In exchange for massive development of these natural areas, the developer is offering recreation funding.

The open space lands to be protected by MOSO 2008 include:

• 430 acres in scenic Bollinger Canyon, a rural oasis near Las Trampas Regional Wilderness;
• 450 acres in Indian Valley, a pristine watershed that drains into Upper San Leandro Reservoir;
• 300 acres along highly-visible Rheem Ridge near St. Mary's College.

These areas provide habitat for rare and threatened species, including the Alameda whipsnake, California red-legged frog, and golden eagle, and all contribute to the high quality of life in Moraga. Measure K would protect a total of 1,800 acres.

Under the Bruzzone initiative, not only would habitat values and scenic views be lost, but over 3,000 car trips per day would be added to Moraga's mostly two-lane roads from the new subdivisions it could allow.

The fall campaign promises to be the kind of battle most Sierra Club members have come to expect: a developer with virtually unlimited funds against a committed group of local residents determined to protect their natural heritage and small-town character. As of the June 30 reporting deadline, Russell Bruzzone, Inc. had already spent over $283,000 compared to the Friends of Moraga Open Space's $14,000 in supporters' contributions. A veritable Goliath versus many Davids.

WhatYouCanDo

With FMOS certain to be vastly outspent, this election will turn on our recruiting scores of volunteers to walk neighborhoods and talk to residents about the natural and community values at stake in Moraga. To join the campaign, contact Chapter conservation organizer or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 306

For more information, visit www.MOSO2008.org

And of course, vote yes on K, and no on J.