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"We've all heard the tale of that wise old owl,
Who lived on the limb of an oak.
He listened, and watched, and heard, and saw,
But seldom ever spoke.
When things got so bad, his wisdom he shared,
And to City Watch he invoked.
It's time, he said, for your group to be heard,
So people will know there is hope!"
-Anonymous
ABOUT CITY WATCH...
City Watch, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, volunteer operated & membership supported educational organization established in 1989. It's mission includes local government education with a focus on fiscal issues affecting the Salinas & Monterey areas.
All content on this official website is for the benefit of City Watch, Inc. and is for educational non-commercial use only.
Anyone can become a City Watch volunteer and membership is open to persons 18 years of age or older. Annual dues are $20 a member or $35 for a couple.
Send dues, charitable donations & correspondence to:
City Watch, Inc.
PO Box 3954
Salinas, CA 93912
Email:
contact@joincitywatch.org
Chairman of the Board:
Gene Lee
Phone: (831) 275-0695
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League of CA Cities Report: New State Budget is Good News for Cities & Counties
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 The League of California Cities and local government officials received a very welcome surprise on July 6, when Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders announced a budget agreement that includes full funding of Proposition 42 transportation projects, and full, early repayment of the $1.2 billion Vehicle License Fee (VLF) gap loan. One day later, the budget was passed.
City and county officials throughout the state greeted with surprise and enthusiasm the news that full repayment of the VLF gap loan would come one year early.
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Posted by Webmaster on Tuesday, July 12 @ 12:26:16 EDT (835 reads)
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HJTA Report: The California Tax Revenue Windfall
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 by Jon Coupal
The California tax revenue windfall... for local government officials, it is the major topic of conversation. They are delighted that the hot real estate market is providing billions of additional dollars to county and city coffers around the state.
However, you'll have to pardon us if we don't join the celebration just yet.
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Posted by Webmaster on Sunday, July 03 @ 11:59:56 EDT (913 reads)
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PLF Report: U.S. Supreme Court Rules that City Officials Can Seize Homes
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On June 23, a divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled1 that local governments can use the power of eminent domain to force homeowners and small businesses off of their land so that their properties can be handed over to higher tax-generating shopping malls and office complexes.
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Posted by Webmaster on Saturday, June 25 @ 17:49:58 EDT (927 reads)
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HJTA Report: Defeating Illegal Utility Taxes
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'Ripple Effect Works to Taxpayers Advantage'
By Jon Coupal and Tim Bittle
We are beginning to see the results of the ripple effect from court cases recently won by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer's Association against the cities of Roseville and Fresno.
Santa Cruz is the latest city to "fess up" that it has been including illegal charges in bills for city provided public utilities. Although squealing like stuck pigs over the potential loss of revenue, city officials have agreed to reductions in what they charge residents for services such as garbage collection, water and sewer.
The complaining bureaucrats miss the point of the Jarvis court victories that have forced their hand. The issue that was litigated successfully on behalf of taxpayers dealt with whether or not cities could hide taxes in utility bills by charging more than it cost to provide a service.
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Posted by Webmaster on Saturday, April 30 @ 13:36:34 EDT (840 reads)
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Carmel Valley City-Hood: Sewer Costs to Threaten Homeowners
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 by Lawrence K. Samuels
"As an environmentally sensitive area, it is almost a given that septic tanks in Carmel Valley will eventually have to be replaced under a new City."
The cost could be as high as $20,000 per household to connect into the system, as well as additional millions spent at the expense of homeowners for new trunk, main and lateral/branch lines, along with a new or enlarged wastewater treatment plant. And don’t forget about monthly payments for its upkeep.
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Posted by Webmaster on Wednesday, April 27 @ 17:52:03 EDT (1586 reads)
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