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10. A -8 PG &E ASKS LEAGUE TO DELAY RELEASE OF SAMPLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT Discussions with PG &E regarding the terms to be included in a sample franchise agreement are continuing. On December 12, PG &E attorney Richard Meiss sent the League's consultant Michael Woods a letter requesting that the League delay releasing the sample agreement to city officials until discussions are completed. PG &E noted in the letter that the recent hearing schedule set by the Bankruptcy Court has extended the case by several months. PG &E expects that the bankruptcy court will approve their plan of reorganization rather than other proposals and that "PG &E will consummate its Plan by the end of May 2003 ". PG &E has agreed to continue to work with the League in discussing the sample agreement. The sample will be distributed to cities as soon as discussions are complete. ............................. SURVEY MEASURES TERRORISM CONCERN BY CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS Concerns about crime and the economy are a higher priority than terrorism for California city officials, according to a recently announced survey conducted of California city officials by the Public Policy Institute (PPIC). The survey was designed and carried out in conjunction with the National League of Cities (NLC), which con- ducted a similar survey on the national level. The PPIC survey summary compares the response by California officials to those in the national survey. In general, California and the west place a lower level of concern on terrorist threats than the rest of the nation. California was singled out for additional research since California has the largest population, serves as a major port of entry for immigration, and has a history of dealing with emergency situations in response to multiple natural disasters. Most city officials in California and nationally have indicated contingency plans are in place to address biological and chemical attacks, though few are prepared for cyber- terrorist threats, which many consider a greater threat. Nationally, city officials report greater cooperation between city departments and with other local, state and federal offices. However, California and other western states are less likely to report that cooperation with state and federal agencies has increased. Local spending on public safety and security has increased nationwide in response to September 11 ". Other sections of the nation have experienced greater fiscal impacts than California and the west. When questioned if the public would support increased taxes for protection from terrorist threats, Californian city officials are less optimistic than the rest of the nation that voters would support additional taxes. Local officials nationwide strongly support federal and state funding for training, equipment and increased personnel to strengthen local terrorism preparedness. This information reinforces cities' requests for federal homeland security funding. The complete report prepared by PPIC is available on the website www.00ic.orc. A Local Official's Guide to Ethics Laws Publication FROM THE INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT This helpful guide provides an overview of ethics laws so public officials can gain a better understanding of their legal and ethical obligations. Purchase this publication on -line at the CITYBOOKS section of the Web site. Price $10. Checks made payable to ILSG. For more information about other League publications and CITYBOOKS, please call 916.658.8257. PAGE 4 /PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site- -www.cacities.org