Updates and Articles
Appellate Court Rejects Challenge to Initiative Drafted by SMW
Photo Credit: Clotee Pridgen Allochuku, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons The firm succeeds in defending a pre-election challenge to an initiative measure that it drafted to protect farmland in Stanislaus County. (Save Stanislaus Area Farm Economy v. Bd. of Supervisors, 13 Cal.App.4th 141 (1993).)
Read MoreSan Diego County Voters Pass Forest Conservation Initiative
Photo Credit: Duncan McFetridge Voters in San Diego County in 1993 pass the Forest Conservation Initiative, drafted by the firm for Save Our Forest and Ranchlands. The measure limits development on private lands within the Cleveland National Forest.
Read MoreTransfer of Development Rights Program in Livermore Protects Thousands of Acres of Land
In 1993 the firm begins its work with the Tri-Valley Conservancy and the City of Livermore to establish an urban growth boundary and protect thousands of acres of vineyards, olive orchards, and open space through more than 48 conservation easements and transfers of development rights.
Read MorePurchase of Property Creates Reserve Capacity for Waste Disposal
In 1992 the firm helps the Alameda County Waste Management Authority acquire land for reserve waste disposal capacity, composting, renewable energy generation, and carbon farming.
Read MoreIT Corporation Must Close Its Facility in Conformance With County Regulations
The firm advises the City of Benicia on the required environmental standards for closure of the Class I hazardous waste facility adjacent to the City, and files an amicus brief in the California Supreme Court arguing, as the Court rules, that the landfill operator is subject to County regulations. (IT Corporation v. Solano County, 1 Cal.4th 81 (1991)).
Read MoreChallenge to Santa Cruz County’s Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance Is Time Barred
The firm prevails in arguing that the mobile home park owner's cause of action accrued when the County enacted the mobile home rent control ordinance, not when the ordinance was later amended or each time that a mobile home is sold to a new tenant. (De Anza Properties X v. County of Santa Cruz, 936 F.2d 1084 (9th Cir. 1991).)
Read MoreProtected: Groundbreaking Commercial Housing Fee Upheld
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Read MoreImportant Wetlands Protected
The firm represents Save the Bay and the National Audubon Association as intervenors in the successful defense, in the Ninth Circuit, of the Army Corps of Engineers' jurisdiction over property that government actions had helped make aquatic. (Leslie Salt Co. v. U.S, 896 F.2d 354 (9th Cir. 1990).)
Read MoreSMW Advises Sacramento on Reuse of the Railyards
In 1990 the firm begins representing the City of Sacramento in connection with ongoing site cleanup, adoption of specific plans, relocation of streets and infrastructure for mixed-use redevelopment of the historic terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. The firm's work continues for twelve years.
Read MoreAppellate Court Issues Landmark Decision Invalidating Approval of Industrial Project in Kings County
The firm prevails in challenging a coal-fired cogeneration facility in the City of Hanford. The court of appeal's landmark ruling holds that the environmental impact report must analyze the project's cumulative impacts on air quality. (Kings County Farm Bureau v. City of Hanford, 221 Cal.App.3d 692 (1990).)
Read MoreNinth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Takings Action Against Butte County
The firm obtains dismissal of action alleging that the County of Butte unlawfully denied developer's proposals for obtaining sewer service. The Ninth Circuit affirms the District Court's decision that developer's takings claims were not ripe for adjudication and the U.S. Supreme Court denies cert. (St. Claire v. City of Chico and County of Butte, 880 F.2d 199 (9th Cir. 1989).)
Read MoreCourt Prevents Town from Enforcing Code on Tribal Lands
The firm obtains a federal court order declaring that the Town of Parker lacked jurisdiction to enforce its building and zoning ordinances on lands owned by the Colorado River Indian Tribes. (Colorado River Indian Tribes v. Town of Parker, 705 F.Supp. 473 (1989).)
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