June 1, 2012
Issue #59

Editor's Note

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State Offers ROPS Clarification Positive for Cities and Successor Agencies in DOF Litigation

Wednesday afternoon, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley denied the temporary restraining order requested by 12 cities to stop the distribution of a portion of property taxes pending resolution of various disputes with the state. Although the cities were not granted the requested temporary restraining order, the cities believe that they substantially achieved their goal in bringing the litigation.

Key words: Legal Updates, Economic Development, Redevelopment, Succesor Agencies, Oversight Boards

Long, Strange Trip for Post-Redevelopment Legislation in Senate

It has been a long strange trip for post-redevelopment legislation in the Senate: Assembly Speaker John Pérez’s (D-Los Angeles) AB 1585 has never had a hearing; Sen. Fran Pavley’ (D-Agoura Hills) thoughtful brownfield bill, SB 1335, was held in Appropriations; and Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Inland Empire) ended up voting against his SB 986 after it was jammed with hostile amendments. Meanwhile, Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg’s (D-Sacramento) bills SB 1151 and 1156 were amended and moved to the Assembly.

Key words: Legislation, Hot Bills, Economic Development, Redevelopment

Municipal Bankruptcy Bill AB 1692 Passes on the Assembly Floor

Is Anyone Surprised?

The story on AB 1692 (Wieckowski) on the Assembly Floor Thursday was disappointing, but not surprising. Faced with a choice between a principled stance to hold a freshman legislator and his labor sponsors to an agreement with the League and other local government groups on municipal bankruptcy, or to find some contorted justification to support a bill that reversed key provisions of that agreement, 42 legislators ultimately chose the latter.

Key words: Legislation, Hot Bills, Revenue and Taxation, Municipal Finance, Action Item

Senate and Assembly Take Action on Hundreds of Bills

This week, before adjourning Thursday, the Senate and Assembly took up hundreds of bills before the June 1 house of origin deadline.

Key words: Legislation, Hot Bills

Free Webinar for League Members and Partners on Election Trends

On June 8, the League’s California Civic Leadership Institute (CCLI) will offer a free webinar that will explore the outcomes of the June 5 primary election and trends we might see in November.

Key words: Meetings and Events, Elections

League Mourns the Loss of Stuart Wells, Former League Partner President

On Monday, May 28, Stuart Wells passed away after a three year battle with melanoma. He is survived by his wife Debby and two daughters, Caroline and Abigail. Stuart was part of the League family through his involvement with the League Partner program.

Key words: League Partners

Online Today in Western City Magazine: Electronic Media and Public Records Law, Local Agency Opportunities for Website Transparency, Using Technology to Reach Your Community

Don't miss these articles in the June issue of Western City magazine.

Key words: Western City

U.S. Communities Announces New Temporary Staffing Solutions Contract

U.S. Communities has announced that Acro Service Corporation has been awarded the U.S. Communities temporary staff solutions contract through a competitive solicitation process conducted by Maricopa County, Ariz. U.S. Communities is the national purchasing cooperative sponsored by the League of California Cities.

Key words: Community Services