CP&DR

Cal Supremes Uphold Semi-Secret Ballot in Prop 218 Vote

Jul 8, 2010

California, Initiatives and referendums, Legal Digest, Vol. 25 No. 13 July 1-15 2010, Water, William W. Abbott

A unanimous California Supreme Court has upheld a trial court's decision to reject a challenge to a Proposition 218 election for a storm drainage fee, thus reversing a decision by First District Court of Appeal.

The state high court ruled the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District maintained the requisite level of voting secrecy in accordance with the 1996 "Right to Vote on Taxes Initiative," which requires voter approval for certain local fees.

In Brief: Sonoma County Abandons Russian River Water Plan

Sep 18, 2009

CP&DR Staff, In Brief, Sonoma County, Vol. 24 No. 12 Sep 2009 - 2, Water

News from around the state: Sonoma County drops plans to take more water from the Russian River, angering cities; CSU Monterey Bay agrees to mitigate some of its off-campus impacts; Lake County may get a fourth Indian casino.

Court Clears Water District Consolidation Process

May 12, 2009

CP&DR Staff, Legal Digest, San Bernardino County, Vol. 24 No. 06 Jun 2009, Water

The San Bernardino Local Agency Formation Commission may proceed with the proposed consolidation of two water districts, the Second District Court of Appeal has ruled. The court rejected the argument of one district that the proposed consolidation is not subject to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Government Reorganization Act and that the consolidation is actually a dissolution.

Commission Recommends State Water Boards Reform

Feb 27, 2009

California, CP&DR Staff, Featured Articles, Vol. 24 No. 03 Mar 2009, Water

The state's system for regulating water quality is failing, according to the Little Hoover Commission. In a recent report, the investigative panel concluded the current system managed by the State Water Resources Control Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards lacks transparency, consistency and accountability, and that the system does not demonstrably improve water quality.

Court Defers To City On Water Study Methodology

Dec 19, 2008

Legal Digest, Paul Shigley, Sonoma County, Vol. 24 No. 01 Jan 2009, Water

Cities, counties and public water agencies have broad discretion over the way they conduct water supply assessments for development projects that rely on groundwater, the First District Court of Appeal has ruled.

LAO Water Recommendations Touch Sensitive Areas

Oct 24, 2008

California, CP&DR Staff, Featured Articles, Vol. 23 No. 11 Nov 2008, Water

State lawmakers need to decide what to do with the Bay Delta, "and soon," the Legislative Analyst's Office urges in a new report. The lengthy document released in late-October is mostly an overview of the state's water system, but the report concludes with several potentially controversial recommendations.

Antelope Valley Water Shortage Slows Growth, Raises Questions

Oct 5, 2008

California, Local Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 23 No. 10 Oct 2008, Water

In combination with the housing market crash, a water shortage has brought construction nearly to a halt in the Antelope Valley. Even if the market were to bounce back in the next year or two, it's unclear that water providers could serve a substantial number of new homes and businesses.

Water Data Drought Prevents Good Planning, Report Finds

Sep 5, 2008

California, Environment Watch, Paul Shigley, Vol. 23 No. 09 Sep 2008, Water

State laws approved seven years ago requiring water assurances for large development projects appear to be of minimal aid in determining whether the state and regions have enough water for the future. That's the conclusion of a California Research Bureau (CRB) report released with zero fanfare in August.

Challenge To Water Supply Assessment Must Wait For EIR, Court Rules

May 19, 2008

CP&DR Staff, Legal Digest, Los Angeles County, Vol. 23 No. 06 Jun 2008, Water

A water supply assessment provided by a water agency for a proposed development project is not subject to legal scrutiny until it becomes part of an environmental impact report, the Second District Court of Appeal has ruled.

Stormwater Regulations Proliferate

Apr 4, 2008

California, Featured Articles, Paul Shigley, Vol. 23 No. 04 Apr 2008, Water

State water quality officials are continuing to press forward with more and more strict regulations for stormwater runoff. In response, planners and developers are worried about the cost of implementation and potentially unintended consequences.