Even in Marin County, ground zero for environmental consciousness in Northern California, the project is winning converts. After being blasted for an earlier, larger project, the developers took an unusual step. They gave away 64 acres of hilly oak woodlands for a wildlife preserve to the American Land Conservancy, an environmental group, winning eco-accolades. It's a balanced project. All across Novato, yard signs are visible.
Internal polls show the race close, and hinging on turnout.
And that leaves Faire officials sitting back and waiting. In 1995, knowing their time was limited, they examined dozens of sites, including the 160-acre Kelley Park in San Jose. But after concerns about parking and a city plan that called for picnic sites and historic exhibits on the park lands they wanted, they withdrew, said San Jose city parks manager Jim Murphy. Then they turned to a wooded canyon between Pleasanton and Sunol. But residents fearing traffic, fires and lower property values organized a coalition, Stop the Renaissance Faire, with brochures, a political consultant, lawyers and a newsletter.