Free Republic

The newly established California Alliance to Protect Private Property Rights announced that former state Senator and minority leader Jim Nielsen of Woodland was elected to serve as chairman of the board. Serving as the organization's "honorary" co-chairmen are Senator Tom McClintock of Ventura County and Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa of Butte County. "The Alliance is honored to have Senator McClintock and Assemblyman LaMalfa as part of a citizen led campaign to protect private property from the abuses of eminent domain," said Nielsen. "While today so many elected leaders are quick to join the U.S. Supreme Court in eroding private property rights,...

Saying he questions a sovereign Indian tribe’s role in a local government process, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger late on Friday vetoed the bill that would have made the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians an official partner in managing Conaway Ranch, if Yolo County officials acquire it through eminent domain. The legislation, AB 1747 by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, would have made the tribe a member alongside Yolo County officials and others of the joint powers authority created for Conaway Ranch. The tribe has offered to loan the county money for the acquisition. The county and tribe say the veto does not...