San Francisco Proposition WW
Year: 2008
Location: San Francisco , California
Status: Passed
Approved by a margin of 71.7%, Proposition WW will, among many other projects, provide $2 million to preserve open space in the critical wildlife corridor between Mt. Diablo (pictured above) and the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.
Credit: yesforebparks.com
The East Bay Regional Park District spans more than 98,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Measure WW would raise $500 million to support East Bay parks. $375 million (75%) would fund regional park acquisitions and capital projects, including historical and cultural preservation, with the remaining $125 million (25%) going directly to cities, special park and recreation districts, and county service areas to meet local park and recreation needs.
This measure is proposed as an extension of Measure AA, passed by East Bay voters 20 years ago, that has helped preserve 34,000 acres of open space, develop over 100 miles of new trails, and fund hundreds of local parks and recreation projects. While much has been accomplished, the growing East Bay population further increases the need for acquiring new parklands, protecting and restoring natural habitat, and helping communities with their local park and recreation facilities.
This extension would not increase the tax rate above the present maximum rate of $10 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation (i.e. a home assessed at $400,000 will pay $40 per year).
Among the many preservation projects that would be made possible by the passage of Measure WW are:
- Ardenwood Historic Preserve: $2.2 million to improve facilities at this park that preserves the Queen Anne-style home of a late 19th century farming family and re-creates farm life of the period through a full range of interpretative programs.
- Black Diamond: $4.5 million to complete the underground mining museum and other amenities at this historic coal and silica mine that fueled 19th century industrial development in the Bay Area.
- Vasco Caves: $4.7 million to expand the Vasco Caves Regional Preserve and protect unique natural and cultural resources, including sensitive Native American petroglyphs.
- Concord Naval Weapons Station: $16 million to work in partnership with Concord and the National Park Service to acquire and develop a new regional park, which will include interpretation of the Port Chicago disaster that killed so many African American sailors in a World War II munitions explosion.
Local Reaction
Times Wrong on Park Bond, Measure WW
Contra Costa Times, October 2, 2008
The Times got it all wrong in its recent editorial recommending the passage of Measure WW, the East Bay Regional Parks District's $500 million bond measure on the November ballot.
Letter to the Editor: 'Yes' on Measure WW Means 'Yes' for Parks
Contra Costa Times, October 16, 2008
While voters face many ballot issues this fall that seem to tug at their pocketbooks, Citizens for East Shore Parks urges them to support Measure WW - the East Bay Regional Park District bond measure extension.
Approve Measure WW to Continue Investment in Regional Parks
Contra Costa Times, October 22, 2008
In 1988, voters in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties approved a measure that has preserved 34,000 acres in parks and open space throughout the region and played a major role in defining quality of life in the East Bay. This November, voters will decide whether to renew this powerful tool.
Park Bond Stirs Open Space Debate
Contra Costa Times, October 22, 2008
David Dolhberg, an avid hiker, paddler and bicyclist, sees plenty of reasons to extend an East Bay property tax to acquire and develop regional parks and trails when he notices the gaps in trails along the shoreline and ridges of the Bay.
My Word: Park District's Measure WW Doesn't Meet Public's Needs
Contra Costa Times, October 24, 2008
Concerned citizens who wished to preserve open space and to provide a system of parks for the use and enjoyment of the general public established the East Bay Regional Park District in 1934.
Letter to the Editor: Support Measure WW
Contra Costa Times, October 30, 2008
On Nov. 4, East Bay voters have the opportunity to, "help preserve thousands of acres of open space, create and expand regional parks and trails" by supporting Park Bond Measure WW.
Update
Proposition WW passed with 71.7% of the vote on November 4, 2008.
