The Dark Political Genius Behind Protecting a Community’s “Character”
A Favorite Phrase of Neighborhood Activists Has Become a Powerful Tool for Obstruction
Are you a Californian looking for a New Year’s resolution?
You might be thinking about giving up sweets or fried foods, or going to the gym more, or volunteering, or cutting your carbon footprint, or otherwise doing right by your body, your community, or your planet. But, from the standpoint of your fellow Californians, the most effective thing you could do is swear off this phrase: “We want to protect the character of the community.”
The expressed desire to defend community character is a staple of California conversations about development or …
