By Irene Garcia : localtoday – excerpt

Torrance City Council voted unanimously this week to leave the League of California Cities, saying the organization is failing in its mission to expand and protect local control for cities.

The motion, proposed by Councilor Mike Griffiths, was prompted by the dismissal of a Cal Cities petition in support of a ballot measure to strengthen the local planning authority. Griffiths said his frustration had been building for several years and called the organization’s lobbying lackluster.

Cal Cities officials said they disagreed with the council’s assessment; The organization, they said, fights hard for local control over land use and zoning, and urged Torrance to remain a member.

“One of my top priorities as President of Cal Cities is maintaining local control, and I cannot do this alone. I need your help, I need your participation,” President Ali Taj said. “Torrance is an integral member of Cal Cities and serves as a key voice in the South Bay. Our fight is not over yet.”

Regarding the dismissal of the ballot measure, Cal Cities regional public affairs manager Jeff Kiernan said several Cal Cities committees were looking closely at them but had concerns about their language… (more)