October 27, 2006
Issue #42-2006
WANT MORE DETAILS
ON BILLS?
Visit the League of
California Cities
website at
www.cacities.org/
billsearch.
CARB HOSTS TRAINING ON THE NEW DIESEL RETROFIT RULE
2006 LEAGUE FIRE CHIEFS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR COMING UP!
LEAGUE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR: ONLINE REGISTRATION
CLOSES MONDAY!
FPPC LAUNCHES ONLINE AB 1234 TRAINING COURSE
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Page 2
The number of editorials written against Proposition 90, the “taxpayer trap”
measure on the November ballot, continues to increase. Seven editorials
were published since last Friday’s edition of Priority Focus, bringing the total
to 57. Of particular note was the Merced Sun-Star’s take on Prop. 90, which
called the measure “a bunch of baloney.” For more, see Page 6.
PROP. 90 UPDATE: MERCED SUN-STAR CALLS MEASURE
‘A BUNCH OF BALONEY’
Editorials and Coalition Against 90 Continue to Build
AB 2987, the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006, will
take effect on January 1, 2007. Earlier this month, the Public Utilities Com-
mission (PUC) opened a rulemaking proceeding to adopt rules for issuing
state franchises. PUC will need to be ready to issue state franchises no later
than April 1, 2007, and has set an aggressive comment and hearing schedule.
It is possible that the rules will be in place by the end of the year, so that state
franchises may be issued as early as January or February.
For more, see Page 5.
AB 2987 IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
The California Infrastructure Coalition (CIC) has issued “Eye on Infrastruc-
ture Special Report,” which highlights the sales tax measures on the November
ballot that are designed to help improve regional transportation in California.
For more, see Page 4.
LOCAL SALES TAX MEASURES FOR TRANSPORTATION A
PRIORITY ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
Page 3Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is
providing training seminars for the Fleet Rule for
Public Agencies and Utilities, which is anticipated
to go into effect in December.
These training seminars are designed to help
provide an understanding of the compliance
requirements. For a copy of the notice on the
seminars, visit CARB’s website at
www.arb.ca.gov.
Below is the remaining seminar schedule:
October 31 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sacramento, Cal EPA Sierra Hearing Room
1001 I Street, Sacramento
November 14 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shell Beach, The Cliffs Hotel
2757 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach
November 29 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oakland, Joseph P. Bort Metro Center,
Auditorium
101 Eighth Street, Oakland
For more information, please contact Warren
Hopkins at (916) 324-6771, or via e-mail at
whawkins@arb.ca.gov.
CARB HOSTS TRAINING ON THE NEW
DIESEL RETROFIT RULE
The 2006 League Fire Chiefs Seminar will be
held from November 29 through December 1 in La
Jolla (San Diego) at the Hilton Torrey Pines.
Ruben Grijalva, director, California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection and Kate Dargan,
assistant state fire marshal, will be the seminar’s
opening speakers.
A sample of this year’s seminar topics include:
• An Update of the California Fire Assistance
Program
• Urbanization and Disasters: Living in a
Dangerous World
• Emerging Labor Management Trends
• Flu Pandemic and First Responders
• Personal Health and Wellness
• Ethical Leadership and Values
In addition to the informative sessions, this is
also a great opportunity for new and experienced
fire chiefs to network and learn about vendors and
programs.
The cost of the 2006 League Fire Chiefs
Leadership Seminar is $430 for city officials, $550
for others, and $125 for guest/spouse. Please
note that the housing and registration deadline
is October 30. Those registering online will also
receive a $20 CityBooks coupon! Registration
may be completed at www.cacities.org/events.
2006 LEAGUE FIRE CHIEFS LEADERSHIP
SEMINAR COMING UP!
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the League’s most useful reference tool. This
comprehensive California directory provides important contact information for mayors, council
members and city department heads. The directory also features the League’s staff directory,
League partners, affiliate organizations and a wide variety of advertisers.
INFORMATION YOU NEED, RIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
Purchase this publication online at www.cacities.org/store or call (916) 658-8257 for an order
form. City officials price $30, non-city officials price $65, plus shipping & handling.
2006 CITY HALL DIRECTORY!PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
The California Fair Political Practices Commis-
sion (FPPC) has launched an online AB 1234
ethics training course. The course is available to
local officials for free and can be accessed at any
time at http://localethics.fppc.ca.gov.
The FPPC, the attorney general, and the
Institute for Local Government (ILG) collaborated
on the effort to make sure that local officials have a
variety of options available to them to satisfy AB
1234’s requirements. This online course supple-
ments ILG’s other AB 1234-related training options,
including the more old-fashioned self-study materi-
als published earlier this year as a two-part series
in Western City magazine (also available at
www.ca-ilg.org/ab1234compliance for those who
want to print out and distribute the materials to
their officials) as well as various in-person
trainings being offered throughout the state.
ILG is grateful to the AT&T Foundation for
funding ILG’s contributions to this effort. The
Institute for Local Government is the nonprofit
research arm for both the League of California
Cities and the California State Association of
Counties.
