The San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Votes to Oppose Proposition 98’s Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property and Remains Neutral on Proposition 99’s Acquisition of Owner-Occupied Residence

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On April 24, 2008, the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors voted to oppose Proposition 98 and remain neutral on Proposition 99 at a special Board of Directors meeting. The SFHCC cited concerns about Proposition 98’s overbroadness, vagueness and potential impact on the environment.

On the June 3, 2008 ballot, Proposition 98 bars state and local governments from condemning or damaging private property for private uses and prohibits rent control. Proposition 99 bars state and local governments from using eminent domain to acquire an owner-occupied residence, as defined for conveyance to a private person or business entity.

The SFHCC opposed Proposition 98 because it threatens to end useful land use and zoning provisions needed to protect neighborhoods. The insufficiently defined terms also prohibit the government from purchasing and preserving wetlands to develop water projects. Proposition 98 can potentially jeopardize water infrastructure projects, destroy land use planning, encourage NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) lawsuits and eliminate rent control for good.

The SFHCC joins a broad and diverse coalition including the California Chamber of Commerce, The California Black Chamber of Commerce, American Association of Retired People, League of Women Voters of California, National Wildlife Federation, California Police Chiefs Association, California Fire Chiefs Association and countless others.

Founded in 1984, The SFHCC’s goal is to represent the needs of Hispanic businesses and the Hispanic community in San Francisco. The SFHCC serves to promote the economic development of 500 members through partnerships with professional organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

About San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFHCC)

The SFHCC is a non-profit organization created in 1984 to represent the needs of Hispanic businesses and the Hispanic community in San Francisco. The SFHCC serves as a leader and catalyst to promote economic development through the collaboration of professional organizations in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area while leveraging the strength of nation- and state-wide Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. With more than 500 members and an active email database exceeding 3,000, we are one of the largest Hispanic business organizations in the city.

For more information visit: www.sfhcc.com.