Let’s Fact Check

Setting the Record Straight: RDV’s Misleading Claims

Rescuedeervalley.com (RDV)  falsely claims that the facility at 3480 Deer Valley Court is a Bridge Housing Behavioral Health (BHBH) program. This is incorrect. The facility is, in fact, an Adult Residential Facility (ARF) funded through Assembly Bill 172 (AB 172).

What is an ARF?

According to California regulations, an ARF is a licensed residential facility that provides 24-hour non-medical care for adults who require assistance with daily living due to physical or mental disabilities or chronic health conditions. This is very different from a BHBH program, which is overseen by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to offer transitional housing as part of behavioral health programs.

Beware of RDV’s False Narrative and Underlying Biases

The RDV website not only spreads misinformation but also appears to promote a “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) mindset, opposing essential services for vulnerable populations, including Native American women. This raises concerns about the group’s underlying motivations, which may include racial discrimination. The facility at 3480 Deer Valley Court is designed to serve some of the most at-risk individuals in the community, and resistance to such efforts risks perpetuating systemic inequalities and discrimination.

The Leader Chris Silva Moved Resides in Sacramento County

The initiator of RDV, Chris Silva, sold his home on July 2024 at 3330 Deer Valley Court above market value and has since relocated to Sacramento County. Despite no longer being a resident of Rescue, Silva continues to spearhead opposition to these facilities. This raises serious questions about his motivations and the legitimacy of his involvement, as he is no longer a constituent of the neighborhood he claims to represent.

NIMBYism and Racial Discrimination Must Be Addressed

RDV’s opposition to facilities like this one appears to align with a broader pattern of NIMBYism and racial bias, particularly when these homes serve vulnerable Native American women. Such attitudes undermine efforts to provide critical resources for historically marginalized communities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Rather than resisting these initiatives, the community should work together to support programs that foster equity, inclusion, and compassion.

Get the Facts, Not the Fear

It’s crucial to challenge misinformation and understand the vital role ARFs play in supporting at-risk populations. Misinformed opposition harms both the individuals these facilities serve and the broader community’s efforts to promote fairness and care for its most vulnerable members.

Legal Ramifications: Are You Prepared for the Consequences?

It’s important for RDV and its supporters to recognize that spreading intentionally misleading statements or engaging in defamatory actions can have serious legal consequences. Efforts to halt these projects through misinformation not only harm the vulnerable populations they aim to serve but could also expose RDV to significant liability. Organizations like Native Directions or HomeCA may pursue civil lawsuits for damages resulting from lost projects, which could amount to millions of dollars. Additionally, a jury could award substantial judgments to account for harm caused by such bad actions. RDV must ask itself: are you prepared to face the legal and financial consequences of your efforts to obstruct these critical initiatives? Defamation and the deliberate spread of falsehoods can and often do carry steep penalties.