FPPC LAUNCHES ONLINE AB 1234
TRAINING COURSE
The League of California Cities Fiscal Officers
Department is hosting the Financial Management
Seminar and Mini Expo in La Jolla on November 29
through December 1. Online registration for this
event closes on Monday, October 30, so reserve
your spot now!
Sessions will cover a wide range of financial
topics, including the future of the state’s economy
and a legislative and ballot election update by
League staff. To be held at the Hilton Torrey Pines
hotel, the seminar’s schedule will also include
“Growing Your Own Successors,” led by Frank
Benest and “Managing GASB 45 Liabilities” from a
panel of speakers that includes Donald Field from
Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, Robert Hornaday
from Keenan & Associates, and Kenneth Marzion
from the California Public Employees Retirement
System (CalPERS).
Concurrent session topics will cover the following:
• The Proposition 218 “Squeeze”
• Trends in Housing & Redevelopment
• A Road Map to Improving Your
Infrastructure
• UUT Jeopardy – a session about current
and future threats to the Utility Users Tax
• Mandate This! – a session about the
mandates process, reforms and what it
could mean to your city pocketbook
• Explorations in Financial Ethics
• The Fair Labor Standards Act: Is it Fair or
Standard?
The closing general session speaker will be
the always hilarious Colin McKechnie, who will
leave seminar attendees with ideas on how to
pursue the “Stress-Less Path to Success.” Colin
is an internationally recognized training consultant
and known for his interesting sessions that offer
insight into life using humor. His sessions are
praised by the likes of Queen Elizabeth II of En-
gland and the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
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LEAGUE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SEMINAR: ONLINE
REGISTRATION CLOSES MONDAY!
To register, please visit www.cacities.org/
events. Cost for this event is $430 for city offi-
cials, $550 for other attendees and $125 for
guest/spouse. Registration must be received no
later than 5 p.m. on Monday, October 30. If you
register online, you’ll also receive a coupon for
$20 for CityBooks! Otherwise, registration must
be done on-site.
Aside from the great education you’ll receive,
the Financial Management Seminar is the perfect
place to network during the two evening recep-
tions. There are lots of opportunities for you to
meet new colleagues and catch up with old
friends in beautiful La Jolla! We look forward to
seeing you there!Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
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Continued on Page 5
INFRASTRUCTURE from page 1
Ten counties have these measures on the
November ballot, which translates into an estimated
$20.5 billion for transportation over a 20-40 year
period, should all 10 measures pass.
Below is a summary of these various measures:
Fresno County – Measure C
Measure C is a renewal of a measure approved
in 1986, which is set to expire in 2007. If passed,
the 20-year, half-cent sales tax renewal plan would
fund various regional transportation programs and
projects, including street and highway improve-
ments and capacity enhancement for the Fresno
Airport.
More information about Measure C is available
at www.measurec.com.
Santa Barbara County – Measure D
Measure D was originally approved in 1989 and
is scheduled to expire in 2010. If the renewal plan
passes this November, it will lead to approximately
$1.6 billion for transportation-related projects in
Santa Barbara County. In addition to continuing the
half-cent sales tax for transportation, Measure D
would also provide for a one-quarter cent increase
in sales tax for specific projects including an expan-
sion of U.S. 101 South.
Further details regarding Measure D are available
at www.sbcag.org/measured.html.
Merced County – Measure G
Measure G is a 30-year, half-cent sales tax
measure for local road maintenance and repair. If
passed, the estimated $446 million the measure
would raise would go towards projects such as
Interstate 99 widening, and reconstruction of
Routes 152 and 52.
For more information on Measure G, visit
www.mcag.cog.ca.us.
Kern County – Measure I
If passed in November, Measure I in Kern
County would raise an estimated $1 billion for new
road construction and highway maintenance. The
measure is a 20-year, half-cent sales tax. Specific
projects include improvements to Interstates 5 and
99.
Additional information on Measure I is available
at www.saferoadskern.org.
San Joaquin County – Measure K
San Joaquin County’s Measure K was originally
approved in 1990, and will expire next year unless
renewed this November. The renewal is for a 30-
year half-cent sales tax, that over the life of the
measure, would raise $2.5 billion for local street
repair and safety, congestion relief and transit.
Information on Measure K is available at
www.sjcog.org.
Stanislaus County – Measure K
If passed in November, Stanislaus County’s
Measure K would provide $1.02 billion over 30
years via a half-cent sales tax. If passed, the
measure would provide funding for major highway
corridor improvements.
For additional details on the measure, visit
www.stancog.org.
Amador County – Measure K
Twenty years in the making, Measure K in
Amador County is a 40-year plan that would fund
street and road repair and maintenance.
Information on Measure K is available at
www.safeamadorroads.com.PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
INFRASTRUCTURE from page 4 ???????
Orange County – Measure M
Originally approved in 1990, Orange County’s
Measure M is set to expire in 2010 unless renewed
by voters. The renewal would extend the half-cent
sales tax for another 30 years, and provide $11.8
billion for various transportation projects.
Further information on the measure is available
at www.octa.net/measure%20m.asp.
