: "
First 5 Solano plans a new five-year strategy
Article Launched:12/22/2006 06:17:56 AM PST
First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission has finalized its strategic plan and dedicated up to $4 million annually over the next five years to support the early development, health and well-being of Solano's youngest children and their families, the commission has announced.
First 5 Solano will offer funding for prenatal services, school readiness, quality childcare, family support services, children's health coverage and early mental health services.
The dedication of funding for a five-year period, the commission said, reflects a long-term commitment to ongoing support of local children's programs.
'We are proud to offer these funds for investing in the future success of Solano's children,' said Jan Maguire, First 5 Solano commission chair. 'The Commission continues to work to use our dollars, not only for direct services but for programs that bring additional funding into the county.'
In 2006, First 5 Solano's $4.5 million investments generated an additional $4 million in state and federal funding for children's health care, healthy pregnancies, parent education, quality childcare, children's mental health services and neighborhood family resource center home-visiting programs.
In January, the First 5 Solano Comm"
Saturday, December 23, 2006
New study shows biodiesel will add $24 billion to U.S. economy
New study shows biodiesel will add $24 billion to U.S. economy
Biodiesel creates jobs, boosts farm and rural income
Legend has it that nearly 200 years ago, finding impressive apple trees in Defiance, Ohio, Johnny Appleseed established a nursery business in the rural community.
Today, he would still find apple trees, but he would also find a blooming biodiesel plant. American Ag Fuels is growing its annual biodiesel production from 2 million to 5 million gallons. By the time the plant completes the expansion next March, it will have nearly 20 full-time and eight part-time employees, in addition to boosting business for the local contractors who are involved in the construction.
It's just one example of how the growing biodiesel industry is feeding the U.S. economy through job creation, tax revenues and farm income.
"We decided to expand because frankly we've had trouble keeping up with demand," says American Ag Fuels President Steve Lankenau.
The National Biodiesel Board recently released a new economic study that shows how biodiesel plants are a boon to the U.S. economy as they sprout up across the nation. According to the economic analysis by John M. Urbanchuk of LECG and funded by the soybean checkoff through the United Soybean Board, the aggregate economic benefits of biodiesel include:
--America's biodiesel industry will add $24 billion to the U.S. economy between 2005 and 2015, assuming biodiesel growth reaches 650 million gallons of annual production by 2015.
--Biodiesel production will create a projected 39,102 new jobs in all sectors of the economy.
--Additional tax revenues from biodiesel production will more than pay for the federal tax incentives provided to the industry. It will keep $13.6 billion in America that would otherwise be spent on foreign oil. This total impact of biodiesel on the economy includes the temporary impacts of construction, the permanent impacts of annual production and the direct value of biodiesel and co-products (glycerin).
"Because these plants buy local goods and local services, the second and third-round employment-generating impacts are really significant," Urbanchuk said. "You're looking at a fairly substantial employment-generating impact. Most of these jobs are going to be located in rural communities, and you can't overstate the impact of the biofuels' industry on these rural economies."
The study finds that if 498 of the 650 million gallons of estimated biodiesel demand in 2015 is produced from soybean oil, farmer-level soybean prices will increase nearly 10 percent. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2006 Long-Term Baseline forecast for soybean prices as a starting point, farmers can expect increased biodiesel demand to increase average soybean prices $0.58 per bushel by 2015.
American Ag's Lankenau says his plant's expansion will be worthwhile investment for his business, and for his community.
"I have to believe that 80 percent of dollars we've spent stay within 150 miles of here," he said, adding that of all the businesses he's run, this is the most fulfilling. "I drive my diesel pickup through our rural area where I see soybeans growing, and it makes me feel good about what I do."
There are 88 plants in the nation producing an estimated 200 to 250 million gallons of biodiesel in 2006. That's triple last year's production of 75 million gallons.
Date: 12/21/06
Biodiesel creates jobs, boosts farm and rural income
Legend has it that nearly 200 years ago, finding impressive apple trees in Defiance, Ohio, Johnny Appleseed established a nursery business in the rural community.
Today, he would still find apple trees, but he would also find a blooming biodiesel plant. American Ag Fuels is growing its annual biodiesel production from 2 million to 5 million gallons. By the time the plant completes the expansion next March, it will have nearly 20 full-time and eight part-time employees, in addition to boosting business for the local contractors who are involved in the construction.
It's just one example of how the growing biodiesel industry is feeding the U.S. economy through job creation, tax revenues and farm income.
"We decided to expand because frankly we've had trouble keeping up with demand," says American Ag Fuels President Steve Lankenau.
The National Biodiesel Board recently released a new economic study that shows how biodiesel plants are a boon to the U.S. economy as they sprout up across the nation. According to the economic analysis by John M. Urbanchuk of LECG and funded by the soybean checkoff through the United Soybean Board, the aggregate economic benefits of biodiesel include:
--America's biodiesel industry will add $24 billion to the U.S. economy between 2005 and 2015, assuming biodiesel growth reaches 650 million gallons of annual production by 2015.
--Biodiesel production will create a projected 39,102 new jobs in all sectors of the economy.
--Additional tax revenues from biodiesel production will more than pay for the federal tax incentives provided to the industry. It will keep $13.6 billion in America that would otherwise be spent on foreign oil. This total impact of biodiesel on the economy includes the temporary impacts of construction, the permanent impacts of annual production and the direct value of biodiesel and co-products (glycerin).
"Because these plants buy local goods and local services, the second and third-round employment-generating impacts are really significant," Urbanchuk said. "You're looking at a fairly substantial employment-generating impact. Most of these jobs are going to be located in rural communities, and you can't overstate the impact of the biofuels' industry on these rural economies."
The study finds that if 498 of the 650 million gallons of estimated biodiesel demand in 2015 is produced from soybean oil, farmer-level soybean prices will increase nearly 10 percent. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2006 Long-Term Baseline forecast for soybean prices as a starting point, farmers can expect increased biodiesel demand to increase average soybean prices $0.58 per bushel by 2015.
American Ag's Lankenau says his plant's expansion will be worthwhile investment for his business, and for his community.
"I have to believe that 80 percent of dollars we've spent stay within 150 miles of here," he said, adding that of all the businesses he's run, this is the most fulfilling. "I drive my diesel pickup through our rural area where I see soybeans growing, and it makes me feel good about what I do."
There are 88 plants in the nation producing an estimated 200 to 250 million gallons of biodiesel in 2006. That's triple last year's production of 75 million gallons.
Date: 12/21/06
California adds an above average 15,900 jobs in November
SF Gate Return to regular view
California adds an above average 15,900 jobs in November
- By GARY GENTILE, AP Business Writer
Friday, December 22, 2006
(12-22) 14:21 PST Los Angeles (AP) --
California added 15,900 payroll jobs in November and the gain, though modest, was encouraging as the state and the nation braces for a slower economy in 2007.
Gains were spread across nine industries, with the largest number of jobs, 3,600, added in the information industry, which includes film and television, telecommunications and publishing, the state Employment Development Department said Friday.
California's unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.6 percent in November from 4.5 percent in October. The unemployment rate in November 2005 was 5.1 percent.
Economists said the increase in jobs was higher than expected and welcome, coming as it does in the fourth quarter of the year when economic growth is expected to slow.
"The job gains were distributed over nine of 11 industry sectors," said Howard Roth, chief economist of the California Department of Finance. "It's always good to see it spread around."
Other job categories that saw gains in November were natural resources and mining, professional and business services and government.
Two categories, leisure and hospitality — which includes amusement parks and spectator sporting activities — and "other services" shed a total of 1,600 jobs in November.
The state accounted for 12 percent of the 132,000 payroll jobs added nationwide in November, slightly more than its usual contribution of about 11 percent.
Construction jobs were down in November, compared to the previous month as well as November of last year.
"The housing slowdown is starting to show up," said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
While film and television jobs increased, especially in Los Angeles County, trouble looms for the industry.
The Writers Guild of America contract with Hollywood studios expires in October and the union has rejected an early start to negotiations.
Contracts with actors and directors are set to expire in 2008.
The number of Californians looking for work in November rose to 824,000, an increase of 30,000 from October. About 289,300 of the job seekers had been laid off, the state said.
The state also revised October payroll job gains to 10,600, an increase of 1,300 jobs from the previously reported total.
In all, about 15 million people held payroll jobs in California in October.
Roth said economists are holding their breath as the new year begins with expectations of slow economic growth.
"It looks like both the U.S. and California economies are going into 2007 with not too much momentum," Roth said.
___
On the Net:
California Employment Development Department:
www.edd.ca.gov
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2006/12/22/financial/f142129S67.DTL
©2006 Associated Press
California adds an above average 15,900 jobs in November
- By GARY GENTILE, AP Business Writer
Friday, December 22, 2006
(12-22) 14:21 PST Los Angeles (AP) --
California added 15,900 payroll jobs in November and the gain, though modest, was encouraging as the state and the nation braces for a slower economy in 2007.
Gains were spread across nine industries, with the largest number of jobs, 3,600, added in the information industry, which includes film and television, telecommunications and publishing, the state Employment Development Department said Friday.
California's unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.6 percent in November from 4.5 percent in October. The unemployment rate in November 2005 was 5.1 percent.
Economists said the increase in jobs was higher than expected and welcome, coming as it does in the fourth quarter of the year when economic growth is expected to slow.
"The job gains were distributed over nine of 11 industry sectors," said Howard Roth, chief economist of the California Department of Finance. "It's always good to see it spread around."
Other job categories that saw gains in November were natural resources and mining, professional and business services and government.
