CC 10-06-2020 Agenda Item #9 Ballot Measures_Written CommunicationsCC 10-06-20
#9
Ballot Measures
Discussion
Written Comments
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Minna <minnaxc99@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 12:47 PM
To:City Council; City Clerk
Subject:Regarding Subject 9 of council meeting agenda tonight
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Dear Councilmembers,
I am a Cupertino resident. I just want to express my concern on item#9 of the meeting agenda.
I am very curious, why a city council has to vote on the State issues. No offense, but I don't think it could solve any real
problem in our city, other than causing division.
Here I state my personal point of view on these topics, hope councilmember can consider:
For Prop16, I am really worrying that once it passed, race card can be openly used in education topics. In my opinion,
hard work should be rewarded, regardless of your skin color. Every student should be treated equally
As I know, Prop19 was backed by CAR (California Association of Realtor). It's obvious that it can benefit realtors. But for
old people who hope to leave properties to their sons/daughters, they have to pay more taxes. Though I am pro‐
business, I don't think this law is fair.
Prop21 actually is promoting rent control. Once it passed, even SFH may be subject to rent control statewide. Our
community may be heavily impacted.
Please put my comments in public record. Thank you!
Best wishes,
Minna Xu
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Helen H <huahelen@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:24 PM
To:City Clerk; City Council
Subject:Opposing Prop. 16
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Proposition 16 allows discrimation based on race, color and gender. It is not equal opportunity for all but the opposite. It
is wrong to treat people differently by how they were born into. It will damage the foundation for fair competition, bring
down standards, open door for corruption, hurt our economy, drive talents out and devastate California.
Kamala Harris is a successful Black/Asian female politician from Californian, born in an immigrant family, nominated as
candidate running for Vice President of this country. Prop 16's biggest donor's husband is a Black billionaire
businessperson. UC just admitted the largest ever Hispanic undergraduate student group, making Hispanic the largest
ethnic group in freshman class of 2020. ... The list goes on and on. California is a very diverse place with great
opportunities for those who work hard and obtain the right skills from proper education.
Prop 16 doesn't really help those who desperately need help and they are in all races and colors as well. The real
question is K‐12 education. Half of Californian high school students do not meet CSU/UC admission requirements. Those
kids are the ones lagging behind and need help. Prop 16 doesn't help students struggling in community colleges and/or
even high schools who are the ones have the most difficulties in their life. Prop 16 would just put students in certain
races/colors into UC Berkeley or LA over students who are more qualified but borned into the "less favorite"
race(s)/color(s). It also opens door for more corruption. In addition, Prop 16 will create tension between races and
discourage hard working and fair competition. K‐12 public education is the one should be looked into seriously, to be
reformed to help and save the struggling kids. No on Prop 16.
Thank you for taking our concerns into consideration in making your decision on this.
Best regards,
Helen
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Grace Chin <gchin30@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:39 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Regarding # Prop 16
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Dear Council members,
I strongly oppose # Prop 16 . Prop # 209 is a race blind AA which focuses on socially economically disadvantaged
persons. This is the fairest for every resident in CA.
In the public education field, the proportion of UC freshmen who would be the first in their families to
earn a four-year college degree increased to 45 percent (35,058), while the proportion of low-
income students grew to 44 percent (30,865) in 2020. ( the definition of low income family: annual
household income is below $58,000)
CA government demographics did show diversity and balance. Dr. Weber claimed that the number of
women and Latinos employed by the state of California has decreased significantly relative to population growth is not a
fact. All CA government employees' ratio between female and male is 46:54. All race's ratio is almost par with
its population except Latio is a little behind its population size. (Source: 2019 statewide
report https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/statewide‐reports.aspx) Especially, our government still has a set aside quota of
employees for disabled people and veterans.
