By W. Erik Bruvold
With the Primary Election upon us, it is important for San Diego County voters to be well informed about their ballot choices and how they will affect the region moving forward. A perfect example of this is Measure B. With a wealth of misinformation being spread to confuse voters, I’d like to help set the record straight about voting Yes on Measure B.
Measure B gives voters a better choice for the future of 1,985 acres of privately-owned property in North San Diego County. Currently, this land is slated for a two million square foot commercial development with 99 luxury estates and parking lots. Voting Yes on Measure B would, instead, approve 2,135 new homes, 60 percent of which will be affordably-priced for working San Diegans, in addition to 1,209 acres of permanent open space, 36 acres of parks and 19 miles of trails. It is for these reasons that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved this project in 2018 following a comprehensive public review process.
Simply put, voting Yes on Measure B is a better choice than the current General Plan designation because it is responsive to the needs of San Diego County residents. Strategically located near more than 283,000 jobs along Highway 78, Yes on B will provide thousands of daily commuters with affordably-priced housing options that are close to work. This will help shorten commute times, ease traffic congestion and reduce gridlock in North San Diego County. Voting Yes on B will also generate thousands of jobs that will help power our regional economy.
Yes on B’s commitment to providing attainable housing options for working families is guaranteed through a legally binding covenant recorded as a deed restriction on the property. The covenant was verified by the County Assessor’s Office to be consistent with California state law.
Also included in this covenant is the prioritization of 500 homes for the educators, military personnel, veterans and first responders who work to make San Diego a better place to live and work. Measure B is only on the upcoming ballot because the Washington D.C.-based billionaire owners of the neighboring $10,000-a-week Golden Door Spa spent millions of dollars to referend the Board of Supervisors’ approval. These spa owners are also behind the deceptive and dishonest campaign against Measure B. The spa owners don’t care about housing for working families, they just don’t want any neighbors who might “upset” their celebrity clientele.
Yes on B has received numerous endorsements, including from the board of the San Diego North Economic Development Council, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association of San Diego, North San Diego County Association of REALTORS©, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS©, Deputy Sheriff’s Association of San Diego, CALFIRE Firefighters Local #2881 and San Diego County Taxpayers Association, among many others.
Please join this coalition in upholding the County’s planning process and choosing local families over billionaires and celebrities by voting YES on B on March 3rd!
Erik Bruvold is the CEO of San Diego North Economic Development Council