Tulare County – Measure R
Measure R is a 30-year half-cent sales tax in
Tulare County that would provide approximately
$653 million for regional road improvements and
transportation programs.
Details on Measure R are available at
www.tularecog.org.
Madera County – Measure T
If passed in November, Measure T would
provide $213 million for transportation improve-
ments throughout Madera County, including the
extension of Routes 41, 223, and 99. The measure
is a half-cent sales tax over 20 years.
More information on Measure T is located at
www.maderactc.org.
For a copy of CIC’s Eye on Infrastructure
newsletter and information on infrastructure issues
statewide, visit www.calinfrastructure.org.
Statewide Infrastructure Ballot Measures
There are a number of statewide infrastructure
measures on the November ballot this year. The
League supports Propositions 1A-1E, the package
of bond measures that will help fund infrastructure,
transportation, housing, and flood protection
projects throughout California.
For more information on these propositions and
other ballot measures, see “League Board Acts
on November 2006 Ballot Measures,” located at
www.cacities.org/ballotmeasures.
AB 2987 from page 1
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Opening comments on the proposed rules
were due on October 25. The League elected not
to file separate comments, but instead signed on
to the comments submitted by the States of
California and Nevada Chapter National Associa-
tion of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
(SCAN NATOA). In addition, League staff has
been meeting with PUC staff to discuss the
rulemaking proceeding, and PUC has indicated an
interest in working cooperatively with the League
with respect to implementing AB 2987.
The League is also meeting with representa-
tives from AT&T and Verizon to discuss issues
related to implementing AB 2987. We expect that
this process will result in a form that will assist
cities in providing new video services entrants with
the information that cities are required to provide
under AB 2987, such as the amount of the existing
franchise fee, the number of activated PEG
channels, the amount of existing PEG fees, etc.
If you are interested in more information on AB
2987, you may want to visit the SCAN NATOA
website at www.scannatoa.org/info_docs.html,
which has the materials for the AB 2987 seminar it
held earlier this month.
Visit (and bookmark!) the League’s
Legislative Resources page
(www.cacities.org/legresources). You’ll
find a roster and contact information for
the League’s legislative staff; the online
Bill Search program, background
materials on lobbying your legislators,
and more.
FIND A BILL, LEGISLATORS, LEG
COMMITTEE - OR ASK LEG STAFFVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 6 - PRIORITY FOCUS
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
PROP. 90 from page 1 ????????????????????????????????????????????? ? ? Continued on Page 7
“[The] initiative isn’t about fixing eminent
domain abuses like proponents would have you
believe …The real agenda is an aggressive and
radical campaign to halt virtually all new govern-
ment regulation ‘unrelated to public health and
safety’ that owners might perceive as damaging
their private property .Expect a last-minute ad
barrage asserting ominously government is after
your home, farm, small business or church. It’s a
bunch of baloney.” Merced Sun-Star (10/21/06)
Here is a listing of new editorials written
against Proposition 90 since Friday, October 20:
• Tracy Press, (10/26/06)
• Antelope Valley Press, (10/26/06)
• Silicon Valley Metro, (10/25/06)
• Palo Alto Weekly, (10/25/06)
• La Opinión, (10/24/06)
• San Luis Obispo Tribune, (10/24/06)
• Salinas Californian, (10/24/06)
• Chico Enterprise Record, (10/22/06)
• Monterey County Herald, (10/22/06)
• Merced Sun-Star, (10/21/06)
A complete list of all 57 editorials is located at
www.noprop90.com.
In addition, an October 18 story by the Los
Angeles Times looked into the impact Prop. 90
would have on infrastructure improvements in
California, specifically, Propositions 1B-1E on the
November ballot. The article, entitled “Initiative
Could Undermine State Bond Issues,” in-
cluded the following passages:
• “Even plans to shore up the state’s aging
levees could be affected. The California chapter
of the American Society of Civil Engineers
passed a resolution warning that the measure
would delay and could even prevent the construc-
tion of many planned infrastructure projects,
including flood control efforts.”
• ‘It will impact our new school construction
and modernization program enormously,’ said
Michelle Meghrouni, an attorney with the Los
Angeles Unified School District, which hopes to
use the bond money to help build about 85 schools
in coming years. ‘Our program could be derailed
indefinitely.’”
To read the article, visit www.noprop90.com.
‘No on 90’ Coalition Increases Membership
The “No on 90, Californians Against the Tax-
payer Trap” coalition now boasts more than 1,300
organizations and individuals in its ranks. Eight
new organizations signed-on to the “No on 90”
campaign this week.
Those new members are:
Ethnic/Civil Rights:
• Center on Race, Poverty & the
Environment
Environmental:
• The Wilderness Society
• Mountain Lion Foundation
• Friends of the Los Angeles River
• Sanctuary Forest
Business:
• Consulting Engineers & Land Surveyors of
California (CELSOC)
• Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
Infrastructure/Transportation:
• Transportation Agency for Monterey County
A complete list of coalition members can be
found at www.noprop90.com.