Two categories, leisure and hospitality — which includes amusement parks and spectator sporting activities — and "other services" shed a total of 1,600 jobs in November.
The state accounted for 12 percent of the 132,000 payroll jobs added nationwide in November, slightly more than its usual contribution of about 11 percent.
Construction jobs were down in November, compared to the previous month as well as November of last year.
"The housing slowdown is starting to show up," said Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.
While film and television jobs increased, especially in Los Angeles County, trouble looms for the industry.
The Writers Guild of America contract with Hollywood studios expires in October and the union has rejected an early start to negotiations.
Contracts with actors and directors are set to expire in 2008.
The number of Californians looking for work in November rose to 824,000, an increase of 30,000 from October. About 289,300 of the job seekers had been laid off, the state said.
The state also revised October payroll job gains to 10,600, an increase of 1,300 jobs from the previously reported total.
In all, about 15 million people held payroll jobs in California in October.
Roth said economists are holding their breath as the new year begins with expectations of slow economic growth.
"It looks like both the U.S. and California economies are going into 2007 with not too much momentum," Roth said.
___
On the Net:
California Employment Development Department:
www.edd.ca.gov
URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2006/12/22/financial/f142129S67.DTL
©2006 Associated Press
Two North Bay Counties unemployment rates rise slightly
North Bay Business Journal
Dec 22 (18 hours ago)
NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL
E-mail Express
=======================================
Two North Bay unemployment rates rise slightly
NORTH BAY, Dec. 21, 2006 –There were 2,400 fewer jobs in Sonoma
County in November than a year ago as the unemployment rate inched up
slightly to 3.8 percent. The unemployment rate – a measure of the number
of people actively seeking jobs – also rose slightly in Napa County but
dropped in Marin County, according to the Employment Development
Department.
The biggest drop off in jobs in Sonoma County occurred in trade,
transportation and utilities and education and health services, which
declined by 800 jobs and 500 jobs, respectively. Leisure and hospitality
and construction also suffered losses of 400 jobs and 300, respectively.
Sonoma County had 192,000 jobs in November compared with 194,400 jobs
a year ago. In October, the EDD said Sonoma County had 192,400 jobs, a
decline of 3,100 from a year ago.
The jobless rate in Napa County rose to 3.7 percent in November from
3 percent the previous year. The county gained 1,100 non-farm jobs,
primarily in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality.
In Marin County, the November unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, down
from 3.7 percent last November. Industry-specific figures are not
available for this county.
For more business news, visit http://www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com
Dec 22 (18 hours ago)
NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL
E-mail Express
=======================================
Two North Bay unemployment rates rise slightly
NORTH BAY, Dec. 21, 2006 –There were 2,400 fewer jobs in Sonoma
County in November than a year ago as the unemployment rate inched up
slightly to 3.8 percent. The unemployment rate – a measure of the number
of people actively seeking jobs – also rose slightly in Napa County but
dropped in Marin County, according to the Employment Development
Department.
The biggest drop off in jobs in Sonoma County occurred in trade,
transportation and utilities and education and health services, which
declined by 800 jobs and 500 jobs, respectively. Leisure and hospitality
and construction also suffered losses of 400 jobs and 300, respectively.
Sonoma County had 192,000 jobs in November compared with 194,400 jobs
a year ago. In October, the EDD said Sonoma County had 192,400 jobs, a
decline of 3,100 from a year ago.
The jobless rate in Napa County rose to 3.7 percent in November from
3 percent the previous year. The county gained 1,100 non-farm jobs,
primarily in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality.
In Marin County, the November unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, down
from 3.7 percent last November. Industry-specific figures are not
available for this county.
For more business news, visit http://www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Sacramento Region fares poorly in forecast for home prices - Sacramento Business Journal:
Region fares poorly in forecast for home prices - Sacramento Business Journal:: "Sacramento Business Journal - December 21, 2006
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily38.html
Business News - Local News
Business Pulse Survey:
Should carpool lanes be added to Highway 50?
Region fares poorly in forecast for home prices
Sacramento Business Journal - 2:40 PM PST Thursday
The Sacramento area housing market will remain one of the coldest in the country next year according to a ranking of the top 100 real estate markets released Thursday. But Stockton will fare even worse.
The Fortune rankings were done by Moody's Economy.com and Fiserv Lending Solutions, a consultant to the banking industry. Sacramento ranked 85th, with the median sales price expected to decline by 3.4 percent. More than half of the U.S. markets are predicted to see price increases.
The report lists the median home price for the Sacramento area as $376,000 in the second quarter of this year, although the analysis did not specify which communities were included in the Sacramento market.
Topping Fortune's list was McAllen, Texas, a border city where home prices are still considered relatively cheap and the median price is $69,000. The predicted rise in prices next year for McAllen is 8.5 percent.
Generally the market is expected "
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily38.html
Business News - Local News
Business Pulse Survey:
Should carpool lanes be added to Highway 50?
Region fares poorly in forecast for home prices
Sacramento Business Journal - 2:40 PM PST Thursday
The Sacramento area housing market will remain one of the coldest in the country next year according to a ranking of the top 100 real estate markets released Thursday. But Stockton will fare even worse.
The Fortune rankings were done by Moody's Economy.com and Fiserv Lending Solutions, a consultant to the banking industry. Sacramento ranked 85th, with the median sales price expected to decline by 3.4 percent. More than half of the U.S. markets are predicted to see price increases.
The report lists the median home price for the Sacramento area as $376,000 in the second quarter of this year, although the analysis did not specify which communities were included in the Sacramento market.
Topping Fortune's list was McAllen, Texas, a border city where home prices are still considered relatively cheap and the median price is $69,000. The predicted rise in prices next year for McAllen is 8.5 percent.
Generally the market is expected "
Report: West Sac home prices fall 26 percent in a year - Sacramento Business Journal:
Report: West Sac home prices fall 26 percent in a year - Sacramento Business Journal:: "Sacramento Business Journal - December 21, 2006
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily36.html
Business News - Local News
Business Pulse Survey:
Should carpool lanes be added to Highway 50?
Report: West Sac home prices fall 26 percent in a year
Sacramento Business Journal - 12:33 PM PST Thursday
Sacramento-area's median home price plummeted and sales tumbled in November from a year earlier, the latest evidence of a struggling real estate market.
Home prices in the four-county region declined 3.9 percent to $365,000 in November compared to a year ago, according to a California Association of Realtors (CAR) report released Thursday. But several markets -- including Elk Grove and West Sacramento -- reported much larger price drops.
Existing-home sales fell 24.5 percent last month in the Sacramento area compared to November 2005, according to the closely watched monthly report. The region's sales drop was one of the largest in the state.
'There is a mixed picture across the state, with more regions reporting year-to-year declines than increases at this point,' said Leslie Appleton-Young, vice president and chief economist for CAR. 'We've seen three or more months of year-to-year price declines in areas where there"
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily36.html
Business News - Local News
Business Pulse Survey:
Should carpool lanes be added to Highway 50?
Report: West Sac home prices fall 26 percent in a year
Sacramento Business Journal - 12:33 PM PST Thursday
Sacramento-area's median home price plummeted and sales tumbled in November from a year earlier, the latest evidence of a struggling real estate market.
Home prices in the four-county region declined 3.9 percent to $365,000 in November compared to a year ago, according to a California Association of Realtors (CAR) report released Thursday. But several markets -- including Elk Grove and West Sacramento -- reported much larger price drops.
Existing-home sales fell 24.5 percent last month in the Sacramento area compared to November 2005, according to the closely watched monthly report. The region's sales drop was one of the largest in the state.
'There is a mixed picture across the state, with more regions reporting year-to-year declines than increases at this point,' said Leslie Appleton-Young, vice president and chief economist for CAR. 'We've seen three or more months of year-to-year price declines in areas where there"
Biotech Firm Gets Rights to Drug
Biotech Firm Gets Rights to Drug
Genentech buying technology for new growth hormone
Marni Leff Kottle, Chronicle Staff Writer
Genentech Inc. reached back to its roots by agreeing to pay as much as $280 million for rights to a growth hormone product being developed by a Massachusetts biotechnology company.
The agreement, announced Wednesday, gives South San Francisco's Genentech access to technology that will allow the company to reformulate its 13-year-old Nutropin growth hormone for less-frequent injections. The product, developed by Altus Pharmaceuticals Inc., is still being tested, and analysts said it may take two years to reach the market.
The deal takes Genentech back 21 years to its first approved drug, a growth hormone that has been replaced by Nutropin. The drug is prescribed mainly for children who aren't producing enough of the hormone to grow at a normal rate, and the eight versions of the medicine available today are typically injected daily. The Altus technology would cut the number of shots to just one per week.
"Less-frequent injections in children is a big deal," said Eric Schmidt, an analyst at Cowen & Co., who rates Genentech shares "neutral" and has an "outperform" rating on Altus. "If it lives up to its potential, it will be a very different product from what's already out there."
Genentech agreed to pay Altus an initial $30 million in cash and stock. The value of the deal could rise to as much as $280 million if certain goals are met and the companies expand development outside of North America.
Nutropin, which Genentech sells only in the United States, had sales of about $370 million last year, Schmidt said. The $2.4 billion market for growth hormones is extremely fragmented. The new product would allow Genentech to capture a bigger piece of the market, boosting annual sales of growth hormone for the company to as much as $800 million, Schmidt said.
Altus has completed the first two phases of tests typically required for regulatory approval. The company plans to begin its final round of testing next year, said spokesman John Jordan.