In the government contract field,using race/gender as indicators to help is not correct. Why do we only focus
women,minorities, black people, Latino people in #Prop 16 for helping? Every race has rich people and poor
people. Even some men's socioeconomic status are not as good as women. Are all women and minorities
people who need help? What we should help is not based on race but income level. "MWBE(minority women
business enterprise) was a marriage of political convenience—a working alliance between the economically privileged
of both races. The white business elite signed on to a piece‐of‐the‐pie for blacks in order to polish its image as socially
conscious and secure support for the downtown revitalization it wanted. Black politicians used the bargain to suggest
their own importance to low‐income constituents for whom the set‐asides actually did little. Neither cared whether the
policy in fact provided real economic benefits—which it didn’t.” (https://www.brookings.edu/articles/black‐progress‐
how‐far‐weve‐come‐and‐how‐far‐we‐have‐to‐go/)
In fact after prop 209, although the CA government canceled the MWBE program, State Departments are
required to award 25 percent of their annual contracting dollars to certified Small Businesses (SB) and 3
percent to certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). In FY 2017-2018, the state met both
SB/MB and DVBE participation goals, reporting 32.5 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively. So it reveals the
CA government has already supported and cultivated small businesses,but not limited to women and minority
groups. Nowadays, men are not as rich/strong as women. Small male business owners also need the help.If
we really think that is not enough for Women and Minority groups, we can set aside goals for them like other
state's policy.(https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/minority-business-development.aspx)
Fourthmore, the CA government still has other disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE)programs with
race/gender conscious measures inside. For the next 10 year , Caltrans projects cost more than $42
billions. Caltrans has established an overall annual goal of 17.6 percent DBE participation for its FFYs 2019-
2
2021.This overall goal is expected to be achieved 13.4 percent with race-gender conscious measures and 4.2
percent with race-gender neutral measures . (Data Source: CA Government
Website https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe/overall-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-goal-
and-methodology-federal-fiscal-years-2019-2021)
The most important of all, according to a 2020 study ,if Prop 16 is passed, the State of California and
its citizens will collectively suffer $16.1 billion in higher costs for State contracting and construction
work and the loss of over 50,000 jobs, most of them concentrated among racial and ethnic
minorities. (https://californiansforequalrights.org/2020/06/30/aca‐5s‐economic‐and‐employment‐costs‐case‐of‐state‐
transportation‐contracting/?fbclid=IwAR0euQDnT4SDzbuJ_zrbck4‐i1VlNOjCWlg60BReYCuzAGQR4GnEP79hkr8). If
California adopted #Prop 16, it will cost taxpayers billions of money since the state/city contracts can
not accept the most competent bids while state and local governments are facing a tax shortage's
problems everywhere and are poursing to increase tax everywhere.
After GF's death , everyone becomes very emotional. People want to change. However good intentions
don't bring good results for sure. Prop 209 really let MLK's dream come true. People in California are
not judged by their color of skin but their contents inside. Because of this equality, California has
become the fifth largest economy in the world. At the same time, we still pursue diversity and help to
solve inequality by using different measures like Local control funding formula for K-12 education,
disability program, Veteran Program,etc. We can create the new program to solve any inequality
problem but keep our accumulated progress after prop 209.
What we face for Prop 16 is not left or right. It is right or wrong. We, Californians, deserve equal
treatment. Please Vote NO to # Prop 16 for not only saving taxpayers' pockets but also keeping the real
equal principle of American.
Best Regards,
Grace
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Alexis Ellis <mochaae@outlook.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 4:28 PM
To:City Clerk
Subject:Public comments regarding Agenda item 9--city position on Prop 16
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Honorable mayor, City Council members, city staff and fellow citizens,
During last three month, there had been many car rallies organized by residents throughout California to oppose
proposition 16, one was held in our city this July. I was in the rally and learned that Prop 16 is aiming to repeal Prop 209,
part of California constitution, which clearly prohibits the state from discriminating against, or granting preferential
treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public
employment, public education, or public contracting. Yet the state wants to repeal it. If Prop 16 passes in the Nov election,
it means we the Californians allow the state to discriminate against all of us based on our race, gender or color and allow
special treatment by the state in college admissions, jobs and contracting. This is totally unconstitutional and against the
American value of equal rights.
