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Citizens for Responsible Mining Initiative

1996
Citizens for Responsible Mining, a county-wide environmental action group, drafts an initiative aimed at preventing the aggregate industry from conducting deep-pit gravel mining, because of fear that mining in the aquifer will potentially contaminate ground water. The gravel industry claims that deep-pit mining in not harmful to the overall water supply. The group files the initiative with the County Elections Office and begins a signature gathering campaign. (Source: Morrison; Davis Enterprise5-15-96). They need 4,900 signatures to get the initiative on the November ballot; in two weeks 200 volunteers gather 7,300 signatures. Opponents representing mining interests show up at storefront petition operations, intimidating some people into not signing.  A restraining order is issued to keep the groups apart. The initiative qualifies for the November ballot as Measure C.
Source: 
Davis Enterprise 6-9-96; Davis Enterprise 6-21-96; Davis Enterprise 7-4-96; Davis Enterprise 7-23-96
Image Source: 
Kevin Wolf
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