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Articles by Alex Applegate
OPINION: City needs better plan for addressing safety problems on East Central
The city of Albuquerque may be pledging to spend $5 million on making changes to East Central, but what its Department of Municipal Development is proposing doesn’t seriously address the root causes that make East Central one of the deadliest stretches of road for pedestrians in the entire country. The most hazardous stretch between Louisiana and Wyoming experiences heavy foot traffic of people often impaired by substance abuse and mental illness.
Traveling for the holidays? Think carefully about public Wi-Fi
Roughly 160 million Americans are expected to travel this holiday season between late November through mid-January, marking a return to what feels more like pre-pandemic trends. And of those, about 56% are expected to stay in hotels. As more and more of people’s lives are lived online, it’s important not to leave cyber hygiene at home when traveling this holiday season — especially while working from the road.
Data privacy bill is flawed, but necessary
A bipartisan data privacy bill that progressed out of a House committee in July has not been getting the attention it deserves in the news. The American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), which advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a 53-2 vote, is the most significant federal data protection law in the United States since the U.S. Privacy Act of 1974.
Sacramento City Council repeals decades-old ban on car cruising
Sacramento City Council repeals decades-old ban on car cruising The Sacramento City Council this week voted unanimously to delete a section of City code that outlawed car cruising in certain areas. The effort to make the change, spearheaded by Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, came after months of discussions with the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and other car enthusiasts and community organizations. The ban on cruising was put in place in 1988 but had not been actively enforced for many years.
Register now for the 2022 Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford in July
Register now for the 2022 Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford in July The annual Local Governance Summer Institute (LGSI) seminar at Stanford University is designed to present the best blend of the academic and the practitioner worlds to local government professionals who want to expand their outlook and skill set in this continually evolving field.
County of Orange appoints Charlene Reynolds as director of John Wayne Airport
Yesterday the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Charlene Reynolds as the Director of John Wayne Airport. “After conducting a wide recruitment, we’re pleased to welcome Ms. Reynolds as the new director of the Orange County airport,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District.
Anaheim City Council votes to void Angel Stadium of Anaheim agreement
Anaheim’s City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to void a 2020 agreement to sell Angel Stadium of Anaheim and see development around it. The vote follows the May 16 notice of a federal investigation into former mayor Harry Sidhu stemming from actions he may have taken related to the stadium site proposal. Sidhu resigned as mayor on Monday.
What’s gone right in California? Residents say California has solved some problems in the last 20 years
In partnership with PublicCEO, Probolsky Research surveyed 900 registered voters in California to discover what they think has gone right in California over the last two decades. California, along with the rest of the country, has seen drastic changes to leadership, policy priorities, voter priorities and significant challenges facing Californians since 2002. But did anything get better? They asked: What is one public problem you think California has solved in the last 20 years?
A Pipe Dream to Bring Colorado River Water to San Diego Re-Emerges
“What would a pipe cost? It’s a crazy idea – don’t me wrong, don’t get me wrong – but we want to look at all ideas,” Jim Madaffer, the Water Authority’s vice chairman, said in an interview last week. He said he and two other board leaders asked the agency to look into the pipeline. If a pipeline to the Colorado costs less than $6 billion, maybe it’d be worth it. The Water Authority has studied pipelines before, most recently in 2013.
Community Development Director - City of Lynwood
Community Development Director – City of Lynwood OUR CITY Located in the southern portion of the Los Angeles Basin, the City of Lynwood is a safe, self-sufficient, family-oriented, and pride-filled community with a diverse population of about 70-thousand residents. Situated in Los Angeles County, Lynwood occupies about five square miles, and is bordered by two major freeways: the 710 and the 105, offering residents easy access to Los Angeles and Long Beach downtowns and airports.
City Administrator - City of Leavenworth (WA)
City Administrator – City of Leavenworth (WA) FILING DEADLINE: Open until filled with the first review of candidates on May 13, 2022 SALARY RANGE: $126,936 – $154,284 Annually INTRODUCTION Are you an experienced administrator who enjoys working in a collaborative and organized environment, where you leave at the end of the day satisfied with the work you are doing and the impact it has on the community you are serving? Are you an innovator who values the team philosophy of “not no, but yes…if”?
Pasadena mayor responds to California Attorney General Bonta letter, demonstrating how Pasadena complies with state housing law
Pasadena mayor responds to California Attorney General Bonta letter, demonstrating how Pasadena complies with state housing law On April 1, 2022, City of Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo released a letter to Pasadena residents disputing California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s claims that Pasadena is in violation of Senate Bill 9, a housing law passed by the Legislature in 2021.
