No Budget! No Pay! Sound like a good idea? NOT!

You would think we would have learned by now that passing a law simply because it “Sounds like a good idea” is no way to govern. Take for example AB 32, the high priced “Green Initiative” which requires business to cut carbon emissions utilizing technology that won’t exist until 2014. The there’s Jessica’s Law, which I like to call the “Sex Offender Omnibus Bill” which law enforcement officials up and down the state have admitted is near impossible to comply with. These are both well meaning policy initiatives that sounded good on paper, but when put into actual practice… not so much.

The bright idea of the day surrounds the California Legislatures lack of ability to come to a compromise on how to handle the fast growing budget deficit. Democrats want massive tax increases and Republicans are holding pat for substantive budget reforms and deeper cuts. And while both sides dig in their heals, doing what they believe to be the right thing, along comes a well meaning who have proposed to withhold legislator's pay and per diem if they fail to pass the state budget on time. Sounds like a great idea right? I mean, managing the state’s finances is a big part of their jobs. And if they can’t get the job done on time, why should they get paid? (I’ve got you going huh?)

Well before you jump on the bandwagon, read this piece my good friend (and boss) Jeff Greene shared with me. It was written by Former Assemblyman Ray Haynes back during the 2004 budget impasse:

Conflict-of-Interest Budgeting

SCENARIO #1 “Assemblyman Smith, vote for this budget, and our union will write you a check for $15,000. Not to your campaign – to you personally. Buy a new car, get your wife a Louis Vuitton purse, get braces for your kids—we don’t care. Just vote for this budget and the money is yours. I know you don’t like the new taxes and spending, but I can make it worth your while.”

SCENARIO #2 “I don’t care if there are taxes in this budget, we cannot afford to forfeit another month’s paycheck! We’ve exhausted our savings and we’re not going to be able to make our mortgage payment. We’ve got a stack of credit card bills and utility payments due and no money left to pay them. I know you don’t like the new taxes and spending, but it’s not worth going bankrupt for!”

What is the difference between the two scenarios? In one scenario, the personal financial pressure to pass a bad budget comes from a lobbyist. In the second, the financial pressure comes from the legislator’s spouse. In the first, the financial incentive is illegal and the lobbyist could go to prison. Meanwhile, the second scenario could be on the verge of being encouraged in homes all over Sacramento.

Both scenarios include money being used as an incentive to get a legislator to support a budget. Both scenarios result in a legislator having to consider his own personal financial interests over the interests of his district or even the whole State of California. Both are wrong.

Think about it. If you are a conservative, do you really want Republicans to go up on massive tax increases simply, so that they can pay their own bills? If you are a liberal, do you want Democrats to approve deep cuts to education or social welfare programs in order to make sure they don’t miss a check?

While I think most of us can agree with the sentiment, the facts cannot be ignored. Any way you slice it up, this is a “Pay-to-Play” scheme that is a bad idea for California.

California News Roundup - January 29, 2009

Stimulus would bring welcome relief to California - The state could get as much as $63 billion in federal funds, most of which will go for shovel-ready projects and tax cuts.By Richard Simon Reporting from Washington -- As the $819-billion economic recovery bill approved by the House on Wednesday makes its way through Congress, officials 3,000 miles away have their eyes on a Santa Monica Pier upgrade and other projects that have been awaiting funding.

Californians give thumbs-up to Obama, thumbs down to state officials - A poll finds 57% of state voters support Obama's stimulus plan. In contrast, three-quarters believe the state is headed in the wrong direction and Schwarzenegger's approval rating dips to 40%.By Evan Halper Reporting from Sacramento -- California voters are enthusiastic about President Obama's plans for steering the country out of recession, but their faith in state government's ability to manage its finances and fix California's problems has tumbled, according to a new poll.

L.A. County Federation of Labor endorses Chu for Congress - The chairwoman of the state Board of Equalization is vying to succeed Rep. Hilda Solis, Obama's pick for Labor secretary. The 32nd Congressional District covers East L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley.By Evelyn Larrubia U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis has not yet been confirmed as Labor secretary, but the race to replace her is in full swing.

Cal State students speak up over proposed slashes to financial aid - Students -- some with full course loads and multiple jobs -- address the Board of Trustees, protesting Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts and delays of Cal Grants.By Gale Holland Nathonas Duro, 21, rises Mondays at 6 a.m., takes her brother to school and is at her campus office job by 8 a.m. at Cal State San Bernardino, where she is a full-time student.

