Legislation Details

File #: HIST-1531    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Consent Agenda
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 1/9/2006 Final action: 1/9/2006
Title: LEGISLATION AND LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES PRIORITY FOCUS BULLETNS, Issues # 48 and 49 Dated December 16th and 22, 2005.
Attachments: 1. Priority Focus.dec16.pdf, 2. priority focus.dec22.pdf
December 16, 2005 Issue #48-2005 The Legislature is in recess until January 4. WANT MORE DETAILS ON BILLS? Visit the League of California Cities website at www.cacities.org/ billsearch. TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS, KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS, KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS, KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS, KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS, FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORS HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Page 3 Alex Padilla, president of the League of California Cities and a Los Angeles City council member, testified on December 13 at the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee’s hearing in Los Angeles on Sen. Pro Tem Don Perata’s SB 1024, more commonly known as the “infrastructure bond.” For more, see Page 4. ??????????????????????? ??????????????? LEAGUE PRESIDENT TESTIFIES AT SENATE LEAGUE PRESIDENT TESTIFIES AT SENATE LEAGUE PRESIDENT TESTIFIES AT SENATE LEAGUE PRESIDENT TESTIFIES AT SENATE LEAGUE PRESIDENT TESTIFIES AT SENATE INFRASTRUCTURE BOND HEARING INFRASTRUCTURE BOND HEARING INFRASTRUCTURE BOND HEARING INFRASTRUCTURE BOND HEARING INFRASTRUCTURE BOND HEARING SB 1024 seeks to address California’s infrastructure challenges with respect to transportation, housing, water quality and flood control. As cur- rently outlined in background materials provided by the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, SB 1024 provides funding for the following: For more, see Page 5. ???????????????????????? ?????????????? SB 1024: WHAT THE BOND DOES SB 1024: WHAT THE BOND DOES SB 1024: WHAT THE BOND DOES SB 1024: WHAT THE BOND DOES SB 1024: WHAT THE BOND DOES The League is asking cities to CALL their members of Congress TODAY, to urge them to vote against an amendment introduced by Representative John Campbell (Calif. - 49th Congressional District) to H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. For more, see Page 4. LEAGUE URGES ‘NO’ VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4437 LEAGUE URGES ‘NO’ VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4437 LEAGUE URGES ‘NO’ VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4437 LEAGUE URGES ‘NO’ VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4437 LEAGUE URGES ‘NO’ VOTE ON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 4437Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS December 16, 2005 - Issue #48 Technological advances in telecommunications are creating enormous pressure in Congress and throughout the United States for regulatory reforms that could dramatically affect cities’ ability to protect consumers and public rights-of-way, and maintain revenues needed for local services. The League plans to run “Telecom in the News” in Priority Focus at least every other week, to spotlight events and trends of interest to city officials. Telecom Companies Lobbying for Two-Tiered Internet In Washington D.C., AT&T and BellSouth Corp. are busy lobbying Capitol Hill for the right to estab- lish a two-tiered Internet that would enable the telecom carriers’ services to be transmitted over a faster system than their competitors. Largely a dispute over video services, major Internet sites such as Google Inc., Yahoo Inc., and Microsoft Corp. oppose the idea, fearing that it would give the telecom companies far-reaching control over a rapidly expanding part of the Internet. For the complete story, visit www.boston.com and search for the article titled “Telecoms want their products to travel on a faster Internet.” More Vonage VoIP Users Get E911 Service Vonage, a Voice over Internet Provider (VoIP) announced earlier this week that is customer base now have enhanced access to emergency 911 (E911) services. The ability to access E911 services has been one of the landmark reasons why the deployment of other VoIPs has been delayed. Visit www.techweb.com to read the full article. Hermosa Beach City Council One Step Closer to Approving Cable Franchise The city of Hermosa Beach moved one step closer to approving a cable franchise for Verizon TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS TELECOM IN THE NEWS Communications Inc., this week – the fourth in California, and first in Los Angeles County. The council voted to approve the franchise, but it must undergo one more vote in January 2006, after a second reading of municipal ordi- nances. For the complete story, visit www.multichannel.com and search for the article titled “Verizon Hits Hermosa Beach.” ????????????????????? ? ? Congratulations! You’ve just won election to the city council (or to be mayor), and now will help govern your city! It’s a huge responsibility – but help is at hand. It’s the League of California Cities’ Mayors and Council Members Academy Leadership Institute – and the Institute is holding an orientation for newly elected city officials on January 11-13, in Sacra- mento. You’ll learn about