Trials next year would allow the product to reach the market by 2009, Schmidt said.
The Altus technology involves reformulating growth hormone with microscopic crystals that dissolve in the bloodstream, allowing patients to wait longer between injections.
For Genentech, which had almost $2 billion in sales in the third quarter, growth hormone represents just a tiny fraction of the company's business. Genentech gets most of its revenue from the Rituxan, Avastin and Herceptin cancer drugs.
The deal sends a signal that Genentech is still focused on its smaller businesses, said Christopher Raymond, an analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co.
"The endocrinology business for Genentech has been largely underplayed," said Raymond, who rates the stock "outperform."
"This sends the signal that they intend to keep that business and continue to invest in it."
Genentech has made two other deals involving products that aren't related to cancer treatment. Genentech said in November that it would buy its partner Tanox Inc. to gain full U.S. rights to the Xolair asthma drug that the companies developed and sell together. This month, Genentech agreed to work with AC Immune Ltd., a 3-year-old Swiss company, to develop a drug to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Altus, which has a second product in clinical trials and is still unprofitable, turned to Genentech because of its experience in the growth hormone market, Jordan said. Nutropin was the best-selling growth hormone in the United States last year.
"Genentech pioneered the development of the first recombinant human growth hormone," said Robin Snyder, Genentech spokeswoman.
E-mail Marni Leff Kottle at mkottle@sfchronicle.com.
Genentech buying technology for new growth hormone
Marni Leff Kottle, Chronicle Staff Writer
Genentech Inc. reached back to its roots by agreeing to pay as much as $280 million for rights to a growth hormone product being developed by a Massachusetts biotechnology company.
The agreement, announced Wednesday, gives South San Francisco's Genentech access to technology that will allow the company to reformulate its 13-year-old Nutropin growth hormone for less-frequent injections. The product, developed by Altus Pharmaceuticals Inc., is still being tested, and analysts said it may take two years to reach the market.
The deal takes Genentech back 21 years to its first approved drug, a growth hormone that has been replaced by Nutropin. The drug is prescribed mainly for children who aren't producing enough of the hormone to grow at a normal rate, and the eight versions of the medicine available today are typically injected daily. The Altus technology would cut the number of shots to just one per week.
"Less-frequent injections in children is a big deal," said Eric Schmidt, an analyst at Cowen & Co., who rates Genentech shares "neutral" and has an "outperform" rating on Altus. "If it lives up to its potential, it will be a very different product from what's already out there."
Genentech agreed to pay Altus an initial $30 million in cash and stock. The value of the deal could rise to as much as $280 million if certain goals are met and the companies expand development outside of North America.
Nutropin, which Genentech sells only in the United States, had sales of about $370 million last year, Schmidt said. The $2.4 billion market for growth hormones is extremely fragmented. The new product would allow Genentech to capture a bigger piece of the market, boosting annual sales of growth hormone for the company to as much as $800 million, Schmidt said.
Altus has completed the first two phases of tests typically required for regulatory approval. The company plans to begin its final round of testing next year, said spokesman John Jordan.
Trials next year would allow the product to reach the market by 2009, Schmidt said.
The Altus technology involves reformulating growth hormone with microscopic crystals that dissolve in the bloodstream, allowing patients to wait longer between injections.
For Genentech, which had almost $2 billion in sales in the third quarter, growth hormone represents just a tiny fraction of the company's business. Genentech gets most of its revenue from the Rituxan, Avastin and Herceptin cancer drugs.
The deal sends a signal that Genentech is still focused on its smaller businesses, said Christopher Raymond, an analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co.
"The endocrinology business for Genentech has been largely underplayed," said Raymond, who rates the stock "outperform."
"This sends the signal that they intend to keep that business and continue to invest in it."
Genentech has made two other deals involving products that aren't related to cancer treatment. Genentech said in November that it would buy its partner Tanox Inc. to gain full U.S. rights to the Xolair asthma drug that the companies developed and sell together. This month, Genentech agreed to work with AC Immune Ltd., a 3-year-old Swiss company, to develop a drug to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Altus, which has a second product in clinical trials and is still unprofitable, turned to Genentech because of its experience in the growth hormone market, Jordan said. Nutropin was the best-selling growth hormone in the United States last year.
"Genentech pioneered the development of the first recombinant human growth hormone," said Robin Snyder, Genentech spokeswoman.
E-mail Marni Leff Kottle at mkottle@sfchronicle.com.
Easing the Gridlock
Easing the Gridlock
Two Solano Projects Win MTC Backing
By Jennifer Gentile/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Facing stiff competition, Solano County is poised to get a share of nearly $2 billion in state transportation funding, according to a list released Wednesday.
The list includes projects the Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff has recommended to receive a share of funding from Proposition 1B, a voter-approved $20 billion transportation bond. The MTC list was compiled following a call for project proposals in November that yielded 50 requests, according to the commission's Web site.
The bond, includes $4.5 billion to be placed in a Corridor Mobility Improvement Account. Of that amount, $1.8 billion is available to the Bay Area.
Making it through an initial cut were two Solano County projects, including improvements to the Interstate 80, I-680 Inter-change and the widening of State Route 12 at Jameson Canyon. A third project, the relocation of the Cordelia Truck Scales on I-80, has been recommended for another category of Prop 1B funding, for which $2 billion is available statewide.
The MTC - the transportation coordinating, planning and financing agency for the Bay Area - is charged with submitting a final list of project nominations to the California Transportation Commission. That commission will make the final determination about which projects are funded and pare down the list as required, said MTC Commissioner Jim Spering.
As it stands, Spering said, the list contains about $1.9 million worth of improvements.
"I think Solano County is going to do fine," Spering said. "Our projects meet all of the criteria they are looking for." Not only have the projects been recognized as important by the MTC, he said, but also by Caltrans and the Solano Transportation Authority, which helps the chances of making it through the process.
Also optimistic was STA Executive Director Daryl Halls, who said the MTC list is "good news."
"We are pleased our top priorities are being recognized by the MTC," he said.
The requested funding for the truck scales would finance a phase of a project that would relocate them about three-quarters of a mile east of their present location, according to Halls.
"Part of the intent is to have longer (acceleration and deceleration) lanes," Halls said, adding that the present scales "can't keep up with the volume of trucks going through."
The plan for Route 12, between 1-80 in Solano and Route 29 in Napa, is to widen it to four lanes, which Halls said is "a safety issue and a capacity issue."
Halls added that the Prop 1B funds would go toward construction of a phase of that project.
With completion of the Benicia Bridge looming, Spering and Halls stressed the importance of fixing the I-80 and I-680 interchange to the entire region. Halls said the project is in the middle of the environmental review process.
A special MTC meeting is scheduled for Jan. 10, when the final list will be adopted. Find further information at www.mtc.ca.gov. Public comments will be accepted through Jan. 5.
Jennifer Gentile can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
Two Solano Projects Win MTC Backing
By Jennifer Gentile/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Facing stiff competition, Solano County is poised to get a share of nearly $2 billion in state transportation funding, according to a list released Wednesday.
The list includes projects the Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff has recommended to receive a share of funding from Proposition 1B, a voter-approved $20 billion transportation bond. The MTC list was compiled following a call for project proposals in November that yielded 50 requests, according to the commission's Web site.
The bond, includes $4.5 billion to be placed in a Corridor Mobility Improvement Account. Of that amount, $1.8 billion is available to the Bay Area.
Making it through an initial cut were two Solano County projects, including improvements to the Interstate 80, I-680 Inter-change and the widening of State Route 12 at Jameson Canyon. A third project, the relocation of the Cordelia Truck Scales on I-80, has been recommended for another category of Prop 1B funding, for which $2 billion is available statewide.
The MTC - the transportation coordinating, planning and financing agency for the Bay Area - is charged with submitting a final list of project nominations to the California Transportation Commission. That commission will make the final determination about which projects are funded and pare down the list as required, said MTC Commissioner Jim Spering.
As it stands, Spering said, the list contains about $1.9 million worth of improvements.
"I think Solano County is going to do fine," Spering said. "Our projects meet all of the criteria they are looking for." Not only have the projects been recognized as important by the MTC, he said, but also by Caltrans and the Solano Transportation Authority, which helps the chances of making it through the process.
Also optimistic was STA Executive Director Daryl Halls, who said the MTC list is "good news."
"We are pleased our top priorities are being recognized by the MTC," he said.
The requested funding for the truck scales would finance a phase of a project that would relocate them about three-quarters of a mile east of their present location, according to Halls.
"Part of the intent is to have longer (acceleration and deceleration) lanes," Halls said, adding that the present scales "can't keep up with the volume of trucks going through."
The plan for Route 12, between 1-80 in Solano and Route 29 in Napa, is to widen it to four lanes, which Halls said is "a safety issue and a capacity issue."
Halls added that the Prop 1B funds would go toward construction of a phase of that project.
With completion of the Benicia Bridge looming, Spering and Halls stressed the importance of fixing the I-80 and I-680 interchange to the entire region. Halls said the project is in the middle of the environmental review process.
A special MTC meeting is scheduled for Jan. 10, when the final list will be adopted. Find further information at www.mtc.ca.gov. Public comments will be accepted through Jan. 5.
Jennifer Gentile can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.
Bay Area, Solano Housing Markets Continue to Decline
Bay Area, Solano Housing Markets Continue to Decline
By Ines Bebea
FAIRFIELD - The housing market continues to cool off compared to sale prices last year - and there are no signs of when a recovery might happen.