Solar panel installations in California through the roof in '08 - Homeowners and businesses had a record 158 megawatts of photovoltaic panels put on despite the recession.By Marla Dickerson Despite a credit freeze that's stunting renewable-energy projects throughout the country, 2008 was a hot year for solar power in California.

George Skelton: Californians aren't ready for the one-two budget punch - The heavy shoe is about to drop. Sacramento on Monday intends to begin stiffing people owed tax refunds, vendors who sell goods to the state and recipients of many social services.

State tax refund delay hurts low wage - With California's budget quagmire forcing an indefinite delay to state income tax refunds, taxpayers on the lower end of the income scale are most likely to feel the pain.

Governor threatens layoffs if state workers balk at -Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger warned Wednesday that if state workers don't accept twice-monthly furloughs, he will pursue layoffs to reduce salary costs by more than a billion dollars.

Schwarzenegger, other state officials want to dump prison health czar - The state brought a new dimension Wednesday to the legal struggle over prison health care reform with a motion to get rid of the court-appointed receiver and his proposed $8 billion construction plan.

Today's furlough hearing won't ease the uncertainty - State workers marked today on their calendars nearly four weeks ago when they learned that a Sacramento Superior Court judge would hear arguments about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's December order to furlough them two days each month.

Sacramento region's representatives vote party line on stimulus - At $819 billion, California Republican Rep. Dan Lungren figures that Democrats want to pass an economic stimulus plan that would cost the residents of his district more than $2,700 each.

Capitol Alert: Wednesday tidbits - The Little Hoover Commission, a government agency that analyzes the performance of other agencies, has issued a new report dedicated to "improving performance and outcomes at the state water boards.

Capitol Alert: Schwarzenegger, Brown want to end prison receivershipPosted by Shane GoldmacherGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger administration officials and Attorney General Jerry Brown will hold a press conference this morning announcing that they are seeking to end federal court oversight of the health care system in California prisons.

Tax-cut combination most popular Calif. budget - A combination of spending cuts and tax increases is the most popular solution for California's massive budget problems, according to a poll released Wednesday.

Calif. retailers group drops campaign donations - California's economic problems are starting to hit politicians where it really hurts - in their campaign treasuries.

Support wanes for budget supermajority- Despite the governor declaring a fiscal emergency and dire warnings issued by the state treasurer and state controller, Republican and Democratic legislators have been unable to reach the supermajority threshold needed to pass a budget. In the midst of a worsening crisis, this legislative inaction has now claimed its first casualty: public support for the two-thirds majority vote needed to pass a state budget.

State could get $10 billion stimulus school aid - An economic stimulus package working its way through Congress could provide $10 billion in federal relief over the next two years for California's public schools, raising optimism among educators that it might ease cutbacks caused by the state's budget crisis.

February looms - California's budget crisis is about to hit the next level of severity. For many weeks, state Controller John Chiang and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Department of Finance have been warning that the state would run out of cash in February.

UC service workers agree to contract - The University of California has settled a bitter contract battle with nearly 8,500 service workers after a year and a half that included picketing and sit-ins.

Don't do it, Sacramento - The last thing beleaguered Californians need is even higher taxesConsumer confidence is plummeting. People are delaying purchases while struggling to pay off credit card debts. Consequently, business sales are slumping. Years of buying on credit and saving too little has left many people vulnerable. Retirement funds are evaporating. Housing foreclosures are mounting. Unemployment rates near double digits. Others wonder how much longer they will have jobs as layoffs are announced almost daily.

The CTA's gamble - Sales tax hike a harder sell than union thinksWith the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepared to make actual hard-dollar cuts in education spending, the California Teachers Association is flexing its muscle. CTA leaders say that if lawmakers don't back off, they are ready to begin a signature-gathering campaign for a ballot initiative to raise the state sales tax by a penny to provide an additional $5 billion to $6 billion a year to public schools.

Outlook for state's water is grim -Southern California water managers are growing increasingly uneasy with each winter day marked more by sunshine than rainfall.

California News Roundup - January 28, 2009

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown will ask U.S. to end oversight of California prisons - Officials say receivership has become a government unto itself. Overseer says such action would prolong unnecessary deaths and suffering among inmates.By Michael Rothfeld Reporting from Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown will ask a federal judge today to end court oversight of healthcare in California prisons and return the inmate medical system to the state's control.

