- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Enacted in 1965, the Williamson Act has allowed many of the state's farmers to stay in the agriculture business instead of selling their property for development. Under the act, rural land owners commit to keeping their property in farming for 10 years and, in exchange, receive a property tax break. The state reimbursed county governments from the state general fund for money lost to the tax break.
However, because of the budget crisis, the state is considering suspending the reimbursements, according to an column by freelance writer Don Curlee. In the story, Curlee outlined an article that appeared...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Like other picturesque sites in California, Sierra Valley is struggling to protect its agricultural industry. The Sierra Nevada's highest alpine valley, with sprawling grassland edged by mountain peaks, would make a lovely spot for vacation homes and tourism.
Many of the ranchers, however, don't want to quit running cattle and growing crops on the valley's wide open spaces, according to a story in today's Sacramento Bee.
"I could have cashed out very easily," the story quoted rancher Dave Goicoechea. "But ranches like this aren't happening everywhere, and I've never wanted anything else. I have no objection to the development – just leave...