Updates and Articles
Flood 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.
Read MoreLegislation Authorizes Infill on San Francisco Port Parking Lots
The firm drafts legislation for the Port of San Francisco, passed by the California Legislature in 2007 (SB 815), authorizing a broad range of housing and other urban uses on Seawall Lots that are vacant or used for surface parking, and creating new revenue opportunities to allow the Port to rehabilitate its threatened historic finger piers.
Read MoreMarin County Comprehensive General Plan Update Approved
The firm's attorneys and planners represent Marin County in the award-winning 2007 update of its General Plan and resulting amendments to the County's Development Code to implement wetland and stream conservation programs.
Read MoreA Lifeline for a Rare Salamander
Photo credit: Gary Nafis With the firm's help, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, and the Center for Biological Diversity bring successful litigation against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to restore protection for the Scott Bar Salamander under the California Endangered Species Act. (Environmental Protection Information Center v. CDFW (2007).)
Read MoreCourt Upholds Infill Development Involving Reuse of Historic Theatre
Photo Credit: BWChicago, Flickr, CC BY 2.0 The firm advises and successfully defends the City of Alameda in a suit challenging a redevelopment project in downtown Alameda involving the restoration of the historic Alameda Theatre and the construction of an adjacent cineplex with parking to subsidize the restoration effort. (Citizens for a Megaplex-Free Alameda v. City of Alameda, 149 Cal.App.4th 91 (2007).)
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