On Jan. 17, the San Jose Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously against a proposal to use Measure P funds to finance a new professional soccer stadium.

The measure, which passed in 2000, is intended for renovating community parks and public sports fields.

The issue is scheduled to go before the San Jose City Council sometime in February; the parks and recreation commision's decision appears unlikely to be overturned. San Jose council members Ken Yeager and Nancy Pyle support the commission's decision.

"We are in need of money to improve parks," Yeager said, "and the money should go for that. That's what the voters thought they were voting for, not a soccer stadium."

Lee Wilcox, Pyle's chief of staff, said Pyle does not think Measure P funds are needed and that funding could be found from other sources.

"Measure P funds were intended for parks in our neighborhoods," Wilcox said.

However, Wilcox acknowledged that the Quakes have a strong history and a lot of community support.

"San Jose's identity was tied to the Quakes," he said.

The city council will have the opportunity to overturn the commission's decision. So far, council members Chuck Reed, David Cortese and Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez have also expressed opposition to using Measure P funds for the stadium.