CaliforniaCityNews.org

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.

Mobile Home Park Residents Rally Against Prop 98

The SacBee covered yet another demonstration against Prop 98, the Howard Jarvis-backed Eminent Domain initiative.  Noting that "a major secondary effect of the initiative ... is to ban rent control" the article profiles how 98 could impact mobile home parks and other areas where rent control is in effect.  Read the full story here.

CalChamber Comes Out Against Prop 98

More news on the anti-rent control measure masquearading as eminent domain reform headed to the June ballot.  The California Chamber of Commerce voted to oppose the Howard Jarvis-back Prop 98 last week, citing potential impacts on needed water infrastructure projects and the state's economic growth.  The Chamber took no position on the alternative Prop 99.  Read the press release from the Prop 99 camp on the Chamber's opposition to 98 here.

Protestors Decry Prop 98

Demonstrators gathered in the Bay Area this weekend to protest Proposition 98, an anti-rent control measure disguised as Eminent Domain reform.  The initiative, on this June's ballot and backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers group, would phase out rent control measures across the state -- which has community groups in the always vocal Bay Area crying foul.  Take your pick of coverage from stories in the SF Chron, Oakland Trib and Chico Enterprise.

June's election is not anticipated to drive big numbers to the polls, and though the two eminent domain reform measures are the only statewide initiatives on the ballot, it doesn't diminish their importance in any way.  The choice between Jarvis' Prop 98 and the alternative proposal Prop 99 is huge, and will have long lasting affects on city government in this state.  If you havent' already, read up on the two measures here.

LA Times' Owner Stands to Profit from Eminent Domain Measure

The Capitol Weekly is reporting that the parent comapny for the LA Times, owned by Sam Zell, stands to gain up to $15 million if the Eminent Domain Prop 98 intiative passes in June.  Could be why they just donated $50,000 to the effort. 

It seems that the eliminations of rent control contained in the measure would result in substantial savings for Equity Lifestyle Properties Inc, who shares its chairman, Mr. Zell, with the Tribune Company, which owns the LA Times.  The Capitol Weekly has the story.