Tech moguls are at it again, this time playing SimCity in real life with Solano County as their playground. California Forever, a mysterious land acquisition firm, is making waves by proposing to purchase downtown Suisun City properties and offering a sweet $55,000 grant to save community events from budget cuts.

The Land Grab Chronicles

Led by CEO Jan Sramek, the company has been quietly buying up over 65,000 acres of farmland since 2018, initially planning to build an entirely new city. After facing community backlash and pulling a ballot measure in 2024, they’re now taking a more collaborative approach with local governments.

Annexation Ambitions

Suisun City’s City Manager Bret Prebula seems cautiously optimistic about incorporating around 15,000 to 20,000 acres over 40 years. “If we grow by 10,000 people in 10 years, I’ll be a happy camper,” he stated, suggesting a measured approach to urban expansion.

The Downtown Dilemma

The company’s current pitch includes purchasing downtown properties like the historic Lawler House and Suisun Harbor Theatre. Sramek admits they can’t guarantee development, noting the challenges of making downtown revitalization commercially viable. Yet, they’re promising to “design something wonderful” for the community.