California Transportation Commission reserves funding for King City multi-modal transit center
California Transportation Commission reserves funding for King City multi-modal transit center California Transportation Commission reserves $7.5 million for Phase 1 of King City’s Accelerated Access Rail Platform & Multi-Modal Transit Center The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved a $7.5 million rail reserve from the Interregional Improvement Program for Phase 1 of King City’s Accelerated Access Rail Platform and Multi-Modal Transit Center (MMTC) on March 16.
Pure Water Oceanside makes history as first water reuse project to come online in San Diego County
Pure Water Oceanside makes history as first water reuse project to come online in San Diego County City of Oceanside commemorates historic milestone with ribbon-cutting ceremony on World Water Day Today, the first operating advanced water purification facility in San Diego County was officially dedicated in the City of Oceanside. Elected officials and water leaders throughout southern California commemorated the milestone, aptly celebrated on World Water Day.
San Jose Council Member Matt Mahan introduces resolution to oppose Valley Water term limit ballot measure
San Jose Council Member Matt Mahan introduces resolution to oppose Valley Water term limit ballot measure Councilmember Matt Mahan today called upon the San Jose City Council to oppose the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s misleading ballot measure extending the terms of its Board of Directors. Despite extreme drought and consistent water rate hikes, the Board of Directors voted 4-3 to approve the measure and spent over $3.2 million in the process.
City of West Hollywood is first City in California to require ‘Bystander Intervention’ training for establishments that serve alcohol for onsite consumption
Bystander Intervention Educational Course is provided by the Rape Treatment Center (RTC) at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center to address the issue of drug-facilitated sexual assaults and date rape drugs The City of West Hollywood is home to a large number of entertainment-oriented businesses, such as restaurants, lounges, bars, and nightclubs; there are more than 200 establishments in the City.
San Leandro engineering and transportation director appointed
San Leandro engineering and transportation director appointed First female director brings 20 years of City service to her hometown of San Leandro San Leandro City Manager Fran Robustelli appointed Ms. Sheila Marquises as the next Engineering and Transportation Director. The San Leandro High School Alumna is the first woman and first woman of color to hold the Director position in the City of San Leandro.
Lompoc City Council to consider new compensation plan for staff, Electrical Workers Union employees
The Lompoc City Council will consider adopting an amendment to the compensation plan for employees of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union as well as the compensation plan for city staff in management and supervisory roles when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, at City Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or virtually.
Study: San Diego City's climate policy could create 60 to 90 jobs per year
Published April 1, 2022 at 12:35 PM PDT The San Diego skyline is pictured in this undated photo. City Mayor Todd Gloria's office Friday released a study of building decarbonization policies, as a way to gauge impacts on the San Diego workforce via an ongoing clean-energy transition.
Huntington Beach Fire Department promotes first female marine safety captain, Leslie Schwene The Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD) announces today the promotion of the City’s first female Marine Safety Captain, Leslie Schwene. A 12-year veteran of the Huntington Beach Fire Department, Marine Safety Captain Schwene supports the Department’s Marine Safety Division.
Poway announces Jeff Chumbley as new fire chief
Poway announces Jeff Chumbley as new fire chief The City of Poway is proud to announce the appointment of Jeff Chumbley to fire chief effective April 4. Chumbley was most recently a division chief for the Valley Center Fire Protection District, but he began his fire service career with the Poway Fire Department in 1997. “The City of Poway helped build my foundation in the fire service and I was proud to serve in such an amazing community,” said Chumbley.
City of Goleta meetings move to an in-person/virtual hybrid model begins April 5
City of Goleta meetings move to an in-person/virtual hybrid model begins April 5 The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that it will be offering in-person/virtual hybrid meetings starting with the April 5, 2022, City Council meeting. Over the course of the pandemic the City’s City Council, Board, and Commission meetings transitioned to a fully virtual platform.
Placer County District Attorney’s Office files murder complaint against alleged fentanyl dealer
Placer County District Attorney’s Office files murder complaint against alleged fentanyl dealer Today, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint against 20-year-old Carson David Schewe for charges of murder and possession of a controlled substance for sale, as it related to a local fentanyl-related death. Specifically, it is alleged that on Dec. 3, 2021, the defendant sold fentanyl to the victim, which resulted in the victim’s death.
Sacramento Board of Supervisors declares a shelter crisis
Sacramento Board of Supervisors declares a shelter crisis The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to declare a shelter crisis in Sacramento County as an important step towards implementing the Board’s directions to open and operate sanctioned encampments (called “Safe Stay Communities”).
