Monthly Archive for California
California Stories Posted in November 2007
Backers of term-limits measure tell opposition to reveal who's behind $1.5 million contribution
Category: Term Limits · State: California · Source: Sacremento Bee
Leaders of a campaign to alter California's term limits demanded Wednesday that their opposition disclose the names of individuals tied to a $1.5 million donation by U.S. Term Limits.
Opinion: Coalition Seeks to End Abusive Property Seizure
Category: Taxes · State: California · Source: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Last week, a coalition led by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association announced that more than one million signatures have been collected to qualify the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act (CPOFPA) for the June 2008 ballot. This eminent domain reform measure will stop government from taking homes, family farms, small business and places of worship and giving the land to other private interests.
Opinion: Ballot measure seeks to rein in cities' land grabs
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Orange County Register
California is one of the few states that has yet to pass serious property-rights reforms following the U.S. Supreme Court's otherworldly 2005 decision affirming the "right" of cities and other government agencies to use eminent domain to take property from private owners and give it to big developers, who promise cities higher tax returns and "economic development" on the targeted property. Cities have long abused property rights this way, but the court's affirmation shocked Americans and propelled most states to pass additional protections.
Newport Beach sued over City Hall ballot measure
Category: City Government · State: California · Source: Orange County Register
Dan Walters: Term limit modifier takes a hit
Category: Term Limits · State: California · Source: Sacremento Bee
Those who want California voters to approve Proposition 93 - a measure on the Feb. 5 ballot to alter legislative term limits - are citing a new analysis of the measure by the Center for Governmental Studies, a nonpartisan political think tank, which more or less endorses its passage.
Electoral change is hope for GOP
Category: Election Reform · State: California · Source: The Modesto Bee
There used to be a phrase to describe a certain breed of California voter: Reagan Democrats. Those were the moderate-to-conservative members of the Democratic Party who supported President Reagan and the first President Bush in the elections of 1980, 1984 and 1988.
Opinion: Real reform: States could agree to pick president by popular vote
Category: Election Reform · State: California · Source: The Reporter
It's ba-aaaaack! Like the hockey-masked assailant in the "Friday the 13th" movies that refuses to die, the GOP ballot measure designed to ensure that their presidential candidate wins nearly half of California's electoral votes has been revived. And it's got Democratic leaders nervous.
Tri-City drawing up plans for another bond measure
Category: Taxes · State: California · Source: The Union Tribune
The cost only goes up with waiting. At least that could be the case for Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside. Last year, voters twice rejected $596 million bond measures to upgrade and expand the public hospital to meet the state's tougher earthquake standards and to accommodate a growing population.
Opinion: Virginia Johnson: Two extreme camps control transportation debate
Category: Transportation · State: California · Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel
I would like the public to know that I have been personally involved with the effort to craft a transportation ballot measure since 2003, the year prior to the demise of Measure J. I have heard all sides of the issues by participating in the 26-month Transportation Funding Task Force process and in 20 smaller caucus meetings attended by key stakeholders holding various opinions.
Gov. finds himself in a bigger budget bind
Category: Government Spending · State: California · Source: Los Angeles Times
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could soon come to regard the epic budget mess he inherited four years ago as a minor nuisance compared to the challenge he faces now.
California Pro-Lifers Can Collect Sigs for Parental Notification on Abortion
Category: Abortion · State: California · Source: LifeNews.com
California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has announced that pro-life advocates in the Golden State can begin collecting signatures for a third try at passing a ballot proposal to provide for parental notification on abortion. The initiative requires teens to wait 48 hours for an abortion so their parents can be notified.
Community colleges to seek funding guarantee in February
Category: Education · State: California · Source: Orange County Register
Ballot measure would set limits on fee increases, strengthen governing board and change financing structure.
Political Gridlock
Category: Transportation · State: California · Source: Ventura County Reporter
This spring, Oxnard's iconic Wagon Wheel Motel shut its doors forever, as the Westlake Village-based Daly Owens Group completed plans for its 64-acre mixed-use project known as The Village. Depending who you ask, those plans are either a blessing for the city that a possible new ballot measure known as the Oxnard Traffic Initiative could kill, or the latest in a series of massive developments facing the city that could further bog down an already aggravating traffic nightmare.
Signatures Gathered for Statewide Ballot Measure
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: GlobeSt.com
A group calling itself Californians for Property Rights Protection is expected to submit more than one million signatures to state election officials here this week for an initiative it wants on the June 2008 ballot. Dubbed the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act, the initiative would end rent control in addition to restricting governments’ use of eminent domain.
Ballot measure on casino planned
Category: Gaming · State: California · Source: Petaluma Argus-Courier
A former Petaluma City Council member is leading an effort to place an advisory measure on a 2008 Sonoma County ballot regarding possible construction of a casino and resort complex in Rohnert Park.
