Good issue to discuss, as a long time resident of Monrovia, since 1982 and a long time visitor to Cambria, since 1989….I know both communities. The land use issue that went to vote was “intended” to allow the city as a pro development town, follow up on planning commissions intent to develop the hill sides. The two initiative vote was meant to first, ask citizens whether they wanted open space…..with a yes or no (and it passed)…..the second intiative(Do taxpayers want to tax themselves for $10 million to purchase/leverage?) was intended politically to “show the citizens” that Monrovian do not want to tax and spend their own money as traditional fiscal conservatives. The shock was that the “new Monrovians” indeed wanted the open space landscape. Hard work by Community Services staff(those assigned to promote Parks, not housing) resulted in an extraordinary effort and good timing to analyze and tackle grants appropriate for the area…habitat of previous use, sensitive, and wildlife.
Monrovia….with city intent to go high density…plans to add 15-20,000 residents long term to a base of 35,000-40,000. Our library currently being built was 15-20 years delayed in support and startup, but again was because citizens are taxing themselves.
Cambria, like Monrovia, will have to recognize and respect property rights and value……and then make deals to cluster and acquire parcels…..many individual longtime property owners as well as land developers made a good profit in Monrovia land deals.
Use time, water restrictions, community consensus, and coordinated communication to bring sellers/buyers together.
Good luck
long term Cambria visitor