municipal law, ethics, land use, municipal finance, how to deal with the media and gain other information that you can put to work immediately. The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, located at 1230 J Street in downtown Sacramento. Upon completion, the attendees graduate from the first level of the Mayors and Council Members Academy, and can proceed on to higher levels of leadership training. More information on the Academy and the multiple levels of leadership can be found on the League website at www.cacities.org. If you know someone who was elected to office during the past year, encourage them to register for this important event. Many have found that this program is essential for success in office. To register and view the official program an- nouncement, please visit the League’s Upcoming Programs/Events page at www.cacities.org/ events. REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ REGISTER NOW FOR NEWLY ELECTEDS’ JANUARY PROGRAM JANUARY PROGRAM JANUARY PROGRAM JANUARY PROGRAM JANUARY PROGRAMPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org December 16, 2005 - Issue #48 The League congratulates Margaret Finlay, mayor of Duarte, who was elected last week during National League of Cities’ (NLC) 2005 Congress of Cities to serve on NLC’s board of directors in 2006. Finlay has a long history of service to the NLC, beginning in 1994 as a member of the NLC Human Development Policy Committee. She served as NLC Program Committee chair in 2005. Finlay’s candidacy for the NLC board was endorsed by the League of California Cities. Her NLC election also restores her to membership on the League’s board of directors, as an NCL repre- sentative. She had previously served on the League’s board during 2001-2004, and represented the League’s Public Safety Policy Committee from 1993-1996. Finlay has been active for many years in the city of Duarte and the Los Angeles region, serving on a variety of boards, councils, and committees, including a stint as the Los Angeles LAFCO Com- missioner. Margaret’s history with the League began in 1993 as a member of the Public Safety Policy Committee, leading to her initial seat on the board of directors in 2001. California’s Moura Appointed to Public Tech- nology Board Of Directors Brian Moura, assistant city manager for the City of San Carlos and a member of the League’s Telecommunications Task Force, was one of three city officials selected from a national pool to join the board of directors of the Public Technology Insti- tute. The Public Technology Institute is a national member-supported organization based in Wash- ington, D.C. As the only technology organization created by and for cities and counties, PTI works with a core network of leading local government officials (the PTI membership) to identify opportuni- ties for technology research, share best practices, offer consultancies and pilot demonstrations, promote technology development initiatives, and KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS KEEPING UP WITH LEAGUE MEMBERS FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS FINLAY ELECTED TO NLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS develop enhanced educational programming. Officials from PTI member governments partici- pate in councils and forums that address specific technology areas. The PTI Board is responsible for providing governance and oversight for PTI, a national non- profit organization created to address the tech- nology issues impacting local government. In announcing the appointments, PTI Board of Directors’ Chairman Brian J. O’Neill cited the technical, management, and policy experience and expertise that each appointee brings to the board, as well as their active participation in PTI member programs. The League congratulates Brian Moura on his selection to the PTI board of directors. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security will be hosting a two-day regional conference to provide information on its programs, updates, and key information for FY 2006 in the areas of grants, training, exercises, critical infrastructure protection, and information sharing. The workshops will be on February 1 and 2, 2006, in Southern California, and February 7 and 8, 2006, in Northern California. For more infor- mation, contact Katie Lawlor, executive fellow, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, at (916) 323-7727. HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY BE HELD IN FEBRUARY BE HELD IN FEBRUARY BE HELD IN FEBRUARY BE HELD IN FEBRUARY ????? ??????????????????? Restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians. Our MissionVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 4 - PRIORITY FOCUS December 16, 2005 - Issue #48 SB 1024, The Safe Facilities, Improved Mobil- ity, Disaster Preparedness and Clean Air Bond Act of 2005, would place before voters a bond to invest $10.3 billion in California’s infrastructure. Of particular interest to cities in the current bond proposal package is a provision for the repayment of Proposition 42 money to fund projects that lost money in 2003 and 2004, when the Legislature transferred the funds to other state needs. Council Member Padilla’s testimony focused on several areas, including: • The importance of adequate and ongo- ing funding for infrastructure, to keep up with the tremendous needs for improved roads, transit, affordable housing and economic