for Clean Rivers, Ocean and Beaches

by Laura Kasa & Dan Haifley

Each year Santa Cruz’ streets and parking areas produce pollutants which enter the river and ocean. The single largest contributing factor to the pollution of streams, creeks, rivers and near-shore coastal waters is stormwater runoff. Measure E will improve our storm drains and reduce stormwater pollution before it reaches the beaches and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, help prevent pollution in the San Lorenzo River, provide for removing trash and debris, and help restore its natural environment.

The City has a Stormwater Management Program (http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pw/Stormwater2008/index.html,) which will guide spending of Measure E funds. Measure E will fund NEW environmental cleanup measures required by the California Water Quality Board and Federal Environmental Protection Agency. These strict new regulations have increased the requirements for cleaning up beaches and preventing ocean pollution.

Measure E allows our community to continue its leadership in protecting our beaches, ocean, watersheds and river. The existing Stormwater Fee has a dual purpose: flood control and stormwater cleanup. Since 1994 this fee has helped fund San Lorenzo River levee improvements, reconstruction of bridges to reduce flooding hazard, and related projects. $4.5 million generated by this fee has leveraged over $60 million in state and federal funds to benefit our community and environment. Unfortunately, inflation since 1994 has severely limited the existing Stormwater Fee’s ability to fund new, necessary water quality measures.

Measure E is fiscally responsible. It creates a separate fund to ensure that revenues are spent appropriately. An independent Citizens Oversight Committee ensures the cost-effectiveness of required pollution prevention and cleanup. All funds will be spent locally. Contrary to opponents’ claims, Measure E is not retroactive; it won’t appear on tax statements until 2009. The modest flat rate structure ($28 per single family parcel; $94 per commercial parcel) reflects shared responsibility for water cleanup costs. It’s a reasonable solution for necessary protection of our watersheds, river, beaches and ocean. Without Measure E, cuts in other vital services will need to be made as the City fulfills these new requirements.

Measure E is an investment in our community’s future. It will fund engineering, pollution prevention, and restoration projects to ensure that our commitment to a clean ocean, beaches and river continues for future generations. Join us in voting Yes on Measure E to protect this unique, priceless environment we call home.