Local Business Owner Rails Against SB469

The owner of Palm Desert-based Noble & Co. joined with Coachella Valley leaders Monday in calling on Gov. Jerry Brown to veto SB 469, which limits superstores from building in California without an economic impact analysis.

“We are disappointed that a bill that will negatively impact job creation and harm businesses has passed through the State Legislature and is now at Governor Jerry Brown’s desk,” said Tom Noble, CEO, Noble & Company.

“SB 469 only limits competition to favor one type of business over another and will continue to hurt our economy and delay needed jobs in our state.”

Several municipal and business leaders also joined in the plea, including Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson; Thomas Flavin, CEO, Coachella Valley Economic Development Corporation; Wesley Ahlgren, CEO, Coachella Valley Economic Partnership; Fred Noble, President, Wintec Energy Ltd.; Gretchen Gutierrez, CEO, Desert Valleys Builders Association; Fred Bell, CEO, Coachella Valley Housing Trust; and Mayor Kathleen DeRosa, Cathedral City.

Proponents have said the bill helps prevent big-box stores from putting mom and pop shops out of business.

Indio's mayor said the bill makes it even more difficult to attract companies willing to invest in California.

 “SB 469 puts restraints on our local decision making and limits our ability to quickly get our residents back to work. This bill will take local control and hand it over to Sacramento politicians,” Watson said.

Several other cities and companies have also voiced opposition to the bill on Californians Against SB469. The bill was introduced by state Senator Juan Vargas of the 40th District, which includes parts of San Diego, Imperial and San Diego counties.