Sen. Feinstein Opposed to Prop. 90
On Thursday, October 19, Sen. Dianne
Feinstein announced her opposition to Prop. 90,
the “taxpayer trap” measure on the November
ballot. Feinstein, a two-time winner of the League
of California Cities’ “Legislator of the Year” award
(2005 & 2006), joins a diverse group of individuals
and organizations opposing Prop. 90.PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 7 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
October 27, 2006 - Issue #42
Western City magazine’s job opportunity
section is the source for job seekers
looking for positions in local government.
According to our reader survey, the job
opportunity section is the best read
section of our magazine!
When you place an ad in Western City
magazine, it will be posted at no addi-
tional charge on our website, which
receives over 80,000 hits per month.
Call to place your
recruitment ad today!
We Have What You Need
(800) 262-1801 or visit our website at
www.westerncity.com
Looking for California’s
Best to Fill a Position
in Your City?
PROP. 90 from page 6 ??????? ????????????????????????????????????????
“Sen. Feinstein is a trusted leader that Califor-
nians know and respect, and her opposition to this
initiative ads yet another credible voice among
many urging California voters to reject this decep-
tive and extreme measure,” said Tom Adams, co-
chair of the “No on 90” Campaign and board
president of the California League of Conservation
Voters.
Advertising Campaign Continues
The TV advertisement campaign against Prop.
90, the “taxpayer trap” measure on the November
ballot, began on Wednesday, October 11. Two
commercials - a 30-second spot and a 15-second
spot - are airing on major networks throughout
California.
The 30-second spot, “Many Groups, Many
Reasons,” includes quotes from diverse organiza-
tions like the League of Women Voters of Califor-
nia, California Small Business Association, Na-
tional Wildlife Federation, League of California
Homeowners, and California Taxpayers’ Associa-
tion.
The second ad, entitled “Scale,” is a 15-
second clip that also highlights the diverse coali-
tion opposing Prop. 90 and informs voters that the
vast majority of funding to support Prop. 90 has
come from large out-of-state developers.
To view both ads, visit www.noprop90.com.
‘No on 90’ Walk Pieces Now Available
Planning to walk precincts in the next few
weeks?
If so, please consider carrying a “No on 90”
message with you when you do. The campaign
has produced a two-sided color piece that you can
use to help educate voters about this harmful
measure.
Similar to the piece that was available at the
“No on Prop. 90” information desk at the League’s
Annual Conference, it outlines the impacts of
Prop. 90 to taxpayers, the environment, public
safety, infrastructure and our communities on the
front, and the back will feature a partial list of the
diverse groups who are opposed. Contact your
League regional representative to reserve yours
today.
Know the Rules for Ballot Measure Advo-
cacy. City officials can participate in ballot mea-
sure advocacy if they do so on their own time,
and without using any public resources. To make
sure you understand the “do’s and don’ts” of ballot
measure advocacy, please review “Working on a
Ballot Measure Campaign: Some Rules for City
Officials” located at www.cacities.org/
ballotmeasures.
November 3, 2006
Issue #43-2006
WANT MORE DETAILS
ON BILLS?
Visit the League of
California Cities
website at
www.cacities.org/
billsearch.
PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE GOVERNOR’S HIGH RISK SEX
OFFENDER AND SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR TASK FORCE
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Page 2
The latest Field Poll, released on November 2, shows increasing opposi-
tion to Prop. 90 from potential voters, with 42 percent saying they would vote
“no,” 35 percent supporting, and 23 percent undecided. Those figures are a
significant shift from the July numbers, when Prop. 90 was favored by a 46
percent to 31 percent margin. It appears that as potential voters are being
educated about the measure’s potential negative impacts, many are choosing
to go against it. For more, see Page 3.
PROP. 90 UPDATE: GROWING VOTER
OPPOSITION TO ‘TAXPAYER TRAP’
The fate of numerous infrastructure, housing, and flood protection projects
rests in the hands of voters on November 7. Propositions 1A-1E and Prop. 84
- the infrastructure bond measures on the ballot - are crucial to the develop-
ment of California cities, and are a top priority for the League.
For more, see Page 6.
YOUR CITY WINS IF VOTERS PASS
INFRASTRUCTURE BOND MEASURES
Gov. Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-21-06 on Friday, October 27,
creating a broadband telecommunications task force. The task force is designed to
streamline the permitting process and help accelerate the construction of broad-
band networks. For more, see Page 5.
GOVERNOR CREATES BROADBAND TASK
FORCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDERVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
A number of public hearings have been sched-
uled next week to address public concerns relat-
ing to high risk sex offenders (HRSOs) and
Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs).
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
• Monday, November 6: Sacramento –
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento
• Wednesday, November 8: Fresno –
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Board of Supervisor’s Chambers
Hall of Records, Room 301
2281 Tulare St., Fresno
• Thursday, November 9: Santa Ana –
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Rancho Santiago Community College
District Board Hearing Room
2323 N. Broadway, Santa Ana
Gov. Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order
S-15-06 on August 15, which created the High
Risk Sex Offender and Sexually Violent Predator
(HRSO/SVP) Task Force to address the imple-
mentation of the recommendations from the High
Risk Sex Offender Task Force (HRSOTF) and to
provide recommendations on sexually violent
predators.
