NEWPORT BEACH - Pictured is the Newport Beach Boat Parade -- Surf, Sand and Santa (Dec. 19-23, 2012)-- with historic Balboa Pavilion in the background. The parade could be less bright this year if a boycott goes into effect. Some homeowners with docks in Newport Harbor have formed a group called Stop the Dock Tax, and are protesting a city increase in dock fees by calling for a boycott to the annual boat parade. Residents typically show community spirit by lighting their homes and boat docks, and entering boats into the parade. Fees for pier owners on state-owned, city-administered tidelands increase from a flat $100 annually, to 52.5 cents per square foot of usable dock space.

CORTE MADERA - Former Madera Vista, a vacant 126-unit apartment complex is transforming into luxury apartments including some 2,000-square-foot penthouses, plus a 1,500-square-foot clubhouse and gym. Renamed Preserve at Marin, the renovation is expected to cost $32.6 million.

HERCULES - A city-backed restaurant, Sala, in the historic Civic Arts building overlooking San Pablo Bay closed, leaving unpaid electric bills. The now-defunct Hercules Redevelopment Agency invested more than $1.6 million to acquire the 2,100-square-foot building and rehabilitate it.

LOS ANGELES -A $1.1 billion proposal to overhaul an aging shopping center next to the University of Southern California was approved by L.A. City Council. USC says it will pay 100% of expense to build a hotel, movie theater, restaurants, and additional academic buildings and campus housing to accommodate as many as 3,000 students. It is the largest proposed economic development in the history of the L.A.'s south side.

MANTECA - The City of Manteca has $43.6 million to invest in infrastructure due to unused funds set aside for capital improvements.

NAPA/SONOMA - Winery and vineyard acquisitions took place at a record pace in 2012 and should continue into 2013 as strategic buyers look for vineyards. Foley Family Wines acquired Blackstone winery, Lancaster Estate, Langtry Estate and Guenoc, and the Ramal East Vineyard; Australia-based Accolade Wines obtained Ascentia Wine Estates portfolio; and Jackson Family Wines bought Ramal West Vineyard and Saralee's Vineyard. In 2013 the Napa County Carbon Action Plan calls for vineyard project carbon-offset fees. There are also two new sets of water-quality regulation: a proposed North Coast agricultural activities permit and a draft vineyard waiver for Sonoma Creek and Napa River stormwater runoff.

PLACENTIA - A Placentia train station could start construction by the summer of 2013. The city will need to generate new plans to pay $1.5 to 2.5 million infrastructure costs.

SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego is turning over its defunct redevelopment authority's $600,000+ debt to a collection agency. The bill is for building-permit fees for a pedestrian bridge linking San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park.

SANTA CLARA - Julio Fuentes was selected as the City Manager for the City of Santa Clara in December 2012 and takes his new post February 4, 2013, departing the City of Alhambra where he has worked for approx. 20 years.

SANTA CLARA - $62,625 from City reserves was recently appropriated for affordable housing services to support programs at Catholic Charities, Housing Search Services; Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, Support Living Concepts; Council on Aging, Senior Case Management; Next Door, HomeSafe Case Management; EHC LifeBuilders, Transitional Housing Support Services; and Project Sentinel and HUD Mortgage Default Counseling.

SANTA MONICA - Two impacts of homelessness are on the perception of Santa Monica as a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit and the frequent requests for first responder interventions in situations involving homeless persons. According to City staff, the total homeless count in Santa Monica was 769 in 2012, including 264 on the street, 453 in shelters, and 52 in vehicles. Homelessness continues to be concentrated in the downtown area. A loss of redevelopment housing funds, early release of prisoners and an increase in war veterans returning home are anticipated to impact programs designed at housing the homeless.

TORRANCE - A transformational redevelopment of the 2.3 million square foot Del Amo Fashion Center is expected to included relocation of its full-line store from Redondo Beach's South Bay Galleria to Del Amo Fashion Center. The new Nordstrom store will be 138,000 square-feet on two levels, and is expected to open in 2015.

UKIAH - Property set aside for a Costco store in the Redwood Business Park on Airport Park Boulevard, has been transferred back from the City to the former redevelopment agency. Support for obtaining a Costco is expected to continue locally.

VALLEJO - Solano County Fairgrounds may be revitalized with shopping, dining, more parking, and a major attraction commercial use. Traffic and air quality impacts may result from upgrades. Located near the Interstate 80 and Highway 37 in Vallejo, studies have been underway since 2009 to establish and realize the long-term revitalization goals for the county-owned 149-acre site.

VACAVILLE - Nut Tree Plaza recently sold to a Dallas based firm. Nut Tree Plaza with the original Nut Tree miniature train and a carousel is part of the deal, which the new owners say has a promising future in its location along the I-80 corridor.

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