Measure AA backers claim victory: Open space measure would allow for $300 million in bonds

As of Monday, 70,676 people, or 67.77 percent, cast ballots for Measure AA out of a total 104,245 votes in the three counties, with much of the narrow margin of victory coming from Santa Clara County, according to counties’ election websites.

In Santa Clara County, 49,687, or 68.73 percent, of the 72,298 people who voted either at the polls or by mail backed Measure AA, while San Mateo County fell short of the two-thirds minimum with 20,998 or 65.7 percent, voting yes.

“Peninsula residents have just made an incredible investment in the future, preserving the beautiful open spaces that make this region so special,” said Walter Moore, president of the Peninsula Open Space Trust, in a prepared statement.

POST sponsored Measure AA with the Sempervirens Fund.

Passage means Midpen can issue bonds of up to $300 million for 200 new miles of trails and restoration of open spaces, forests, watersheds and farmlands throughout its 550-square-foot district between Los Gatos, East Palo Alto and north of Half Moon Bay.

The funds will go to 25 specific projects chosen in a public process and an independent oversight committee will keep an eye on spending.

Measure AA supporters credit community support and volunteers for overcoming the two-thirds majority requirement for passage.

“Now it’s our turn, we’re hitting the ground running, and we look forward to the day in the near future when we come together again to celebrate the completion of the first Measure AA-funded project,” said Midpen General Manager Steve Abbors.