![chris photo 4 small w THIS.jpg](/actions/servlet/rtaImage?eid=7013q0000029hQ0&feoid=00Ni000000FxwVD&refid=0EM3q0000038Upc)
![warehouse.jpg](/actions/servlet/rtaImage?eid=7013q0000029hQ0&feoid=00Ni000000FxwVD&refid=0EM3q0000038Upl)
Both American Canyon and St. Helena City Councils have adopted or plan to adopt new measures or initiatives that were WRITTEN BY BIG BUSINESS INTERESTS. We believe this is in order to circumvent important environmental laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as other local ordinances, that protect our communities from unfettered growth in the face of the climate crisis.
Gaining approval for developments through ballot measures forces local municipalities to either adopt the measures as written with very little time for review, or allow the measures onto the ballot to be voted on by citizens, most of whom are not equipped to understand why a development should or should not proceed. We feel that this methodology is both underhanded and profoundly UNDEMOCRATIC.
If you agree with us, please send American Canyon and St. Helena City Council members an email that expresses your concern over this new way of deregulating environmental safeguards without your input or permission. Sending your message once will sent it to all City Council members. Please consider adding your own personal text as well.
Thank you!
________________________
The Issues:
In American Canyon, Measure K will allow the Giovannoni development to proceed without CEQA overview; the City of Vallejo is currently suing the City of American Canyon, claiming that the City Council's adoption of the measure violates the California Constitution.
Link to more info on American Canyon's Measure K
________________________
In St. Helena, Noble House Hotels and Resorts (a conglomerate out of Kirkland, WA, which owns and operates dozens of properties, including the Wine Train) is trying to force through a large resort on agricultural land without proper environmental review.
Link to St. Helena's Hotel Resort Initiative.