”
After reading several accounts of the recent actions the city
has taken with regard to the RDA (i.e. transferring property and
funds, quickly executing contracts, accelerating negotiations with
developers, etc.), I am left wondering what the long-term risks of
these decisions are to the city.
”
“After reading several accounts of the recent actions the city has taken with regard to the RDA (i.e. transferring property and funds, quickly executing contracts, accelerating negotiations with developers, etc.), I am left wondering what the long-term risks of these decisions are to the city. Given that the city is already facing a $3 million deficit next year, what are the consequences if the city is ‘stuck’ with a bunch of contracts that it executed and ‘upside-down’ property that it owns but with no funds to pay for it with after Jerry Brown and the State take their RDA money back?”
Red Phone: Dear What Happens, it’s very complicated. The city moved its assets to the newly created Economic Development Corporation, which is managed by staff and city council members. There are properties and projects in various phases, and the California State Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a lawsuit that could help, or hinder, the city’s efforts to keep its RDA and complete several planned projects, including downtown redevelopment, the Butterfield Boulevard extension and the Santa Teresa Boulevard extension. The city should know where it stands regarding these and other projects by Jan. 15, the last day Governor Jerry Brown set for cities to pay a “ransom” to keep the agency running. At this point it appears the worst-case scenario would be the court ruling in favor of the Governor, and the state gaining control of the city’s assets then selling them off to the highest bidder. Who knows what would happen at that point.
Good caller, stay tuned. There is still a ways to go before this is finally settled.
Individual STAR results out this week
“Red Phone, I saw the recent story about the STAR results, and was wondering when each individual students’ scores will be sent out. Thanks.”
Red Phone: Dear Wondering, according to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Socorro Shiels, the deadline for sending out STAR Results to parents is Aug. 23. Some sites have already mailed them, she added.
There you have it, good caller. You should be receiving them by the end of the week.
