Gov. Brown acts on turf disputes

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Gov. Jerry Brown chose not to have the state get involved in a turf battle Friday, vetoing legislation that would have forced condominium associations in California to give approval when homeowners want to install artificial grass.

‘A decision to choose synthetic turf over natural vegetation is best left to individual homeowners associations, not mandated by state law,’’ Brown wrote in his veto message on SB 759.

Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) had introduced the bill as a way to promote water conservation.

The governor signed another turf-related bill, allowing county fairs and horse tracks to increase the number of out-of-state horse races that they may simulcast and accept wagers on each day from 32 to 50.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-Carlsbad) said his AB 707 will help California’s struggling horse-racing industry by giving it a marketing tool to boost attendance at its tracks and leverage for business deals with racetracks outside the state.

-- Patrick McGreevy