For the Bay Area, prices dropped to a five-year low with a 1.4 percent decrease over a year ago, leaving average home sale prices at $616,000 in November, according to the monthly housing report by DataQuick News. In Solano County, prices dropped by 9 percent - the largest drop of any of the nine counties in the region.
"What you are seeing right now is also more sellers willing to negotiate by taking off $30,000 to $50,000 in the closing cost," said Daniel F. Lum, a real estate agent with Gateway Realty in Fairfield. "And in a buyer's market, that means a lot more options."
This time of the year the housing market is also affected by the weather because people prefer to see houses during longer daytime hours and when the weather is nicer, he said.
Other factors are holiday spending and end-of-the-year expenses such as property insurance or loan payments.
Some of the sellers in the market now are people who cannot make the payments on refinanced loans, people relocating because of work and households that went from a two-person income to a one-person income.
"But as far as Solano County is concerned, we get more activity because we are the most affordable out of the nine counties in the Bay Area," he said. "As one of the most rural counties we have a lot of more room to expand and build."
For prospective buyers who start house hunting in San Francisco, for every mile away from the city they can knock off $5,000 to $10,000 in price, Lum said.
With more inventory in the market, it will continue to be a buyer's market until the supply and demand reach a balance or moves in favor of the seller. The extra inventory gives buyers more flexibility and options to make a decision and depending on the seller's motivations to move the property prices may continue to drop.
"What we saw last year were prices that actually stalled," said Lisa Adrian, a real estate agent with ReMax Gold. "Prices will continue to go down until the spring of 2008 for builders and sellers."
Adrian couldn't pinpoint exactly where the falling prices will stop, but said regardless of the current slow market situation the competition to make a deal is still present. The biggest incentives are in luxury homes and deals from builders.
"Nobody knows where the drop will stop, but it is going to continue to go down," she said. "After prices were so high last year, the market will correct itself and that takes time."
The upside to this current market is that sellers will continue to be more aggressive to attract buyers. This is also a plus for first-time buyers because they will see more homes and shop for better deals.
"Winter sales are going to happen," said Adrian. "The market will pick up again but slowly. People are always going to be looking for housing."
Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.
STILL IN DECLINE
Home sale statistics for November:
Home sales Nov. 05 Nov. 06 Median 05 Median 06
San Francisco 594 441 $749,000 $754,000
Solano 685 531 $490,000 $446,000
Bay Area 9,717 7,204 $625,000 $616,000
Source: DataQuick Information Systems
By Ines Bebea
FAIRFIELD - The housing market continues to cool off compared to sale prices last year - and there are no signs of when a recovery might happen.
For the Bay Area, prices dropped to a five-year low with a 1.4 percent decrease over a year ago, leaving average home sale prices at $616,000 in November, according to the monthly housing report by DataQuick News. In Solano County, prices dropped by 9 percent - the largest drop of any of the nine counties in the region.
"What you are seeing right now is also more sellers willing to negotiate by taking off $30,000 to $50,000 in the closing cost," said Daniel F. Lum, a real estate agent with Gateway Realty in Fairfield. "And in a buyer's market, that means a lot more options."
This time of the year the housing market is also affected by the weather because people prefer to see houses during longer daytime hours and when the weather is nicer, he said.
Other factors are holiday spending and end-of-the-year expenses such as property insurance or loan payments.
Some of the sellers in the market now are people who cannot make the payments on refinanced loans, people relocating because of work and households that went from a two-person income to a one-person income.
"But as far as Solano County is concerned, we get more activity because we are the most affordable out of the nine counties in the Bay Area," he said. "As one of the most rural counties we have a lot of more room to expand and build."
For prospective buyers who start house hunting in San Francisco, for every mile away from the city they can knock off $5,000 to $10,000 in price, Lum said.
With more inventory in the market, it will continue to be a buyer's market until the supply and demand reach a balance or moves in favor of the seller. The extra inventory gives buyers more flexibility and options to make a decision and depending on the seller's motivations to move the property prices may continue to drop.
"What we saw last year were prices that actually stalled," said Lisa Adrian, a real estate agent with ReMax Gold. "Prices will continue to go down until the spring of 2008 for builders and sellers."
Adrian couldn't pinpoint exactly where the falling prices will stop, but said regardless of the current slow market situation the competition to make a deal is still present. The biggest incentives are in luxury homes and deals from builders.
"Nobody knows where the drop will stop, but it is going to continue to go down," she said. "After prices were so high last year, the market will correct itself and that takes time."
The upside to this current market is that sellers will continue to be more aggressive to attract buyers. This is also a plus for first-time buyers because they will see more homes and shop for better deals.
"Winter sales are going to happen," said Adrian. "The market will pick up again but slowly. People are always going to be looking for housing."
Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.
STILL IN DECLINE
Home sale statistics for November:
Home sales Nov. 05 Nov. 06 Median 05 Median 06
San Francisco 594 441 $749,000 $754,000
Solano 685 531 $490,000 $446,000
Bay Area 9,717 7,204 $625,000 $616,000
Source: DataQuick Information Systems
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
CA Workers' comp costs continue downward trend - Sacramento Business Journal:
Workers' comp costs continue downward trend - Sacramento Business Journal:: "Sacramento Business Journal - December 19, 2006
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily18.html
Business News - Local News
Workers' comp costs continue downward trend
Sacramento Business Journal - 2:27 PM PST Tuesday
by Kelly Johnson
Staff writer
California's workers' compensation system is continuing to make strides, an industry trade group said Monday.
California written premium reported for the first nine months of 2006 is estimated to be $12.8 billion, 21 percent below the same period in 2005, according to the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California. The industry group tracks trends in the mandatory insurance program to assist workers injured on the job and advises the state.
On average, employers paid $3.21 per $100 of payroll for workers' comp coverage in the third quarter, 29 percent below the average rate charged for the second six months of 2005 and 50 percent below the average rate charged in the second six months of 2003, the Rating Bureau found. July 1, 2003 is considered to be the high point for workers' comp system costs, before system reforms began taking effect.
Insurers spent 43 cents on claims for every doll"
http://sacramento.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2006/12/18/daily18.html
Business News - Local News
Workers' comp costs continue downward trend
Sacramento Business Journal - 2:27 PM PST Tuesday
by Kelly Johnson
Staff writer
California's workers' compensation system is continuing to make strides, an industry trade group said Monday.
California written premium reported for the first nine months of 2006 is estimated to be $12.8 billion, 21 percent below the same period in 2005, according to the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California. The industry group tracks trends in the mandatory insurance program to assist workers injured on the job and advises the state.
On average, employers paid $3.21 per $100 of payroll for workers' comp coverage in the third quarter, 29 percent below the average rate charged for the second six months of 2005 and 50 percent below the average rate charged in the second six months of 2003, the Rating Bureau found. July 1, 2003 is considered to be the high point for workers' comp system costs, before system reforms began taking effect.
Insurers spent 43 cents on claims for every doll"
Office Complex Gets Big Start
Office Complex Gets Big Start
State Compensation Insurance Fund, a provider of workers compensation insurance, broke ground Thursday on the first phase of its new Vacaville campus, which will be the city's largest office project to date.
Located in the Vaca Valley Business Park, south of Genentech, the project's first phase entails three, two-story buildings, expected to be finished in 2008 and to house approximately 1,200 employees.
When both phases of construction are completed, likely in 2011, the 32-acre site may include up to five buildings totaling 434,375 square feet of office space.
State Compensation Insurance Fund, a provider of workers compensation insurance, broke ground Thursday on the first phase of its new Vacaville campus, which will be the city's largest office project to date.
Located in the Vaca Valley Business Park, south of Genentech, the project's first phase entails three, two-story buildings, expected to be finished in 2008 and to house approximately 1,200 employees.
When both phases of construction are completed, likely in 2011, the 32-acre site may include up to five buildings totaling 434,375 square feet of office space.
Dixon Puts Biotech in its 'Beaker'
Dixon Puts Biotech in its 'Beaker'
By Melissa Murphy/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Chances of attracting biotechnology to Dixon received a boost Tuesday night with a Planning Commission decision to add appropriate terminology to city zoning ordinances.
"We wanted to be ahead of the curve," said Community Development Director Dave Dowswell. "To be safe and let that particular land use be added. We're really trying to take a proactive approach."
The idea first surfaced earlier this year during debate over a proposed horse racetrack and entertainment facility.
During the recent debate over Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp.'s Dixon Downs racetrack proposal, a number of citizens questioned city leaders as to why Dixon has not yet attracted bioscience businesses such as Genentech or ALZA, located in Vacaville. They argued that such businesses would be much more welcomed to the community than a racetrack.
Dowswell researched what types of businesses would be permitted uses in various zoning districts under current city law. He found that bioscience businesses were not listed as permitted uses in any city zone.
Dowswell decided to add the term "bioscience" as a listed permitted use in the city's light-industrial zone.
Dowswell explained that he had the authority to add the term without approval by the commission, but chose to advise commissioners of his decision. He also will inform the City Council during a meeting in January.
The commission agreed with Dowswell's decision.
In other action, the commission agreed to continue until a date that has yet to be determined, a discussion about the Country Faire Unit 2 Subdivision, which would involve dividing a 2.2-acre parcel into 14 lots for residential use.
Matters relating to an expansion to the Blood Bank Warehouse also will be continued since the applicant was not present during Tuesday's meeting and commissioners still have questions about the project.
Tuesday's meeting was Commissioner Diane Hefner's last. She decided a few months ago to resign her position on the commission to focus more on her job and give time back to herself.
