BILL NUMBER:  SB 204
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2012




To the Members of the California State Senate:

I am returning Senate Bill 204 without my signature.

This bill requires, among other things, that properties acquired
years ago by the state to complete the 710 freeway be declared excess
and sold.

This bill is premature for two reasons.   First, management of these
properties is a timeworn issue.  Last month the Transportation
Secretary directed Caltrans to review three options for managing the
710 freeway properties, one of which is an option for transferring
ownership to local government.  Caltrans will complete its review and
make recommendations this November.  Caltrans needs to complete its
review.

Second, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
is currently conducting an environmental impact report on closure of
the 710 freeway gap.  The environmental process requires evaluation
of all reasonable options for closing the gap.  A law requiring
Caltrans to sell the properties purchased for building a surface
freeway--before the environmental process is completed--would taint
the process.

My administration is committed to working with the author on the
property management issues and to find a solution to the
long-standing controversies over closing the 710 freeway gap.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.