Wal-Mart finds a way to build more stores

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The big box chain, Wal-Mart, has found a way to take advantage of California’s initiative process to build more stores. The store is paying signature gatherers to circulate petitions, according to a story by California Watch.

This process then forces city council members to approve the measure or hold a special election; and special elections cost money, which many cities don’t have.

This is not illegal. However, it is tricky. By using the initiative process, the store can get around the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires a review of big development projects. Will Evans reported the story for California Watch. (You can read it here) . He also joins us on Which Way, LA? which airs tonight. Listen here.