In Fairfax, Marin County, we face a unique and perilous situation. Our small community is nestled in the picturesque beauty of suburban California, but it only has a single escape route in the event of a fire from the west—through the Hub in San Anselmo. The current capacity of this route already presents significant challenges for safe evacuation, and the prospect of adding potentially thousands more residents through high-rise developments jeopardizes our fragile safety framework.

The Builders Remedy, enacted by State Legislators, threatens to change the very fabric of our peaceful suburbs. Across Marin County, new high-rise buildings are being proposed with little to no input from residents or our local elected officials. Concerns over parking, traffic congestion, infrastructure burden, and fire hazards are being overshadowed by state mandates that prioritize rapid development over community safety.

The Democratic Socialists of America and other groups pushing these changes may not understand the impact they are having on small, closely-knit communities like ours. We chose to live in these suburbs for a quieter life, away from the density and complexities of city living. Our local governments once had the ability to manage zoning decisions that reflected the needs and desires of their residents, but that power is slipping away, putting our lives and homes at risk.

It is critical that we restore local control over zoning decisions before it is too late. By empowering our city councils and local boards to assess the real impacts of new developments, we can ensure that growth is balanced and sustainable, and our unique challenges, like evacuation routes, are adequately addressed.

Join us in urging our state legislators to reconsider and amend the Builders Remedy law, giving back to local governments their rightful authority to shape the future of their communities. Marin County's safety and lifestyle depend on it. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and protect the place we all call home.