Updates and Articles
SMW Successfully Challenges Sprawl Development on Agricultural Lands
The firm prevails in litigation challenging a sprawl development project in the San Joaquin/Sacramento Delta city of Oakley and enters into a settlement generating substantial mitigation fees for protection of agricultural land. (Greenbelt Alliance v. City of Oakley (2008).)
Read MoreHistoric Tejon Ranch Deal Preserves a Quarter of a Million Acres
In one of the largest conservation deals in California history, the firm, representing a coalition of conservation groups, negotiates an agreement in 2008 to preserve 240,000 acres of the historic Tejon Ranch, in Kern and Los Angeles Counties. SMW partners Richard Taylor and Bill White receive the California Lawyer's Attorney of the Year (CLAY) Award for this achievement.
Read MoreDonner Summit Recreation Lands and Open Space Protected
In 2008 the firm advises Sierra Watch and the Sierra Club in their successful efforts to stop urban development on open space and cross country ski trails on Donner Summit.
Read MoreSan Mateo County Coastal Open Space Protected
The firm advises on a master parks plan for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's annexation of the entire San Mateo Coast in 2004. It then successfully defends the annexation in court. (Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. San Mateo County LAFCO, 159 Cal.App.4th 717 (2008).)
Read MoreFlood and Habitat Protection for the Natomas Basin
From 2008 to the present, the firm represents the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency in more than 30 eminent domain actions to acquire property for the nation's largest flood control and habitat mitigation project in the Natomas Basin, encompassing parts of the City of Sacramento. Habitat mitigation includes the Giant Garter Snake and Swainson's Hawk.
Read MoreA Vote to Protect Open Space in San Clemente
Voters in San Clemente pass a referendum in 2008 against the Pacific Golf Club project, which was to be located in one of the City's largest open space areas. The firm drafts the referendum and successfully defends its sponsor's ballot argument in court.
Read MoreNapa County Voters Extend Initiative Protecting Agricultural Land
The firm drafts an initiative that extends Measure J, the agricultural protection initiative drafted by the firm in 1990 and upheld by the California Supreme Court in 1995, for another 50 years. In 2008 Napa County voters pass the initiative overwhelmingly.
Read MoreRoadway Realignment Project
The firm assisted the City of Alameda in the acquisition of right of way, relocation of affected property owners, roadway design, and landscaping design for the realignment and improvement of Willie Stargell Avenue.
Read MoreSMW Stops Massive Port of Stockton Expansion Project and Mitigates Environmental Impacts
The firm secures a federal injunction stopping the Port of Stockton's hastily started expansion. After a second victory in state court, the firm in 2007 negotiates dramatic reductions in the project's air and water pollution. (Deltakeeper v. Port of Stockton.)
Read MoreSMW Defends Initiative and Stops Developer From Harassing its Sponsors
The firm secures an emergency appellate ruling to stop what the court called a developer's “absurd and somewhat frightening” attempt to depose initiative proponents. The firm also successfully defends the initiative. (Save Loma Linda v. Superior Court (2007)).
Read MoreSMW Stops 4-Lane Bridge Through Open Space Canyon in San Diego
In response to litigation by the firm, the City of San Diego rescinds its controversial decision to construct a bridge over Rose Canyon, a sensitive resource. Later, the City removes the bridge from its General Plan. (Friends of Rose Canyon v. City of San Diego (2007).)
Read MoreSMW Participates in International Competition to Select Designer for New Transit Center
The firm assists the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) in conducting an international competition leading to the 2007 selection of lead architects for the innovative design of the new Salesforce Transit Center, including its more than 5-acre rooftop park, and design and construction of the tallest building in San Francisco, the Salesforce Tower.
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