No longer a need for SB Voter Initiative

I commend the Solana Beach City Council for their Aug. 7 vote to develop a policy for the private rental of the Fletcher Cove Community Center (FCCC). They were able to come up with a set of reasonable provisional guidelines that many neighbors and other residents find acceptable. Although it has taken a significant amount of time, the council has shown its commitment to working with the community to put in place a fair set of rules.

Somewhat confusingly for residents, a group is gathering signatures for a voter initiative with different guidelines for private rentals of FCCC, including allowing larger and more frequent parties with fewer constraints on alcohol use. As a result of the Aug. 7 vote, there is no longer a need for this initiative. Residents should not be persuaded by paid signature gatherers to sign the initiative because if it goes through, a special election would cost the city more than $250,000, and if voted into law another special election would be required to make any changes. Couldn’t that money be better spent repairing the closed public beach access at Del Mar Shores or the aging steps at Tide Beach Park? I look forward to the final policy being discussed and voted on at the Aug. 28 council meeting.

Betsy Walcott,

Solana Beach