This week California Gov. Jerry Brown is scheduled to sign a measure in Los Angeles that is expected to help clear the way for construction of a new downtown football stadium.
The law allows the football stadium developers to address environmental legal challenges in a quicker and more streamlined fashion than current law provides.
Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) lobbied for the legislation. The state Legislature approved the bill over the concerns of environmentalists and other critics who say it's wrong to give special exceptions to well-financed developers. They say citizens should have more time to raise issues about the potential problems a new stadium could bring, including traffic congestion and air pollution.
AEG is promising jobs and tax dollars. The L.A. City Council approved the project. Gov. Brown is coming to the L.A. Convention Center Tuesday to sign the measure.
The developer plans to tear down and rebuild the West Hall of the convention center and build the stadium next to Staples Center. One essential element is still missing: a pro football team to play in the new L.A. stadium.