I wonder if this group ever even considered the option of learning about the causes and possible solutions to this problem from a conservative perspective?

An excellent resource would be Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell.

It specifically addresses housing problems and provides many examples - including Palo Alto - where the problem was exacerbated by government regulation (specifically rent control and building restrictions).

The answer to every social ill isn't necessarily a social program. In fact, sometimes the best solution is for the government to back off. Reduce regulations and let the marketplace provide the supply to meet demand.

It is a good thing that youth cares...and in a few years when the "care" is mellowed by life and age, they will become good citizens (most of them)
Remember the guy from Berkeley, Mario Savio, as a college student, yelled "Never trust anyone over thirty.)...and later grew up to become a level headed businessman in San Francisco....so there is hope.
The best bet for a good future is for govt.at all levels including our City Council, to get the hell out of our way and let the market determine most of these issues.

I am so proud of these young people who have a great understanding of Community and are willing to listen, to have an open and embracing attitude.

Some information about myself, growing up I was better off financially yet my parents made less money than I do currently. My parents were also able to purchase property and land.

Yet I earn more money than they did and more than 50 percent of my paycheck goes to rent. Every year I have at least a 150.00 increase of rent.

I cry regularly these days because I am so frightened and currently I have 2 jobs, I'm looking for a 3rd job now.

I can't buy any meat, I only buy a very limited amount of food for myself and 2 teens. One teen sleeps on a couch. I can't buy her a bed. We live in a 1 bedroom apartment.

I look for social services if I meet the qualifications because they help my girls.

My girls are very smart, never have bee in any trouble, are committed to education and love Mountain View.

To those who believe in conservative government - I believe In what I can offer, and what my girls can offer my community.

A petition that asks people whether they favor lowered prices is about 100% likely to garner signatures. What about a petition capping Baskin Robbins scoops at $1?

PS - I value the program and the commitment of the kids...just not fond of the proliferation of surveys/petitions which lure signers with a "no brainer" proposition, without providing full background (or both sides) of the topic. (Would you like better transit? Sure. No brainer. Would you like it if your taxes went up by $600/year? Different question.)

The issue is not about whether petitions work and what have you:

People are being displaced, their kids are suffering, - we have a responsibility to address these immediate issues.

If I may use a scenario to paint a picture: what if your taxes were being increased every year by 85 percent, just because it could be done? How would you handle this predicament?