Most of us are willing, even anxious, to see responsible, balanced, limited development that relates to our adopted general plan, preserves 
the character of what we have, upgrades our housing stock and improves
conditions for local merchants. Are there any council members with the courage and foresight to lead us in this direction?

Let’s hope the council has the sense not to attempt a rushed, scaled-down version of that which we have just rejected. We have two other major developments on our plate: East Area One and a repeat of Adams Canyon. Both are far better alternatives than Fagan because they offer fewer units and near-direct access to the freeway. Let’s first carefully consider these and then rethink Fagan as it relates to the whole.

We can learn a valuable lesson from what happened in Fagan: Voters want 
the final say in any development that will forever change their way of life. When you think of it, this is very reasonable.

Both East Area One and Adams will require voter approval. Knowledge that voters will have the final say provides an important incentive for quality. The Moorpark Council put their latest large-scale development proposal before the voters. Santa Paula Council members can help restore faith in government by announcing their intent to do likewise.

— Delton Lee Johnson, Santa Paula