Public Use | Kelo

Roxie_logoSan Francisco Bay Areans: come join us at the Roxie Theater (3117 16th Street between Valencia and Guerrero, San Francisco) tonight for screenings of Battle for Brooklyn, the Oscar-shortlisted documentary film about the Atlantic Yards eminent domain case. Two shows, 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Details, including ticket purchase here.

I’ll be…

Here’s what we’re reading today:

  • Blight barons of redevelopment plot comeback – Steven Greenhut (O.C. Register): “As of February, anyway, redevelopment is dead in California, the victim of an absurdly arrogant legal and political strategy pursued by redevelopment’s chief defenders. This is wonderful news, made even better by the teeth-gnashing of public officials

…

California followers: be sure to register and join in on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, starting at 2:00 p.m. PST as Rick Rayl, Brad Kuhn (California Eminent Domain Report) and their firm colleagues present a webinar, “Supreme Court Upholds Elimination of Redevelopment in California – Now What?“

This, of course, refers to…

Battle for Brooklyn film poster

Today was the Hawaii premiere of Battle For Brooklyn, the Oscar-shortlisted documentary film about the Atlantic Yards case. We’re introducing the film and conducting a question-and-answer session after each showing.

Screening information: Tuesday and Wednesday, January 3 and 4, at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day at the Doris Duke Theater. More …

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser published my movie review of “Battle For Brooklyn,” the documentary about the Atlantic Yards eminent domain fight, on the op-ed page. Check it out here or below. More importantly, if you are in Honolulu next week, come to one of the four screenings (details and link to ticket purchase below).…

Today’s 6-1 California Supreme Court opinion in California Redevelopment Association v. Matosantos, No. S194861 (Dec. 29, 2011) brings to mind two of our favorite loanwords: schadenfreude (deriving pleasure from the misfortune of others) and schlimmbesserung (to worsen by improvement).

The first because we can’t say we’re crying much about the takedown of California redevelopment…

As we noted earlier today (“Cal Supreme Court “Redevelops” Redevelopment Agencies“), the California Supreme Court has dealt a stunning blow to the redevelopment-industrial compex in California. Here’s more from media outlets and legal commentators:

  • Governor Jerry Brown issues his shortest press release, ever: “Today’s ruling by the California Supreme Court validates a key

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In what can only be considered a major takedown of the redevelopment game, the California Supreme Court in a 6-1 opinion (Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye concurring and dissenting), held that the state legislature could eliminate redevelopment agencies without violating the California Constitution. What the lege giveth, the lege may taketh away. It upheld the statute dissolving…

ALI-ABAGet ready, it’s that time of year again: the annual eminent domain law conferences by the American Law Institute-American Bar Association, this year to be held in San Diego from January 26-28, 2012.

Here’s the description of Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation, the premiere program on condemnation law and related topics:

The power of eminent domain is being reshaped across the nation by court rulings and legislation. Much of the recent court activity and legislation has involved the controversial use, or attempted use, of eminent domain power to take private property for economic development by private parties. Redevelopment, however, is not the only fluid area in takings law. This national course of study addresses those areas where new developments in the law and procedure have and will reshape the practice. Learn what’s new in the cutting-edge areas of eminent domain law and how the practice in this field continues to evolve.

This popular and long running advanced course of study kicks off with a comprehensive update on eminent domain case law and legislation by a preeminent practitioner.

Each morning, the course focuses on hot issues and topics that affect practitioners today.

On Thursday and Friday afternoon, a dual track system addresses important substantive and practice topics in a series of breakout sessions. Registrants can learn about the key issues in substantive takings law from nationally recognized and experienced professionals. On the practice side, registrants can choose from another array of sessions chock full of practice pointers.

The course brings all the right participants together — lawyers, appraisers, condemning agencies, right-of-way professionals, and many others — to share valuable experiences and engage in healthy debate on these cutting-edge issues.

Networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the program, with breakfasts, networking breaks, a reception on Thursday afternoon, and social activities in the evenings arranged by a special Hospitality Committee. Come and meet with colleagues from around the nation, exchange ideas, enjoy the fellowship, and collect more than 16 hours of CLE credits.

This course runs concurrently with ALI-ABA’s annual Course of Study, Condemnation 101: Making the Complex Simple in Eminent Domain. This unique format allows practitioners who are new in the field of eminent domain to network with many of the nation’s most experienced condemnation lawyers, and to benefit from many of those same lawyers serving as their faculty. Special Offer: Attend Eminent Domain and Land Valuation Litigation and bring an associate to Condemnation 101 for 50% off.  ADD TO CART

We’re on the faculty (“The Role of Hawaii’s Unique Property Law in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Takings Cases“with Professor David Callies), so if you attend either course, please stop by and say hi.
Continue Reading ALI-ABA Annual Eminent Domain Conference, January 26-28, 2012, San Diego