Land Use Policy Paralysis On California Coast

Monterey County voters decided four land use ballot measures during a June 5 special election. In every instance, voters said "no," even though two of the "no" votes conflicted.

Voters said "no" to one measure that asked if the county's general plan update should be set aside, but they also said "no" to a referendum asking if the general plan should be upheld.

Meanwhile, the same voters also rejected a slow-growth general plan initiative, and an 1,100-unit subdivision near Salinas.

So who won at the special election? Probably the lawyers who will go speeding to the courthouse to litigate what it all means.