One of the HRSOTF’s recommendations
stated that the California Department of Correc-
tions and Rehabilitation (CDCR) should continue
its work with local law enforcement and communi-
ties to find “appropriate and equitable housing
solutions” for paroled HRSOs and recommended
the HRSO/SVP Task Force to properly address
these issues.
In addition, the new task force, which is co-
chaired by Assemblymembers Rudy Bermudez
and Todd Spitzer, will review the “current statutory
requirements and state and local policies on
placement, notification and monitoring of sex
offenders.” The HRSO/SVP Task Force must
issue its recommendations no later than Decem-
ber 1.
HRSO/SVP Task Force members include
leadership from the California District Attorneys
Association, California State Sheriffs Association,
California Police Chiefs Association, California
State Association of Counties, League of California
Cities (represented by Council Member Scott
Miller, City of Pacific Grove), Chief Probation
Officers of California, California Division of Adult
Parole Operations, California Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Health
and Human Services, California Department of
Mental Health, and a victim’s advocacy group.
PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE GOVERNOR’S HIGH RISK SEX
OFFENDER AND SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR TASK FORCE
Are you interested in helping out cities
on a short-term basis?
Cities, counties and special districts
are turning to Public Service Skills, Inc.
(PSS) for assistance from retired profes-
sionals with years of service with public
agencies. PSS can help agencies that
need support during a recruitment pro-
cess, while a department head is on
leave, or on special projects.
Sponsored by the League of California
Cities and the California State Association
of Counties, PSS can be an important
resource for temporary employment
needs. Check out our website at
www.pssinc.org or contact Debbie Kinsey
at (916) 658-8255.
Public Service Skills, Inc.
Experienced Professionals
AvailablePRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces His
Opposition to Proposition 90
Earlier this week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
announced his opposition to Prop. 90. In a letter to
the San Francisco Chronicle, which was posted in
the Politics Blog of the newspaper’s website on
October 31, the Governor cited the increased
costs to taxpayers, the potential for frivolous
lawsuits and the undermining of laws that protect
the environment, homes, and infrastructure as the
core reasons for his opposition. Below are some
passages from the Governor’s letter:
“The proponents of Prop. 90 added provisions
that I believe will undermine basic government
laws that protect our home values, safeguard our
environment and allow for the building of safe
roads, schools and other essential infrastructure.
According to a variety of independent fiscal analy-
ses, some provisions in Proposition 90 threaten to
increase costs for taxpayers by billions of dollars
each year.”
“The measure is so broad and poorly drafted
that I fear it will result in a barrage of frivolous
lawsuits from individuals and property owners who
claim the most rudimentary new laws have caused
them economic harm.”
The full text of the Governor’s letter can be
found at www.sfgate.com, in the Politics Blog,
under the heading “Carla Marinucci:
Schwarzenegger comes out against Proposition
90.”
Editorials Against Prop. 90 Keep Coming
As the Prop. 90 November 7 judgment day
approaches, another six news outlets have editori-
alized against Prop. 90, bringing the total to 68.
The Oakland Tribune’s editorial on October 29
urged a “no” vote on Prop. 90, calling it “more
hindrance than help.”
“But what on the surface looks like a com-
mon-sense remedy in reality opens up a can of
legal worms that only lawyers and a few develop-
ers will benefit from — at the expense of taxpay-
ers and local control. … Proposition 90 also
allows property owners to sue the government —
that’s you and me — for actions that result in
‘substantial’ economic loss as a result of new
regulations. What defines ‘substantial’ isn’t clear,
and it’s likely to be one of the first issues hashed
out in court… Vote no on Proposition 90.”
-Oakland Tribune, Tri-Valley Herald, Freemont
Argus, Alameda Times Star, Hayward Daily
Review, San Mateo County Times, Editorials
(October 29, 2006)
A complete list of all editorials written against
the measure is located at www.noprop90.com.
The following is a listing of the six new editorials
written against Prop. 90 since Friday, October 27:
• Oakland Tribune, (10/29/06)
• Tri-Valley Herald, (10/29/06)
• Freemont Argus, (10/29/06)
• San Mateo County Times, (10/29/06)
• Hayward Daily Review, (10/29/06)
• Alameda Times Star, (10/29/06)
In addition, an October 18 story by the Los
Angeles Times looked into the impact Prop. 90
would have on infrastructure improvements in
California, specifically, Propositions 1B-1E on the
November ballot. The article, entitled “Initiative
Could Undermine State Bond Issues,” included
the following passages:
• “Even plans to shore up the state’s aging
levees could be affected. The California chapter
of the American Society of Civil Engineers
passed a resolution warning that the measure
would ‘delay and could even prevent the construc-
tion of many planned infrastructure projects,’
including flood control efforts.”
Continued on Page 4
PROP. 90 from page 1
??????? ????????????????????????????????????????Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
• “’It will impact our new school construction
and modernization program enormously,’ said
Michelle Meghrouni, an attorney with the Los
Angeles Unified School District, which hopes to
use the bond money to help build about 85
schools in coming years. ‘Our program could be
derailed indefinitely.’”
