November 17, 2021

‘This is an incredibly important place.’ Why protesters oppose Capitol Annex project

By Paul Kitagaki, Jr.
The Sacramento Bee

Environmental and historic preservation activists protest on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, the demolition of the Capitol Annex – the east wing of the statehouse – and the removal of a number of historic trees from Capitol Park in Sacramento.

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November 14, 2021

Rally: Wednesday, November 17 on West Steps

By Save Our Capitol!

The time is NOW. Join Save Our Capitol! and Public Accountability for Our Capitol on Wednesday, November 17 at 11:00am on the West Steps to stop the destruction of the historic Capitol Annex and surrounding Park. The voice of the people must be heard.

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November 5, 2021

Urgent Request to Comply with State Law re: Capitol Annex Project

By Save Our Capitol!

The California Department of General Services (DGS) has not complied with state law regarding the Capitol Annex Project, although a fleet of demolition equipment is mobilizing around the Capitol Annex.

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October 24, 2021

Capitol Excess

By Judd Spicer
California Business Journal
October 24, 2021

What California lawmakers are doing is prioritizing their “self-interest over the needs of struggling Californians by moving forward with a fiscally and environmentally irresponsible expansion,” Donaldson says.

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October 15, 2021

State Lawmakers Choose Style Over Security for Capitol Annex Project

By Michael Leighton

The Independent

As a former Marine, current architect, and long-time Californian, I have concerns... They lie in the fact that no legislator or architect involved in the project discussed how an all-glass exterior poses security risks for state employees.

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October 15, 2021

Capitol Waste Indeed

By Bruce Lee

Carmichael Times

It should not be too much to ask that a luxury project which sidelines the needs of Californians should itself be sidelined.

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October 8, 2021

Letter to Governor Newsom

By Save Our Capitol!

Considering the Annex is at 70 years of age, the need for major improvements is a given. However, the opportunity exists to rehabilitate the Annex rather than to demolish this historic site.

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October 1, 2021

Sacramento Patch Notebook

Sacramento Patch
Jeri Karges

Controversy is a-brewin' at the Capitol.

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September 29, 2021

Time is Short to Save Our State Capitol

By Public Accountability for Our Capitol

More than 60 trees, including many massive historic trees, will be removed and others threatened. All at a staggering cost of up to $1 billion, using General Fund monies sorely needed for our state’s infrastructure and economic recovery.

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August 5, 2021

"Save the Capitol, Save the Trees" Files Environmental Lawsuit Against California Department of General Services Challenging Pre-Commitment to the Proposed Capitol Annex Project

By Save Our Capitol!

The public-interest association filed the Petition for Writ of Mandamus on Friday, July 9, to enforce existing environmental laws and protect the legacy of the Golden State's historic Capitol Annex and Park.

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July 23, 2021

Critics of Billion Dollar California Capitol Project Want More Transparency

The Epoch Times
By Jamie Joseph

California state lawmakers are preparing to demolish and reconstruct part of the state’s historic Capitol grounds to add more office spaces, costing somewhere between $775 million to $1.2 billion, according to critics.

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July 21, 2021

2021 Arborist's Report

Tree Inventory and Impact Assessment Report related to the Proposed Double T Expanded Annex Footprint at the California State Capitol and Capitol Park. Prepared by Dr. Kent Julian, ISA Certified Arborist & California Professional Forester.

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July 10, 2021

Environmentalists sue to block demolition of the California Capitol annex

The Sacramento Bee

By Hannah Wiley

“How tragic that after the Joint Rules Committee failed for decades to maintain and upgrade our world-recognized Capitol Annex, Californians are now asked to accept needless demolition to make it safe and useful again,” Richard Cowan.

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July 9, 2021

Lawsuit filed against Capitol Annex Project

Sacramento Business Journal

By Ben van der Meer

"... the suit in Sacramento County Superior Court states that the memorandum of understanding for the project calls for demolishing the existing annex and building in its place, causing impacts that aren't mitigated."

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June 15, 2021

Public Accountability for our Capitol AB 706 Opposition Letter

"The nearly $1 billion Capitol Annex Project is being decided in private by only three voting members: two legislators and one Governor's representative. This governance structure prevents the public from knowing what decisions are being made and how they are made."

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June 15, 2021

Business, environmental groups push for Capitol Annex Project transparency

By Sarah Downey

Northern California Record

"A coalition of business and environmental leaders oppose the project and question how the Capitol Annex, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, could possibly be demolished."

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June 4, 2021

The Capitol Annex Project: Demolition by Neglect

The Andy Caldwell Show

"If this were a private developer who owned a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as this one is, and they came to the State Historic Preservation Officer with this idea, they’d be kicked out of the office."

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June 2, 2021

Saving California's "front porch"

The DeMaio Report

"Our idea is that we ought to take a few steps back, and truly plan the Capitol Annex Project in a transparent way."

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May 25, 2021

A Capital Idea?

The Phil Cowan Show

"Although the legislature funded the cash to build the project at one time, as COVID hit California, those funds were swept out of that fund. And so, now the plan is to sell bonds which of course increases the cost tremendously."

