Gov Can Sell State Buildings, Court Rules
A San Francisco judge refused to block the sale of 11 state buildings, with $2.3 billion price tag
By BAY CITY NEWS SERVICE on December 10, 2010 - 3:41 p.m. PST
California Supreme Court
A San Francisco Superior Court judge today refused to block the planned $2.3 billion sale of 11 state buildings to a group of private investors.
Judge Charlotte Woolard said she was standing by a tentative ruling issued Thursday in which she said the sale did not violate state law and was not an illegal waste or gift of public funds.
The sale, due to be completed on Dec. 15, would contribute $1.3 billion to closing the state's budget gap after $1 million in bonds on the 11 buildings is paid off.
But Woolard, referring to appeals, told lawyers for three former state officials, said, "I encourage you to seek any remedies you want to seek."
Attorney Joseph Cotchett, representing two of the plaintiffs, said they will ask the state Court of