"I'm walking away with a wealth of information," Hefner said. "I have enjoyed this from top to bottom."
Commissioner Dan Ayala gave Hefner a certificate of appreciation for her service on the commission.
"You've been very instrumental in all of our landscaping projects," Ayala said. "You will truly be missed."
Commissioner Yvonne McCluskey agreed.
"You've been a positive influence," she said. "You've been very productive and I'm glad to have had your expertise."
Melissa Murphy can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
By Melissa Murphy/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Chances of attracting biotechnology to Dixon received a boost Tuesday night with a Planning Commission decision to add appropriate terminology to city zoning ordinances.
"We wanted to be ahead of the curve," said Community Development Director Dave Dowswell. "To be safe and let that particular land use be added. We're really trying to take a proactive approach."
The idea first surfaced earlier this year during debate over a proposed horse racetrack and entertainment facility.
During the recent debate over Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp.'s Dixon Downs racetrack proposal, a number of citizens questioned city leaders as to why Dixon has not yet attracted bioscience businesses such as Genentech or ALZA, located in Vacaville. They argued that such businesses would be much more welcomed to the community than a racetrack.
Dowswell researched what types of businesses would be permitted uses in various zoning districts under current city law. He found that bioscience businesses were not listed as permitted uses in any city zone.
Dowswell decided to add the term "bioscience" as a listed permitted use in the city's light-industrial zone.
Dowswell explained that he had the authority to add the term without approval by the commission, but chose to advise commissioners of his decision. He also will inform the City Council during a meeting in January.
The commission agreed with Dowswell's decision.
In other action, the commission agreed to continue until a date that has yet to be determined, a discussion about the Country Faire Unit 2 Subdivision, which would involve dividing a 2.2-acre parcel into 14 lots for residential use.
Matters relating to an expansion to the Blood Bank Warehouse also will be continued since the applicant was not present during Tuesday's meeting and commissioners still have questions about the project.
Tuesday's meeting was Commissioner Diane Hefner's last. She decided a few months ago to resign her position on the commission to focus more on her job and give time back to herself.
"I'm walking away with a wealth of information," Hefner said. "I have enjoyed this from top to bottom."
Commissioner Dan Ayala gave Hefner a certificate of appreciation for her service on the commission.
"You've been very instrumental in all of our landscaping projects," Ayala said. "You will truly be missed."
Commissioner Yvonne McCluskey agreed.
"You've been a positive influence," she said. "You've been very productive and I'm glad to have had your expertise."
Melissa Murphy can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Economic Development Corp. Works to Build Solano
Economic Development Corp. Works to Build Solano
By Ines Bebea
FAIRFIELD - Bringing new businesses and employers to Solano County is more than a full-time job. It requires endless self-promotion, friendly competition and cooperation to let potential leads know of the benefits of having an office, plant or store in the county.
For Michael S. Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corp., the challenges appear when he has to match the interest of a perspective employer with the needs, wants and availability of a city.
"The most important issue is making sure that the community is ready to welcome the investment," Ammann said. "We don't want a business to open and then go out of business. That doesn't work for anyone."
Getting prospective employers interested in Solano County is a long and slow process where only a fraction of those who show interest commit to a site, Ammann said. A lot of the leg work is done by Ammann, who travels constantly to trade shows and conventions to let companies know about the county.
The membership-based organization has 175 members and brings together the public and private sector.
"Many companies get to hear about Solano EDC through referrals from people we have worked with," Ammann said. "But we also get leads from other local economic development organizations who for whatever reason could not make the deal happen."
A couple of Ammann's most pressing goals are to bring high-paying jobs to the county and decrease the number of residents commuting out of the county for work.
"When you have people work where they live, that also gives them more opportunities to be involved in their community," he said. "Whether it is serving on a board, attending school activities or spending money locally."
He is passionate about Solano County because it can also be marketed as a family oriented community.
"Before all of our new development, people thought of Solano as a short stop between San Francisco and Sacramento," he said. "Now we have a Six Flags in Vallejo, great access to Napa, Walnut Creek, Jelly Belly, fresh produce and family activities."
While the organization doesn't have to create a certain number of companies or jobs each year, he is confident that 2007 will be a good year for the county.
"Presently we have 24 (companies or organizations) who are showing interest," he said. "The economy for California at this time looks promising with all the bio-technology companies in the state and development opportunities."
The surging economies in China and Japan are also a great source of possibilities for the ports in the Bay Area and its surrounding counties. Ammann said.
Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.
By Ines Bebea
FAIRFIELD - Bringing new businesses and employers to Solano County is more than a full-time job. It requires endless self-promotion, friendly competition and cooperation to let potential leads know of the benefits of having an office, plant or store in the county.
For Michael S. Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corp., the challenges appear when he has to match the interest of a perspective employer with the needs, wants and availability of a city.
"The most important issue is making sure that the community is ready to welcome the investment," Ammann said. "We don't want a business to open and then go out of business. That doesn't work for anyone."
Getting prospective employers interested in Solano County is a long and slow process where only a fraction of those who show interest commit to a site, Ammann said. A lot of the leg work is done by Ammann, who travels constantly to trade shows and conventions to let companies know about the county.
The membership-based organization has 175 members and brings together the public and private sector.
"Many companies get to hear about Solano EDC through referrals from people we have worked with," Ammann said. "But we also get leads from other local economic development organizations who for whatever reason could not make the deal happen."
A couple of Ammann's most pressing goals are to bring high-paying jobs to the county and decrease the number of residents commuting out of the county for work.
"When you have people work where they live, that also gives them more opportunities to be involved in their community," he said. "Whether it is serving on a board, attending school activities or spending money locally."
He is passionate about Solano County because it can also be marketed as a family oriented community.
"Before all of our new development, people thought of Solano as a short stop between San Francisco and Sacramento," he said. "Now we have a Six Flags in Vallejo, great access to Napa, Walnut Creek, Jelly Belly, fresh produce and family activities."
While the organization doesn't have to create a certain number of companies or jobs each year, he is confident that 2007 will be a good year for the county.
"Presently we have 24 (companies or organizations) who are showing interest," he said. "The economy for California at this time looks promising with all the bio-technology companies in the state and development opportunities."
The surging economies in China and Japan are also a great source of possibilities for the ports in the Bay Area and its surrounding counties. Ammann said.
Reach Ines Bebea at 427-6934 or ibebea@dailyrepublic.net.
Solano Clears First State Bond Hurdle
Solano Clears First State Bond Hurdle
By Barry Eberling
FAIRFIELD - So far, so good in Solano County's quest for state bond money to help fix the interstates 80 and 680 interchange and widen Highway 12 in Jameson Canyon.
The two projects appear on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff recommendation list for the bond money. They made the first cut in a competition that has counties all over California vying for a share of a relatively small pot of money.
Also, the projects appear on a draft state Department of Transportation list of recommended projects for the bond money.
"Right now, we're in a good spot," Solano Transportation Authority Executive Director Daryl Halls said Tuesday. "As of today, the best you can be is on both lists."
County Supervisor-elect Jim Spering, the area's MTC representative, said the chances of getting money are far better than a shot-in-the-dark.
"Our project has as good a chance as any other project in the state," Spering said Tuesday.
Voters on Nov. 7 passed Proposition 1B, a $20 million transportation bond. The California Transportation Commission on Feb. 28, 2007, will discuss handing out $4.5 billion for projects that help ease congestion, with $1.8 billion to go to Northern California.
So the competition is on. Bay Area counties alone have come up with about 50 projects totaling more than $4 billion.
The MTC will decide which Bay Area projects are submitted to the state for consideration. Commission staff has come up with a list of recommended projects totaling $1.9 billion.
Included on the list is $200 million for the I-80/I-680 interchange at Cordelia. This would help build a new connection between the two freeways. It's the next phase in renovating an interchange that is the county's biggest traffic bottleneck.
The local stretch of I-80 carries commerce to and from the Bay Area, Spering said. Fixing the interchange is more than a Solano County project, he said.
"The way I read it, it's a high priority for the state," he said.
Fixing the entire interchange will cost far more money, perhaps more than $1 billion. But this next phase could help deal with the additional congestion expected at the interchange when the new Benicia Bridge opens, transportation officials said.
MTC staff recommends that Highway 12 get $107 million so it can be widened to three lanes through Jameson Canyon. The ultimate goal is to widen the road to four lanes. Three lanes would be a first phase. Halls said the extra lane might run westbound.
The MTC board will discuss the draft list today. The board will vote on it on Jan. 10, 2007, and forward it to the state.
Projects funded by this portion of the state bond money must be under construction by 2012, Halls said. Both the interchange improvement and Highway 12 widening can meet that deadline, he said. Environmental and design work should be finished by then.
Also, the MTC recommended list for another pot of Proposition 1B money includes $50 million to help move and renovate the eastbound I-80 truck scale near Cordelia.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
By Barry Eberling
FAIRFIELD - So far, so good in Solano County's quest for state bond money to help fix the interstates 80 and 680 interchange and widen Highway 12 in Jameson Canyon.
The two projects appear on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission staff recommendation list for the bond money. They made the first cut in a competition that has counties all over California vying for a share of a relatively small pot of money.
Also, the projects appear on a draft state Department of Transportation list of recommended projects for the bond money.
"Right now, we're in a good spot," Solano Transportation Authority Executive Director Daryl Halls said Tuesday. "As of today, the best you can be is on both lists."
County Supervisor-elect Jim Spering, the area's MTC representative, said the chances of getting money are far better than a shot-in-the-dark.
"Our project has as good a chance as any other project in the state," Spering said Tuesday.