California health insurers discriminate against women, lawsuit contends - San Francisco's city attorney sues state regulators, saying they approved a system that allows the insurance companies to use 'gender rating' when pricing individual policies.By Nathan Olivarez-Giles California insurers are discriminating against women, charging them more for individual health insurance than men, the city of San Francisco maintained in a lawsuit filed Tuesday against the state regulators who govern them.

School can expel lesbian students, court rules - An appeals panel finds California Lutheran High School in Riverside County is not a business and therefore doesn't have to comply with a state law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation.By Maura Dolan Reporting from San Francisco -- After a Lutheran school expelled two 16-year-old girls for having "a bond of intimacy" that was "characteristic of a lesbian relationship," the girls sued, contending the school had violated a state anti-discrimination law.

Leaders of healthcare workers union are relieved of duty - Officers of the United Healthcare Workers West are replaced by two executive vice presidents of its umbrella organization, the Service Employees International Union. The two groups have been fighting By Evelyn Larrubia The leaders of an Oakland union were removed from office Tuesday by their Washington bosses, the culmination of months of fighting over who will represent tens of thousands of home health aides.

Emergency room doctors sue state of California - The class-action suit alleges that the system -- which received a failing grade in access to care -- is on the edge of a breakdown unless more funds are obtained.By Kimi Yoshino Frustrated emergency room doctors filed a class-action lawsuit against the state Tuesday, saying that California's overstretched emergency healthcare system -- which ranks last in the country for emergency care access -- is on the verge of collapse unless more funding is provided.

California home foreclosures top 236,000 in 2008 - The number of homes lost last year is up 180% from 2007. Rising unemployment is exacerbating the trend.By William Heisel More than 236,000 homes were lost to foreclosure in California last year, topping the previous nine years combined, data released Tuesday show. And the number of borrowers who defaulted on their payments hit a record high of more than 404,000.

State leaders say federal stimulus will ease deficit crisis, not solve - California stands to receive possibly as much as $14 billion in direct budget relief from the federal stimulus plan, which the House is to consider today.

CSU got record donations in 2007-2008 school year - The California State University system received record donations during the 2007-2008 school year, according to the CSU annual report on external support.

Furlough clash heats up -Sacramento Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette on Thursday will hear oral arguments in labor unions' challenge of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's move to furlough state employees two days a month beginning Feb. 6. Marlette has received written briefs and could issue a tentative ruling before Thursday.

Downturn in foreclosures may be short-lived - A year that will be long remembered for financial earthquakes and trouble for homeowners ended with a surprise.

Modestly priced wines boost California industry - The California wine industry enjoyed a boost from below last year.

The Buzz - Mental health advocates spoke out Tuesday against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to redirect Proposition 63 funds that go to counties for mental health services to help close the state's budget shortfall. "The governor's FY 2009-10 budget proposal amounts to a misguided attack on people living with mental illness who literally have no other option for services and shelter," said Patricia Ryan, executive director of the California Mental Health Directors Association. Schwarzenegger has said he has few easy cost-cutting options given the state's $40 billion budget shortfall.

Capitol Alert: Controller to tax board: Stop sending new refund claims - State Controller John Chiang told California's Franchise Tax Board on Tuesday to stop sending his office tax refund claims.

Capitol Alert: Nehring weighs in on 50-state strategy - Ron Nehring, the chairman of the California Republican Party, is weighing in on the national GOP debate over the future and direction of the party.

Capitol Alert: A new pensions initiative (and blog) -Former San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Ed Mendel has launched a new blog, Calpensions.com, where he will look at the two big public retirement systems in California, CalPERs and CalSTRs.

Capitol Alert: AM Alert: The budget pie -The budget negotiations continue, with yet another Big Five negotiating session scheduled for today.

Emergency doctors sue California over rates. - A coalition of emergency doctors took the state to court Tuesday over low reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal patients.

Dan Walters: Health worker battle stalls California budget action - Early in this decade, California's labor union leaders trumpeted a sharp uptick in membership after years of relative decline.

Daniel Weintraub: Proposed cuts show depth of state crisis - For all the grief Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking from the right for proposing to raise taxes, you would think he was a fiscal softy who is willing to let state spending grow out of control. But take a close look at his budget and you might be surprised at the level of spending cuts that would still be required to balance the books – even if the Legislature passes a big tax hike.

