In 2023, a group called California Forever, funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, introduced a splashy proposal to build anew cityon tens of thousands acres of farmland it had acquired north-east ofSan Francisco.Residents and officials of Solano county, where the city would sit, were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of local input and concerned about wealthy outsiders with big plans to reshape their region. After months of extensive news coverage and efforts to woo over local leaders, California Forever changed track:withdrawing a ballot measurethat would have fast-tracked the plans and instead seeking approval through standard county processes.This month California Forever found itself back in the spotlight for a new proposal, and one that has been greeted far more warmly – using the land it owns for the creation of a shipbuilding hub. TheTrump administrationhas reportedly drafted anexecutive orderto revitalize the shipbuilding industry in the US.The company, which now owns more than 65,000 acres in Solano county, said in a statement that Solano “is uniquely positioned to answer the call for rebuilding our nation’s naval power” and that it could “drive economic revitalization” across the region.“We are very early in the process, and are working with elected officials and local communities to explore how we can best use these assets to support American Sailors and stimulate economic growth in our cities, county, and broader region,” the company said in a statement.View image in fullscreenAn artist rendering provided by California Forever shows a Main Street of a proposed new city in Solano county, California.Photograph: APSolano county, located about 60 miles (97km) fromSan Francisco, is home to nearly 450,000 people and has a history of shipbuilding. It was the site of the first US navy base on the Pacific Ocean, which operated for more than 140 years. Today the largest employer in the region is the Travis air force base – the country’s busiest – which has more than 10,000 personnel.California Forever began buying up land in the county in secret, years before going public with their plans for anew city. They promoted the effort as a solution to California’s housing crisis and said the new city – with itsutopian visionof green infrastructure and walkable neighborhoods – would bring extensive new job opportunities to the region and pledged that the project would not impose any financial obligations or taxes on residents outside the community. But they quickly encountered intense pushback.A local chapter of the Sierra Club described the company’s efforts as a “hostile takeover”. Last year, they withdrew the measure from the ballot and agreed to an environmental report and development agreement on the project.Meanwhile, last year as Joe Biden expressed interest in bringing shipbuilding back to the US, the company was in touch with local officials expressing interest in pursuing such an opportunity on the west coast.Thenlast weekEdwin Okamura, the mayor of the Solano county town of Rio Vista, announced that he had met with California Forever representatives, retired military leaders and other officials in the county to discuss the matter, as well as a proposed site near the small riverside settlement of Collinsville.John Carli, the mayor of Vacaville, said that he also visited the area and met with retired military officials who said the site was one of the most ideal locations in the US and described a shipbuilding operation there as a “one-of-a-kind opportunity”. That site,CaliforniaForever said in its statement, has more than 1,400 acres of land that was proactively zoned for “maritime industrial uses”. It would be used a manufacturing and assembling location rather than a port, Carli said.The effort is still in its early stages, officials have said, pending the executive order.But so far, officials in the region have expressed enthusiasm about efforts to expand the maritime industry. Alma Hernandez, the mayor of Suisun City about 30 miles north-west of Collinsville, said in a statement that the city backs an expansion.‘This hasn’t been done before’: can tech elites build their own city – and win over the skeptics?Read more“Suisun City stands in support of a regional effort to invite the US government and leading defense contractors to invest in Solano county’s future,” Hernandez said. “Our region has a proud history of shipbuilding – it is part of our identity. We are eager to contribute in every way possible to ensure maritime success in our region.”The benefits would extend far beyond the shipyard, Carli said, pointing to the more than $2.7bn in economic impacts the air force base has in the region. And a maritime industrial base would be a benefit to the air force base, he said.With the history of shipbuilding in the region and the role it plays in US defense, it makes sense to have this kind of project in the region, said state assembly member Lori Wilson, and it would bring significant opportunities. If it were to move ahead, Wilson expects the shipyard could become the largest employer in the county.Wilson said she had heard from many constituents about the project, most of whom were supportive. Some have expressed concern about the environmental impacts of the maritime industry and the role of California Forever, given the level of distrust that exists with the organization. The lawmaker has herself been skeptical of the company.“That’s something as a legislative representative for this area I’m mindful of, but it’s not something I can address. It’s up to them to build trust.”Still, even those who did not support plans for a new city are interested in this project, Wilson said. “Folks are really excited about this opportunity and [the potential] for shipbuilding to come back to Solano county. There is a groundswell of support for this project and I’m really excited to do my part to bring this to fruition.”Carli expects the community will look beyond the landowners. “I’m confident residents will recognize and support this project if the opportunity would present itself here locally,” Carli said. “It merits thoughtful discussion with the community to understand this is different than a proposed city.”