Voters on Nov. 7 passed Proposition 1B, a $20 million transportation bond. The California Transportation Commission on Feb. 28, 2007, will discuss handing out $4.5 billion for projects that help ease congestion, with $1.8 billion to go to Northern California.
So the competition is on. Bay Area counties alone have come up with about 50 projects totaling more than $4 billion.
The MTC will decide which Bay Area projects are submitted to the state for consideration. Commission staff has come up with a list of recommended projects totaling $1.9 billion.
Included on the list is $200 million for the I-80/I-680 interchange at Cordelia. This would help build a new connection between the two freeways. It's the next phase in renovating an interchange that is the county's biggest traffic bottleneck.
The local stretch of I-80 carries commerce to and from the Bay Area, Spering said. Fixing the interchange is more than a Solano County project, he said.
"The way I read it, it's a high priority for the state," he said.
Fixing the entire interchange will cost far more money, perhaps more than $1 billion. But this next phase could help deal with the additional congestion expected at the interchange when the new Benicia Bridge opens, transportation officials said.
MTC staff recommends that Highway 12 get $107 million so it can be widened to three lanes through Jameson Canyon. The ultimate goal is to widen the road to four lanes. Three lanes would be a first phase. Halls said the extra lane might run westbound.
The MTC board will discuss the draft list today. The board will vote on it on Jan. 10, 2007, and forward it to the state.
Projects funded by this portion of the state bond money must be under construction by 2012, Halls said. Both the interchange improvement and Highway 12 widening can meet that deadline, he said. Environmental and design work should be finished by then.
Also, the MTC recommended list for another pot of Proposition 1B money includes $50 million to help move and renovate the eastbound I-80 truck scale near Cordelia.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
Travis Expecting Arrival of Sixth C-17 Globemaster Today
Travis Expecting Arrival of Sixth C-17 Globemaster Today
By Ian Thompson
A C-17 Globemaster taxis in front of Travis servicemembers and community members in this file photo. (Photo by Ian Thompson/Daily Republic)
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE - The sixth C-17 Globemaster III jet transport to call Travis Air Force Base home is expected to arrive today with a flightline ceremony, the Travis Public Affairs Office announced.
Dubbed the Spirit of the Golden Gate, the C-17 will be flown up from the Boeing aircraft factory in Long Beach by Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Allan Poulin.
This is the third such C-17 to be given its own name, preceded by the Spirit of Solano and the Spirit of the Golden Bear which already fly missions out of Travis.
Poulin is expected to hand over the "official keys" to the aircraft to Tech. Sgt. Daniel Taylor of the Air Force Reserve's 945th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Staff Sgt. Randy Karels of the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
The first of 13 C-17s to be based at Travis arrived Aug. 8. The remainder of the aircraft are expected to arrive during 2007.
The aircraft are being flown by the 21st Airlift Squadron and the Air Force Reserve 301st Airlift Squadron.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
By Ian Thompson
A C-17 Globemaster taxis in front of Travis servicemembers and community members in this file photo. (Photo by Ian Thompson/Daily Republic)
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE - The sixth C-17 Globemaster III jet transport to call Travis Air Force Base home is expected to arrive today with a flightline ceremony, the Travis Public Affairs Office announced.
Dubbed the Spirit of the Golden Gate, the C-17 will be flown up from the Boeing aircraft factory in Long Beach by Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Allan Poulin.
This is the third such C-17 to be given its own name, preceded by the Spirit of Solano and the Spirit of the Golden Bear which already fly missions out of Travis.
Poulin is expected to hand over the "official keys" to the aircraft to Tech. Sgt. Daniel Taylor of the Air Force Reserve's 945th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Staff Sgt. Randy Karels of the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
The first of 13 C-17s to be based at Travis arrived Aug. 8. The remainder of the aircraft are expected to arrive during 2007.
The aircraft are being flown by the 21st Airlift Squadron and the Air Force Reserve 301st Airlift Squadron.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Reporter - Financial File - Week of December 17
The Reporter - Financial File - Week of December 17: "Article Launched: 12/17/2006 07:59:49 AM PST
Small business success lauded
Solano College Small Business Development Center consultant Charlie Monahan has been awarded third place in a national client success story contest sponsored by the Association of Small Business Development Centers.
Monahan and his client, Dean Bowen of Net-Flow Corporation, were recognized at the association's annual conference in Houston, Texas.
Bowen has been working with the Solano College SBDC and Napa Valley College SBDC since 2003 and participated in the NxLeveL Entrepreneurial Training Program - an intensive 10-week, 40-hour small business training program specifically designed for business owners who are positioning their business for expansion and future success.
Independent economic impact studies show that existing businesses that participated in the NxLeveL program see a 28 percent increase in sales, and on average, create 1.3 additional jobs within one year of graduation. A third party evaluation showed that firms with less than $200,000 in sales experienced a 200 percent increase in gross sales within the first year of graduating, officials said. Further, of those graduates not already in business, 40 percent go on to start a new venture.
For more information, call 864-3382 or visit www.solanosbdc.org."
Small business success lauded
Solano College Small Business Development Center consultant Charlie Monahan has been awarded third place in a national client success story contest sponsored by the Association of Small Business Development Centers.
Monahan and his client, Dean Bowen of Net-Flow Corporation, were recognized at the association's annual conference in Houston, Texas.
Bowen has been working with the Solano College SBDC and Napa Valley College SBDC since 2003 and participated in the NxLeveL Entrepreneurial Training Program - an intensive 10-week, 40-hour small business training program specifically designed for business owners who are positioning their business for expansion and future success.
Independent economic impact studies show that existing businesses that participated in the NxLeveL program see a 28 percent increase in sales, and on average, create 1.3 additional jobs within one year of graduation. A third party evaluation showed that firms with less than $200,000 in sales experienced a 200 percent increase in gross sales within the first year of graduating, officials said. Further, of those graduates not already in business, 40 percent go on to start a new venture.
For more information, call 864-3382 or visit www.solanosbdc.org."
School Village Being Planned at Mare Island
School Village Being Planned at Mare Island
Touro University may soon cut a deal with Vallejo to redevelop 191 acres at the former shipyard.
By Chris G. Denina/Times-Herald, Vallejo
TheReporter.Com
As early as next month, Vallejo officials could give Touro University a shot at building a university village at Mare Island's north end, ending confusion over who would revamp the 191 acres and clean up the contamin-ated land.
City staff plan to update the Vallejo City Council on Tuesday about the proposal to enter talks with Touro over the project. The deal could signal the end of master developer Lennar Mare Island LLC's lead role in taking early transfer of the remaining Navy-owned land on the old shipbuilding base.
University officials, who only made a play for the project this summer, are anxious to launch the development project, said Richard Hassel, university vice president of administration.
"All I can tell you is it's been a long time coming from our point of view," Hassel said. "I think the community's going to be very excited as we roll out our plans. It's really going to paint a bright economic future for the entire community."
Under the proposal, Touro would be the fourth company to try to renew the site.
Weston Solution Inc., which a year ago dropped its plans to reopen dredge ponds on Mare Island's west side, will handle the environmental cleanup.
And Lennar, which is developing housing on the east side, will bow out of the project, after nearly two years of unsuccessful negotiations with the city to do the north end project.
The city has been seeking a developer since the base closed in 1996.
Ironically, Weston was the second company to back out of the development project, citing financial issues. Lennar is now the third, after time ran out on its exclusive right to negotiate for the deal.
City officials were considering working with Touro to develop the north end and Lennar to continue working on a deal for the Navy to transfer its remaining property. The Navy still owns about half of Area 1A, which must be transferred before the land can be developed.
The pairing of Touro and Weston erases confusion over who would work with the Navy to take control of the land and oversee the cleanup of such contaminants as lead.
"We think that this approach after that experience is one that is in some ways simpler and that's what we're pursuing," said assistant city manager Craig Whittom, who's also in charge of community development.
Mayor Tony Intintoli Jr. said he's looking forward to hearing the details of the proposal between Touro, Weston and the city on Tuesday. The university village concept is good, he said. "I think it brings to the table something different in terms of a vision."
Touro University may soon cut a deal with Vallejo to redevelop 191 acres at the former shipyard.
By Chris G. Denina/Times-Herald, Vallejo
TheReporter.Com
As early as next month, Vallejo officials could give Touro University a shot at building a university village at Mare Island's north end, ending confusion over who would revamp the 191 acres and clean up the contamin-ated land.
City staff plan to update the Vallejo City Council on Tuesday about the proposal to enter talks with Touro over the project. The deal could signal the end of master developer Lennar Mare Island LLC's lead role in taking early transfer of the remaining Navy-owned land on the old shipbuilding base.
University officials, who only made a play for the project this summer, are anxious to launch the development project, said Richard Hassel, university vice president of administration.
"All I can tell you is it's been a long time coming from our point of view," Hassel said. "I think the community's going to be very excited as we roll out our plans. It's really going to paint a bright economic future for the entire community."
Under the proposal, Touro would be the fourth company to try to renew the site.
Weston Solution Inc., which a year ago dropped its plans to reopen dredge ponds on Mare Island's west side, will handle the environmental cleanup.
And Lennar, which is developing housing on the east side, will bow out of the project, after nearly two years of unsuccessful negotiations with the city to do the north end project.
The city has been seeking a developer since the base closed in 1996.
Ironically, Weston was the second company to back out of the development project, citing financial issues. Lennar is now the third, after time ran out on its exclusive right to negotiate for the deal.
