Far West

Harvey J. Goldschmid, a former Securities and Exchange Commission member who played a key role in getting the American Bar Association to adopt an ethics rule to prevent municipal bond and other pay-to-play practices, died Feb. 12 at the age 74 from complications of pneumonia.

Washington state lawmakers' new $15 billion transportation proposal funded with a higher gasolines tax and $4.3 billion of state GO bonds.

As 2015 begins, capital markets participants would do well to reflect on the lessons of recent Chapter 9 proceedings.

The alleged $1.3 million embezzlement from a Bay Area conduit bond issuer has spurred action in Sacramento, triggering legislation, a task force and an audit.

The $7.5 billion in bond authority California voters approved in November represents a fraction of what is needed to fund water projects in the state, experts told state lawmakers.

House Transportation Committee approved rail legislation that prompts Amtrak to seek private partners for station development projects.

As regulators push for more disclosure of bank loans, there is confusion about the implications for and obligations of dealers, issuers, and municipal advisors.

The ruling that the former mayor was liable for violations of securities laws as a "control person" is one of which every official of a state or local government issuing debt should be aware.

Moody's Investors Service upgraded Los Gatos, Calif.'s issuer rating to Aaa from Aa1 and its certificate of participation rating to Aa2 from Aa3, affecting $21.8 million in lease-backed debt.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Vista, Calif.'s implied unlimited tax general obligation rating to AA-plus from AA and $111 million certificates of participation series 2007 to AA from AA-minus.