Solano County

Get full access to The Daily Beast for $1

SUBSCRIBE

Solano County

A photo illustration of a giant pen stuck into the ground in Solano County, California.
‘THIS IS A SCAM!’

Clashes Erupt Over Tech Billionaires’ Shady Petition Tactics

Residents of Solano County are blasting misleading tactics to get plans for a utopian city on the ballot.

Michael Daly

Kathy Threfall
WHAT’S THE BIG SECRET?

Locals Shut Out of Billionaires’ Unveiling of New City Plans

Critics of the proposed project in Solano County, California, say they were denied entry to an “invite only” press conference.

Michael Daly

A road sign is posted near a parcel of land recently purchased by Flannery Associates near Rio Vista, California
CITY SLICKERS?

Donation Sparks Ugly New Battle in War Over Tech Utopia Plan

Emails are flying back and forth, along with allegations of misleading behavior and defamation.

Michael Daly

An illustration that includes a photo of a person in a business suit holding money and the Flag of California
opinion
QUID PRO NO

Billionaires Turn to Legal Bribery in Quest to Build Utopia

They tried secrecy and bullying. Now they’re trying to buy support.

Michael Daly

Cows graze on a parcel of land that was recently purchased near Rio Vista, California.
opinion
‘NO RESPECT’

Billionaires’ Sneaky Plan for a Utopia Is Already Backfiring

It turns out that if you act shady, people don’t trust you.

Michael Daly

A photo illustration of hands holding houses made from blocks
FROM SCRATCH

Creating a New City Is Harder Than Tech Billionaires Think

The man who created Sandy Springs, Georgia, has some advice for those who want to a build a metropolis in northern California.

Emily Shugerman

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

A photo illustration that shows Michael Moritz, Reid Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Patrick and John Collison, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Nat Friedman
WHO’S WHO

Utopian City Investors First Tried to ‘Fix’ San Francisco

The tech and finance titans pushed for aggressive housing development in the Bay Area. Now they’re buying up land to build a new metropolis.

Emily Shugerman

Mayor Catherine Moy
opinion
‘NOT OUR FIRST RODEO’

Mayor Hell-Bent on Stopping Tech Billionaires’ Utopia Plan

She is meeting with a congressman and other officials to come up with a “defense” to the sketchy proposal for a new California city.

Michael Daly

A photo illustration of a mirage emerald city in the background of a piece of farmland in Solano County, California.
PIE IN THE SKY

U.S. Rep: Mystery Group’s Utopia Plan Needs a Lot of Work

Representatives for a company trying to build a new city in California met with a congressman—but provided few details on their plan.

Emily Shugerman

A photo illustration of wind farms in Solano County, California, and a mountain of money.
opinion
‘ARROGANT’

A History Lesson for Mega-Rich Bullies Bankrolling Land-Grab

Forty years ago, a businessman tried to create a new city in Solano County. It’s happening again—and so is the backlash.

Michael Daly

An illustration of a businessman silhouette, futuristic skyline, money, and map of Solano County, California.
‘WHO IS GOING TO STOP ME?’

The Former Whiz Kid Behind Tech Billionaires’ Utopia Plan

Jan Sramek was the next big thing in high finance before he faded from the spotlight, only to re-emerge as the mastermind of a massive land grab.

Emily Shugerman

ADVERTISEMENT

GET THE APP
Subscribe
Log In
Newsletters
Podcasts
AboutContactTipsJobsAdvertiseHelpCode of Ethics & StandardsInclusionTerms & ConditionsCopyright & TrademarkPrivacy

© 2026 The Daily Beast Company LLC