development. • A permanent fix for Prop. 42 funding. Council Member Padilla highlighted how important these funds are to maintain the overall road sys- tems between jurisdictions and the state highways, including the secondary highway system, where most vehicle trips begin and end. • Cities need funding to help rebuild California. While cities have the responsibility and the will at the local level to invest in California’s future, cities lack resources. California will not successfully address the state’s infrastructure needs unless our cities also receive adequate funds. • Suggestions for additional items that the state infrastructure package should con- tain, including: (1) A more significant investment aimed specifically at addressing an array of infill issues (streets, water, sewer, urban parks, etc.) which will allow cities to address local needs to accommodate higher density housing in locations that complement transit investments; and, (2) An investment in affordable housing funds targeted specifically at these areas. • Infrastructure and Healthy Cities. With “safe and healthy cities” a League focus for 2006, League President Padilla emphasized the con- nection between healthy communities, and infrastructure improvements that shorten com- mutes, create more recreation opportunities, and make it easier and safer for children and adults to walk and bike to school, work and recreation. Next Steps The League is aware that the governor and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez are working on infrastructure packages. However, the only proposed legislative measure in print is Senate Pro Tem Don Perata’s SB 1024. Sen. Alan Lowenthal, chair of the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee, closed the hearing by reiterating that the intent is to make infrastructure funding a bi-partisan effort, in partnership with the administration, to get Califor- nia on the move again. He also commented that this is more than a street and road issue, it is a quality of life issue, and we need to look at taking an integrated approach to housing, transporta- tion, parks, roads, and cultural and educational institutions. BOND HEARING BOND HEARING BOND HEARING BOND HEARING BOND HEARING from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 ?????? ??????????????????????????????????? The proposed amendment would block federal law enforcement funds from going to local govern- ments that have enacted laws that expressly prohibit local law enforcement officers from informing the federal government of known illegal immigrants. The Campbell amendment would pre-empt local authority by forcing municipalities to either deputize law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigra- tion laws or lose millions of dollars in federal funding. “We recognize that our members may have different points of view on the policy issues relating to border protection and immigration”, said League Executive Director Chris McKenzie. “We’re not suggesting that our cities weigh in one way or the other on those issues. “This proposed amendment directly undermines local control over local resources – a core issue for Continued on Page 5 ??????????? ?????????????? H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1PRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 5 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org December 16, 2005 - Issue #48 ??????????????????????????????????????? ???? SB 1024 SB 1024 SB 1024 SB 1024 SB 1024 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 • $2.3 billion to repay transportation loans to jumpstart transportation projects. The repayment funds in the bond would be used to repay Prop. 42 monies diverted by the state to balance the budget in fiscal years 2003-04 and 2004-05. • $1.2 billion for flood protection in California. $1 billion for the inspection and strengthening of California’s 1,600 miles of project levees and an additional $200 million is provided to local flood control agencies to provide flood protection on local streams, rivers and creeks. • $1.5 billion for regions to fund high priority projects. • $2.5 billion to relieve traffic and im prove security and air quality at Califor- nia ports. • $1 billion for an incremental approach to High Speed Rail. The bond would provide $200 million to five separate corri- dors in California to prepare for the possi- bility of developing a high-speed rail sys- tem. The funds could be used for environ- mental work, right-of-way acquisition, and grade separations. • $1.25 billion in funds to provide incen- tives for more infill and transit-oriented development in California. SB 1024 provides $275 million to promote projects that locate housing, retail and office cen- ters within one-fourth of a mile from transit stations. The remaining $975 million for infill and housing incentives would be used as follows: ? $425 million for infill incentive grants for capital outlay for infrastructure that includes water and sewer hook-ups, related transportation improvements, and the development or rehabilitation of urban parks. ? $200 million for grants from the Secretary of Resources for acquisition of wildlife habitat, open space and easements on agricultural land, as mitigation for the policies adopted in a region’s growth plan. ? $200 million to rehabilitate multi-family housing in designated infill areas. ? $100 million for grants for local agencies to improve