In the News

By Janet Wilson The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday designated nearly all of Southern California, parts of Arizona and much of the northeast as “national interest” energy transmission corridors, an action that allows federal regulators to approve new high-voltage towers and lets private utilities condemn homes and land even if a state agency won’t…. Read more »

By Matt Leedy   The Baskin family has been fixing up car seats and selling parts in downtown Fresno for 90 years, and fourth-generation owner Bruce Baskin has no interest in moving the business.His voice and temper rise when he talks about eminent domain and the city’s plans to replace Baskin’s Auto Supply and other… Read more »

By Malcolm Maclachlan Republicans were able to head off a Democrat-backed eminent domain measure in the closing days of session last week, despite a huge lobbying blitz by the League of California Cities and other proponents. The measure’s supporters say Republicans got most of what they wanted in amendment negotiations–and probably shot themselves in the… Read more »

By Anna Bakalis On the heels of a report suggesting one-third of the properties in Moorpark’s project area are blighted, the City Council is set to vote Wednesday night on reinstating eminent domain authority. The council is expected to consider and adopt eminent domain authority over the city’s project area — about 1,200 acres, including… Read more »

By Charles Cooper Photo by Mary O’Keefe The city of Glendale is apparently approaching the point when some legal decisions can be reached on the future of Mountain Oaks, a 40-acre open space parcel in La Crescenta. Those decisions could include the possible use of eminent domain by the city, according to attorney and Mayor… Read more »

By Dave Downey A proposed amendment to the state constitution that would bar cities and counties from condemning homes, churches or small businesses so they could be bulldozed to pave the way for private development is headed for a key vote. The state Assembly is expected to take up the bill, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8,… Read more »

By Robert LaHue A controversial flood control bill cleared the state Senate on Wednesday and is headed to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. AB 930, by Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, will give the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency the power to acquire land easements, including those outside SAFCA boundaries. The bill passed the Senate 24-11, with all… Read more »