To read the article, visit www.noprop90.com.
‘No on 90’ Coalition Builds During Final
Week
The “No on 90, Californians Against the Tax-
payer Trap” coalition now boasts more than 1,300
organizations and individuals in its ranks. Eleven
new organizations signed-on to the “No on 90”
campaign during this final week before Election
Day.
Those new members are:
Business:
• Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of
Commerce
• Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce
• Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce
• Inglewood/Airport Area Chamber of
Commerce
• Bay Area Economic Forum
• Mission Economic Development Agency
Taxpayer:
• San Diego County Taxpayers Association
Environmental:
• SRVA Advocates for Smart Growth
• Forestry Monitoring Project
Faith Based:
• American Muslim Alliance PAC
Agriculture:
• Save Open-space and Agricultural
Resources (SOAR)
A complete list of coalition members can be
found at www.noprop90.com.
Sen. Feinstein Opposed to Prop. 90
On Thursday, October 19, Sen. Dianne
Feinstein announced her opposition to Proposition
90, the “taxpayer trap” measure on the November
ballot. Feinstein, a two-time winner of the League
of California Cities’ “Legislator of the Year” award
(2005 & 2006), joins a diverse group of individuals
and organizations opposing Prop. 90.
“Sen. Feinstein is a trusted leader that Califor-
nians know and respect, and her opposition to this
initiative ads yet another credible voice among
many urging California voters to reject this decep-
tive and extreme measure,” said Tom Adams, co-
chair of the “No on 90” Campaign and board
president of the California League of Conservation
Voters.
Advertising Campaign in Full-Swing
The TV ad campaign against Prop. 90 began
on Wednesday, October 11. Two commercials -
a 30-second spot and a 15-second spot - are
airing on major networks throughout California.
The 30-second spot, “Many Groups, Many
Reasons,” includes quotes from diverse organiza-
tions like the League of Women Voters of Califor-
nia, California Small Business Association,
National Wildlife Federation, League of California
Homeowners, and California Taxpayers’ Associa-
tion.
The second ad, entitled “Scale,” is a 15-
second clip that also highlights the diverse coali-
tion opposing Proposition 90 and informs voters
that the vast majority of funding to support Propo-
sition 90 has come from large out-of-state devel-
opers.
To view both ads, visit www.noprop90.com.
PROP. 90 from page 3 ??????? ????????????????????????????????????????
Continued on Page 5PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
Walking Precincts? What About Prop. 90
Materials?
Those of you planning to walk precincts may
want to carry a “No on 90” message with you.
The campaign has produced a two-sided color
piece that you can use to help educate voters
about this harmful measure. The front of the
piece outlines the impacts of Prop. 90 to taxpay-
ers, the environment, public safety, infrastructure
and our communities, while the back contains a
partial list of the diverse groups who are opposed.
Contact your League regional representative to
obtain yours today!
Know the Rules for Ballot Measure Advo-
cacy. City officials can participate in ballot mea-
sure advocacy if they do so on their own time,
and without using any public resources. To make
sure you understand the “do’s and don’ts” of ballot
measure advocacy, please review “Working on a
Ballot Measure Campaign: Some Rules for City
Officials” located at www.cacities.org/
ballotmeasures.
? ? ?????????????
PROP. 90 from page 4
The task force will be comprised of 11-19 mem-
bers who will be appointed in the next month. The
Executive Order is expected to assist in the implemen-
tation of AB 2987, the Digital Infrastructure and Video
Competition Act of 2006, which will take effect on
January 1, 2007, and not impede, compete with or
nullify its efforts.
In addition to creating the task force, which will
recommend actions the Governor can take to pro-
mote broadband access and usage, the Executive
Order will look to enhance the speed of networks and
make them more efficient. It also initiates the follow-
ing:
• Designates one agency—Business, Trans-
portation & Housing (BT&H)—as lead coordinator for
the state’s broadband policy, to help ensure imple-
mentation is cohesive, fast and efficient.
• Directs BT&H to create a database linking
private broadband companies with state transporta-
tion agencies. This will allow companies to better
coordinate fiber optic installation, leading to greater
consumer choice and more efficient pricing.
• Establishes a pricing policy for private compa-
nies paying for “rights-of-way” access to state roads.
Previously, charges to lay fiber varied widely—the
order sets pricing based on actual costs incurred by
the state.
• Calls for streamlined, expedited rights-of-way
permitting procedures to accelerate broadband
deployment.
• Directs BT&H to collect and analyze current
broadband information so the state can accurately
map existing resources.
• Directs the Department of General Services
to make wireless Internet access available in state
buildings and use video streaming to deliver public
meetings, training materials and other state resources
online.
• Directs state agencies to enable Voiceover
Internet Protocol technologies for business and
government use, and include broadband installation
in their infrastructure planning.
• Local agencies will be able to contract with the
state for services and will likely enlist the assistance of
local government to craft the best approach.