Narrow interests top GOP's agenda - If California Republicans hope to shed their reputation as the Scorched Earth Party, they won't do it by gutting environmental rules as a condition for a state budget deal.

State could get $10 billion stimulus school aid - An economic stimulus package working its way through Congress could provide $10 billion in federal relief over the next two years for California's public schools, raising optimism among educators that it might ease cutbacks caused by the state's budget crisis.

Record foreclosures in Bay Area, state in 2008 By Carolyn Said, Chronicle Staff WriterForeclosures and default notices hit new highs for California and the Bay Area in 2008, according to a real estate report released Tuesday.

Secret budget talks don't serve public - When the budget is negotiated in private, the Legislature votes on the unknownIt's good that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says California shouldn't rely on a Washington bailout to solve the state's budget crisis. "We don't want the federal government to fix our problem," the governor proclaimed this week. "We have to fix our problem."

The truth on AB 32 - GOP right to cite flaws that governor ignoredWe strongly oppose some Republican lawmakers' apparent intention to go along with tax hikes in return for a weakening of rules adopted by the state Air Resources Board to force every last resident, business, church, charitable organization and nonprofit group to pay far higher energy bills in the name of fighting climate change.

California could get large share from stimulus package - Legislation could pump $21 billion into state. California is in line to receive more than $21 billion under the stimulus package that President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats are pushing to get the economy back on track and pull the country out of the recession.

No Budget: Day 84 -It's been 84 days since the governor called the first special session of the Legislature to address the state's projected $42 billion budget shortfall.

Timm Herdt: A way to stabilize California - Tax panel should look at commercial propertyEver since the tech-stock bubble of the late 1990s ballooned and then burst, there has been a lament in California about the volatility of the state tax system.

Dan Walters: Federal government may bail out California next - The economic stimulus plan being written by President Obama and Congress could cover a third of California's projected budget deficit and give Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators a way out of their political dilemma — but the governor says it would be foolish to count on it.

California News Roundup - January 27, 2009

A fuel-efficient future - California may get its EPA waiver to tighten emissions standards. But higher gas taxes are needed too.President Obama granted one of our deepest pro-environment wishes Monday by directing the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider allowing California to set tough emissions limits, and therefore tighter fuel economy standards, on vehicles. It's tempting to declare victory and move on, except that the president isn't finished with fuel and transportation policy yet. Though improving fuel efficiency will help, it's only the second-best way to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the survival of Detroit's automakers, and it won't be enough by itself to do the job. What's really needed are higher gasoline taxes.

Strangling California's budget - A proposed 'hard' cap on spending is misguided.By Jean Ross As California grapples with a fiscal crisis, state lawmakers are facing painful choices about where to cut spending and how to increase revenues this year. California is one of only three states that require a "supermajority" vote to pass a budget, a constraint that results in deadlock and chronically late budgets. The economic downturn has contributed to a massive budget shortfall now estimated at more than $40 billion -- roughly $15 billion for the rest of the current fiscal year and $25 billion in 2009-10. Even in good times, California's outdated tax system does not bring in enough revenue to support the schools, universities, programs and services that Californians want and expect.

Tough California air rules to force new era for cars? - President Barack Obama's directive to reconsider California's attempt to regulate global warming gases from automobiles could bring many more highly fuel-efficient cars to sales lots as early as this year.

Environmentalists sound alarms over budget While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated President Obama's embrace of California's strict auto emissions standards, environmentalists said Monday they fear the governor and Democrats will approve GOP environmental rollbacks in exchange for tax increases.

The Buzz: Californians split on docking legislative pay - Here are the surprising results of a poll taken last week on whether Californians think it would be a good idea to dock legislators' pay when the budget is overdue. Two-thirds of the respondents said it was a good idea. The surprise was that 21 percent thought it wasn't a good idea. The rest weren't sure.

Capitol Alert: CTA moves forward with tax measure -The governing body of the California Teachers Association voted over the weekend to support signature gathering for a ballot measure that would hike the California sales tax by a penny on the dollar with all the proceeds going to the state's schools.

Capitol Alert: California to get its emission waiver - President Obama signed a memorandum on Monday asking the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider California's application for a federal waiver to implement stricter auto emissions standards.

Capitol Alert: Pedro Nava's wife to seek his Assembly seat- The trend of legislative spouses running for office will continue in 2010, as Susan Jordan, the wife of termed-out Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, has filed paperwork to succeed her husband in the state Assembly.