upfront planning necessary for urban infill development. ? $50 million to clean up vacant sites in urban areas so they can be made useful to accommodate future growth. • The remaining $525 million in the bond is for the following types of investments: ? $425 million in additional transportation funds for improving treets to local govern- ments that meet their share of the re gional housing need. ? $100 million is for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. the League of California Cities,” McKenzie added. “We urge our members to act quickly on this issue. Congress could act today or within the next few days. We know that they are working hard to recess for the holidays.” The League asks our cities to CALL their mem- bers of Congress and deliver these messages: Vote “NO” on the Campbell Amendment to H.R. 4437, because it: • Preempts local authority over law enforce- ment officials, and • Will strip local municipalities of much needed federal law enforcement funds. H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 H.R. 4437 from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 from page 4 ???? ?????????????????????? December 22, 2005 Issue #49-2005 The Legislature is in recess until January 4. WANT MORE DETAILS ON BILLS? Visit the League of California Cities website at www.cacities.org/ billsearch. SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Priority Focus will not publish next week, and will re- sume on Friday, January 6. ???????????????????????? ?????????????? Congratulations! You’ve just won election to the city council (or to be mayor), and now will help govern your city! It’s a huge responsibility – but help is at hand. It’s the League of California Cities’ Mayors and Council Members Academy Leadership Institute – and the Institute is holding an orientation for newly elected city officials on January 11- 13, 2006, in Sacramento. You’ll learn about municipal law, ethics, land use, municipal finance, how to deal with the media and gain other information that you can put to work immediately. For more, see Page 3. CALLING ALL NEWLY ELECTEDS! CALLING ALL NEWLY ELECTEDS! CALLING ALL NEWLY ELECTEDS! CALLING ALL NEWLY ELECTEDS! CALLING ALL NEWLY ELECTEDS! REGISTER NOW FOR JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR JANUARY PROGRAM REGISTER NOW FOR JANUARY PROGRAM Do you have a great idea for a session or speaker for the 2006 League of California Cities Annual Conference? If so, we want to know about it! For more, see Page 3. ???????????????????????? ?????????????? CALLING ALL GREAT IDEAS... CALLING ALL GREAT IDEAS... CALLING ALL GREAT IDEAS... CALLING ALL GREAT IDEAS... CALLING ALL GREAT IDEAS... On January 4, 2006, the California Legislature reconvenes, and a busy legislative year commences. Are you up-to-speed on all the important legisla- tive information, dates and deadlines? For more, see Page 3. HELPFUL LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES ON HELPFUL LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES ON HELPFUL LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES ON HELPFUL LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES ON HELPFUL LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES ON THE LEAGUE’S WEBSITE THE LEAGUE’S WEBSITE THE LEAGUE’S WEBSITE THE LEAGUE’S WEBSITE THE LEAGUE’S WEBSITEVisit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org PAGE 2 - PRIORITY FOCUS December 22, 2005 - Issue #49 The League of California Cities is pleased to announce a new joint purchasing contract avail- able to California cities for office supplies. Los Angeles County has awarded Office Depot a comprehensive new contract for classroom and office supplies. The contract was awarded through the U.S. Communities Governmental Purchasing Alliance and is available for use by participating public agencies nationwide effective January 2, 2006. This new contract provides improved pricing and a much more comprehensive range of office and classroom supplies. Office Depot has added over 1000 new products to their general catalog. Overall core-list pricing has improved in the range of 3 to 12 percent. Several additions to the con- tract provide even greater value, including copy and print services, which are now available from Office Depot retail locations, and a new 800-page catalog of products. The office and classroom supplies contract results from an extensive evaluation of several proposals. The evaluation team included a cross section of cities, counties and school districts from around the country. Several agencies have indicated that this new contract may provide overall saving of much as 10 percent more than the old contract due to product expansion and pricing improvements. Whether your agency is a long-time user of the Office Depot contract — about 200 California cities already use this program and are literally saving millions of dollars — or you are new to the program, we encourage you to explore the new savings and services that are available through this exciting new contract. For more information on the contract, visit www.uscommunities.org. U.S. Communities registered participants can visit www.secure.cacommunities.com to request a direct contact from your Office Depot represen- tative. ?????? ?????????????????? SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES SAVE ON OFFICE SUPPLIES Please share this information with officials responsible for city