SMW Enforces Agricultural Conservation Easement
After years of litigation, the firm negotiates a groundbreaking settlement to enforce a conservation easement and preserve and enhance the agricultural productivity of Sonoma County’s Lower Ranch. (Sonoma Land Trust v. BBRRBR LLC (2008).)
SMW Successfully Challenges Sprawl Development on Agricultural Lands
The firm prevails in litigation challenging a sprawl development project in the San Joaquin/Sacramento Delta city of Oakley and enters into a settlement generating substantial mitigation fees for protection of agricultural land. (Greenbelt Alliance v. City of Oakley (2008).)
San Mateo County Coastal Open Space Protected
The firm advises on a master parks plan for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s annexation of the entire San Mateo Coast in 2004. It then successfully defends the annexation in court. (Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. San Mateo County LAFCO, 159 Cal.App.4th 717 (2008).)
Flood and Habitat Protection for the Natomas Basin
From 2008 to the present, the firm represents the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency in more than 30 eminent domain actions to acquire property for the nation’s largest flood control and habitat mitigation project in the Natomas Basin, encompassing parts of the City of Sacramento. Habitat mitigation includes the Giant Garter Snake and Swainson’s Hawk.
A Vote to Protect Open Space in San Clemente
Voters in San Clemente pass a referendum in 2008 against the Pacific Golf Club project, which was to be located in one of the City’s largest open space areas. The firm drafts the referendum and successfully defends its sponsor’s ballot argument in court.
SMW Stops Massive Port of Stockton Expansion Project and Mitigates Environmental Impacts
The firm secures a federal injunction stopping the Port of Stockton’s hastily started expansion. After a second victory in state court, the firm in 2007 negotiates dramatic reductions in the project’s air and water pollution. (Deltakeeper v. Port of Stockton.)
SMW Defends Initiative and Stops Developer From Harassing its Sponsors
The firm secures an emergency appellate ruling to stop what the court called a developer’s “absurd and somewhat frightening” attempt to depose initiative proponents. The firm also successfully defends the initiative. (Save Loma Linda v. Superior Court (2007)).
SMW Stops 4-Lane Bridge Through Open Space Canyon in San Diego
In response to litigation by the firm, the City of San Diego rescinds its controversial decision to construct a bridge over Rose Canyon, a sensitive resource. Later, the City removes the bridge from its General Plan. (Friends of Rose Canyon v. City of San Diego (2007).)
A Lifeline for a Rare Salamander
Photo credit: Gary Nafis With the firm’s help, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, and the Center for Biological Diversity bring successful litigation against the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to restore protection for the Scott Bar Salamander under the California Endangered Species Act. (Environmental Protection Information Center v. CDFW (2007).)
Court Upholds Infill Development Involving Reuse of Historic Theatre
Photo Credit: BWChicago, Flickr, CC BY 2.0 The firm advises and successfully defends the City of Alameda in a suit challenging a redevelopment project in downtown Alameda involving the restoration of the historic Alameda Theatre and the construction of an adjacent cineplex with parking to subsidize the restoration effort. (Citizens for a Megaplex-Free Alameda v. […]