Residents clash over California Forever and shipyard proposals; supporters cite jobs, opponents warn of environmental and local control impacts

An extended public-comment period at the July 28 Solano County Board meeting focused on proposals tied to the so-called California Forever concept and related industrial proposals, including possible shipbuilding and manufacturing investments.

Speakers representing unions and construction interests urged the board to seize the opportunity to attract jobs. Gary Leiter (speaker S36), district representative for the Operating Engineers in Fairfield, said the project includes an agreement with local building trades for union jobs and training and urged supervisors to "help this group help us." Joshua Arce (speaker S10), executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, said Solano County needs high-quality manufacturing jobs and asked the board to work with state officials to capture investments.

Conversely, many residents asked the board to oppose special legislation and state actions that could override local land-use protections. Caller Sarah (speaker S29) urged the board to tell the Newsom administration and state legislature that Solano County "strongly opposes special legislation that weakens our county and local residents' power to guide local growth and development." Concerns raised repeatedly included potential water impacts, loss of agricultural land, traffic increases, and a perceived erosion of Measure T protections. Several callers urged the county to prepare detailed comments to the California Energy Commission (CEC) staff report and to consider legal action if necessary regarding energy projects sited on agricultural land.

Board members did not take a direct action to endorse or block a particular California Forever plan; public comment informed subsequent agenda items addressing planning, sewer feasibility, and a ballot measure on taxing certain energy and data-center projects.