Sue Casey named acting Sonoma city manager
Sue Casey named acting Sonoma city manager At their February 16, 2022, meeting, the Sonoma City Council appointed Sue Casey, the City’s Assistant City Manager, as Acting City Manager. Council approved Mrs. Casey’s appointment during Wednesday’s regular City Council meeting. In addition to having served as the City of Sonoma’s Assistant City Manager overseeing Finance, Human Resources, and Risk Management for the past 5 years, Mrs.
City of West Hollywood announces first pilot project in the nation for guaranteed income to test impact of cash payments on the financial stability of LGBTQIA older adults
25 randomly selected participants will be chosen from a pool of eligible applicants to receive unconditional monthly $1,000 payments from April 2022 through September 2023 The City of West Hollywood, in collaboration with nonprofit partner, National Council of Jewish Women/LA, will open applications for the first pilot project for guaranteed income in the nation aimed at evaluating the impact of cash payments on the financial stability and quality of life of LGBTQIA older adults.
New Santa Paula street banner program showcases City’s culture, local attractions and more
New Santa Paula street banner program showcases City’s culture, local attractions and more The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with the Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID), launched a new banner initiative to celebrate the Santa Paula community and encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of the city’s unique offerings.
Governor Newsom unveils SMARTER plan charting California’s path forward on nation-Leading Pandemic Response
Governor Newsom unveils SMARTER plan charting California’s path forward on nation-Leading Pandemic Response Building on lessons learned over the past two years and the state’s commitment to equity, the SMARTER Plan focuses on continued readiness, awareness and flexibility to guide California’s pandemic response California has implemented the most robust vaccination and testing programs in the country, maintaining one of the lowest death rates among large states As California emerges from the...
Trackdown Management’s Picking Up the Pieces
Trackdown Management’s City Manager newsletter: Volume No. 15: Issue No. 2 For over 13 years, Jack Simpson’s Trackdown Management has published the City Manager Newsletter. Jack is a retired city manager and former Willdan executive. His newsletter content weaves together the personal side of the profession in California and helps keep the city manager community, especially retired city managers, connected with each other.
Tehachapi Chief Kent Kroeger to remain chief of police
Tehachapi Chief Kent Kroeger to remain chief of police After careful consideration, Tehachapi Police Chief Kent Kroeger has rescinded his retirement and will remain as chief of police in Tehachapi a post he has held since 2014.
Goleta city manager to transition to retirement
Goleta city manager to transition to retirement Michelle Greene, who has served as City Manager of Goleta since 2014, has announced she will begin a transition to retirement effective June 30, 2022. Ms. Greene has worked for the City of Goleta for almost 18 years and is credited with bringing a new level of professionalism and sophistication to the organization during her tenure as Goleta’s first female City Manager.
Administrative Officer - South Bay Cities Council of Governments
Administrative Officer – South Bay Cities Council of Governments Website South Bay Cities Council of Governments SALARY: $90,000-$111,000 annually OPENING: February 14, 2022 CLOSING DATE: Opened until filled ABOUT SBCCOG and SBESC The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is a joint powers authority of 16 cities and the County of Los Angeles that share the goal of maximizing quality of life and productivity for the South Bay community in Los Angeles County.
Public Works Director/City Engineer - City of Red Bluff
Public Works Director/City Engineer – City of Red Bluff Description Under administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes and provides direction and oversight for all public works functions and activities, which include infrastructure engineering, design and construction; streets and traffic control; underground lines; review of private sector development; facility, equipment and infrastructure maintenance; construction and maintenance of water distribution and treatment...
Chief Executive Officer - Cow Palace Arena and Event Center
Chief Executive Officer – Cow Palace Arena and Event Center Website Cow Palace Arena and Event Center Annual salary range: $115,176 to $141,060 Salary is complemented by an attractive benefits package. Final filing date: Friday, March 18, 2022.
SLO County supervisors will ask Newsom to help keep Diablo Canyon open. It’s a moonshot
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has joined the effort to keep the Diablo Canyon Power Plant open past 2025. Steve Osman Los Angeles Times/TNS The San Luis Obipso County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 Tuesday to make a long-shot effort to extend the life of California’s last nuclear power plant. The board will send a letter to Gov.
Poll: Majority of California’s Likely Voters Support Prop 1 Water Bond
Poll: Majority of California’s Likely Voters Support Prop 1 Water Bond By John Guenther. With the drought literally moving mountains, drying up wells and reserves, and causing a Mt. Shasta mudslide–not a drink at TGI Fridays, it’s not surprising Californians appear to support the state’s water bond proposition by almost a 2-1 margin, says a new poll.
RCRC: Recommendation to allocate August 2021 Cap-and-Trade proceeds to wildfire prevention and forest resilience programs
Dear Senator Atkins and Assembly Member Rendon: On behalf of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), I write to offer RCRC’s strong recommendation that the Legislature allocate the entirety of the discretionary portion of the August 2021 Cap-and-Trade Auction proceeds, which was held on August 18, 2021, to wildfire prevention and forest resilience programs.
