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Question   bYyHLLVDGsZ
to lift all boats and the roegin around the project area is expected to benefit. Like giving tax breaks to the wealthy is supposed to help the middle class.Spinners for the RDAs argue that redevelopment activities support 304,000 jobs annually, including 170,600 construction jobs; contribute more than $40 billion annually to California’s economy in the generation of goods and services; and generate more than $2 billion in state and local taxes in a typical year.Moreover, since the law requires 20 percent of the tax increment to be dedicated for low- and moderate-income housing, the RDAs argue that eliminating redevelopment will significantly undermine efforts to provide homes for those who otherwise cannot afford it.A close look at the numbers: But the most thorough and academically sound study of redevelopment we’re aware of, by Michael Dardia of the Public Policy Institute of California, found in 1998:“After correcting for local real estate trends, the author finds that redevelopment projects do not increase property values by enough to account for the tax-increment revenues they receive. Overall, the agencies stimulated enough growth to cover just above half of those tax revenues. The rest resulted from local trends and would have gone to other jurisdictions in the absence of redevelopment.”A study by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office recently concluded as much and more.“While redevelopment leads to economic development within project areas, there is no reliable evidence that it attracts businesses to the state or increases overall roeginal economic development. Instead, the limited academic literature on this topic finds that — viewed from the perspective of an entire city or roegin — the effect of this program on property values is minimal. That is, redevelopment may cause some geographic shifts in economic development, but does not increase the overall amount of economic activity in a roegin. (emphasis added)“The independent research we reviewed found little evidence that redevelopment increases jobs. That is — similar to the analyses of property values — the research typically finds that any employment gains in the project areas are offset by losses in other parts of the roegin. We note that one study, commissioned by the California Redevelopment Association, vastly overstates the employment effects of redevelopment areas.“Redevelopment agencies receive over $5 billion of tax increment revenues annually. Lacking any reliable evidence that the agencies’ activities increase statewide tax revenues, we assume that a substantial portion of these revenues would have been generated anyway elsewhere in the roegin or state.“For example, a redevelopment agency might attract to a project area businesses that previously were located in other California cities, or that were planning to expand elsewhere in the roegin. In either of these cases, property taxes paid in the project area would increase, but there would be no change in statewide property tax revenues.“To the extent that a redevelopment agency receives property tax revenues without generating an overall increase in taxes paid in the state, the agency reduces revenues that otherwise would be available for local agencies to spend on nonredevelopment programs, including law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, libraries and parks.” (emphasis added)The bottom line: In other words, despite the good arguments that RDAs make about the enormously positive local impacts of redevelopment — San Jose’s downtown and its northern industrial area are excellent examples — the evidence suggests there’s a huge cost to the state (which has to back-fill funds that otherwise would have gone to schools) and little benefit or a substantial cost to counties and special districts.We’re not even getting to other issues, like the fact that the only “blight” a lot of redevelopment areas had before they were made projects was pear blight, and the fact that there’s virtually no oversight of how redevelopment funds are spent (and millions of dollars are spent outside the law’s intent to subsidize flagging city budgets and improve stable neighborhoods). That’s just piling on.Brown’s budget would ensure that RDAs will receive enough money to cover the debt service on bonds they have already issued (although the structure of the agencies that will make those payments still must be worked out).But in an era when California is faced with draconian cutbacks to higher education, schools, parks and public safety, the diversion of property taxes to redevelopment agencies is a luxury the state can no longer afford.

- Megha Megha February 11, 2012

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Question   Thank you for sharing this...please let it up
I didn't know Claudia, only read her obituary in the SF Chronicle today. The image posted drew me to read about her; her life story drew me in more. What an unusual woman. Then the closing line with her website. I am stunned at the beauty in her images and in her words. What a lovely gift she has given in her passing; the moments of joy I've felt looking at the art she has created. May we all be able to leave a bit of joy like that behind us to share with those we've never met.

- Lora Lee Martin July 27, 2010

  Answer Wham bam thank you, ma'am, my qeustnios are answered!

- Alyn Alyn  September 22, 2011

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Question   With Sadness
It is with shock and sadness that I post this comment today after reading about the untimely passing of Claudia Taylor. She was my manager at UAL for many years and held the admiration and respect of all those who knew her and had the privilage of working with her. My sympathy is extended to her family, friends, and former co-workers during this time of sadness and mourning. She will always be an inspiration to us through her leadership, fairness, and by the examples she demonstrated and lived her life by.

