CP&DR

Wal-Mart Takes Its Case to Eureka Voters--And Loses

Oct 1, 1999

Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 14 No. 10 Oct 1999

Voters in Eureka have handed a setback to the Bentonville, Arkansas-based denizens of gray big boxes. In a late August election, Eureka voters rejected rezoning to allow a Wal-Mart near the waterfront. The election polarized the city, but officials pledged that economic development efforts would continue with or without Wal-Mart. The loss in the Humboldt County seat was a rare defeat for Wal-Mart — but probably not surprising considering that it occurred in an independent-minded North Coast...

Santee Voters Get Choice: Higher Taxes or Houses

Sep 1, 1999

Initiatives and referendums, Local Watch, Paul Shigley, San Diego County, Vol. 14 No. 09 Sep 1999

In the San Diego suburb of Santee, it's the old houses versus open space controversy — but with a twist. In November, Santee voters will decide the fate of a 2,988-lot subdivision already approved by the City Council. The twist comes in the form of an advisory measure on the same special election ballot that asks if the City Council should try to buy the property as permanent open space.

Peace in Burbank?

Sep 1, 1999

CP&DR Staff, Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 09 Sep 1999

Burbank city leaders and the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority have announced a new agreement that would lead to expansion of the crowded Burbank Airport and end a four-year legal battle. The deal allows the airport to build a terminal nearly twice the size of the current terminal but retain the same number of gates — 14. The airport would close concessions and services from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily and phase out noisier Stage 2 jets. If the airport convinces federal regulators to approve a 1...

San Bernadino County Extends Its Influence Near Cities

Aug 1, 1999

Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 14 No. 08 Aug 1999

San Bernardino County has adopted a policy that calls for the county to assume more control over land use in unincorporated areas within incorporated cities' spheres of influence. The policy concerns leaders of many cities in San Bernardino County who fear the county may compete with cities for desirable development and approve substandard projects that cities eventually must serve. The policy, which the Board of Supervisors adopted as a general plan amendment in June, is the latest in a se...

Envirnomentalists, Lockyer Say Valley Dairies Deserve Subsidy

Jul 1, 1999

Larry Sokoloff, Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 07 Jul 1999

Dairy expansions in the southern San Joaquin Valley have slowed after Attorney General Bill Lockyer submitted legal challenges and an environmental group filed lawsuits. Lockyer and environmentalists have forced local planning departments to examine their practices in approving dairies, and to begin preparing environmental impact reports. "The issue seems to be focussing on cumulative impact," said Leonard Garoupa, Madera County's planning director. Prior to Lockyer's involvement and lawsuits fi...

Housing Plans Still in Trouble San Diego County, Cities

Jun 1, 1999

Larry Sokoloff, Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 06 Jun 1999

A pilot program is underway in San Diego County to self-certify the county's housing element, as well as the housing elements for each of its 18 cities. But despite San Diego's receiving the autonomy desired by many local jurisdictions, the allocation of low-income units continues to hamper the planning process. The state-approved program was designed to give local governments more flexibility in meeting affordable housing goals and avoiding oversight by the state Department of Housing and Com...

Lancaster, Palmdale Stall New Departments

May 1, 1999

Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 05 May 1999, William Fulton

Concerned about an apparent increase in interest from apartment developers, the Antelope Valley cities of Lancaster and Palmdale are both moving toward moratoria on multi-family units. Their moves appear to be part of a growing trend among exurban communities to reassess their policies on multi-family construction. In Lancaster, where the City Council adopted a moratorium in January, officials say they will use the moratorium period to examine whether Lancaster has an over-supply of apartment units or...

SF Lawyer Named Director of OPR

Apr 1, 1999

CP&DR Staff, Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 04 Apr 1999

Loretta Lynch, a San Francisco lawyer with solid Democratic credentials, is the new Office of Planning and Research director. Gov. Gray Davis in mid-March named Lynch to the top job at OPR, which provides technical assistance to local planners and runs the State Clearinghouse for project review. The 37-year-old Lynch has been a partner in Keker & Van Nest since 1991, where she represented small and large companies in securities trading matters. Lynch is a graduate of University of Southern California ...

Amphitheatre and Speedway Find a Home in Yuba County

Apr 1, 1999

Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 14 No. 04 Apr 1999

Auto racetracks and rock concert venues are often seen as noisy land uses with the potential to generate monster traffic jams. Rare is the homeowner who wants a speedway or concert amphitheater in his back yard. Thus, the lack of opposition to plans to build a speedway and amphitheater in southern Yuba County is extraordinary — but no more extraordinary than the fact that this $90 million development is pegged for one of California's poorest counties. Preliminary grading and road work has commenced ...

L.A. may have multiple planning commissions

Apr 1, 1999

CP&DR Staff, Local Watch, Vol. 14 No. 04 Apr 1999

L.A. may have multiple planning commissions An overhaul of the Los Angeles City Charter, which will go before voters June 13, calls for creation of at least five area planning commissions. But those area commissions would have limited powers, and the citywide Planning Commission would remain in place, under the proposal. "The citywide Planning Commission is seen as a body that's not very closely related to the people," Jackie DuPont-Walker, chairwoman of the Elected Charter Reform Commission said. ...

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