City officials were considering working with Touro to develop the north end and Lennar to continue working on a deal for the Navy to transfer its remaining property. The Navy still owns about half of Area 1A, which must be transferred before the land can be developed.
The pairing of Touro and Weston erases confusion over who would work with the Navy to take control of the land and oversee the cleanup of such contaminants as lead.
"We think that this approach after that experience is one that is in some ways simpler and that's what we're pursuing," said assistant city manager Craig Whittom, who's also in charge of community development.
Mayor Tony Intintoli Jr. said he's looking forward to hearing the details of the proposal between Touro, Weston and the city on Tuesday. The university village concept is good, he said. "I think it brings to the table something different in terms of a vision."
Dixon Yearns for a Piece of Biotech 'Pie'
Dixon Yearns for a Piece of Biotech 'Pie'
Planners to weigh zoning change in new ploy to attract lifescience firms to Dixon.
By Melissa Murphy/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Biotechnology is booming in Northern Solano County but so far, Dixon hasn't joined the ranks of local cities capitalizing on the trend.
That could change if the Dixon Planning Commission approves a proposed change in city zoning laws Tuesday.
The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 600 West A. St.
On tap for Tuesday is a proposal aimed at attracting bioscience businesses to the city.
The idea first surfaced during the debate over a proposed horse racetrack and entertainment facility earlier this year.
During the recent debate over Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp.'s Dixon Downs racetrack proposal, a number of citizens questioned city leaders on why Dixon has not yet attracted bioscience businesses such as Genentech or ALZA in Vacaville. They argued that such businesses would be much more welcomed to the community than a racetrack.
City staffers researched what types of businesses would be permitted uses in various zoning districts under current city law. What they found was that bioscience businesses were not listed as a permitted use in any city zone. They found the only use that might be considered similar to bioscience is laboratories.
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission change that situation and add "bioscience" to the permitted uses in the city's light industrial zones.
If they approve the idea, it would go to the City Council at a future hearing.
In other action Tuesday, the Commission will discuss a proposal to divide a more than two-acre parcel into 14 lots in the existing County Faire Subdivision. The change would allow for multiple residential development at the site.
The project is consistent with the zoning ordinance for the area, according to a city staff report. Staff is recommending approval of the subdivision with conditions to address the building setbacks, fencing and potential pollutants.
Also Tuesday, the commission will discuss an expansion of the Blood Bank Warehouse on Business Park Drive.
A staff report explained that Stanley and Edgar Mertz are proposing to construct a 2,400-square-foot addition to expand the existing animal blood bank business.
Melissa Murphy can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Planners to weigh zoning change in new ploy to attract lifescience firms to Dixon.
By Melissa Murphy/Staff Writer
TheReporter.Com
Biotechnology is booming in Northern Solano County but so far, Dixon hasn't joined the ranks of local cities capitalizing on the trend.
That could change if the Dixon Planning Commission approves a proposed change in city zoning laws Tuesday.
The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 600 West A. St.
On tap for Tuesday is a proposal aimed at attracting bioscience businesses to the city.
The idea first surfaced during the debate over a proposed horse racetrack and entertainment facility earlier this year.
During the recent debate over Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp.'s Dixon Downs racetrack proposal, a number of citizens questioned city leaders on why Dixon has not yet attracted bioscience businesses such as Genentech or ALZA in Vacaville. They argued that such businesses would be much more welcomed to the community than a racetrack.
City staffers researched what types of businesses would be permitted uses in various zoning districts under current city law. What they found was that bioscience businesses were not listed as a permitted use in any city zone. They found the only use that might be considered similar to bioscience is laboratories.
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission change that situation and add "bioscience" to the permitted uses in the city's light industrial zones.
If they approve the idea, it would go to the City Council at a future hearing.
In other action Tuesday, the Commission will discuss a proposal to divide a more than two-acre parcel into 14 lots in the existing County Faire Subdivision. The change would allow for multiple residential development at the site.
The project is consistent with the zoning ordinance for the area, according to a city staff report. Staff is recommending approval of the subdivision with conditions to address the building setbacks, fencing and potential pollutants.
Also Tuesday, the commission will discuss an expansion of the Blood Bank Warehouse on Business Park Drive.
A staff report explained that Stanley and Edgar Mertz are proposing to construct a 2,400-square-foot addition to expand the existing animal blood bank business.
Melissa Murphy can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
Suisun City Eyes Entertainment Changes for '07
Suisun City Eyes Entertainment Changes for '07
By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY - Will there be more summer movies at the Harbor Plaza, increased city support of the Saturday crafts markets and another Friday night concert season?
That is what the Suisun City Recreation Department wants the City Council to weigh in on Tuesday night as department head Mick Jessop prepares his department's 2007 event calendar.
These are three possible changes Jessop wants to make in a calendar of events that starts in April with an Easter egg hunt and wraps up with Christmas in Old Town.
The first is bringing back the Harbor Nights concert series for a second season at the Harbor Plaza starting July 13, but offering five free concerts along with three to four ticketed events.
"It is another event that both the community enjoys and puts Suisun City on the map for quality entertainment in a prime location," Jessop wrote in a memo to the City Council.
Under an agreement being worked out with Pepper Belly's owner Jim Ignatieff, the city would manage the free events and Ignatieff would manage the ticketed ones.
Last summer's series went relatively well considering how quickly it was planned and put together, but attendance was below what was expected and the image of the fence surrounding the concert put off residents.
The concerts ended up costing Suisun City $30,145 and Ignatieff $34,439.
Jessop is asking the City Council to agree to pay $33,145 to help put on the 2007 concert series.
The second possible change is a request from Saturday Market promoter Debbie Kiikvee for financial support from the city for the open-air crafts vendor markets she runs on the first Saturday of each month.
Kiikvee's events weren't well attended in 2006 and a drop in interested vendors forced her to run the markets at a financial loss.
Jessop is asking the council for help "to help turn the corner on making this event a mainstay event for the community." The 2007 Saturday markets are expected to run from May through August.
Kiikvee wants assistance in the form of $1,000 per event for advertising and another $300 per event to allow her to spend more time finding vendors, pre-planning the markets and developing themes for each market.
The third is offering a weekly Saturday Night at the Movies that would run for eight Saturday nights starting on July 7 in the Harbor Plaza.
This idea was spurred by the popularity of the 2006 series that offered movies once a month during the summer with support from the Old Town's Business Improvement District.
The Suisun City Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Suisun City Council chamber at 701 Civic Center Blvd.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
At a glance
Who: Suisun City Council
What: The 2007 Recreation Department event calendar
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Suisun City Council chamber, 701 Civic Center Blvd.
Info: 421-7300
By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY - Will there be more summer movies at the Harbor Plaza, increased city support of the Saturday crafts markets and another Friday night concert season?
That is what the Suisun City Recreation Department wants the City Council to weigh in on Tuesday night as department head Mick Jessop prepares his department's 2007 event calendar.
These are three possible changes Jessop wants to make in a calendar of events that starts in April with an Easter egg hunt and wraps up with Christmas in Old Town.
The first is bringing back the Harbor Nights concert series for a second season at the Harbor Plaza starting July 13, but offering five free concerts along with three to four ticketed events.
"It is another event that both the community enjoys and puts Suisun City on the map for quality entertainment in a prime location," Jessop wrote in a memo to the City Council.
Under an agreement being worked out with Pepper Belly's owner Jim Ignatieff, the city would manage the free events and Ignatieff would manage the ticketed ones.
Last summer's series went relatively well considering how quickly it was planned and put together, but attendance was below what was expected and the image of the fence surrounding the concert put off residents.
The concerts ended up costing Suisun City $30,145 and Ignatieff $34,439.
Jessop is asking the City Council to agree to pay $33,145 to help put on the 2007 concert series.
The second possible change is a request from Saturday Market promoter Debbie Kiikvee for financial support from the city for the open-air crafts vendor markets she runs on the first Saturday of each month.
Kiikvee's events weren't well attended in 2006 and a drop in interested vendors forced her to run the markets at a financial loss.
Jessop is asking the council for help "to help turn the corner on making this event a mainstay event for the community." The 2007 Saturday markets are expected to run from May through August.
Kiikvee wants assistance in the form of $1,000 per event for advertising and another $300 per event to allow her to spend more time finding vendors, pre-planning the markets and developing themes for each market.
The third is offering a weekly Saturday Night at the Movies that would run for eight Saturday nights starting on July 7 in the Harbor Plaza.
This idea was spurred by the popularity of the 2006 series that offered movies once a month during the summer with support from the Old Town's Business Improvement District.
The Suisun City Council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Suisun City Council chamber at 701 Civic Center Blvd.
Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.
At a glance
Who: Suisun City Council
What: The 2007 Recreation Department event calendar
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Suisun City Council chamber, 701 Civic Center Blvd.
Info: 421-7300
Poster Child for Base Protection Plans
Poster Child for Base Protection Plans
By Barry Eberling
Fairfield and the county have taken such steps as keeping development from the land near the Travis runways, keeping homes away from areas with high airplane noise and buying the 1,848-acre Wilcox Ranch next to the base. (Photo by Mike McCoy)
FAIRFIELD - Solano County and Fairfield are using textbook methods to protect Travis Air Force Base from closing due to encroachment from new subdivisions.
In fact, they're part of the book. Their efforts are featured in the California Advisory Handbook for Community and Military Compatibility Planning.
But being a poster child for base protection plans isn't enough for some community leaders. Fairfield Mayor Harry Price wants to do still more to help keep Travis off any future federal base closure lists.
"We're not done yet," Price said.
