Patterson’s loss is a win for accountability, compliance with state law | Opinion

Patterson’s second loss

“Keystone Ranch wins reconsideration of project in lawsuit against Patterson,” (modbee.com, July 8)

The court’s decision reveals broader legal deficiencies than just a violation of the Housing Accountability Act. Judge Sonny Sandhu found that Patterson violated other laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act and Planning & Zoning Law.

Notably, city staff, the community development director and the planning commission all recommended approval of the project’s vesting tentative map application. However, the city council reversed course, ordering Keystone to build a $20 million groundwater recharge basin despite having already determined there was sufficient water supply and no supplemental environmental review was required.

The court found the city failed to provide substantial evidence and concluded the requirement functioned as a de facto moratorium on housing development.

This decision marks Patterson’s second court loss in six months involving housing-related matters, underscoring a pattern of unlawful actions.

The court’s writ requires the city to vacate its denial and reconsider the Keystone project under applicable lawful standards no later than mid-October, representing a consequential victory for accountability and compliance with state law.

Evette Davis

San Francisco

Respect natural resources

“California needs public policy that respects how water actually works | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 3)

The lack of respect for our most important natural resources is something most Californians are only conscious of when we’re faced with the reality of our choices, like during drought. For generations, we have been guilty of treating these resources as infinite, and our environmental policies reflect this error.

Stronger protections and better infrastructure will only mend this deeper problem. Instead, our environmental policies should reflect an attitude of care and respect.

Indigenous environmental principles, such as reciprocity and limitations on the use of shared resources, can guide a new era of environmental policy and ensure our natural environment is preserved for future generations.

Amber Salazar

Fresno

A failed experiment

“US House approves permanent daylight saving. What does it mean for California?” (modbee.com, July 14)

As a state senator, I have authored bills to convert California to permanent standard time. This article does not explain that we have already experimented with nationwide permanent daylight saving time.

During the energy crisis of the early 1970s Congress imposed permanent daylight saving time for a two-year period. What is being ignored amid all the bright articulating of the desire for more light at the end of the day is the big problem of daylight saving time during winter months: long, dark winter mornings.

That reality created early-day safety concerns, especially for students going to school. Public opinion quickly turned negative, and the experiment was abandoned in less than a year.

Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to relive them.

Sen. Roger Niello

Fair Oaks