Props: No on Prop. 98, Yes on Prop. 99
In less than two weeks, we’ll be going to the polls yet again to cast votes on judges, school bonds and, of course, state propositions.
On the June 3 ballot are initiatives addressing the controversial issue of eminent domain of private property by public agencies for private uses. The propositions stem from a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case in which the court ruled against a Connecticut homeowner trying to prevent a public agency from taking land for a redevelopment project.
We’re certainly against that sort of thing happening here. But Proposition 98, the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act, appears to use public outrage over eminent domain as a springboard to other requests, notably elimination of rent controls, which clearly favors landlords. It adversely impacts affordable housing requirements through the initiative’s proposed restrictions on regulations of a property’s sale price. Further, some claim that Prop. 98’s wording also could have far-reaching effects on current environmental protections. This is why the League of Conservation Voters stands in opposition to 98. The League of Women Voters, in its opposition, said 98 limits the ability of public agencies to acquire land to protect water resources and regulate land use. We join them in recommending a no vote on Prop. 98.
Prop. 99, by contrast, clearly rejects eminent domain of owner-occupied, single-family homes for private use without any strings attached. This also addresses a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting these properties while reinforcing government rights to regulate and acquire land for valid purposes. This measure does have the support of the League of Women Voters, and we recommend voting in favor of it.
Dishing out kudos here and there
We offer some quick hits (and kudos) on recent goings-on around town:
• Thumbs-up to the residents along the upper Reach 5 section of Adobe Creek for working directly with the Santa Clara Valley Water District on a mitigation project that will finally address long-standing creek erosion problems that have plagued the area. Actual construction is under way this month.
• We appreciate the city of Los Altos’ responding quickly to the failed flashing lights at San Antonio Road intersections. After hearing of the problem, city officials contacted the contractor, who immediately fixed the problem.
• We continue to be encouraged by the ongoing process of the master plan for a new Los Altos community and civic center. An advisory committee has completed a needs assessment that included approximately 700 responses from residents on what they’d like to see in a newly rebuilt center. The next step is for the project consultant to compile a summary of what the prevailing needs are. Stay tuned.
