R S J SIGS TURNED IN S.S.

THE MONTEREY COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT NOW HAS UNTIL FEBRUARY 25TH , TO CHECK THE MORE THAN 16 THOUSAND SIGNATURES TURNED IN YESTERDAY BY THE RANCHO SAN JUAN OPPOSITION COALITION. JUST UNDER 9 THOUSAND OF THOSE MUST BE VALID TO FORCE A REFERENDUM ON THE SUPERVISORIAL DECISION THAT APPROVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT. ALTHOUGH COUNTY SUPERVISORS WERE UNDER THREAT OF A LAWSUIT IF THEY DID NOT ADOPT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE RANCHO SAN JUAN PLAN, PEOPLE WHO OPPOSE THE PROJECT SAY APPROPRIATE STEPS HAVEN?T BEEN TAKEN TO ADDRESS WATER AND TRAFFIC CONCERNS. IF SUFFICIENT SIGNATURES ARE VERIFIED, THE SUPERVISORS HAVE THE OPTION OF RESCINDING THEIR DECISION, OR SCHEDULING A REFERENDUM ELECTION.