The Review correctly reported that the new Mello Roos Special District negotiated between the Cabrillo Unified School District and Wavecrest Partners provides a potential boon of $5.3 million to school district facilities' needs. One point requires clarification. The Mello Roos monies must provide direct benefit to those living within the special district in Half Moon Bay.
Both the new middle school at Wavecrest and renovating the old Cunha campus to an elementary school/community center/district offices within downtown fit the definition. Add $5.3 million to the $27 million in the bond fund and we anticipate being able to accomplish both.
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Everyone asks, "What now? Will the Wavecrest project proceed?" We point to recent successful outcomes: the Highway 1 tunnel, the Highway 92 interchange and the Pilarcitos Creek trail. All of these projects had environmental hurdles which were overcome. The current Wavecrest Village proposal already has 140 out of 204 acres set aside as open space in response to environmental concerns (including the bluffs, the tree corridor, wetlands, a dry agricultural pond and ditches). It is my informed opinion that one unconfirmed frog sighting is not a hurdle which valid science, common sense, mitigation measures and political will cannot overcome.
Our community wants and supports quality schools and quality public infrastructure. That is apparent from the outcome of many elections over the past few years. Even so, we must be careful that a vocal minority does not drown out the majority. The rule of consensus and compromise must be respected. And, common sense must be brought back into the equation.
There are no perfect solutions, but there are win-win solutions.
Jolanda Schreurs
Cabrillo Unified School District Trustee
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