The Right to Vote on Desal Coalition's Charter Amendment initiative has secured a place on the November ballot. Voters will decide whether to amend the City Charter in order to guarantee that the people of Santa Cruz determine the future of desalination in the city. The City Charter can be amended only by a vote of the people, unlike an ordinance, which can be amended or repealed simply by a vote of the City Council.

The campaign to get this initiative on the ballot received a groundswell of support. 8,717 signatures were collected in three and a half months by 133 signature gatherers. Dozens of other volunteers worked to support the signature-gathering process, many residents became informed and engaged in water planning, and UCSC students learned about the connection between water and campus expansion.

According to Right to Vote on Desal spokesman, Rick Longinotti, "We hope this sends a signal to the City Council that they should be developing alternatives besides desalination to address our water challenges."

Read More | Celebration on July 22nd | Right to Vote On Desal | Desal Alternatives

Previous Coverage: Supporters of Right to Vote on Desal Turn in Petitions at Santa Cruz City Hall || LAFCO Delays Decision on UC Santa Cruz Water Service Expansion || Invitation-Only Meeting Held to Promote a Desalination Plant in Santa Cruz || Felton Prevails in Six-Year Fight to Acquire Water System from Cal-Am and RWE