Here Is My Public Comment Email That I Just Sent To city_clerk@bakersfieldcity.us

This is a general comment for the Wednesday, December 16th Council meeting.

You may reach me at thebubh@gmail.com

This Council passed amendments to our city ordinances that would allow for backyard hens, with safeguards and restrictions. There has been a lengthy, transparent, and democratic process that took place in this chamber over many months, and dating all the way back to 2012. The topic of backyard hens has been debated, facts have been presented, examples of numerous cities operating with hens without issues have been shared, and an overwhelming majority of citizens showed their support that has been documented in the form of emails, phone calls, and in-person public statements. The numerous benefits are clear and undeniable. The concerns of nuisance and health have been found to be minimal and a non-factor. You came to the correct conclusion that hens, as a backyard urban pet, is the right thing for our community. To the majority of Council Members that voted yes, thank you again for listening.

I would like to extend my regrets that our city has been challenged with a lawsuit by unidentified individuals to prevent or delay your action of legalizing backyard hens. The opposition at one point tried to use untrue statements that backyard hens would cost the city too much money. That was easily dismissed as the reality is hens save the city funds as a kitchen and green waste recycling partner. How ironic, after the opposition fell short of getting what they wanted, they are now willing to put our city at financial risk with a lawsuit.

The lawsuit is not going to find that backyard hens are illegal. It is not illegal to own hens in an urban setting when a city permits it. For CEQA to apply, the project must be one that could result in an adverse change to the environment. Backyard hens is not a project, nor does owning a few hens cause an adverse environmental impact. Common sense reasoning tells us that.

Therefore, it is my hope and expectation that this council stands up to this obstructionist attempt as well as puts in motion a process to find a workable solution. In no way should this conversation be over. In no way should the city of Bakersfield be bullied into only having the option of “no hens or a lawsuit”. There is a term for this, and it is referred to as "greenmail". Giving in to such a possible ultimatum goes against the Bakersfield spirit, and if you allow it, in my opinion, that action does not make Bakersfield a better place to live.

I have stood in front of you numerous times. I have modeled respect, citizen participation, shared truth, and shown a willingness to work with you. The backyard hen community has presented you ideas, plans, and solutions. We will continue to do so. What we are asking for is reasonable and fair. Backyard hens enhance the quality of life experience for families.

Thank you for your time, and as always, I will make myself available for any questions or future discussions, as needed, to provide clarity on the topic of backyard hens.

Sincerely,

thebubh.wixsite.com/bubh

thebubh@gmail.com