La Verne welcomes new permanent fire chief
Following an extensive recruitment beginning in early 2020, the City of La Verne is excited to announce the selection of Christopher Nigg as the new Fire Chief of the La Verne Fire Department (LVFD). During the August 16 meeting, the La Verne City Council approved Nigg’s employment agreement thus finalizing his appointment as the City’s new Fire Chief and ending the over two-year hiatus of a permanent Fire Chief leading the department.
City of West Hollywood prioritizes nightlife establishment safety
City of West Hollywood prioritizes nightlife establishment safety The City of West Hollywood is home to a large number of entertainment-oriented businesses, such as restaurants, lounges, bars, and nightclubs; there are more than 200 establishments in the City. Reopening after pandemic-related restrictions has been an encouraging step in moving forward, but it has also brought into focus new concerns at nightlife establishments.
City of Oceanside awarded more than $1.06 million in federal grant funding for well expansion and brine minimization project
The City of Oceanside is being awarded $1.06 million for its planned Well Expansion and Brine Minimization Project from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act Desalination Program. The City had also received $2.623 million from the Bureau of Reclamation in 2018 and combined with this latest award, the total grant funding for this project totals $3.683 million.
Reducing fire risk in Sacramento County regional parks
Fire season has started early this year, and the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks has a multi-pronged plan to reduce fire risk, defend wildlife habitat and protect our natural resources and neighborhoods adjacent to the parks.
Ontario Council Member Wapner elected to the National League of Cities board of directors
Ontario Council Member Wapner elected to the National League of Cities board of directors Ontario Council Member Alan Wapner recently received a Presidential appointment to become Chairman of the Natonal League of Cities (NLC) Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee. As Chair of this committee, Wapner also was elected to NLC board of directors by NLC’s membership at the 2020 Virtual City Summit.
California cities and counties vote to open cannabis businesses
California cities and counties vote to open cannabis businesses As all marijuana reform measures in other states (Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota) won voter approval in the November 3 election, voters across California approved nearly all of the local measures to allow, tax and regulate cannabis sales in their cities or counties.
Caltrain celebrates passage of revenue measure
Caltrain celebrates passage of revenue measure With nearly all ballots counted, voters in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties have approved Measure RR, which will provide Caltrain its first ever source of dedicated funding. As the only Bay Area transit system without a dedicated revenue source, Caltrain is heavily reliant on passenger fares to maintain operations.
BB&K: Social media meets the Brown Act
Likes on topics under legislative body’s purview could run public officials afoul of AB 992 By HongDao Nguyen and Albert Maldonado, Best Best & Krieger LLP Clicking the “like” button has become second nature. Whether it’s a thumbs up, hug or sad face on Facebook, or a heart reaction on Instagram and Twitter, these simple online interactions are now ingrained in the way we communicate with one another.
City of El Monte restructures Pension Obligations to enhance its budgetary flexibility, fiscal sustainability and resiliency
Receives the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association In June 2020, the City of El Monte successfully restructured $138 million of its debt relating to pension liabilities to enhance the city’s overall financial sustainability. The City of El Monte closed on its $118 million Pension Obligation Bond (POBs) issue on June 23, 2020 to refinance and restructure its unfunded liability with CalPERS.
City of Long Beach regains control of the Queen Mary for first time in over 40 years
For the first time in over 40 years, the City of Long Beach will regain full control of the Queen Mary, effective today, June 4, 2021. The City is committed to preserving the historic Queen Mary, ensuring the ship is properly restored and cared for. “For the first time in decades, Long Beach has full control of the Queen Mary. We will be fully engaged in the preservation of this historic landmark and are incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.
Counties and cities affected by the Kincade Fire reach $31 million settlement with PG&E
Counties and cities affected by the Kincade Fire reach $31 million settlement with PG&E Yesterday, the County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, Town of Windsor, City of Cloverdale, and City of Healdsburg announce a collective $31 million settlement with PG&E for public and natural resource injuries and damages caused by the 2019 Kincade Fire, which started Oct. 23, 2019 and burned approximately 77,758 acres, destroying 374 structures.
Institute for Local Government and California Strategic Growth Council program turns state legislature’s $1 million investment into nearly $50 million in grant funding for under-resourced communities to address climate change
Today, the Institute for Local Government (ILG) in partnership with the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) released a report detailing the outcomes of the BOOST Pilot Program designed to help California local governments better advance climate change and equity goals. The report includes successes and key learnings from the 18-month program.
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