Group Petitions To Limit City's Eminent Domain Authority

"The group contends that laws protecting citizens against eminent domain are too lax and heavily favor the government...The proposed ballot initiative in Chula Vista would require the city to use eminent domain only for a strictly defined public use, such as building a road. The petition also states that if eminent domain is used, the city must keep the acquired property for at least 10 years before selling it....For more than a month, signature collectors have stood outside grocery stores and public buildings decrying eminent domain. The group has also sent mailers to residents that read 'This Christmas The Grinch Can Steal Your Entire House!'"