Proposed S.F. ballot measure not tied to 49ers
Category: Stadiums · State: California · Source: San Francisco Chronicle
A coalition led by developer Lennar Corp. took a first step Tuesday toward asking San Francisco voters to approve new zoning for a remake of Candlestick Point and adjacent Hunters Point Shipyard into a new neighborhood that could feature thousands of homes, retail shops, industry, parks and, potentially, a new 49ers stadium.
Initiative to lower state's community college fees draws fire
Category: Education · State: California · Source: Inside Bay Area
In the face of active opposition from other educational groups, supporters of a ballot initiative that would dramatically change the way California's community colleges are funded held a news conference Monday morning at Laney College to make their case.
Press release: California Eminent Domain Reform Ballot Measure Turns in Signatures
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Californians for Property Rights Protection
Californians for Property Rights Protection announced today that they are submitting more than one million signatures to qualify the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act (CPOFPA) for the June 2008 ballot. This eminent domain reform measure will stop government from taking homes, family farms, small business and places of worship and giving the land to other private interests.
UC regents oppose funding measure for junior colleges
Category: Education · State: California · Source: Los Angeles Times
The University of California Board of Regents voted Thursday to oppose a February ballot measure that would guarantee state funding for community colleges and reduce student fees at the 110-campus system.
Property rights vs. rent control?
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Sonoma News
Another eminent domain measure headed for ballot
SF Gears Up for Push to Keep 49ers
Category: Stadiums · State: California · Source: KCBS 740AM
San Francisco is about to charge forward with a game plan designed to keep the 49ers in the city instead of moving to Santa Clara, despite the team’s intention to relocate even if a new stadium is approved for Hunters Point.
Opinion: As We See It: TRANSPORTATION measure: End gridlock of special interests
Category: Transportation · State: California · Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Hopefully, this will be enough time for advocates of a $600 million transportation measure to rally public support.
Eminent domain state ballot measure takes aim at rent control
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
Property rights activists are once again pushing a ballot measure aimed at restricting government's use of eminent domain, but this time there's a secondary target - rent-control ordinances.
Panel rejects bid to change limits on building heights
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Contra Costa Times
A controversial bid to change long-standing height limit restrictions in Walnut Creek has failed, but the issue is not dead. The city's Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously rejected a challenge to height limits established when voters passed Measure A in 1985. The commission, however, agreed that the frozen height limits have handicapped redevelopment of some parcels such as the site of a vacant former co-op store at 1510 Geary Road, leaving them underutilized.
Quality of roadways at heart of Measure D
Category: Transportation · State: California · Source: Santa Maria Times
Plans presented Thursday for spending Measure D monies - if Santa Barbara County voters renew that transportation tax next year - focus on highway and road improvements in the North County.
UC regents oppose community college-funding measure
Category: Education · State: California · Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
The University of California's governing board voted Thursday to oppose a ballot measure to boost funding for the community colleges, saying it would shrink the pool of discretionary money available from Sacramento for the state's universities.
Opinion: Voters were hoodwinked into passing city's sweeping new tax
Category: Taxes · State: California · Source: Gilroy Dispatch
We're both surprised and saddened that Measure A, the vague, voluminous and misleading communication user's tax, was approved by Gilroy voters last week.
Panel to weigh height-restriction issue
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Contra Costa Times
A local developer is challenging height restrictions that have limited building construction in Walnut Creek for more than 20 years. Silverwing Development wants to replace a dilapidated, vacant gray building considered an eyesore on Geary Road near North Main Street with a three-story townhouse project containing as many as 85 units.
San Francisco rent control on the rocks
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: KGO-TV/DT
Dueling measures could be on the state ballot next June on the issue of rent control. One would repeal it -- the other-- protect it. Both sides are facing a petition deadline at the end of this month. ABC7 News has the story from San Francisco, which has one of the toughest rent control laws in the state.
Groups criticize high-speed rail route to San Francisco Bay area
Category: Transportation · State: California · Source: The Mercury News
The director of California's high-speed rail board on Wednesday defended his recommendation of the Pacheco Pass as the primary route for bullet trains to the San Francisco Bay area, saying it was more efficient and environmentally sound.
Bruising campaign expected on Los Gatos skateboard ballot issue
Category: City Government · State: California · Source: The Mercury News
People who live in Los Gatos can expect a bruising campaign as the question of whether the town should build a skateboard park goes to the voters. Despite strong opposition from nearby homeowners, the town council last week agreed to put the issue on the Feb. 5 presidential primary election ballot.
