Sept. 1, 2017
Issue #65

Editor's Note

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Local Elected Leaders Unite in Fresno to Stop the Big Telecom Power Grab

Leaders From The City Of Fresno, County Of Fresno, and Others Urge Lawmakers to Reject SB 649 (Hueso), Which Eliminates Local Governments’ Authority to Determine Wireless Equipment Placement on Public Property and Transfers Authority and Dollars from Local Communities to Corporate Profits

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes and Fresno City Council Member Oliver Baines today urged the Legislature to reject SB 649 (Hueso). Opposed by more than 215 cities and dozens of counties, this legislation would virtually eliminate the authority of cities and counties to negotiate with telecommunications companies on the siting of wireless equipment in the public right-of-way and on public infrastructure. SB 649 would also cap the lease rates far below market rate, on public infrastructure. The leaders held a press conference this morning in Fresno at the Cultural Arts District Park.

Telecommunication, Action Item, Legislation, Hot Bills, Meetings and Events
 

California Supreme Court Finds City Improperly Refused To Order Special Election for Citizens’ Initiative Imposing General Tax

Though Less Than Clear, the Majority Opinion Does Not Appear to Eliminate the Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Special Taxes Imposed Via Initiative 

The California Supreme Court issued a 5-2 decision Monday, Aug. 28, in California Cannabis Coalition v. City of Upland — a case involving a challenge to the city of Upland’s decision to submit a citizens’ initiative to the voters at the November 2016 general election rather than ordering a special election.

Legal Updates, Marijuana Regulation
 

Both Park/Water Bond Bills Advance after Rally for Parks

Cities Urged to Support Per Capita Funding for City Parks in a Parks and Water Bond

Lawmakers continue to move the two park/water bond bills through committees while they negotiate about what the bond will fund. The two measures that would place a bond on the June 2018 statewide ballot are AB 18 (E. Garcia) and SB 5 (de León). Ultimately, the authors, leadership, and the Administration will have to agree to pass just one of the measures.

Community Services, Parks and Recreation, Legislation, Ballot Inititatives
 

League-Sponsored Bond Agency Issues $56.8 Million in Tax-Exempt Bonds for Affordable Housing in Santa Ana, Concord and New Markets Tax Credit Financing for CARE Center in Oakland

Some of the most significant benefits of League membership for cities since 1988 have flowed from the League’s co-sponsorship of the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) and California Statewide Communities Development Corporation (CSCDC).

Financial Solutions for CA Cities
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