Stepping Into the Future: Dana Point’s Transformative Decision
“Modernization” can be a daunting word, but not for Visit Dana Point Executive Director, Jonny Westom. Back in 2009, Visit Dana Point began as a Tourism Business Improvement District (“TBID”) formed under California’s Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 (“89 Act”). The destination envisioned a high end, meetings focused, sales and marketing plan […]
Monterey County CVB: Conquering Challenges for a Stronger District
Monterey County offers an iconic California experience. From the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur and fresh seafood on Cannery Row in Monterey, to world renowned golf courses in Carmel-by-the-Sea and handcrafted wines in Carmel Valley – Monterey County has something special for everyone who visits. The Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau (“MCCVB”) has an abundance […]
Best Practices: Nonprofit Bylaws
When did someone last take a close look at your nonprofit corporation’s bylaws? Chances are, quite some time ago. Maybe not even since they were drafted. Nonprofit staff are immersed in their immediate jobs and likely to find their attention riveted on more obviously pressing tasks and interactions. When the bylaws are actually referred to, […]
Best Practices: Are You Submitting Your Annual Report Properly?
California nonprofit corporations serving as the Owners’ Association for a California assessment district formed pursuant to the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994 must comply with several important requirements. Staying in compliance is critical to the success of both the assessment district and the nonprofit corporation Owners’ Association. This article provides a summary […]
California Public Records Act Updated by Court
The use of personal email accounts and devices by public officials is a hot topic throughout the United States. California has become the epicenter of the debate, with a new California Supreme Court ruling regarding the use of personal emails and text messages. All California property and business improvement districts, and any business or tourism […]
California Prevailing Wage and Assessment Districts
By Melanee Cottrill, Civitas Here at Civitas, we are lucky to frequently hear from our clients in between projects. One of our favorite new frequently asked questions is “Do I have to follow prevailing wage?” As of January 2015, the short and simple answer is … maybe. For a property and business improvement district providing […]
California Public Records Act – General Rules and Exceptions
By Nathan Hyde, Civitas Have you received a Public Records Act request and had no clue on how to respond? This article briefly explains the law and how it applies to PBID, TBID and BID Owners’ Associations. Summary – The California Public Records Act (PRA) is specifically applicable to government entities—counties, cities, commissions and other […]
Court Issues Initial Decision in San Diego TMD Case
San Diego, California – January 29, 2016 The San Diego County Superior Court has issued a Statement of Decision in the case San Diegans for Open Government (SDOG) v. City of San Diego (City). While this decision does not end the case, it did address key legal issues regarding Plaintiff SDOG’s standing to sue. Unfortunately, […]
How to Avoid Brown Act Traps
By Melanee Cottrill, Civitas In California, nearly every business improvement district and tourism district must follow the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. The Brown Act regulates the decision-making process by public agencies, in an effort to ensure all decisions are open and transparent to the public. Although districts are not public agencies, they […]
The Hidden Importance of your Management Plan
By Melanee Cottrill, Civitas Every district – whether it be property, business, or tourism – formed under California’s 1994 Law has a Management District Plan. That Plan is the guiding document… the constitution… some even say the bible… for your district. But what’s really in that thing? After all, it is rather long. And a […]
