Far West

The Los Angeles Unified School District board voted last week to join opponents of local redevelopment agencies in the legal battle over who should control redevelopment funds, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Fitch Ratings recently downgraded several Riverside County bonds and certificates.

Standard & Poor’s upgraded the Moorpark Unified School District’s certificates of participation to A from A-minus based on the its significantly improved financial position.

Standard & Poor’s maintained the BBB-plus rating on the California State Public Works Board’s lease revenue bonds ahead of its upcoming sale.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Bay Area Toll Authority voted Wednesday to try to buy an office building in San Francisco using bridge toll dollars despite a pending audit.

California’s budget has inspired three new lawsuits this week, adding to worries about its viability.

WASHINGTON - With the 2012 election cycle intensifying, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board warned broker-dealers Wednesday that its rule banning pay-to-play political contributions applies to issuer officials who are running for president.

SAN FRANCISCO - California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a new law giving San Francisco special exemptions to form a tax district on its waterfront to help reimburse the city for the America's Cup and pay for other projects.

The municipal bond market is fragmented and lacks an overarching theme as it enters the final quarter of 2011.

Securities and Exchange Commission staff are pressing forward with a final municipal advisor registration scheme and a report that will recommend improvements in disclosure and other areas of the muni market, commissioner Elisse Walter said Tuesday.