California Bill Aims To Close Land Loophole

A California bill awaiting approval is aimed at closing a state law loophole that, according to the bill supporters, that enables speculators to earn profits at the expense of taxpayers and not-for-profit groups.

1 minute read

October 12, 2001, 7:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"A bill awaiting Gov. Gray Davis' approval would help close [a] loophole, which proponents say is being used increasingly by speculators to reap windfall profits from taxpayers and non-profit groups. The tactic already has produced multimillion-dollar price jumps in several pristine parcels in the Bay Area and around the state. Now it is being eyed by the Hearst family, which owns 83,000 acres of prime land surrounding the San Simeon estate and state park that conservationists want to buy. The estimated cost of preserving those acres as open space ranges as high as $300 million if the loophole remains in place."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Wednesday, October 10, 2001 in San Jose Mercury News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

September 19 - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit