FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2014 Contact: Riverside Land Conservancy (951) 788-0670 Citizens for Balanced Growth (951) 248-7190 Passage of Measure L on Election Day Ensures Involvement by Established Conservancy The passage of Measure L will result in the donation of 900 acres of privately owned land into conservation for public benefit - an area nearly three times larger than Mt. Rubidoux. RIVERSIDE, Calif. – With the passage of Measure L by Riverside voters on Nov. 4, the leading caretaker of public lands in the region will take ownership of the La Sierra Hills. The Riverside Land Conservancy (RLC) and New West Riverside LLC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will govern the donation of the entire 650-acre La Sierra Hills property, as well as approximately 250 acres of the La Sierra Lands, to RLC along with a $1.4-million endowment to help fund the future conservation of the property. “This is the reason why countless residents and community, business and environmental leaders are so enthusiastic about Measure L,” former Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge said. “There is no greater steward for the La Sierra Hills than the Riverside Land Conservancy.” Riverside Land Conservancy was founded in 1988 to create a local organization dedicated to protecting open space and natural areas. RLC prides itself on developing partnerships and striking the right balance between protection of valuable ecological and cultural resources and economic development. The organization has conserved almost 14,000 acres through land purchases, donations and land-use restrictions. “The La Sierra Hills are one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in the City of Riverside and should be protected,” RLC Executive Director Gail Egenes said. “Riverside Land Conservancy typically neither supports nor opposes zoning or other land use decisions and so is neutral on Measure L. With voter approval of Measure L, Riverside Land Conservancy will make sure that the hills are permanently conserved as promised and will manage them for the benefit of the community.” The agreement is implemented by passage of Measure L, which would establish western Riverside’s La Sierra Hills as permanent open space. Current zoning laws allow for future homes to be built throughout the entire Hills property. Measure L would prevent such development and also restrict development of the nearby La Sierra Lands, preserving an additional 250 acres there. Any proposal to build homes on the La Sierra Lands would require public participation, full environmental review and approval from the Riverside City Council. “Measure L’s passage would set the stage for one of the largest land donations in Riverside’s history,” said former Riverside County Conservation Authority director and former County Supervisor Tom Mullen. “This is a great opportunity to preserve a cherished landmark for future generations to enjoy.” (more) Passage of Measure L on Election Day Ensures Involvement by Established Conservancy Page 2 of 2 Former state and Riverside County parks director Pete Dangermond added, “The La Sierra Hills are an important habitat area, with a rich collection of plant and animal species and ties to the Santa Ana River wildlife area. To put what’s at stake in perspective, the La Sierra Hills encompass nearly three times the area of Mt. Rubidoux, with multiple peaks and connections to open space and trails in Norco.” Measure L is sponsored by Citizens for Balanced Growth and New West Riverside LLC. To learn more about Citizens for Balanced Growth and Measure L, please visit www.VoteYesOnMeasureL.com or call (951) 248-7190. Founded in 1988, Riverside Land Conservancy is a nonprofit land conservation group dedicated to the preservation of open space by seeking to identify, protect, and manage habitats of rare and endangered species, natural landscapes, and other sensitive sites throughout the Southern California region. ### (more)