Calif. forced to tap feds for jobless - Adding to its financial woes, California was forced Monday to begin borrowing money from a federal fund so it could continue paying unemployment insurance benefits to the state's growing number of jobless residents.

Dan Walters: Feds' stimulus plan could set stage for California budget deal - The economic stimulus plan being written by President Barack Obama and Congress could cover a third of California's projected budget deficit and give Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators a way out of their political dilemma – but the governor says it would be foolish to count on it.

UC regents should join trend on fees - Five years ago, Harvard University stunned the higher education world with an announcement that tuition, room and board would be free for families with incomes less than $40,000. This was changed to $60,000 in 2006.

California's energy efficiency an economic boon - President Obama is serious about creating a green economy, he should look to California.

Obama embraces California vehicle emissions effortsBy Frank DaviesWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama declared Monday that California's pioneering vehicle emissions controls, blocked for years by the Bush administration, will help launch a national effort to tackle global warming.

Deadline is real: 5 days to fix California's budget - Five days are left to cut a deal on the state budget. If not, on Sunday, California, the world's eighth-largest economy, will become the world's biggest deadbeat.

Spending limits would put government on a conservative - Liberal activists are worried that Democratic legislators are considering a deal to institute permanent curbs on government spending in order to win Republican support for tax increases as the Legislature seeks solutions to a $42 billion deficit facing the state over the next 18 months.

Detroit double-cross - First, bailout; then, tougher mileage standardsEven as Washington doles out tens of billions of dollars to rescue unprofitable Detroit automakers, President Barack Obama cleared the way Monday to impose billions of dollars of additional costs on the industry. He directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider granting California and 13 other states waivers to set their own, more strict regulations on auto emissions.

GOP pushing to weaken emissions - While praising President Barack Obama's moves to allow California to impose tighter controls on tailpipe emissions, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now finds himself under pressure from fellow Republicans demanding that he weaken the state's broader greenhouse-gas laws as part of any deal to solve the budget crisis.

Pass cuts, already - Stalling agreed-to reductions is a bad ideaSeveral weeks ago, Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Sacramento essentially agreed to a package of billions of dollars in cuts in education, social services and transportation programs.

No Budget: Day 83- It's been 83 days since the governor called the first special session of the Legislature to address the state's projected $42 billion budget shortfall.

Dan Walters: Pension fund setbacks slam California taxpayers -There is an unfortunate parallel between the ups and downs of the California state budget and the condition of both state and local public employee pension funds.

Thomas D. Elias: Sane judge tosses state's unwise algebra mandate - At long last, a sane and practical judge appears on the California scene. And not a moment too soon. Take a look at some of the costly judicial decisions of the last year or so: One federal judge rules medical care in the state's prison system is unconstitutionally lousy and orders it fixed, regardless of cost. Estimated expense: As much as $8 billion.

Dry deadlock - California politicians cannot prevent drought, but they can prepare the state to handle the inevitable dry spells. But legislative stalemate has left the state facing a drought with only limited access to a crucial water source -- and that failure may soon cost Californians extra at grocery stores.

Pelosi & Margaret Sanger agree. Birth control = Economic Stimulus

Maybe it us just me. But I find it outrageous that Birthcontrol would be considered as a part of the economic stimulus package. Regardless of how you feel about birth control, to utilize funds from any economic stimulus proposal to pay for birth control is beyond obsurd.

It harkens back to the time when Planned Parenthood's Founder, Margaret Sanger sought to use birth control as a method of population control. It was her desire to keep certain "undesirable groups" from multiplying. And her primary arguement was that they would be a burden on taxpayers.

Here is a quote from Margaret Sanger:

Our failure to segregate morons who are increasing and multiplying ... demonstrates our foolhardy and extravagant sentimentalism ... [Philanthropists] encourage the healthier and more normal sections of the world to shoulder the burden of unthinking and indiscriminate fecundity of others; which brings with it, as I think the reader must agree, a dead weight of human waste. Instead of decreasing and aiming to eliminate the stocks that are most detrimental to the future of the race and the world, it tends to render them to a menacing degree dominant ... We are paying for, and even submitting to, the dictates of an ever-increasing, unceasingly spawning class of human beings who never should have been born at all."

