Who We Are:
We are a Citywide organization of residents concerned for our City’s future. We are actively involved in issues that are in agreement with our Principles and Goals as we strive to keep Palo Alto a unique place for raising families and fostering business innovation.
Our Mission:
Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning (PASZ) is a grass roots, political action committee dedicated to a high quality of life for Palo Alto residents and the innovative spirit that has made Palo Alto unique. We are for sensible land use planning and development and will continue to be advocates for mitigating the negative impacts of excessive development.
Our Vision:
We envision a dynamic Palo Alto that remains a family-oriented community with excellent schools, infrastructure and community services. Technology and business innovation are part of Palo Alto’s heritage and should be fostered. We envision a City that is not overwhelmed by excessive development. We value diversity, our historic resources, our neighborhoods, parks and open spaces, and support projects that enhance our quality of life
Our Goals:
- Ensure that the pace of development does not outstrip our infrastructure, schools and City services, or compromise the beauty and character of our City.
- Encourage Housing that Allows for a Diverse Economic Population
- Maintain our Community as a Great Place to Live
PASZ NEWS
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions expressed in the news items cited here do not necessarily represent the opinion of Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning. We try to present a balanced picture of the news on the subjects of housing and legislation.
The Currys have the right to speak out
Basketball legend Steph Curry recently sent a letter to local officials expressing concerns about how a new housing development near his Atherton home could impact the safety and privacy of his family.
Social media swarmed at once. “How dare he,” was the collective response on Twitter, Facebook and beyond.
California has a big housing deadline on Wednesday — and most Bay Area cities aren’t prepared
By John King
When Feb. 1 arrives and Bay Area cities and counties are required to have state-approved plans showing how they will build more housing in the next eight years, this much is certain: Most will miss the deadline.
As for what that means, all bets are off.
How the state of California is screwing San Francisco on housing
by Tim Redmond
I have been talking to folks at the City Planning Department to follow up on my analysis of the numbers in the Housing Element, and after a good amount of research, I think can fairly conclude the following:
The state, thanks to the likes of Sen. Scott Wiener, has totally screwed San Francisco.
Here’s what’s really going on:
California YIMBY Research Bounty Program
The YIMBY movement is lucky to have a base that is both technically sophisticated and eager to chip in. To fully leverage this, California YIMBY is launching a research bounty program to make our research and data needs clear, reward those who volunteer to help fill these needs, and generally increase our research output without all of the typical overhead and bureaucracy.
Group for more housing is not what it seems
by Amy Kalish
In a recent article about cities risking uncertified housing elements (“Marin cities risk ‘builder’s remedy’ over housing plan delays,” Jan. 16), the Californians for Homeownership group is identified as a nonprofit, but it is more than that. I don’t consider it to be a low-income housing advocacy group, as the context suggests.
Activists sue Marin cities over housing plans
By WILL HOUSTON and GIUSEPPE RICAPITO
Two Marin cities are facing lawsuits over their handling of housing plan updates.
In two separate suits filed in Marin Superior Court on Wednesday, Novato and Belvedere are accused of violating state law by failing to give the state time to review their adopted plans to accommodate more homes.
Local control is slipping away
By Ann Duwe
While every city in California was trying to create an acceptable housing element, the city councils, their consultants and we, the citizens, lost sight of the larger picture. What is slipping away is our ability to participate in shaping the communities where we live.
It Can’t Happen Soon Enough
By Tom Campbell
Last February, Catalysts hosted a Zoom conversation with highly regarded state and national politician Tom Campbell. We talked about California housing policy, and he described his goal to improve government policy and services by creating a Common Sense Party.
As you’ll read in his update, the Common Sense Party is picking up steam. Many of us have changed party affiliation in support of Tom’s vision and commitment to common sense.