no on 90

there's a few weeks yet before the elections, but i just had to get this out there. if you live in california, please vote no on Prop 90. its being touted as a way to reform eminent domain, which is actually something we need - but it goes much further than that.

basically, it gives private landowners the right to sue the government if any zoning change or new regulation (except those related to a narrow definition of health or safety) lowers their property value. this would stop urban planning in its tracks.

remember when inglewood changed their zoning to outlaw big box stores and prevent walmart from coming in? well, if prop 90 had been in place the people who owned the land that walmart was going to build on could have sued the city for millions of dollars. most likely the zoning change would not have happened, and walmart would have moved on in against community protests.

or have you ever, when travelling through south central, noticed that every grocery store is a liquor store, and every restaurant is fast food? well, there are currently zoning regulations in the works to prohibit new fast food restaurants, and require "grocery stores" to actually carry fresh produce. this won't happen if prop 90 is passed.

and don't even get me started on the environmental impact - the government could be sued for protecting natural habitats simply because the land has a higher value if developed.

it seems like this nice, innocent proposition aimed at protecting people from eminent domain, but its more like a trojan horse. please help get the word out.