Well, the forces opposed to all change are at it again, and I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised anymore. Once you make it your tactic to ignore all the facts that don’t fit your narrative, it gets easier and easier to convince yourself you’re telling the truth.
So, let’s take a look at the most recent article, Neal: Huntington Beach is Standing Up For You.
In defining the issue, in this case housing, Mr. Neal starts off quite appropriately, discussing what a Housing Element is, but then quickly veers off track talking about Soviet five-year plans and Orange County having no voice in the process of approving Housing Elements. However, in the very same paragraph, he notes that the Housing Elements are approved by the Southern California Association of Governments. According to the SCAG membership directory, at least 30 of the 34 incorporated cities in Orange County are members of SCAG, including Huntington Beach. It makes no sense to argue that there’s no “voice of OC” in SCAG when your city, as well as most other cities in the county, are members of that organization. It’s also relevant to point out that, even though Huntington Beach had prepared a housing element, for several years it was not submitted for approval, making SCAG’s position irrelevant. Perhaps the real point is that SCAG may not vote the way he would like them to.
Next, the question is why hasn’t the housing crisis been solved since every city in the state aside from Huntington Beach has accepted their housing element? This conveniently omits that a Housing Element doesn’t build houses – it simply plans for the possibility of building them by making sure zoning supports that possibility. It still takes developers, whether for profit or non-profit, to put together designs, plans, finances, permits, and contractors to actually build the housing. It’s akin to asking, “Why don’t I have a college degree?” after simply receiving an acceptance letter.
The next assertion is that “anti-sprawl” legislation is preventing development in 95% of the state without providing any supporting documentation. This assertion is paired with the assertion that single family homes are “essential” to the American dream and to living a middle-class life. That assertion, while often touted, will come as a rude shock to people living affluent lifestyles in condominiums, townhomes, and apartments. While many people do aspire to a single-family home, many others prefer not to have the responsibility and expense of maintenance that comes with a house. That doesn’t make them lower than middle-class or not living their dream – it’s simply a different decision. And it ignores those who may have the desire, but not the resources, to own a home. That could be people just starting out, those who work low-paying jobs, or those who have suffered a financial setback.
Well, here’s a different take. One that is backed up by facts. A study by University of California, Berkeley finds that 95.8% of all residential land in California is zoned for single-family-only development. Perhaps that’s the real reason we haven’t yet solved the housing crisis yet.
Let’s look at this another way. You can agree with me or disagree, but I think communities are at their healthiest when they have a cross-section of inhabitants – by age, by income, by ethnicity, etc. That makes it easier for those who work at restaurants, retail, service establishments, and even city employees like police officers and firemen to live in the community where they work. It puts time back into their lives, lowers transportation costs and reduces pollution. It also means that everyone sees how others live, which, hopefully means that people develop an understanding and compassion for others. It also means a city that provides services for all stages of life – whether that might be childcare for young families, sports programs for families with older children, and social and transportation programs for seniors.
To accomplish this goal, a city needs housing at a variety of cost points – not just single-family homes. Some are going to be higher density, some lower, and some will be single-family homes. That’s not something to fight against – that’s something to embrace.
David Rynerson, 28-year resident of Huntington Beach. Economics degree and 40 year career in voice and data technology. Currently retired. Volunteering with ProtectHB and Solar Rights Alliance.
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For a different view on this issue, consider: