Dozens rally in east valley in support of Proposition 68

Yolanda Pozas has called the east valley home for 58 years.

“I love Coachella, except for the heat,” Pozas said. “It’s really hot in the summertime.”

She often goes to local parks like Rancho Las Flores park.

Across the soccer fields, Saturday, something else kicked off. Dozens gathered for a rally of support for Proposition 68.

The measure would invest $4 billion across the state.

“These investments are so really needed up and down the state,” Pablo Garza with the Environmental Defense Fund said. “I think this is a good package that was negotiated by the legislature and supported by a wide-range of stakeholders, from the business community, to environmentalists, to the water community.”

According to Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, it would include $725 million for park building and expansion.

“The criteria that’s been set up in that park bond is that our economically-disadvantaged communities have the ability to compete well, and be guaranteed a portion of those dollars,” Garcia said. “This park (Rancho Las Flores) has a second phase that I believe has the design and engineering documents ready to go. Getting their hands of some of these dollars will get this park constructed.”

Other advocates including Frank Ruiz with Audubon California say funds will include $200 million to help natural resources including the Salton Sea.

Ruiz said roughly $1 billion going towards water investments including clean drinking water programs, flood projects and groundwater sustainability.

“We need to fund a 10-year plan, which would build the wetlands, and protect the dust erosion, and provide habitats for the wildlife and the birds,” Ruiz said.

It’s a measure, Pozas said, she’s for so other family members can kick back and relax close to home.

Opponents of Proposition 68 argue the bill would add to California’s debt.