State Legislature wants another $185 billion in taxes

According to a new report by the California Tax Foundation, in the first three months of the 2023-24 session, California lawmakers have considered introducing more than $185.6 billion in new taxes and fees, including a "wealth tax," a government-run health care system, a tax on oil company earnings, and several fee increases. 

This report includes all tax and fee legislation proposed from the start of the session until the date of publication. See the full report HERE.

It's worth noting that Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed $296.9 billion state budget, which includes a Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax and a $30 million tax increase, has not yet been introduced to the Legislature and is not included in this report. 

According to the January budget proposal, the state faces an operating deficit of approximately $22.5 billion, which could increase lawmakers' likelihood of proposing additional taxes and fees as the session continues. Source: California Tax Foundation

Off-road enthusiasts score a legal victory in Oceano

Friends of the Oceano Dunes has won a legal victory against the California Coastal Commission in a quiet title lawsuit. 

The lawsuit argues that off-road vehicle enthusiasts have the right to continue driving and camping on portions of the Oceano Dunes because they have been recreating there for more than five years without objection or permission. 

The Coastal Commission argued that other historical uses of the dunes were more prevalent, but a judge rejected all of the state's arguments and set the case for trial in October 2023. 

Grover Beach mayor resigns

Anna Miller, the Mayor Pro Tem of Grover Beach, has resigned from her seat with immediate effect due to a change in residency. 

Miller, who was elected in November 2020, was set to serve until December 2024. The city council plans to discuss options for filling the vacant seat in their upcoming meeting on March 27. 

Miller is the Chief Operating Officer for People's Self-Help Housing and has previously served on local non-profit boards.

Ventura board of supes moves to repeal campaign limit

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors in California has voted to repeal a local campaign finance ordinance that has been in place for 20 years. 

The ordinance placed a limit of $750 on contributions for candidates running for supervisor and countywide offices. With the ordinance now repealed, the county will follow state laws on contribution limits, which currently stands at $5,500 per election. 

The move has been met with opposition, with many urging the board to protect the current campaign finance rules to protect the voices of average voters instead of favoring special interests with deep pockets. 

The board will vote again on March 28 to adopt a new ordinance that repeals the current one.

Former top Ventura County official sues county

Former Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers has filed a lawsuit against the County of Ventura, claiming that he was forced out of his job without being given the chance to defend himself against a harassment accusation from one of his employees. 

Powers is seeking unspecified damages for invasion of privacy, wrongful termination, and other claims. He is also asking the court to force the county to defend him in the lawsuit brought by his accuser and to pay his legal costs. 

Powers had an employment contract as CEO that allowed the Board of Supervisors to remove him at any time with or without cause. Powers is denying all the allegations of harassment except one.

Camarillo eyes Days Inn for homeless housing

The City of Camarillo is considering using the Days Inn as a site for permanent and temporary housing for individuals who are homeless if the city receives Project Homekey funds. 

The proposed Homekey project involves renovating the building to create 62 units of permanent housing with wraparound services, a 20-bed navigation center for temporary housing and one unit for a resident manager. 

The city plans to submit a joint Homekey application with the County of Ventura and Jamboree Housing Corp., one of California’s largest nonprofit developers of affordable housing. The City Council will consider allocating $5.4 million of city funds toward the development and operation of the site at a future meeting. 

The state is expected to announce Homekey funding recipients in August, and city staff said the housing could open as early as December 2024.

Build-to-rent housing delayed in Santa Maria vote

The Santa Maria Planning Commission has delayed a decision on a build-to-rent, single-family home development that includes accessory dwelling units. 

Canfield Development has proposed a 105 single-family home Blosser Ranch development, including a community center and pool, with detached accessory dwelling units on 96 lots. On-street parking would be banned, but guest spaces would be included. 

After appearing to be evenly divided on whether to approve the project, the planning commissioners voted 3-1 to delay the item pending research on issues related to large rental properties and a specific plan for the broader area. 

Commissioners Esau Blanco, Robert Dickerson, and Yasameen Mohajer agreed to the delay, but chairman Tim Seifert voted against it.