Governor Newsom has signed into law numerous housing bills which drain away local control in land use and planning in California. The most controversial bills, SB 9 and SB 10, are opposed by many concerned citzens. But a majority of state legislators follow their leadership's ideology and agenda supported by CA YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard), Facebook, real estate industry and their allies.
Now we are facing the federal Yes In My Backyard Act, S. 1614 and H.R. 3198. Californians, please speak up and sign this petition to our elected officials. Our state should not become the blueprint for the rest of the country.
The petition letter is as follows (in italics):
Dear [Elected Representative],
We, the undersigned residents of California, oppose the Yes in My Backyard Act, S. 1614 and H.R. 3198. Cities should not be forced to adopt land use policies dictated in a top-down manner in order to receive community block grants needed.
Preempting the democratic process of public input in local land use and general plan decisions is to chop away the roots of democracy, which grow in our communities.
The Yes In My Backyard Act contains provisions which mirror the contoversial housing bills signed into law by Governor Newsom in September, 2021. A majority of Californians oppose SB 9 and SB 10, according to a statewide poll by well-known pollster David Binder. In particular, SB 9 is opposed by the League of California Cities and many grassroots groups including Housing is a Human Right and Build Affordable Faster CA.
Studies have shown that blanket upzoning does not make housing more affordable. Instead, the deregulation of residential zoning opens the door to higher land prices, golden opportunities for investors, and trickle-down wealth-generation. Communities, especially those that are vulnerable to gentrification and displacement, pay the price.
Many of our state legislators did not try to understand the concerns of their constituents, or the implications of passing housing bills which are not backed by thoughtful studies and analyses. Californians' last hope is a ballot measure for local control in November 2022.
We urge you not to follow the footsteps of our state legislators. Please vote against Yes In My Backyard Act. Do not destroy the integrity of our democratic system right where we live. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your 1st name, 1st letter of your last name, city, state - as shown by the print copy of the petition]
Please feel free to personalize your signing by sharing a short comment with fellow Californians. You are strongly encouraged to contact your elected representatives on your own as well, to show stronger opposition. Thank you.
Contact the White House
Contact Senator Alex Padilla Contact Senator Diane Feinstein
Find your Congress Members
Since we can only submit printed copies of petition letters, we are focusing on the Congressional Members of Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. Contact SunnyvaleUnitedNeighbors@gmail.com if you have questions.