purchases. If you have ques- tions about the League-sponsored joint purchas- ing program offered by U.S. Communities, contact Dan Harrison in the League’s Sacramento office at (916) 658-8237 or dharrison@cacities.org, or go online to www.uscommunities.org. The following information was provided by the California Association for Local Economic Develop- ment: Tracking Micro-Businesses and the Self- Employed Non-employers are businesses that have no paid employees and are subject to federal income tax. This 2003 report identifies the number of non- employer businesses in each state. Visit www.census.gov to view the statistics. Business Activity Data Lurks in Environmental Records Another resource for learning about business activity is the Environmental Protection Agency’s detailed data located online at www.epa.gov/ triexplorer/. How Does Economic Development Work and Is It Working? Don Iannone, leading economic development consultant shares his views on economic develop- ment and how to measure your successes. He details five actions that can strengthen economic development’s ability to contribute to an improve- ment in the economic well-being of people. To read this article, visit www.don-iannone.com and search for the article titled “How Does Eco- nomic Development Work and Is It Working?” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWSPRIORITY FOCUS - PAGE 3 Visit the League’s Official Website--www.cacities.org December 22, 2005 - Issue #48 NEWLY ELECTEDS’ NEWLY ELECTEDS’ NEWLY ELECTEDS’ NEWLY ELECTEDS’ NEWLY ELECTEDS’ from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, located at 1230 J Street in downtown Sacra- mento. Upon completion, the attendees graduate from the first level of the Mayors and Council Members Academy, and can proceed on to higher levels of leadership training. More information on the Academy and the multiple levels of leadership can be found on the League website at www.cacities.org. If you know someone who was elected to office during the past year, encourage them to register for this important event. Many have found that this program is essential for success in office. To register and view the official program announce- ment, please visit the League’s Upcoming Pro- grams/Events page at www.cacities.org/events. ???? ? ? CONFERENCE IDEAS CONFERENCE IDEAS CONFERENCE IDEAS CONFERENCE IDEAS CONFERENCE IDEAS from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 ????? ??????????????????? It’s time to plan the 2006 League Annual Conference, and it’s important that all League members have an opportunity to contribute to the content being planned. Who are the thought leaders that understand municipal government and the issues our cities face on a daily basis? What are the vital issues that our membership must learn to succeed beyond 2006? Now is your chance to submit your proposal suggestions - the deadline for submissions is Friday, January 13, 2006. For complete details and a proposal submis- sion form, please e-mail Tracy Petrillo at tpetrillo@cacities.org. The Annual Conference will be held September 6-9, 2006 in San Diego. The theme is “All Politics Is Local.” The Legislative Resources section is the first link under the “Issues and Legislation” option found on the home page of the League’s website. You can also find this page directly at www.cacities.org/legresources. The page has a variety of links that will help keep you prepared and on top of the dates, issues, and events going on throughout 2006. In this section, links are provided for the League’s “hot bills,” legislative contact infor- mation, the legislative calendar, the League’s online Advocacy Center, Priority Focus (the weekly newsletter keeping you informed of all League legislative matters), and much more. To access the 2006 Legislative Calendar, go to www.cacities.org. ???? ???? LEG RESOURCES LEG RESOURCES LEG RESOURCES LEG RESOURCES LEG RESOURCES from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 from page 1 Here’s an opportunity to acquire the books written by some of the speakers on the pro- gram. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Ex- plores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner, item no. 115 Guide to California Planning, by William Fulton & Paul Shigley, item no. 384 Sidewalk Strategies: Seven Winning Steps for Candidates, Causes and Communities, by Larry Tramutola, item no. 1607 Urban Sprawl and Public Health: Designing, Planning, and Building for Healthy Communities by Richard Jackson, item no. 1730 CityBooks can help increase your profes- sional knowledge in vital areas. Don’t miss this great way to expand and share your learning with colleagues at city hall! Books may be purchased online at www.cacities.org/store or call (916) 658-8257 for an order form. UNABLE TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF UNABLE TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF UNABLE TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF UNABLE TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF UNABLE TO ATTEND THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES 2005 ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CITIES 2005 ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CITIES 2005 ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CITIES 2005 ANNUAL CALIFORNIA CITIES 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE? CONFERENCE? CONFERENCE? CONFERENCE? CONFERENCE?