To view a copy of the Executive Order and read
the Governor’s Office’s press release, visit
www.governor.ca.gov.
BROADBAND from page 1 ??????? ????
Visit (and bookmark!) the League’s
Legislative Resources page
(www.cacities.org/legresources). You’ll
find a roster and contact information for
the League’s legislative staff; the online
Bill Search program, background
materials on lobbying your legislators,
and more.
FIND A BILL, LEGISLATORS, LEG
COMMITTEE - OR ASK LEG STAFFVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 6 - PRIORITY FOCUS
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
Your City Wins If Voters Pass These
Measures. The following summarizes these
measures, and why they are important for cities,
as you make your choices at the ballot on No-
vember 7. For further information, also see the
story on the League website: “What Cities Can
Do To Help Rebuild California’s Infrastructure.”
Proposition 1A - Transportation Funding
Protection. Legislative Constitutional Amend-
ment. (Prop. 42 Reform)
This measure is not a bond, but a constitu-
tional amendment designed to “fix” Proposition 42
– the 2002 ballot measures that funded transpor-
tation — by permanently dedicating the sales tax
on gasoline to transportation purposes (with
narrow exceptions).
Like the League-sponsored Prop. 1A of 2004,
which protected local tax revenues from further
state takeaways, this measure will restrict the
Legislature’s ability to borrow the Prop. 42 funds
to the following:
• The Governor must declare that the state
faces a severe fiscal hardship, and the Legisla-
ture must enact a statute authorizing the borrow-
ing by two-thirds vote. At the same time, the
Legislature must pass a bill specifying that they
will repay the loan with interest within three years.
• The state can borrow the funds no more
than twice in 10 years, and must repay a prior
loan before borrowing.
• Any Prop. 42 transportation funds that
were borrowed by the state but not repaid as of
July 1, 2007, must be repaid within a 10-year
period (no later than June 30, 2016) at payment of
no less than one-tenth per year of the total
amount owed.
The measure also authorizes the Legislature
to provide for the issuance of bonds by state or
local agencies in accordance with the established
Prop. 42 allocation methodology.
Proposition 1B - Highway Safety, Traffic Re-
duction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act
of 2006.
The transportation bond, Proposition 1B,
contains more than $19 billion in funding to im-
prove our highways, our ports, commuter rail
systems, and other projects. This bond includes
many programs which will help local communities
across the state:
• The bond contains $2 billion to improve
local streets and roads. $1 billion of these funds
will be allocated directly to cities through a per-
capita formula that guarantees the smallest city a
minimum of $400,000 to address their most critical
transportation needs.
• The state-local partnership program will
help us leverage our local transportation funds with
$1 billion in state funds.
• The bond can help us reduce traffic con-
gestion on major local access roads that connect
to state highways through the $4.5 billion corridor
mobility improvement account.
• The $1 billion to improve Highway 99 is very
important to the economies of central valley com-
munities.
• Transportation congestion, goods move-
ment and air quality will be improved around our
state’s ports.
• $4 billion is dedicated to improving public
transit.
• There is also funding for seismic repairs to
local bridges, improving safety at railroad grade
crossings, and other programs.
We can’t afford not to make these invest-
ments.
?????????????? ?????????????????????????? INFRASTRUCTURE from page 1
Continued on Page 7PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 7 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
Proposition 1C - Housing and Emergency
Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006.
Prop. 1C contains $2.85 billion in funding to
address a range of housing needs, including $1.35
billion that helps cities address housing-related
infrastructure issues:
• Infill Housing Construction - $850 million
in grants for development of public infrastructure
projects that facilitate or support infill housing
construction. Projects could include water, sewer
and transportation improvements, traffic mitiga-
tion, brownfield clean up and up to an additional
$200 million for parks
• Urban, Suburban and Rural Parks -
$200 million
• Transit-Oriented Development - $300
million to develop and construct housing and
infrastructure projects within close proximity to
transit stations
Cities also benefit from other funding con-
tained in Prop. 1C:
• Affordable Home Ownership Programs
- $725 million to help over 23,600 families become
or remain homeowners
• Affordable Housing Construction
Programs - $345 million for affordable rental
housing for more than 4,000 families
• Housing for Farmworkers - $135 million
to build rental and home ownership oppor- tunities
to help farm workers
• Homeless Permanent Housing Con-
struction - $245 million to build permanent hous-
ing for the homeless, those transitioning out of
homelessness and foster care youth
• Homeless Shelter Housing Construc-
tion - $50 million to construct and expand home-
less shelters of last resort and transitional housing
for the homeless
For the Legislative Analyst’s Office summary
of Prop. 1C and all the November 2006 ballot
measures, visit .
Proposition 1D - Kindergarten - University
Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006.
This measure would provide $10.4 billion in
bonds to be deposited into the 2006 State School
Facilities fund, which will be used to meet capital
outlay needs of higher educational facilities, and
finance grants for construction and renovation of
schools, including charter schools and facilities
for career technical education programs, and to
relieve overcrowded schools. This also includes
$29 million to fund joint-use projects for
construction of K-12 school facilities.
• $1.9 billion for new construction of school
facilities.