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May 18, 2021

More than 230 Small Businesses in California Oppose the Capitol Annex Project

By Save Our Capitol!

Why are our state’s elected officials prioritizing a billion-dollar luxury project when small businesses like ours are still reeling from the pandemic?


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May 13, 2021

AB 706 Sets Bad Precedent for Future of Capitol Annex Project

By Save Our Capitol!

The Capitol Annex Project is being managed through a dictatorship, not a democracy – and Californians deserve better.  

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May 12, 2021

PAC Letter Opposing AB 706 (Cooley)

By Public Accountability for Our Capitol

PAC is opposed to AB 706 (Cooley) because it is trying to correct authority granted in AB 1826, an urgency measure, which appropriated $20 million for renovating and restoring the historic State Capitol.

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May 2, 2021

Sunday Morning Newsmakers: Capitol Annex Project

KRLA Sunday Morning Newsmakers

By Larry Marino

Alongside another Commission member who resigned, Dick Cowan and others founded the Public Accountability for Our Capitol to get legislators to pause and replan the Capitol Annex Project.

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April 21, 2021

Examining the California State Capitol Annex Project Update & FAQs

By Save Our Capitol!

On April 8, 2021, the California Joint Committee on Rules distributed a memo to all legislative staff containing an update and FAQs about the Capitol Annex Project. Are the answers accurate? Save Our Capitol! takes a look...

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April 15, 2021

What's happening next with the Capitol Annex rebuild

By Ben van der Meer

Sacramento Business Journal

With less than six months before its current occupants begin moving into a new state office building to the south, replacing the Capitol Annex is beginning to see more opposition.

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April 12, 2021

Part of a storied era in California politics, James Mills helped preserve California and its history

By George Skelton
Los Angeles Times

"One of his last preservation efforts was opposing the current under-the-radar $1-billion project to replace the state Capitol annex. It needs repairs and updating but not the planned demolition that would tarnish the Capitol’s grandeur."

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March 22, 2021

Capitol Annex Project Met with Criticism

By Mike Blount
NewsRadio KFBK

A project to demolish the State Capitol Annex and build an underground parking garage visitor center in its place is being met with criticism from a group who say it's too costly and environmentally irresponsible.

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March 22, 2021

Capitol Project Controversy

By KCRA News

"A lot of people may not have heard of the project, but a group is working to change that. They met on the steps of the State Capitol today and they say the state cannot afford this project and it will damage or destroy more than 100 historic trees."

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March 22, 2021

Preservation Architect Letter Submitted to Joint Committee on Rules

By Mark Hulbert

Preservation Architect and Historic Research Consultant

"The choice is between erasing or embracing a central part of California’s history."

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March 22, 2021

Lawmakers plan major demolition at California State Capitol

By Brandon Rittiman

ABC10

Leaders of the California legislature are pushing to demolish and replace a 1950’s annex building attached to the Capitol to make more space.

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March 22, 2021

California lawmakers consider proposal for new billion-dollar Capitol Annex building

By ABC10

California state lawmakers are considering a billion-dollar project to demolish and replace the 1950's annex on the East side of the Capitol building, which houses the Governor's office and legislator offices and hearing rooms.

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March 22, 2021

Preservationists, Environmentalists, and Small Businesses Protest Demolition of State Capitol

By Save Our Capitol!

"The Capitol Annex is in need of upgrades and repairs, but the California Legislature's Joint Committee on Rules ... has put off making those upgrades and repairs for nearly seventy years... Destroying the Golden State's history is not a solution."

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March 21, 2021

Capitol Annex Project: No transparency and too costly

By Dick Cowan

Capitol Weekly

"I resigned (from the commission) in protest so I would be free to let the public know what was taking place at the taxpayers’ expense."

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February 24, 2021

Former Assemblymembers Oppose Capitol Annex Project

By California Capitol Historic Preservation Society

"That's the result of stepping on the toes of the past preservationist Senate leaders Jim Mills and Nick Petris, who fought to restore and save the historic Capitol," the former UC Regent commented.

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February 3, 2021

A colossal waste of money

By W. Bruce Lee

Sacramento News & Review

"Even without the COVID crisis, the Capitol Annex project is a stunning waste of taxpayer dollars, especially when the state has so many pressing matters that need to be addressed."

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January 31, 2021

California’s Luxury State Capitol Robs Taxpayers, Lacks Transparency

By Michael Turnipseed

InsideSources

"The Capitol Annex Project is a wasteful venture that needs to be put on hold."

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January 29, 2021

Capitol annex project: A textbook example of a boondoggle

By Quentin L. Kopp

Capitol Weekly

"I don’t believe the state can afford to use lease revenue bond money for a billion-dollar project while Californians struggle to survive during an unprecedented pandemic."

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January 25, 2021

Preservationists, Environmentalists, Tribal, Small Business, and Taxpayers Advocates Sound Off on Billion Dollar Capitol Annex Project

By Save Our Capitol!

See what preservationists, environmentalists, small business, and taxpayers are saying about the costly project.

