The Rocklin Coalition for Open Space officially began its Yes on Measure H campaign last week, urging voters to ratify the City Council's approval of a 558-home development in Clover Valley.
The coalition of elected officials, business and community leaders spoke about the project's benefits at the kickoff event inside the group's Menlo Drive headquarters, but, outside the office complex, opponents held signs and distributed fliers against the Feb. 5 ballot measure.
With less than two months before the election, both sides have been walking the precincts, calling registered voters and sending mailers to Rocklin households.
Measure H, which needs a simple majority to pass, would ratify the council's August approval of developer Rick Massie's plan to build homes, a neighborhood commercial center and fire station in Clover Valley.
"Measure H protects Clover Valley against this urban sprawl we see so much around our state, while also respecting the private property rights of not only the owners, but the people who live near it," Mayor Brett Storey said.
Various citizens groups, however, opposed the plan, saying it would generate more traffic and pollution while destroying the valley's oak woodlands, wildlife habitats and and historical American Indian sites.
Instead of developing the land, project opponents want to preserve all 622 acres as natural open space.
They gathered enough signatures to qualify a referendum for the February ballot.
"Our phone calling still indicates that 65 (percent) to 70 percent of the voters oppose the development of Clover Valley," project opponent Don Perera said. "We've got some people that are very dedicated and are going to work their tails off to make 'No on H' the end result."
So far, the Save Clover Valley committee has raised $23,067, according to the latest campaign disclosure statement filed with the city clerk July 31.
The newly formed Rocklin Alliance hasn't had to file a statement yet. Mailers supporting Measure H state that major funding was provided by Massie's development company and the United Auburn Indian Community.
"They have the money, but I think we've got the backing of the people who are concerned about the quality of life in Rocklin if they keep adding homes and cars and roads and pollution," Perera said.
Measure H supporters Wednesday touted the project as a community plan developed with input from the public.
Over the years, the project has been scaled back, preserving 366 acres as public open space and the more significant American Indian heritage sites.
Project proponents also say a two-lane road connecting Park Drive and Sierra College Boulevard will ease Rocklin's traffic and halve emergency response times for police and fire services.
"The idea of connecting our community with that modest, two-lane road is very important for bringing Rocklin together," Chamber of Commerce board member Bill Halldin said.
The Rocklin Alliance also sought support from outside the city, including Lincoln City Councilman Tom Cosgrove and Placer County Supervisor Robert Weygandt.
Call The Bee's Jennifer K. Morita, (916) 773-7388.
