Paul Shigley
Cash-Strapped City Spares No Expense on Lawn Police
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 9 March 2010 - 1:10pmIf California cities are truly running out of money, how can some of them afford to maintain the yard police?
That’s what I kept thinking when I read the new stories about the City of Orange prosecuting homeowners who replaced their lawn with drought-tolerant plants and bark.
Land Use Legislation For 2010
Submitted by jstephens on 8 March 2010 - 9:28amCP&DR's regular roundup of legislation pending in Sacramento.
California Voters Need Crash Course in Effects of Prop 13
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 3 March 2010 - 1:07pmWith yet another $20 billion deficit looming, the State of California government appears to be on the verge of a complete meltdown. Dealing with this situation would be trying under any circumstances, but everything is made more difficult by two things: Proposition 13, and voters’ failure to understand the consequences of Proposition 13.
Legislation Would Prohibit CEQA Lawsuits
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 February 2010 - 10:59amCalifornia Environmental Quality Act lawsuits may be the next victims of the state’s ongoing recession. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation that follows up on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s call to exempt 100 projects from judicial challenge based on the environmental law. Citing the ongoing recession, both supporters and opponents of the idea say this just might be the year that lawmakers are willing to take a bold strike at CEQA.
Planning Really Has Evolved
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 February 2010 - 10:51amThe very first edition of CP&DR that I oversaw from start to finish contained a story on the front page with the headline, “Smart Growth Hits The Agenda Of California And National Leaders.” That’s right, I’ve been editor of CP&DR since the concept of “smart growth” was new.
The story was the March 1999 edition of CP&DR. The February 15, 2010, edition is my last as editor. It’s time for me to move along.
Proposed Speedways Fail To Provide Fast Track To Jobs
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 February 2010 - 10:30amAs the popularity of motor sports, especially stock car racing, blossomed during the late 1990s and 2000s, a number of would-be race track developers and local government officials in California pursued high-speed economic dreams. However, actually building a race track in California has proven to be far more difficult than proposing a track and even winning development entitlements.
San Bernardino County Corruption Bombshell Drops
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 25 February 2010 - 10:26amSan Bernardino County has experienced more than its share of corruption during the past two decades, including the conviction of two county administrative officers, a county supervisor’s admission that he accepted bribes, and both successful and pending prosecution of elected officials in county and city government. But none of the past episodes compares with the scandal outlined in mid-February by Attorney General Jerry Brown and District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Tax, Budgeting, CEQA Initiatives Proposed
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 9 February 2010 - 12:32pmCalifornia voters could overhaul the state and local tax system, as well as the state budgeting process, in November. Ballot initiatives that would constrict state and local government funding, and, conversely, dramatically increase state and local government revenues are in circulation for signatures.
Alameda Voters Reject Navy Base Reuse Plan
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 9 February 2010 - 12:27pmCity of Alameda voters have overwhelmingly rejected a plan to redevelop Alameda Naval Air Station. In a February 2 special election, 85.4% of voters said “no” to Measure B, which would have permitted developer SunCal Companies to move forward with a housing and industrial project on about 1,000 acres of Navy real estate.
Franchise Burger Revenues Versus Small Town Charm
Submitted by Paul Shigley on 2 February 2010 - 11:12amWinters – one of the most charming towns in the Central Valley – is considering whether to accept the town’s first franchise fast-food outlet. I almost never take sides in these things, but I’m hoping the city’s leaders say no to the proposed Burger King.
