CaliforniaCityNews.org

Mayor Pushes Mower to Save City Money

Stunt or no, you can't beat the image of the town mayor mowing the lawn in city parks to save cash.  Holy Toledo...

Prop 99 Passes While 98 Falls Short

CCN has been following the movement to reform Eminent Domain closely for close to a year.  In fact, CaliforniaCityNews' first post ever was a guest piece by Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, who wrote: Eminent Domain Reforms Imminent.  On Tuesday, California voters fufilled that prophesy, passing Proposition 99 by a wide margin -- 63% - 37%. 

Prop 98, the Howard Jarvis sponsored measure that would have eliminated rent controls across the state, failed by a nearly inverse margin, garnering just 31% voter support.

CCN loves elections, and can never help itself from pouring over returns on the very well run Secretary of State website.  Some notes on these campaigns in particular:

• Prop 99 passed in every California county except Colusa, who rejected it by a 60 - 40 margin.
• Prop 98 passed in just 19 of the state's 58 counties.  These wins were primarily in the Central Valley and far northern areas of the state, and many of these victories were narrow -- less than 52%.
• Prop 98 failed in every major metro area (and anywhere virtually close thereto), suggesting the spate of TV ads in recent weeks had a strong effect on the outcome.

The Prop 99 coaltion should be congratulated on a well run campaign.  This was a critical effort to intiate eminent domain reform and defeat a deceptive measure in Prop 98.  Here's a rundown of major media coverage of the election: SacBee, LA Times, San Jose Merc, SFChron.

Prop 98 Garnering Just 33% Support

With just a week to go before election day, a new Field Poll shows Prop 98 supported by a scant 33% of voters.  View fuller details on the poll here, and please remember how critical this issues come next Tuesday.  Get thh facts on Prop 98 here.

Prop 98 Trailing at the Polls

A PPIC report released Thursday morning will show that Prop 98, the Howard Jarvis anti-rent control measure, is trailing at the polls and that support for the initiative has declined in the last 90 days.  CCN has a copy of the full polling data here, but the raw numbers are 30% Yes, 48% No and 22% Undecided. 

It is critical that you get out and vote June 3.  Prop 98 is trailing by a clear margin in this poll from one of the state's most reputable research firms, but we all know there's only one poll that matters: election day.  Read up one last time on why Prop 98 is dangerous to cities here.

UPDATE: Read the CoCo Times' analysis of the PPIC poll here. 

Prop 98 Protested in San Francisco

Groups including the AARP, the Sierra Club and the League of Women Voters gathered near San Francisco City Hall Wednesday to protest Prop 98 -- the anti-rent control measure disguised as eminent domain reform. 

Read more here.  Kathy Fairbanks, who is the campaign director for the No on 98, Yes on 99 campaign, was quoted as saying "Voters are very smart and we don't think they'll be fooled," by 98's deceptive play.  This election is less than a month away, and make no mistake -- a lot is at stake in the Prop 98/99 battle.  Get more info on how these measure could affect California here.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger Opposes Proposition 98

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's press office issued a press statement formally opposing Proposition 98 because it would "...undermine California's ability to improve our infrastructure, including water delivery and storage."

This past week has seen former Governor Pete Wilson, US Senator Dianne Feinstein and now Governor Schwarzennegger oppose the onerous measure - all of whom cited the propositions dangerous effects on creating new water storage and delivery systems.

The NO on Proposition 98 campaign has now secured virtually every major endorsement in the state, including Senator Diane Feinstein and former Governor Pete Wilson.

Dianne Feinstein Joins The Growing Chorus Of Opposition To Prop 98 - Senator Cites The Threat To Water Quality And Supply Among Her Reasons For Opposition

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Opposes Prop. 98 and Supports Prop. 99

Sacramento, CA – Today U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein announced she is opposed to Prop. 98 and supports Prop. 99 on the June ballot. According to Senator Feinstein, Prop. 98 is “reckless and would tie the State's hands in dealing with a wide range of critical issues.” Prop. 99 on the other hand, “is a better alternative” according to the Senator.

