HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

What started out as a celebration to mark our young nation’s independence from England more than 200 years ago, has evolved into a national holiday that celebrates the American spirit and our nation’s independent and powerful leadership in the world. Our nation was founded by recognizing a person’s inherent rights and responsibilities. We were founded on the principles of equality, religious tolerance, and opportunity. These beliefs have been challenged many times over the years, but have always been defended by men and women willing to protect these principles, sometimes by risking the ultimate sacrifice. As you celebrate this year take a moment to reflect on the unique and great nature of this country and to thank those who have given their lives to defend our way of life, as well as the current men and women in uniform in harm’s way. Because we have the freedom to do so, we sometimes get lost in the details of whatever societal argument we are currently in and a day like the 4th of July provides a good opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoy our freedoms, and reflect on what a truly great nation we live in.
 

ABANDONED COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BILL PASSES JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

AB 2025 (R-Silva; Huntington Beach) which revises the process by which abandoned property that is left behind in a commercial setting is disposed of, unanimously passed the Senate Floor, and is just one step away from the Governor’s Desk. BOMA California is the sponsor of this measure. Current law provides a process for a building owner to hold a public auction to dispose of abandoned property deemed to be worth more than $300 and treats residential personal property in the same manner as non-residential commercial property, even though the residential setting is very different from the business setting and has very different scenarios under which property is left behind. This bill would raise the threshold to trigger a public auction in the commercial setting to the monthly rent or square footage of the leased space.
 

NEW COALITION GROUP TO EDUCATE ON PROPERTY TAXES

BOMA California is a charter member of a newly formed coalition of business and taxpayer groups launched to educate the public and policymakers about the devastating impacts of higher property taxes, Californians Against Higher Property Taxes. Although higher property taxes are very unpopular and voters have rejected them time and again, policymakers continue to try to "raise revenue" in this manner. Proposals for property tax increases are under consideration right now in Sacramento that will only hurt California consumers, seniors and taxpayers and further damage our state’s struggling economy. Click here for more information.
 

NO BUDGET FOR START OF FISCAL YEAR

The new fiscal year began this week with no budget as legislative leaders continue negotiations at the Capitol. The smoking tent is not being engaged yet, so the legislative leaders known as the “Big 4,” (Senate President pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland; Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles; Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, R-Clovis; and Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill, R-Fresno) have been meeting without the Governor. Political insiders see no signs that the budget process is wrapping up any time soon. The budget gap is large and there are many policy items still being argued in the budget conference committee. The only reason for hope that this stalemate may not last through the summer, is the fact that the state is quickly running out of cash and has less options to beg, borrow, or steal (most discretionary accounts have been raided in past budgets). Watch for this to further heat up the summer.
 

BALLOT INITIATIVES NUMBERED

The ballot initiatives for the next statewide election have been assigned proposition numbers. Several controversial measures (animal rights, abortion, criminal sentencing, tax increases, and gay marriage) should make the airwaves crowded and keep mailboxes stuffed:

November 4, 2008 General Election Ballot:

Proposition 1 - Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century. Proposition 2 - Treatment of Farm Animals.
Proposition 3 - Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program.
Proposition 4 - Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy.
Proposition 5 - Nonviolent Offenders. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation.
Proposition 6 - Criminal Penalties and Laws. Public Safety Funding.
Proposition 7 - Renewable Energy.
Proposition 8 - Limit on Marriage.
Proposition 9 - Criminal Justice System. Victims' rights. Parole.
Proposition 10 - Bonds. Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy.
Proposition 11 – Legislative Redistricting.

Click here for full text of each proposition.
 

GREENHOUSE GAS PLAN RELEASED BY AIR RESOURCES BOARD

In case you missed it last week….

The California Air Resources Board has released its “Draft AB 32 Scoping Plan” – its initial plan to implement California’s historic “Climate Change Solutions Act of 2006,” meant to slash greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent (to 1990 levels) by 2020. BOMA California is in the process of analyzing the plan and we are seeking input from members. Below are links to the plan and to other helpful documents. Please circulate with folks that may have an interest and let us know if you have any comments/observations/analysis/questions. The plan is getting praise from all sectors of the business community and from environmentalists, but the difficult task of putting detail on the broad stroke proposals still lay ahead.

Please not the top “key element” of the plan is “Expansion and strengthening of existing energy efficiency programs and building and appliance standards.” This proposal is aimed at the way your company does business.

Click here to read the ARB Press Release.

Click here to read the full plan: Climate Change Draft Scoping Plan: a Framework for change. June 2008 Discussion Draft [.pdf; 77 page report]
 

BOMA CALIFORNIA 2008 CALENDAR

OCTOBER 23 —
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/RETAIL REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AWARDS DINNER
The Island Hotel (formerly the Four Seasons), Newport Beach, CA
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 24 —
BOMA CALIFORNIA BOARD MEETING & ELECTION OF 2009 OFFICERS
Newport Beach (The Irvine Company)
10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.