Tag "PLAs"

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Mayor’s ‘arena hype machine’ shuns due diligence, economic analysis

Arena Derangement Syndrome continues. “Collusion” and “shady dealings,” are just a few of the words used in a letter to describe the City of Sacramento’s “utter failure to conduct any economic analysis” in the proposed taxpayer-subsidized sports arena. Attorneys representing members

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Hey Sacramento — publicly-funded arenas are bad for business

While running record deficits, Sacramento’s Mayor Kevin Johnson and city officials approved a $447.7 million arena deal at the Downtown Plaza in March, claiming a public-private partnership – only the private contributions amount to about one-third. Sacramento’s publicly funded arena deal

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Sacramento's arena deal has a new player

A new coalition has emerged in Sacramento's battle of the publicly subsidized sports arena. But this new player is on behalf of the taxpayers and citizens of Sacramento. On the steps of Sacramento City Hall Tuesday afternoon, I witnessed members of

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Gov. Brown signs SB 7 to neuter Charter Cities

Despite the California Constitution section which guarantees California's 121 charter cities the authority over their  municipal business, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 7, which will deprive these cities of state funding and financial assistance for projects if they do not pay the

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Sacto arena bill signed, but not over yet

I hate “I told ya so” moments. Gov. Jerry Brown just signed SB 743, “easing environmental regulations for developments in California cities, including a new basketball arena in downtown Sacramento,” the Los Angeles Times said. In March I predicted Senate President Pro

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The high cost of ignoring the truth: Sacramento Convention Center

The City of Sacramento, usually on the wrong side of economic sense and accountability, is planning to build an even bigger, more expensive Convention Center, despite $16 million in annual losses over a 10-year period, and cumulative losses of $218 million over

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Steinberg rushing arena bill through last days of session

Strange bedfellows are camping out under the bleachers to oppose an arena in Sacramento for the Kings pro basketball team. They're united in opposition because of the lack of public debate, the dubious numbers put out by the city and

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SB 7 subverts charter cities’ autonomy

June 19, 2013 By Katy Grimes While reports of an improving California economy abound, many in the state aren’t buying it — particularly given how many anti-business bills are working through the Legislature. Of particular interest is Senate Bill 7,

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High-Speed Rail hearing cuts off opposing speakers

Feb. 26, 2013 By Katy Grimes SACRAMENTO — At Assembly Transportation Committee hearings in the Capitol on Monday, Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, cut the microphone of two speakers during the three minutes left for public comment at the end. The

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Prevailing wage scams steal from taxpayers

Jan. 11, 2013 By Katy Grimes In what strange world do janitors get paid $45 per hour? In California, the land of the prevailing wage. The dirty secret is that janitors often are not really getting paid $45 per hour,

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