In This Issue:

• BUDGET STALEMATE CONTINUES TO CONTINUE CONTINUING EVEN LONGER

• LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL FINALLY END – OR WILL IT?

• ***ACTION ALERT*** STOCKTON BEING STRONG-ARMED BY AG AND SIERRA CLUB

• 2008 INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

• CBPA 2008 CALENDAR

BUDGET STALEMATE CONTINUES TO CONTINUE CONTINUING EVEN LONGER

In order to avoid criticism that the Senate had not even put a budget up for a vote prior to equaling the longest budget stalemate in history, Senators held a budget “drill” today. After a string of floor speeches, two Democratic versions of the budget received a party line vote. The only deviation was from Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) who was present but did not vote. Just prior to the vote the Governor urged Republican lawmakers to support the budget, which they refused to do because of stated opposition to tax increases and lack of spending reductions. Next week we will somehow try to fit the word “historical” into the title of this story…
 

LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL FINALLY END – OR WILL IT?

Sunday evening at Midnight marks the constitutional deadline to send legislation to the Governor. Normally, the Legislature would get all of its work done by Friday night and adjourn for the year. However, due to the ongoing budget impasse, political insiders are not sure what will eventually happen. After that deadline only 2/3’s vote bills can be acted upon, so some believe the Legislature will dispense with all of its run-of-the-mill bills, then may remain in session to focus exclusively on the budget, but leave options open for working on major policy items that have thus far been stymied, like water bond legislation.

A full synopsis of legislative action will follow next week.
 

***ACTION ALERT*** STOCKTON BEING STRONG-ARMED BY AG AND SIERRA CLUB

The City of Stockton recently released a proposed agreement to settle a lawsuit brought by the Sierra Club (with a threat by the State Attorney General, Jerry Brown, to join the lawsuit if not adopted). The settlement agreement mandates, among other things, that the city adopt LEED Silver standards for all non-residential construction and Build it Green standards for all residential construction.

The settlement measure was brought before the Stockton City Council on Tuesday, August 26 where it was continued for two weeks so the council could further analyze potential impacts. Representatives from both the residential and non-residential building industry raised a host of concerns about the process by which the agreement was brought before the Council, with very little time for public review, and the substance of the agreement, which many testified would stymie housing starts and new commercial construction. There was understandable concern as the settlement, if approved, would be binding and would restrict the body from amending it in the future.

Click here to read the settlement agreement:
 

If you have interests in the area we ask that you call the city council and explain what impacts these measures would have on your ability to invest in the community. At the very least, we think the city should reject this deal and negotiate a better agreement that will guide the city in the common goal of GHG’s without hurting the city’s economy in the process:

Council Member Steve Bestolarides, telephone: 209-652-0152
Council Member Rebecca Nabors, telephone: 209-943-5834
Council Member Leslie Martin, telephone: 209-953-7745
Council Member Clem Lee, telephone: 209-466-9722
Mayor Ed Chavez, telephone: 209-937-8244

THANK YOU for any assistance you may be able to provide on this issue. If these bully tactics are not met and dispatched, then they will spread to a city near you!
 

2008 INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA

The Industry Awards Dinner is scheduled for October 23, 2008 at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach. This event is not to be missed as it is a chance to recognize the unwavering leadership of individuals and companies dedicated to our industry. Click here for more information about the honorees and for sponsorship information.

CBPA 2008 CALENDAR

October 23 -

CBPA Board Meeting
The Irvine Company, Newport Beach

2008 Industry Awards Dinner
Island Hotel, Newport Beach