Bi-partisan opposition continues to grow against Prop. 98. Earlier this week, prominent Republicans U.S. Rep. George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) and former governor Pete Wilson formally opposed Prop. 98.

Senator Dianne Feinstein Opposes Proposition 98

Calls Measure on California's June Ballot "Reckless".
Senator Feinstein Supports Proposition 99 as Responsible Eminent Domain Reform.

San Francisco, CA - Today, United States Senator Dianne Feinstein announced her formal opposition to Proposition 98, a measure on California's June statewide ballot that would abolish rent control, threaten the environment, and jeopardize water quality and supply, all under the guise of "reforming eminent domain".  Senator Feinstein urged California voters to join her in opposing Proposition 98, and supporting Proposition 99, true eminent domain reform on the same ballot.

"Proposition 98 will seriously undermine the State and local government's ability to protect our environment, increase our water supply, and improve our crumbling infrastructure.  It is reckless and would tie the State's hands in dealing with a wide range of critical issues. 

Feinstein pointed to Proposition 99 on the June ballot as a better alternative.

"Proposition 99 is a better alternative.  It is targeted eminent domain reform.  It protects private homes, without making it more difficult for government to do its job to improve our infrastructure and protect public health and safety.

"So On Election Day, I'm urging all California voters to join with me in opposing Proposition 98 and in support of Proposition 99, which is reasonable and responsible eminent domain reform."

Former Governor Pete Wilson Opposes Prop 98!

As reported by CCN earlier this week, Republican leaders continue to break ranks on Proposition 98. Former Governor Pete Wilson announced today that he is opposed to Proposition 98 citing the potential damage that would be done to the economy.

“Proposition 98 poses serious risk that it can be used to obstruct for years the development of critically and urgently needed water resources to California.  That is simply an unacceptable risk.”

“Therefore, I oppose the passage on Proposition 98 on the June 2008 ballot.”

Governor Wilson joins Congressman George Radanovich, a respected and leading voice on agriculture and water issues, as the most recent Republican leaders to oppose the dangerous measure.

Congressman George Radanovich Becomes The First High Profile Republican To Oppose Prop 98

California City News will keep you apprised of the latest developments on the statewide Proposition campaigns. A lot of news to report lately as momentum against Proposition 98 begins to build...last week both the California Building Industry Association and Congressman George Radanovich came out and publicly declared their opposition to Proposition 98.

This breakdown in support amongst conservatives comes on the heels of the California Chamber of Commerce and Western Growers opposing the initiative.  CCN sources tell us this is just the beginning... stay tuned for big developments this week.

The growing split in the agriculture community on the water issue is highlighted here in the Sacramento Bee.

Metropolitan Water District Opposes Proposition 98 and Supports Proposition 99

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Votes to Oppose Prop. 98 and Support Prop. 99
Analysis by MWD warns "Critically needed water conveyance projects and facilities could be derailed as a result" of Proposition 98.
Published on Apr 10, 2008 - 9:06:44 AM

Sacramento, CA April 10, 2008 - On Tuesday, April 8, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board of Directors voted to oppose Proposition 98 and support Proposition 99. At a time when California faces a water crisis that threatens our economy and environment, an MWD staff analysis presented to the board warns that Proposition 98 would have "far-reaching and detrimental effects on Metropolitan's and other public agencies' ability to construct water conveyance and other public improvement projects".

The MWD staff analysis, which can be found here goes on to warn:

- "Whether intentional or just a matter of poor drafting, Proposition 98 could be interpreted to prevent use of eminent domain to acquire land for water conveyance projects and facilities around the state."

- Proposition 98... "would greatly delay public construction projects and increase costs".

- "Critically needed water conveyance projects and facilities could be derailed as a result."

Proposition 98 is opposed by leading California organizations like the AARP, League of Women Voters of California, the Coalition to Protect California Renters, Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League, Inc. (GSMOL), California Professional Firefighters, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Teachers Association, California Police Chiefs Association, California Chamber of Commerce, Association of California Water Agencies, Western Growers Association and more than 150 other organizations.