- Philip Samuels July 27, 2010

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Question   With love from United Airlines
Claudia,

We really enjoyed the time when you were General Manager in Oakland. You were real down to earth person who cared about your employees...............enjoy eternal life and may God keep you safe in his arms. Rest in peace our friend. OAKUM Crew

- Clark Cook July 27, 2010

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Question   Good Wishes from New Zealand.
Hello Claudia, I am one of the members of the Wanaka DIG Group that watched your slide show, presented by Roger Urlwin last week. I would like you to know how much pleasure and inspiration your photography has given me.

Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond us. My best wishes are with you.

- Nancy Murdoch May 16, 2010

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Question   Best Wishes
Hi Claudia
I played your shows last night to the Wanaka DIG group. If you had been present there would have been a standing ovation. Love from Roger

-  May 13, 2010

  Answer Cheers pal. I do aprpeictae the writing.

- Jenay Jenay  September 23, 2011

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Question   Your Kindness
You wwere once my "Boss" at United. Once when I was hgaving a meltdown ofer some situation you listened patiently, the gave me a pencildrawing of a lion that I had admired along with much encourqagement. I still have it and treasure it and alwys will. You are a special lady. Thank you. I know that God has a special home for you in heaven when it is your time.

- Fred McKenna May 10, 2010

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Question   Your work
Wonderful quotes with some wonderful images, said the word person. I especially like the Human Condition photos and the Kaleideoscope selections. Plus you bring the best champagne I ever tasted! I'm glad to meetcha!

- Ann Keiffer February 17, 2009

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Question   What beautiful Pelicans
As I sit here after just removing 22" of snow, you have reminded me that I will be enjoying the pelicans live and in color in about 6 weeks. You are a talented lady! Thank you.

- Bob Yelle December 22, 2008

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Question   Website
I've j ust looked at your website for the first time. It is exciting and exceptional. Since there is waaaay too much to take in the first time, for example - your fabulous "creative" category, I've bookmarked the site for future treats.

Good job!
Alice Steele

- Alice Steele October 13, 2008

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Question   Impressive Gallery
I Just visited your entire gallery with excitement and awe as I enjoyed each picture. Claudia, you are the symbol of a true and Creative Artist. Thank you for sharing!

- Joseph seph Zaia October 10, 2008

  Answer Felt so hopeless loiokng for answers to my questions...until now.

- Anitra Anitra  September 22, 2011

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Question   Gay Pride '08
You have a great eye. You captured the joy of the Pride Parade event and the energy of the participants. Thank you!

- Christee Snell July 16, 2008

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Question   Fireworks show
Claudia, I am ashamed to say that I just played the fire works show and loved it. Interested in the technical settings of your shots. Just lovely!

Greg.

- Greg Baladjanian July 14, 2008

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Question   Fireworks
OOOH !! AAAH !!
Gorgeous !!
Thanks

- Nancy Welch July 08, 2008

  Answer "the wegbape cannot be found." Am I doing something wrong, or is there something I should be aware of on my computer? Thanks!

- Tirman Tirman  February 11, 2012

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Question   Inspirational !!
You have always amazed me with you eye for everything special and catching it for all to see.

Thank you for sharing your talents !!

I especially like the little boys flying with the birds....

Keep up the great work it is very much appreciated

Janet , Dan and Conor-man

- Janet Hourigan  July 07, 2008

  Answer I am ublane to find: in my blogger HTML. When I did the control F search, nothing showed up. What is wrong?

- Sll Sll  February 10, 2012

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Question   Photography
My Sister,

You are not getting older, you're getting better, and more creative. The only words that are appropriate to describe you, at this phase of your life, are those of Maya Angelou:

"Phenomenal Woman"
"Still I Rise"

Thank you for sharing, and for inspiring me.

Blessings always.

-  January 31, 2008

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Question   Grode
crimsonandclover.com.au

-  December 17, 2007

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Question   You Inspire Me!
Claudia- You have the eyes to see great images and the skills to turn them into superb artistic creations.
You simply inspire me.

-  May 03, 2007

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Question   What an impressive gallery!
Claudia, not only are you a superb photographer, but your imagination and creative skills leaves the viewer in awe. I am impressed and thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. God bless you.!

-  May 03, 2007

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Question   Stunning shots!
Hi Claudia,
Theo gave Roland your card and we went online to check out your pictures. They are amazing shots-- creative, bold and beautiful! We play around with photography too, and we always enjoy seeing an image or different view through someone else's eyes. We look forward to coming back to the site and seeing more!

xo, Anngi and Roland, Hootie (cat) (your neighbors!)

-  January 28, 2007

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