Why you must also vote No on I

There are all kinds of ballot strategies meant to confuse the voter.  SFT members are not the gullible kind but they must be careful to vote No on I (and tell their friends) that Prop I is not just about happy children playing in the parks, but a cunningly crafted way of erasing the public vote on another measure (Prop H). Not democratic, you say, but it is legal to propose a measure on the same topic and say whichever gets the most votes invalidates the other. Innocent votes on I to “help the kids” and LET THEM PLAY would ruin the victory on H. SFT members are sophisticated and have run into this type of “poison pill” before, but here it is again. Even if it wins, Prop H would be invalidated by a higher vote count on Prop I. Prop I may look like a bond measure; but it doesn’t ask for funding; it is on the ballot solely to deliver a “poison pill” to Prop H and invalidate H even if it wins.

Prop H, on the other hand, must be passed to keep alive the determination of a stalwart group of activists that the western end of Golden Gate Park should remain the naturalistic treasure by the ocean that it is today. What’s there today are four playing fields covered in green, growing grass with natural light accommodating daytime play by schools and local teams. The current fields need renovating and should be renovated, everyone agrees. What’s proposed by Rec and Park is artificial plastic turf with carcinogenic rubber tire “crumb” infill (that looks like soil). Tall stadium lighting would be installed and illuminate the dark night sky at Ocean Beach with 150,000 watts of artificial light. This measure would enable the west end of the Park to become a major soccer venue for nighttime league play for private soccer teams coming from all over the Bay Area.

Because there’s revenue to be gained, San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department has been busy leasing and selling our parks and playing fields for the highest dollar. But drawing profit from corrupting the natural environment is the wrong way to go. Vote Yes on H and No on I.