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January 11, 2021

California Legislature’s Return Met With Calls to Stop the $1 Billion Capitol Annex Project

Organizations opposing the “Capitol Annex Project” are today urging legislators to focus on the needs of Californians and businesses recovering from COVID-19 hardships rather than wasting taxpayer dollars on a palatial project for legislators and lobbyists.

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January 10, 2021

Stop the Billion-Dollar Demolition and Rebuild project!

State Legislators want taxpayers to pay for luxurious new offices for themselves, the Governor, and Lieutenant Governor. The Project would use revenue bonds for funding which would cost 30% more in interest on the debt over 30 years.

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January 10, 2021

Stop the Blockade of the West Steps and Plaza

State Legislators want taxpayers to pay for luxurious new offices for themselves, the Governor, and Lieutenant Governor. The Project would use revenue bonds for funding which would cost 30% more in interest on the debt over 30 years.

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January 10, 2021

Save Our Capitol Trees

“Development of proposed Capitol projects would require removal of 108 mature trees and likely cause significant damage to an additional 55 mature trees. Construction of the underground facilities will limit root growth and stability of future trees.”

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January 9, 2021

Arborist Report: 2020 Tree Inventory

2020 Tree Inventory | California State Capitol Museum | Sacramento, California

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January 6, 2021

Make your voice heard: A Free Public Forum to Mobilize Action

By California Preservation Foundation

Preservationists, small business advocates, government watchdogs, and environmentalists are opposing this project, and CPF is holding this public forum to inform and engage people so they can take action.

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December 29, 2020

Construction, politics, secrecy clash in Capitol project

By Capitol Weekly

A fight is brewing in the Capitol – about the Capitol. It’s all about plans to build a new Visitors Center beneath the domed West Wing and demolish the 68-year-old East Annex, replacing it with one of three proposed buildings.

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December 16, 2020

Letters: Delta tunnel, Sacramento Zoo, Biden, coronavirus, homeless

By Sacramento News & Review

Our leaders should be focused on helping California’s small businesses, rather than cushioning their offices at the Capitol and stripping us of valuable dollars.

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December 15, 2020

Setting the Record Straight on the Capitol Building Boondoggle

By Save Our Capitol!

While politicians claim their costly project is necessary, facts prove otherwise.

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December 14, 2020

Sacramento Taxpayers Association Opposes Costly and Unnecessary Remodel of Capitol Annex

By Sacramento Taxpayers Association

The Sacramento Taxpayers Association (SacTax) joins Save Our Capitol! alongside preservationists, small business advocates, government watchdogs, and environmentalists in opposing a project to demolish and rebuild the Capitol Annex.

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December 4, 2020

FAQ: The Billion Dollar Vanity Project

By Save Our Capitol!

Californians are weathering a pandemic, historic wildfires, and an economic crisis, but state lawmakers believe the Capitol Annex project is still worth pursuing. So, what is it and who will it really serve? We have answers.

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March 16, 2020

Paula Peper's Resignation from the Historic State Capitol Commission

By Paula Peper

I feel the Commission has been entirely obfuscated in our efforts to tend to the tasks we were legislatively assigned to complete. I can do more by serving the public at large.

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March 17, 2020

Richard Cowan's Resignation from the Historic State Capitol Commission

By Richard Cowan

With regret, I hereby resign as a Commissioner of the Historic State Capitol Commission. I have taken my oath and duties as a Commissioner very seriously. But with regards to the East Annex project, I am being prevented from carrying out the Commission's statutory duties...

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November 16, 2020

California Doesn’t Need to Build a Taj Mahal for the Governor and Members of Legislature

By Republicans of River City

"The taxpayers of California don't need to spend a billion dollars for members of the state legislature to sit in a Taj Mahal."

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November 5, 2020

ICYMI: California’s Department of Finance Implements Permanent 5-percent Spending Reduction Across Departmental Offices

By Save Our Capitol!

On November 3, 2020, the Department of Finance sent Budget Letter 20-37 to state agencies and department heads calling for immediate actions to reduce costs while maximizing the efficiency of state operations.

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October 30, 2020

California Preservationists, Environmentalists, and Small Business Supporters Call for a Stop to the Extravagant and Unnecessary Capitol Annex Demolition

By Save Our Capitol!

As California reels from humanitarian and economic crises, Save Our Capitol! urges Governor Newsom and the Legislature to pursue less costly Capitol restoration alternatives and direct critical state funding to struggling communities.

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October 26, 2020

No Annexation Without Representation

Sactown Magazine
By Rob Turner

A billion-dollar plan to demolish and rebuild the State Capitol annex... is at least partly ill-conceived and entirely ill-timed. But there is the potential to create something great, if we just invite more people into “the people’s house.”

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October 27, 2020

Stop The Demolition!

By Save Our Capitol!

The California Legislature is bulldozing ahead with the Joint Rules Committee's (JRC) billion-dollar demolition and rebuild project.

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October 26, 2020

Sacramento’s most famous landmark is getting a makeover

The Sacramento Bee
By Hannah Wiley

The California Capitol is on track to get a makeover despite the economic fallout of the new recession, with plans to bulldoze the east wing office annex and replace it with an updated model by 2025.

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