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Press release from the Yes on F campaign:

A recent poll revealed broad community support for housing at the abandoned Jacobs property, emphasizing the need to protect Downtown Eureka’s economic and cultural vibrancy. The data underscores the community’s support for a better plan for Eureka’s future, where housing, economic health, and culture all go hand-in- hand.

Eureka voters surveyed widely agreed that the former Jacobs Middle School property — currently vacant and deteriorating — should become housing rather than California Highway Patrol’s regional headquarters. According to the poll, 60% of respondents believe Jacobs should become housing, while just 22% favor the CHP state building.

Additionally, there is significant support—62%—for keeping Downtown Eureka vibrant as a center for tourism through local shops and restaurants, as well as arts and cultural events, by maintaining parking to accommodate people.

“Our residents clearly support a balanced approach that addresses both housing needs and the health and survival of our small businesses,” said Sue Santsche, owner of The Spa at Personal Choice. “A Yes vote for Measure F is an opportunity to create a thriving downtown that benefits everyone without driving many of us out of business by removing all the parking.”

The poll tested attitudes toward the key issues that a winning Yes on Measure F vote will make possible for Eureka through the Housing for All and Downtown Vitality ballot initiative. FM3, a respected opinion research company, conducted the poll, which surveyed 392 randomly selected Eureka voters in the City of Eureka via telephone and online. The margin of sampling error is +/—5% at the 95% confidence level. The poll was conducted from July 26 to August 25, 2024.

According to its website, Measure F does two essential things for Eureka: it opens up the Jacobs site for hundreds of housing units for working—and middle-income families and ensures downtown maintains accessible parking that businesses need to survive and events need to draw people.

“Putting roofs over heads and keeping businesses and restaurants open means a vibrant future for Eureka, which is exactly what Measure F does,” said Mike Munson, Yes on F campaign co-chair. Munson pointed out that thousands of voters signed petitions to place Measure F on the ballot. “Measure F also is supported by a broad and diverse coalition including two former Eureka mayors, Nancy Flemming and Frank Jager, small business leaders, and voters throughout the city.”

Yes on F co-chair Michelle Costantine added, “We must pass Measure F for more housing and a way to create a promising, vibrant future for Eureka.”