San Luis Obispo Business
May, 2000

Both sides present views at SOAR Forum on June 12

In November, citizens of San Luis Obispo County will decide the fate of the much-talked about SOAR (Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources) Initiative. The Chamber, in an effort to help members make an informed decision when they go to the polls, will be hosting an educational forum on the SOAR Initiative on June 12, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

The forum, open to Chamber members and the general public, will cover the Initiative from different perspectives. A panel, consisting of proponents and opponents of SOAR, will talk about the pros and cons of the Initiative. Panelists will include representatives from the local agricultural industry, SOAR committee and Home Builders Association as well as representatives from Ventura and Napa Counties where the SOAR Initiative is already in place.

"Since our Board of Directors has yet to take a position on the SOAR Initiative, we've really gone the extra mile to ensure that this forum is balanced and unbiased," said Chamber President/CEO Dave Garth. "At this point, we feel our members need to hear both sides of the issue to understand what they're voting for."

If adopted by voters, SOAR would require a public vote prior to converting land in the unicorporated portions of the county currently zoned Open Space, Agricultural, Rural Lands, or Residential Rural to more intensive, urban uses. SOAR would not change land use zoning. It would only require public votes on future changes. Similar measures are already in place in both Napa and Ventura Counties.

The cost to attend is $11 for members and $15 for non-members (lunch is included). For more information, or to register for the SOAR forum, see the enclosed flyer.

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