The Governor's Office Of Planning and Research released the manual in February. It is crammed full of suggestions, listing various ways that growing communities can co-exist with military bases that don't want to be crowded.
"California realizes that the military is not only an important part of our past and present; it is also an important part of our future," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote at the book's beginning.
The state in 2005 had more than 278,000 people employed by the military and benefited from military expenditures topping $42 billion annually, the book said. But the state's population is expected to grow 50 percent by 2050, when there could be 54.8 million residents, it said. That means expanding cities and military bases could bump up against each other.
Fairfield and Solano County know all about these challenges. Travis Air Force Base employees 7,700 active military and 3,500 civilians. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee reports the base's economic impact on the area at more than $1 billion annually.
But the Association of Bay Area Governments expects the county to grow from more than 421,000 people today to 577,000 in 2030. Fairfield subdivisions over the years have grown close to the base.
Fairfield and the county responded by taking such steps as keeping development from the land near the Travis runways, keeping homes away from areas with high airplane noise and buying the 1,848-acre Wilcox Ranch next to the base. The Wilcox ranch is to remain open space unless the base needs the land for expansion.
County Supervisor Mike Reagan said he's heard from Pentagon officials that another federal base closure round could come in 2012. He sees more steps the community can take to protect Travis. He mentioned an idea being used near military bases in Florida and touched on in the state manual.
Many developments must preserve land elsewhere to make up for wetlands and habitat they build on. This is required by state and federal laws protecting endangered species and wetlands.
Florida wants to create its habitat preservation areas under accident and noise zones from military bases, Reagan said. He can see the same things happening locally, with the preserves under Travis flight paths.
This has already begun happening. Some private landowners are turning their property into mitigation banks where developers buy credits for habitat preservation.
Of course, habitat must be present before it can be preserved. That's no problem with Travis. Some of the land near the base has wetlands that can be home to rare creatures such as the vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Price thinks the community can help Travis by improving the roads leading to the south gate of the base. That's where large trucks, many of them from Stockton, bring cargo to the base, he said.
The Solano Transportation Authority, Solano County, Fairfield and Suisun City have begun talks on this project. Improving Petersen Road at the south gate and also improving Canon and North Gate roads at the Travis north gate could cost $5.6 million, a county memorandum said.
Price also wants to reopen the rail line into Travis. Trains could help bring freight to the base, he said.
Then there's an idea that has come up repeatedly over the past few decades - building a new runway along Travis for civilian uses. Such an effort could have ramifications that go beyond Solano County.
San Francisco International Airport has looked at expanding, but that means filling in the San Francisco Bay to create a new runway, Reagan said. The idea came up a few years ago that having commercial cargo traffic go to Travis could relieve air traffic at San Francisco and Oakland airports.
"Then 9-11 happened and traffic dropped off and everything dropped off the screen," Reagan said. "But traffic is now building up to pre-9-11 levels."
William Shea, a former associate administrator for airports with the Federal Aviation Administration, went further in a 2004 editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle. He said a joint-use Travis Air Force Base could serve national and international passenger flights, as well as cargo traffic.
"The base could handle 20 or more 600-passenger aircraft a day," he wrote.
A joint-use venture could help Travis, Reagan said. The base would have another runway to use when one of its existing runways is being repaired. The joint facility could share the costs of air traffic control, fire and crash rescue and maintenance, he said.
The downside is an increase in security exposure for Travis, he said.
Fairfield and Solano County aren't the only ones with an eye on Travis. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee brings together local civic and elected leaders to keep abreast on base activities and needs.
Whatever happens next could take time. Fairfield and Solano County didn't complete the protection steps outlines in the state manual overnight. Work started in the mid-1990s and continued into 2002, when the county and city secured the Wilcox Ranch.
"It's the long-range planning the results in a desired effect," Price said.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
They helped write the book
Fairfield and Solano County are cited in a state handbook for taking the following steps to protect Travis Air Force Base:
-- The Fairfield General Plan restricts development near the Travis Air Force Base runways. It also restricts growth in areas that experience high noise levels from base planes, as well as in areas that could someday experience these noise levels as the base adds missions.
-- Fairfield and Solano County bought 1,848 acres of the Wilcox Ranch near the base. This land is to be built on only if the base needs it to expand.
-- The Solano County Airport Land Use Commission has adopted a plan that restricts growth in areas that experience high aircraft noise. As with the Fairfield General Plan, the commission takes into account potential future Travis missions.
By Barry Eberling
Fairfield and the county have taken such steps as keeping development from the land near the Travis runways, keeping homes away from areas with high airplane noise and buying the 1,848-acre Wilcox Ranch next to the base. (Photo by Mike McCoy)
FAIRFIELD - Solano County and Fairfield are using textbook methods to protect Travis Air Force Base from closing due to encroachment from new subdivisions.
In fact, they're part of the book. Their efforts are featured in the California Advisory Handbook for Community and Military Compatibility Planning.
But being a poster child for base protection plans isn't enough for some community leaders. Fairfield Mayor Harry Price wants to do still more to help keep Travis off any future federal base closure lists.
"We're not done yet," Price said.
The Governor's Office Of Planning and Research released the manual in February. It is crammed full of suggestions, listing various ways that growing communities can co-exist with military bases that don't want to be crowded.
"California realizes that the military is not only an important part of our past and present; it is also an important part of our future," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote at the book's beginning.
The state in 2005 had more than 278,000 people employed by the military and benefited from military expenditures topping $42 billion annually, the book said. But the state's population is expected to grow 50 percent by 2050, when there could be 54.8 million residents, it said. That means expanding cities and military bases could bump up against each other.
Fairfield and Solano County know all about these challenges. Travis Air Force Base employees 7,700 active military and 3,500 civilians. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee reports the base's economic impact on the area at more than $1 billion annually.
But the Association of Bay Area Governments expects the county to grow from more than 421,000 people today to 577,000 in 2030. Fairfield subdivisions over the years have grown close to the base.
Fairfield and the county responded by taking such steps as keeping development from the land near the Travis runways, keeping homes away from areas with high airplane noise and buying the 1,848-acre Wilcox Ranch next to the base. The Wilcox ranch is to remain open space unless the base needs the land for expansion.
County Supervisor Mike Reagan said he's heard from Pentagon officials that another federal base closure round could come in 2012. He sees more steps the community can take to protect Travis. He mentioned an idea being used near military bases in Florida and touched on in the state manual.
Many developments must preserve land elsewhere to make up for wetlands and habitat they build on. This is required by state and federal laws protecting endangered species and wetlands.
Florida wants to create its habitat preservation areas under accident and noise zones from military bases, Reagan said. He can see the same things happening locally, with the preserves under Travis flight paths.
This has already begun happening. Some private landowners are turning their property into mitigation banks where developers buy credits for habitat preservation.
Of course, habitat must be present before it can be preserved. That's no problem with Travis. Some of the land near the base has wetlands that can be home to rare creatures such as the vernal pool fairy shrimp.
Price thinks the community can help Travis by improving the roads leading to the south gate of the base. That's where large trucks, many of them from Stockton, bring cargo to the base, he said.
The Solano Transportation Authority, Solano County, Fairfield and Suisun City have begun talks on this project. Improving Petersen Road at the south gate and also improving Canon and North Gate roads at the Travis north gate could cost $5.6 million, a county memorandum said.
Price also wants to reopen the rail line into Travis. Trains could help bring freight to the base, he said.
Then there's an idea that has come up repeatedly over the past few decades - building a new runway along Travis for civilian uses. Such an effort could have ramifications that go beyond Solano County.
San Francisco International Airport has looked at expanding, but that means filling in the San Francisco Bay to create a new runway, Reagan said. The idea came up a few years ago that having commercial cargo traffic go to Travis could relieve air traffic at San Francisco and Oakland airports.
"Then 9-11 happened and traffic dropped off and everything dropped off the screen," Reagan said. "But traffic is now building up to pre-9-11 levels."
William Shea, a former associate administrator for airports with the Federal Aviation Administration, went further in a 2004 editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle. He said a joint-use Travis Air Force Base could serve national and international passenger flights, as well as cargo traffic.
"The base could handle 20 or more 600-passenger aircraft a day," he wrote.
A joint-use venture could help Travis, Reagan said. The base would have another runway to use when one of its existing runways is being repaired. The joint facility could share the costs of air traffic control, fire and crash rescue and maintenance, he said.
The downside is an increase in security exposure for Travis, he said.
Fairfield and Solano County aren't the only ones with an eye on Travis. The Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee brings together local civic and elected leaders to keep abreast on base activities and needs.
Whatever happens next could take time. Fairfield and Solano County didn't complete the protection steps outlines in the state manual overnight. Work started in the mid-1990s and continued into 2002, when the county and city secured the Wilcox Ranch.
"It's the long-range planning the results in a desired effect," Price said.
Reach Barry Eberling at 425-4646 Ext. 232 or at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.
They helped write the book
Fairfield and Solano County are cited in a state handbook for taking the following steps to protect Travis Air Force Base:
-- The Fairfield General Plan restricts development near the Travis Air Force Base runways. It also restricts growth in areas that experience high noise levels from base planes, as well as in areas that could someday experience these noise levels as the base adds missions.
-- Fairfield and Solano County bought 1,848 acres of the Wilcox Ranch near the base. This land is to be built on only if the base needs it to expand.
-- The Solano County Airport Land Use Commission has adopted a plan that restricts growth in areas that experience high aircraft noise. As with the Fairfield General Plan, the commission takes into account potential future Travis missions.
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