Petition Seeks to Halt Land-Use Decisions

Alongtime San Fernando resident filed a 1,333-signature petition Monday that would prevent the City Council from acting on any land-use issue, from small zone changes to large redevelopment projects, without voter approval.

San Fernando Mayor Daniel Acuna and City Clerk Donald E. Penman immediately discounted the sweeping initiative, saying it will almost certainly be declared illegal. One part of the petition seeks to “nullify any federal, state or local law or directive which is in conflict with the proposal.” Penman said the city is not empowered to preempt federal or state laws.

The City Council, which has 30 days to determine whether the petition is valid, has submitted it to the city attorney for review. State law requires signatures of 10% of the registered voters to validate a petition. In San Fernando, about 600 signatures are needed.

Robert Dickey, 68, a 40-year San Fernando resident and retired U.S. Navy civilian employee, wrote and circulated the petition because he said he “wanted to give the people the right to vote” on city land-use issues. He began working on the petition several months ago after the council voted on a redevelopment issue. But he could not recall the specific issue.