Furthermore, I have learned that the ballot label was written in a very misleading fashion. It says Prop 16 allows diversity
as a factor in public employment, education and contracting decisions. The legislators are playing word game with the
voters. They replaced the word “discrimination” with the word “diversity”. This is discrimination in the name of
“diversity”.
Let’s all not be misled by the ballot label. We should all say no to discrimination and most of all discrimination from the
state level. Please vote NO on Prop 16 in Nov!
Please read out my comments in the meeting
Thank you
Alexis
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Ping Gao <gaoping@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:35 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Prop 16, 19 and 21
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Dear City Council Members,
This is Ping, a 13‐year Cupertino resident. I just want to voice my opposition to all these propositions: Prop 16, 19 and 21
that are to be discussed in tonight's city council meeting.
Regarding Prop 16: big NO NO. It is just ridiculous that it is not rewarding hard working, but skin color. It is
dividing Californians instead of uniting them. If hard working is not rewarded, American Dream will just be a dream.
Prop 19: also NO. it will most likely benefit realtors or businessmen. For those who are already benefiting from Prop 13,
it is not doing anything. It is not a systematic solution and it may create more problems.
Prop 21: also NO. Once it passed, it would make single family home subject to statewide rental control, which is not
doing any good to our community and our city.
Thanks,
Ping Gao
Cupertino Resident
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:lilia <lilia_yy@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:51 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Opposing Prop16
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Dear Cupertino councilor,
As a citizen, I have to share my opinion to oppose Prop 16.
Today some people are so used to special treatment that equal treatment is considered to be
discrimination. Prop16 asks voters to repeal Prop 209, which allows racial preference admission
based on race or gender. It admits and enforces the concept that certain races are not able to stand
up on their own, so they need to chop off other races in order to make it equal in the outcome. This,
by definition, is systemic racism. The use of race adds to create racial equality does not cure racial
injustice but hides the problem and makes further racial discrimination. So It will divide American.
Prop 16 is also against the Federal law and state constitution, “The state shall not discriminate
against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group, on the basis of race, sex, color,
ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public
contracting.” Only by treating everyone equally can a state as brilliantly diverse as California be fair
to everyone.
Prop 16 is a scam and a giant step backward. We certainly don't need to favor one race over
another. We need equal opportunities rather than equal results. Merit-based, racist free fairness
must be the goal across all of American society. If a child works hard, no matter what
race they are, they must be given a fair chance to ascend to the highest levels.
Therefore, please stop on the racist Prop 16.
Sincerely,
Lilia
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Jocelyn Yeh <jocyeh1@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:46 PM
To:City Council
Subject:No to State Measure 16
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Honorable City Council, elected officials, etc.,
My name is Jocelyn Yeh. I'm writing this to express my strong opposition to State Measure 16. State Measure 16 uses
race to judge the qualifications of applicants to universities, to jobs, etc., This is a textbook definition of racism, pure and
simple. If it is passed, how far will we slide down this slippery, dangerous slope? What's next? Set racial quota for
elected positions? Set racial quota for NBA and NFL? Set racial quota for TV anchors? Set racial quota for movies and
songs?
For Measure 19, I would encourage you to support No so the older people who are over age 55 have better flexibility of
managing their financial.
For Measure 21, I would position No or not to have rent control for the right of the rental property owners and the
economic growth.
Thanks,
Jocelyn
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:someday <chuang95129@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 3:47 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Please vote "No" against Prop16
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Dear Council Members:
My name is Carrie Hung and I am writing to express my strong opposition on Prop16. Prop 16 will only benefit upper
class blacks and Latinos and it is a governmental preferential treatment . Current Affirmative Action is based on the
social, economical and individual base and Prop16 is not the same as the current AA and it will judge people based on
the skin and race. When did America become ok with birth classes? No on Prop 16! Thanks!
Carrie
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Su Chen <chensudidi@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 4:12 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Strong Opposition to State Measure 16
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Honorable City Council, elected officials, etc.,
I am a resident in Cupertino. I'm writing this to express my strong opposition to State Measure 16. Measure 16
opens the door to the race based discrimination, which is too dangerous for our society.
