A property tax measure that would have benefitted the Oakland Zoo won 62.7 percent of the vote, but that was shy of the two-thirds majority it needed to pass, according a final tally Tuesday night.
Measure A1 had proposed for a $12 per year tax on single family homes over the next 25 years to be used for humane care, veterinarians and educational programs.
Critics slammed the program, questioning the lack of government transparency by funding such an institution with public monies and fearing that the money could be used for expansion projects in Knowland Park, which environmentalists have opposed.
A1 supporters said the measure had "strict fiscal accountability, including independent financial audits, citizens oversight, and an Expenditure Plan to ensure funds are spent as promised."