• $500 million for providing school facilities
to charter schools.
• $3.3 billion for modernization of school
facilities.
• $500 million for facilities for career techni-
cal education programs.
• $1 billion for new construction to fund
severely overcrowded school sites.
• $1.5 billion for CA Community Colleges.
• $890 million for UC and Hastings College
of Law.
• $690 million for CSU.
Proposition 1E - Disaster Preparedness and
Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006.
This bond would provide a total of $4.09 billion
to prevent flooding by repairing levees and other
flood control infrastructure in the Sacramento-San
Joaquin River Delta and elsewhere. The funds will
be allocated as follows:
• $3 billion to evaluate, repair, rehabilitate,
reconstruct or replace levees, weirs, bypasses
and facilities contained in the state flood control
plan; improve or add facilities to increase levels of
flood prevention; and reduce the risk of levee
failure.
• $500 million to cover the past and future
obligations under the flood control subvention
?????????????? ?????????????????????????? INFRASTRUCTURE from page 6
Continued on Page 8Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 8 - PRIORITY FOCUS
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
payments to local governments for qualifying
projects.
• $290 million for the protection, creation,
and enhancement of flood protection corridors and
bypasses, including fund for floodplain mapping.
• $300 million for grants (with local match) to
manage storm water runoff to reduce flood dam-
age and provide benefits such as ground water
recharge, water quality improvement and ecosys-
tem.
Proposition 84 - Water Quality, Safety and
Supply. Flood Control. Natural Resource
Protection. Park Improvements. Bonds. Initia-
tive Statute.
Proposition 84, a $5.4 billion initiative slated for
the November 2006 statewide ballot, provides
funding for all of the major natural resource pro-
tection and water programs at the state level. The
total amount of funding for water programs is
$2.714 billion and includes:
$240 million for Safe Drinking Water
• $10 million for Emergency Safe Drinking
Water Projects
• $180 million for Small Community Grants
• $50 million for Safe Drinking Water
Revolving Fund
$1.28 billion for Integrated Water Management and
Water Quality
• $80 million for the Clean Water Revolving
Fund
• $1 billion for Integrated Regional Water
Management Grants (DWR)
• $60 million for Groundwater Cleanup
Loans and Grants (DHS)
• $130 million for Delta Water Quality
Improvement
• $15 million for Agricultural Pollution
Reduction
$800 million for Flood Control
• $30 million for Floodplain Mapping
• $275 million for Flood Control
• $275 million for Delta Levees
• $180 million for Subventions
• $40 million for Flood Corridors
$65 million for Statewide Water Planning and
Design
• Surface Water Storage Planning and
Feasibility (CalFed)
• Evaluation of Climate Change Impacts on
Flood and Water Systems
• Flood Protection Improvement
• Other Studies Related to Integration of
Flood and Water Systems
$928 million for Protection of Rivers, Lakes and
Streams
• $90 million for Stormwater Cleanup
(TMDLs)
• $180 million for Environmental Conflicts
Related to Water Projects
• $90 million for Colorado River, QSA and
Salton Sea
• $54 million for Public Access to State
Water Projects (State’s obligation)
• $72 million for River Parkways and $18
million for Urban Streams
• $72 million for the LA/San Gabriel Rivers
• $36 million for the San Joaquin River
• $36 million for Coachella/Desert Area
• $45 million for the Santa Ana River
• $90 million for Sierra Nevada Rivers and
Lake T ahoe
• $45 million for Restoration/Conservation
projects (California Conservation Corps)
• $100 million for San Joaquin River
Restoration
$450 million for Wildlife and Forest Conservation
• $180 million for Forests
• $135 million for Wildlife
• $90 million for Natural Community
Conservation Plans
• $45 million for Working Landscapes
• $15 million for Grazing Land
• $15 million for Oak Woodlands
Continued on Page 9
?????????????? ?????????????????????????? INFRASTRUCTURE from page 7PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 9 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org
November 3, 2006 - Issue #43
• $10 million for Farmland Conservancy
Program
• $5 million for Wildlife Stewardship Grants
$540 million for Beaches, Bays and Coastal
Protection
• $90 million for Clean Beaches (coastal
stormwater/TMDLs)
• $225 million for Bays
• $108 million for the San Francisco Bay
• $45 million for the Monterey Bay
• $45 million for the Santa Monica Bay
Watersheds
• $27 million for the San Diego Bay
• $135 million for the State Coastal
Conservancy
• $90 million for the Ocean Protection Trust
Fund
$500 million for Parks and Nature Education
Centers
• $400 million for State Parks
• $100 million for Nature Education Centers,
Museums and Aquariums
$580 million for Sustainable Communities
• $90 million for Urban Greening and Joint
Use Projects
• $400 million for Local and Regional Parks
• $90 million for Planning and Incentives for
Resource Conservation
Note: To view the language of any of these
measures as well as support and opposition
arguments, visit the Secretary of State’s website
at www.ss.ca.gov.
??????? INFRASTRUCTURE from page 8
For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and For more information on this and
other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit other League issues, visit
www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org. www.cacities.org.