The controversial California city backed by tech elite has a new plan: boats
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"California Forever Proposes Shipbuilding Hub in Solano County Amid Local Concerns"
The Guardian
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
In 2023, California Forever, a group funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, made headlines with a controversial proposal to build a new city on thousands of acres of farmland in Solano County, northeast of San Francisco. This ambitious plan faced significant backlash from local residents and officials, who expressed concerns over the lack of local input and the influence of wealthy outsiders attempting to reshape their community. After withdrawing a ballot measure intended to expedite the project, California Forever shifted its approach, opting to seek approval through standard county processes. Recently, the organization proposed a new initiative: establishing a shipbuilding hub on the land it owns, which is seen as a more favorable option by local stakeholders. This new direction aligns with the Trump administration's reported efforts to revitalize the US shipbuilding industry, positioning Solano County as a key player in this initiative. The company asserts that the area is uniquely suited to support the nation's naval power and stimulate regional economic growth.
Solano County, historically known for its shipbuilding, is home to nearly 450,000 residents and has a significant military presence, including the Travis Air Force Base. California Forever's initial plans for a new city aimed to address California's housing crisis, proposing an eco-friendly vision with job opportunities. However, the response from the community was overwhelmingly negative, leading to a retraction of the city's proposal and a commitment to engage with local leaders on new projects. Recent discussions among local mayors and retired military officials have focused on a site near Collinsville, which California Forever claims is ideal for maritime industrial use. Local leaders express optimism regarding the potential economic impacts, with projections indicating that a shipbuilding operation could significantly benefit the community and possibly become the largest employer in the county. Despite lingering doubts about California Forever's trustworthiness, there is a growing enthusiasm in the region for the revival of the maritime industry, with many residents eager to see job opportunities arise from this new venture.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a complex situation involving a new proposal from California Forever, a group backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, to transform farmland in Solano County, California into a shipbuilding hub. The shift in focus from creating a new city to establishing a shipbuilding center suggests a response to local pushback and an attempt to gain favor with the community.
Community Concerns and Local Input
Residents of Solano County have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of local involvement in the initial city-building plans. The tech elite’s intentions were met with skepticism, leading to a strategic pivot by California Forever to engage more with local leaders and seek approval through traditional county processes. The shift to a shipbuilding proposal appears to be a more palatable option for the community, potentially alleviating some concerns about outside influence.
Economic Revitalization or Manipulation?
California Forever’s statement emphasizes the potential for economic revitalization and support for American sailors, framing their proposal in a positive light. This language could be interpreted as an effort to align the initiative with national interests, particularly in the context of the Trump administration’s focus on revitalizing the shipbuilding industry. However, the motivations behind this change could also be scrutinized as a form of manipulation to gain public support and distract from earlier controversies.
Media Narrative and Public Perception
The article contributes to a narrative that positions Silicon Valley figures as benefactors seeking to invest in local economies, even as they remain distant from the communities they wish to reshape. This portrayal may foster a perception of the tech elite as philanthropic, despite underlying tensions regarding their influence over local governance and land use.
Potential Impact on Community and Economy
The proposed shipbuilding hub could have significant implications for Solano County’s economy, especially given its historical ties to shipbuilding. However, the community's response will largely depend on how well California Forever engages with local residents and addresses their concerns. If successful, the initiative could lead to job creation and infrastructure development, but failure to gain local trust could result in continued opposition.
Support Base and Target Audience
The proposal may attract support from communities that prioritize economic growth and job creation, particularly those aligned with defense and maritime industries. Conversely, it may alienate residents wary of rapid development driven by wealthy outsiders.
Market and Investment Implications
Investors and market analysts may view this news as indicative of a broader trend involving tech investments in traditional industries. Companies in the shipbuilding and defense sectors could see increased interest and stock performance as a result of this initiative, particularly if it gains traction.
Geopolitical Context
The focus on shipbuilding resonates with ongoing discussions about national security and military readiness, especially in a geopolitical climate where naval capabilities are continually scrutinized. This proposal could be seen as part of a larger strategy to fortify American defense industries.
Potential Use of AI in Reporting
While the article does not explicitly indicate the use of AI in its creation, it is possible that AI tools were employed in data gathering or narrative structuring. AI models could have influenced the framing of the proposal to highlight economic benefits while downplaying community dissent. The overall reliability of the article hinges on its balanced presentation of the facts while also reflecting the potential biases inherent in the sources. It remains crucial to consider perspectives from both the local community and the tech elite to fully understand the implications of such proposals.