CP&DR

City, County, Developer Seek Jobs For Central Valley

Jul 1, 2003

Economic Development, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 07 Jul 2003

Stanislaus County, the City of Patterson, and a North Carolina-based developer have teamed together on a business park that all parties hope will bring employment to an area that has seen rapid housing development but minimal job growth.

Concerns Grow With Indian Casinos

Jul 1, 2003

Featured Articles, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 07 Jul 2003

In the course of only a few years, Indian casinos have grown into a major land use concern for counties across California. But now a matter that has been a land use issue mostly in rural areas is coming to urban areas, as tribes look for casino sites near population centers and as some public officials start to view the casinos as economic opportunities.

Santa Barbara County Division Grows Wider As Petitions Circulate

Jul 1, 2003

Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 07 Jul 2003

A proposal from residents of northern Santa Barbara County to divide the county in two is making progress. An election on the creation of Mission County could occur as early as fall of 2004, although voting in 2006 appears more likely. Different approaches to land use — the north is seen as much more amenable to development than the south — lie at or very near the heart of the movement.

State Budget May Spare Redevelopment

Jun 1, 2003

Featured Articles, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 06 Jun 2003

With negotiations over the 2003-04 state budget ongoing, it appears that redevelopment agencies will avoid the major financial hit proposed in January by the Davis administration. Adjustments to the current 2002-03 budget did move $75 million from redevelopment agencies to school districts. However, a Davis administration proposal for the state to take all unencumbered housing funds from redevelopment agencies went nowhere in the Legislature.

Monterey County Land Use Disputes Culminate At Rancho San Juan

Jun 1, 2003

Local Watch, Monterey County, Paul Shigley, Specific plans, Vol. 18 No. 06 Jun 2003

A specific plan for a slice of northern Monterey County that has long been seen as a potential growth area could be released this summer. However, the second version of a Rancho San Juan specific plan is unlikely to settle long-running disputes over how the area between the City of Salinas and the unincorporated community of Prunedale should develop.

State Commerce Agency's Budget, Programs Land On Chopping Block

May 1, 2003

Economic Development, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 05 May 2003

Despite a sluggish California economy, the state agency charged with business development and job creation appears to be in for a substantial downsizing.

Bonds, Taxes Proposed To Fund Public Facilities

May 1, 2003

Featured Articles, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 05 May 2003

Major efforts are under way to provide money to upgrade and expand infrastructure in California, but even some backers of the funding proposals appear skeptical that state lawmakers will approve anything major this year. There are two approaches in Sacramento these days. One would make it easier for local government to raise revenue by reducing the two-thirds voter requirement for special taxes and local bonds. The second approach relies on state bonds.

East Bay County, Cities Try To Think Regionally, Act Locally

May 1, 2003

Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 05 May 2003

Contra Costa County and its 19 cities are considering a "growth management compact" for the next 20 to 30 years that emphasizes efficient development patterns, redevelopment and improved job distribution. The proposed compact — important components of which remain unsettled — is a key part of "Shaping Our Future," a multi-agency effort to address growth, conservation and transportation on a regional basis.

State Supreme Court To Review Coastal Commission's Constitutionality

May 1, 2003

Legal Digest, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 05 May 2003

The state Supreme Court appears to be ready to undertake a sweeping review of the California Coastal Commission's makeup and its permitting activities — possibly even permits issued long ago. The court decided in April to review a case in which the Third District Court of Appeal ruled that the method of appointing the Coastal Commission violated the separation of powers doctrine.

State Agencies Make Progress On Environmental Justice Strategies

Apr 1, 2003

Environment Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 18 No. 04 Apr 2003

Spurred by several pieces of legislation approved during the last few years, California's state government agencies are gradually making advances in environmental justice.