Neighboring cities also won when Measure H passed

The recent win on Measure H was also a win for the neighboring communities. The closeness of the election results doesn’t reflect the true number of supporters of Measure H.

I live in Westlake Village and worked alongside the yes volunteers. I spoke with many, many people while gathering signatures to put the issue on the ballot or in the days before the election.

I heard over and over again from people who lived outside the city how they wished they could vote on this very important issue and offered their support on a ban on big box store on Agoura Road. Primary concerns included increased traffic and ensuing gridlock; loss of the semi-rural quality of Agoura Hills; support of local businesses; outrage over inappropriate use of eminent domain; interest in a more family-oriented and attractive development; fear of increased day workers on Agoura Road; increased liabilities against our city and concern about the destruction of this sensitive ecological area.

I saw the number of thumbs up and heard the outpouring of friendly horn toots from the majority of people who passed the volunteers holding the yes on Measure H signs on the street corners. It was overwhelmingly positive.

It made me feel proud of a community that cared enough to get involved.

I kept seeing the no signs that said, "Don’t lose control of our city." I had difficulty understanding this slogan. Here the citizens were seeking to have input on development but the no’s on H, including city councilmembers who hold the power, objected.

Suddenly it came to me—could it be that this was the voice of the city council talking to one another: "Don’t lose control of your city"?

Cecilia Bebek

Westlake Village