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May 26, 2009
May 26, 2009 - June 3, 2009
Volume XII, Issue 15
In This Issue...
Poor Clares Property Rezoning Decision Challenged, Higher Density Postponed
Two H1N1 Flu Cases Identified in County
Tom Mader Says He Will Present Recall Notice to Capitola's Kirby Nicol on May 28
Governor's Plan to Take Local Money Foiled in Court
The Budget Propositions Failed -- Now What?
911
Capitola Hosts Fourth Annual Rod and Custom Classic Car Show on June 6th and 7th
Mountain School Offering $1,000 Reward for Vandal ID
Around Aptos
Around Aptos 5/26/09
Business Profile
Santa Cruz Montessori: Educating for Peace
Crimebeat
Crimebeat 5/26/09
Education
Pacific Collegiate Celebrates 10 Years
Aptos Junior High Students Honored for Making Campus Safe for All
Environment
Water Agencies across Santa Cruz County Enact Restrictions
Health
Mental Toughness, Not Just for Athletes
Opinions
A Potpourri of New Faces and Issues for Aptos
The Mid-County Post > News
Governor's Plan to Take Local Money Foiled in Court
In a spring filled with bad financial news for local governments, an Apr. 30 court decision brought a welcome change of pace. The state superior court sided with redevelopment agencies about Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's attempt to take or "borrow without a firm repayment date" some $350 million from county and city redevelopment funds to help with the current year's budget deficit.

The court agreed with the agencies that challenged the effort, saying that money earmarked for redevelopment cannot be taken for other uses.

For the moment, that means local governments get to keep their funds. This money ranges from about $2.2 million for the county redevelopment agency to $144,600 in Capitola.

"We're not a rich redevelopment agency. … It's an important little pot of money for the city of Capitola," said community development director Jamie Goldstein, who said there is a backlog of projects along the 41st Avenue corridor.
If accepted by developer Barry Swenson, the majority of the RDA's funds – some $3 million – will be given to Swenson to build a boutique hotel on Wharf Road.

While county redevelopment director Betsy Lindberg is encouraged that the governor's latest budget figures don't include the $350 million into the state's budget, she has not put the $2.2 million back into Santa Cruz County's budget. There could be an appeal. But, at the same time, she hopes the funds stay local.

"It's equivalent to the design and construction for a road improvement project or for a neighborhood park," she said.

Scotts Valley should retain $305,510. That money had been part of its reserves. The governor had earmarked money not already dedicated to a project.
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