Measure S has broad support: a sampling of statements

 

 

 

The League of Women Voters has long supported the preservation of open space, and the Claremont League has worked consistently since the 1970s to support preservation of the Claremont hillsides. Purchasing Johnson’s Pasture is in accord with the League’s land use policies, and with the concept of sustainability which forms a major portion of the City’s new General Plan. As well as protecting an area important because of its natural habitat and its recreational opportunities, this open space will be a valuable resource for our children since access to natural environments is vital to their development and learning. The League strongly urges a yes vote on Measure S.

 

Katie Gerecke and Betsey Coffman, co-presidents, The League of Women Voters

 

 

 

 We have walked  in Johnson's Pasture with our children, our friends, and our dogs since we moved here in the 1970's and have valued its beauty through the changing seasons and years.  It is an easily accessible and walkable place, even for the very young, and a respite from the daily pressures of life.  We are actively supporting Measure S because we want to see this special place preserved for future generations of Claremont families.

 

The measure to be voted on in November is not perfect because none of the actual final cost figures are available right now. However, there is a built-in mechanism for early termination of the burden on the taxpayers as it is paid off. I don’t believe that there is a less expensive way to go.  

 

I challenge everyone to actually visit Johnson’s Pasture and then tell me that we should not buy this land. This purchase is a needed addition to the Claremont Wilderness Park. An articulate vision of the possibilities for this park has not been made. Suffice it to say that this will be a resource of tremendous value to future generations; the opposition was right about that.

 

Doug Hjelm, Member, Yes On S Committee, Opposed to the Assessment District

 

 

 

Johnson's Pasture is a treasure we don't want to lose.  Measure S is our last sure chance to save it for our whole community and for future generations.  I strongly endorse it and hope you will, too.

 

Suzan Smith (former Mayor and City Council Member)

 

 

 

All of the citizens of Claremont have a voice in this decision--not just the property owners.

 

Tom Anderson, Member, Yes On S Committee, Opposed to the Assessment District          

 

 

 

Cities that save their open space are attractive places to live and raise families.  Measure S will let us save open space, maintain property values, and avoid ill considered development in sensitive, fire-prone areas.  People who represent a wide variety of groups and communities in Claremont  all see the value of making this investment in our future.

 

Suzanne Thompson, Member, Yes On S Committee, Chair, Claremont Wildlands Conservancy

 

 

 

The Claremont City Council:

 

 

 

Sandy Baldanado: Even if you never set foot on Johnson's Pasture, it's essential that we preserve this beautiful site so our children and grandchildren will be able to set their feet on it in the future.

 

 

 

Corey Calaycay: I support Measure S,  the general obligation bond to purchase Johnson's Pasture.  A bond is the most straightforward financing mechanism available to provide the necessary funds.  The majority of Claremont citizens put a great value on the preservation of hillside open space which forms part of the unique character of our city.  Please join us in taking this opportunity to add Johnson's Pasture to the Wilderness Park by voting "YES" on Measure S.   

 

 

 

Jackie McHenry:  As a  resident of Claremont since 1982, I have seen more and more of our precious open space and wildlife corridors disappear and I regret that I could not save them. Now we have a chance to save Johnson's Pasture, one of the last wild spaces in Claremont, for present and future generations to enjoy. Please join me on November 7th in casting a YES vote for Measure S. Your vote means so much, because so much is at stake.

 

 

 

Ellen Taylor:  In the recent past, the City has acquired about 1,700 acres of hillside land for inclusion into the Claremont Wilderness Park without charging Claremont citizens any tax dollars. Now we are faced with the potential development of what many in the community consider the “crown jewel” of Claremont’s hillsides, Johnson’s Pasture.  Please help us acquire 183 acres of the pasture, protect it from development and incorporate it into the city-owned Claremont Wilderness Park.  We need your YES vote on Measure S!

 

 

 

Peter Yao:    One significant part of our high quality of life in Claremont is having access to Johnson’s Pasture.  We must preserve JP in its natural form by buying it.  This is a wise investment for our children.  Vote YES on Measure “S” in November.

 

 

 

Claremont Heritage Endorses Yes On S

 

 

 

Claremont’s Measure S is a rare opportunity to give something back to the community.  Preserving the grassy, rolling wildlands of Johnson’s Pasture now will allow all of us to continue to enjoy its beauty, the pleasure of hiking and biking in it;  enjoying the beauty of it, and its beneficial effect on both water and air, if left natural.

 

 

 

As a child growing up in Pomona I remember the “extras” that our town offered. Besides the excellent schools, City Library, YMCA, a fine diverse shopping center,  an adequate public transportation system, Red Cross swimming lessons at the city plunges, and its many parks.   Best of all was the huge one, Ganesha Park, the park closest to us.  It had lovely trees, winding paths and challenging  hiking trails that climbed up several hundred feet to the hilltop  where the view over the valley was more than worth the effort.  There were picnics and band concerts and summer productions in the Greek Theater.  Real 'Family Fare' in the open air.

 

 

 

It was because many Pomona citizens saw the  advantages and they were willing to pay the necessary taxes to build those good schools, equip a good City Library, create and maintain local parks and other such opportunities.  It was because of their far-sightedness and generosity that we all were enriched. 

 

 

 

I hope Claremonters will also be farsighted and generous on November7th  by saving Johnson’s Pasture.  It feels good to give back to the  community, to provide natural spaces and wildlands so that our children, and their children, can visit, enjoy and love nature.

 

 

 

Err on the side of generosity.

 

Karen Chapman

 

 

 

Claremont Graduate University’s Student Council at its meeting on September 27 endorsed Measure S.

 

 

 

On September 24 the Claremont Friends Meeting adopted a minute supporting the City's efforts to acquire Johnson's Pasture.