Community college funding measure isn't popular at UC, CSU
Category: Education · State: California · Source: San Francisco Chronicle
A ballot measure adding an estimated $300 million a year in guaranteed state funding to California's public schools and community colleges may get opposition from an unlikely quarter - the University of California and California State University systems.
Groups jousting over gay rights in California
Category: Marriage · State: California · Source: San Diego Union Tribune
In the battle over gay rights, this fall was supposed to be a slow period, almost like a political time-out. Both sides were expected to spend the next few months preparing for a California Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
Calif. Considers Ballot Measure to Crack Down on Uninsured Motorists
Category: Insurance · State: California · Source: Insurance Journal
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is reportedly exploring the possibility of a ballot measure next year designed get uninsured motorists off the state's roads and highways. Industry sources confirmed the development initially reported in newspaper accounts quoting a consultant who advised Poizner on his successful 2006 commissioner campaign, Wayne Johnson of Sacramento, Calif.-based JohnsonClark Associates.
Insurance chief Poizner to lead fight against term-limit measure
Category: Term Limits · State: California · Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said Tuesday that he will contribute $1.5 million to and become the lead spokesman for the campaign to help defeat a term limits ballot measure that would allow current state lawmakers to stay in office longer.
California Black Chamber of Commerce Endorses Eminent Domain Ballot Measure
Category: Property Rights · State: California · Source: Earth Times
Today, Californians for Property Rights Protection announced that the largest African American business organization in California has endorsed the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act (CPOFPA), an eminent domain ballot measure slated to appear on the June 2008 ballot.
Dan Walters: Mixed bag of news for Núñez
Category: Corruption · State: California · Source: Sacramento Bee
Last week was somewhat of a mixed bag for Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez. The highlight, from his standpoint, was being selected as one of Governing magazine's nine "public officials of the year." The magazine cited his ability to put together a striking record of legislation in 2006, acting as a bridge between a liberal Legislature and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Energy firm to pay $15,000 fine for elections violation
Category: Election Reform · State: California · Source: Los Angeles Times
An energy company has agreed to pay a $15,000 fine to a state ethics watchdog agency for failing to properly disclose spending $5 million to defeat a ballot measure last year that would have taxed crude-oil production in California, officials said Friday.
Crunch time for big-box ballot measure
Category: City Government · State: California · Source: Press Telegram
It's do or die time for the controversial measure banning "big-box" superstores that sell groceries.
Board approves bond proposal
Category: Education · State: California · Source: San Mateo Daily Journal
Leaky roofs, faulty plumbing and a lack of classroom in the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District could be addressed if voters approve a $175 million bond measure on the February ballot.
Opinion: Vote 'yes' on Measure A
Category: City Government · State: California · Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Passage would clear the way for a new police station in an old Home Depot building. Chino voters would do well to pass that city's Measure A on Tuesday.
Tempers flare over electoral petition
Category: Initiative and Referendum · State: California · Source: The Mercury News
State Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres on Thursday asked Attorney General Jerry Brown to investigate what Torres called fraudulent "bait and switch" tactics to deceive voters into signing a petition to place a Republican-backed Electoral College measure on the ballot.
Measure E to raise school funding
Category: Education · State: California · Source: Sonoma News
Would give schools $1.2M to $1.4M a year for 6 years
GOP congressman says he will fund struggling electoral vote plan
Category: Election Reform · State: California · Source: The Associated Press
Rep. Darrell Issa, the wealthy congressman who helped bankroll the 2003 campaign to recall California's Democratic governor, is stepping in to revive an effort that could deliver more than a third of the state's electoral votes to the Republican presidential candidate in 2008.
Spirited debate as Karcher, Beck near finish line
Category: Initiative and Referendum · State: California · Source: Asbury Park Press
Both state senate candidates support I&R.
Ad firm gives to Muni measure, gets S.F. contract
Category: City Government · State: California · Source: San Francisco Chronicle
A committee controlled by Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and set up to promote a Muni overhaul measure on the November ballot received a $20,000 campaign contribution from Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. just two days before Peskin and other supervisors voted to award the company a Muni advertising contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 20 years.
Stances on Hwy. 1 widening changing
Category: Taxes · State: California · Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel
After a new survey earlier this month showed county residents want a "balanced" approach to transportation, discussion has returned to the same old fight: whether to widen Highway 1.
Schools to move ahead with $175M bond
Category: Education · State: California · Source: San Mateo Daily Journal
A proposed $175 million bond measure for facility updates in the San Mateo-Foster City School District could go to voters in February if approved by the Board of Trustees Thursday.
Voters less enthusiastic about changing term limits
Category: Term Limits · State: California · Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Voter support is slipping for a ballot measure that purports to shorten terms for state Legislators, but which would actually allow some of them to remain in office longer, according to a Field Poll set to be released Wednesday.
Other Monthly Archives for California
- November 2007 (49)