I am deeply worried about the consequences if the measure passes. Please vote "NO" for us against State Measure 16.
Thank you very much,
Su
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Hong Cong <cindycong@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 4:18 PM
To:City Council
Subject:No for Measure 16
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To whom it may concern,
My name is Hong Cong. I'm writing this to express my strong opposition to State Measure 16. State Measure 16 uses
race to judge the qualifications of applicants to universities, to jobs, etc., This is a textbook definition of racism, pure and
simple. If it is passed, how far will we slide down this slippery, dangerous slope? What's next? Set racial quota for
elected positions? Set racial quota for NBA and NFL? Set racial quota for TV anchors? Set racial quota for movies and
songs? When people with different race measure to each other, how to define the race?
Hard work should get rewarded, regardless of your skin color. If hard work is not rewarded, people with favorite color
would lose motivation to reach their full potential.
Measure16 divide people, and make people more aware of race difference. With Measure 16, Government will have
more control, and people have less freedom.
Best regards,
Cindy
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Jian-Kun Zhao <jiankunzhao@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 4:27 PM
To:City Council
Subject:No on prop16, prop 19 and prop 21
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To whom it may concern,
I am a cupertino resident and I oppose prop 16, 19 and 21.
I oppose prop 16 because I think hard work should be rewarded and we should strive to advance the best and brightest
to keep our nation’s advantage in global competition.
I oppose prop 19 because it harms the old people and it’s not fair for them.
I oppose prop 21 because once it is passed , it will make single family house subject to state wide rent control, which
will harm our suburban community
Thank you for your attention and time!
Jian‐Kun Zhao
7478 Fallenleaf Lane
Cupertino, California
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Yin Wang <yin.wang.pub@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:21 PM
To:City Council
Subject:No to measure 16
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Honorable City Council, elected officials, etc.,
My name is ___Yin Wang _. I'm writing this to express my strong opposition to State Measure 16. State Measure 16 uses
race to judge the qualifications of applicants to universities, to jobs, etc., This is a textbook definition of racism, pure and
simple. If it is passed, how far will we slide down this slippery, dangerous slope? What's next? Set racial quota for
elected positions? Set racial quota for NBA and NFL? Set racial quota for TV anchors? Set racial quota for movies and
songs?
Please join us to vote "NO" against State Measure 16. Please read out my comments in the city council meeting.
Thanks,
‐Yin
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Yonghui Mou <yonghui.mou2@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:18 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Proposition 16 and Proposition 21
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Dear Cupertino City Council,
Please vote NO to Prop 16. The title of Prop 16 on the ballot "Allows Diversity" is very misleading. Prop 16 wants to
repeal Prop 209 from the state constitution.
Prop 209 states very clearly and precisely "generally prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against,
or granting preferential treatment to, individuals or groups on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in
the operation of public employment, education, or contracting."
Prop 16 actually introduces systematic discremenation.
Please vote NO to Prop 21. Please allow the market to adjust the rental price. Too much government interference
actually hurts the market and is not healthy economic activity.
Thanks,
Yonghui (Cupertino Resident)
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Cathy Luo <luocathy@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 1:59 PM
To:City Council
Subject:No Prop16
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Honorable City Council, elected officials, etc.,
My name is Cathy Luo. I'm writing this to express my strong opposition to State Measure 16. State Measure 16 uses race
to judge the qualifications of applicants to universities, to jobs, etc., This is a textbook definition of racism, pure and
simple. If it is passed, how far will we slide down this slippery, dangerous slope? What's next? Set racial quota for
elected positions? Set racial quota for NBA and NFL? Set racial quota for TV anchors? Set racial quota for movies and
songs?
Please join us to vote "NO" against State Measure 16. Please read out my comments in the city council meeting.
Thanks,
Cathy
Sent from my iPhone
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Qinghua Huang <qinghuahuang@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 6, 2020 2:10 PM
To:City Council
Subject:opposition on measure 19 and 21
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Measure 19 is not fair to the old people.
Measure 21 would make single family house subject to statewide rent control which will bring harm to our
society.
So say no to measure 19 and 21
Regards,
Tracie