This quote comes from Margaret Sanger's- The Pivot of Civilization, 1922. Chapter on "The Cruelty of Charity," pages 116, 122, and 189. Swarthmore College Library edition. And as you can see Pelosi, like Sanger believes that the goverment should be in the business of making sure that "poor folk" don't go having babies.

While I do agree that everyone should be responsible in their reproductive choices. I cannot belive that anyone would go as far as to promote birth control as economic stimulas.

California News Roundup - January 26, 2009

Legislators signal $6 billion in budget cuts -Both parties appear to be willing to reduce funding for public schools, colleges, transit programs and programs that help a wide range of people with special needs. Although lawmakers continue to argue over how to resolve the state's fiscal crisis, they already have endorsed $6 billion in spending cuts that provide a painful preview of what is likely to be in store for Californians.

George Skelton: Governor rails against waste but finds it's hard to pin down George - Five years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he would "blow up the boxes" of bureaucracy. But his fuse fizzled. Now he's trying to shake up a few boxes.

Obama clearing way for California emissions waiver - The president will ask the EPA today to allow states to set their own, stricter rules for auto emissions, sources say.By Ken Bensinger and Jim Tankersley Reporting from Washington and Los Angeles -- President Obama will direct the EPA today to reconsider a Bush-era decision that stopped California and more than a dozen other states from setting their own stricter limits on auto emissions, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Tech slump's ripples hit both capital, – In better times in Silicon Valley, a job offer like this would have been dismissed as a joke: two months' work, walking door to door for the Census Bureau, at a mere $22 an hour.

Q&A: Rep. Matsui discusses stimulus for -Shortly after Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation's 44th president, The Bee sat down with Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, to discuss the inauguration and her role in fixing the economy. Matsui sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has a key role in shaping Obama's economic stimulus package.

Dan Walters: Pension fund setbacks will hit taxpayers hard - There is an unfortunate parallel between the ups and downs of the state budget and the condition of both state and local public employee pension funds.

In jeopardy: Who won't get paid in February unless there's a budget deal - Here's a list of people and programs that state Controller John Chiang says won't get paid in February unless there's a budget-balancing deal between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislators by next Sunday, Feb. 1

Gambling is not a sure bet for state - Deals that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated with Indian gambling tribes have not produced the huge increases in revenue the governor predicted. Indian gambling will bring $362 million into the state general fund this year, $123 million less than expected. It will bring an estimated $392 million next year, $192 million less than the governor's rosy forecast.

Arguments in place as Prop. 8 hearing nears - In thousands of pages, the combatants in the Proposition 8 fight have made their case to the state Supreme Court.

Governor wants to streamline bureaucracy - Scrapping, merging state boards would save millions, he saysWyatt Buchanan, Chronicle Staff WriterAs part of his solution to fix California's bleeding budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating or merging a host of state boards and commissions in a scaled-down version of his unsuccessful plan in 2005 to streamline the state's bureaucracy.

Promise, peril seen with embryonic stem - Even if federal limits on human embryonic stem-cell research funding are abolished by the Obama administration, as is widely anticipated, don't expect to see companies selling treatments made from those cells any time soon.

California adding green jobs, leading nation in energy - California added green jobs in recent years at a much more rapid pace than non-green jobs, a new report released today says.

Reform Jessica's Law - JESSICA'S LAW, the statute that limits where paroled sex offenders can live, is in dire need of revision.

Law enforcement feeling budget crunch, too -Agencies are cutting back wherever they can, even if it means trimming shooting range time to save money on ammunition. An old married couple was fast asleep when the 17-year-old boy climbed through their window and stole a purse in October, police said.

Farmers feel squeeze, which could - Most Southern Californians have been largely insulated from the state's deepening drought, spared painful cuts by a vast network of reservoirs and the reluctance of water managers to take unpopular steps toward rationing.

Stay the course, GOP - State taxes already are among the nation's highestAfter a year of resisting pressure from Democrats and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to raise taxes, state Republican lawmakers' solidarity wavered last week. A handful of GOP legislators indicated they might accept broad tax increases so long as they had ironclad guarantees of Democratic support for permanent spending controls.

Gay rights activists consider timing of ballot measure -Groups want to repeal Prop. Gay rights activists are weighing the wisdom of rushing a repeal of Proposition 8 to the 2010 ballot if California's highest court upholds the state's same-sex marriage ban.

No Budget: Day 82 - It's been 82 days since the governor called the first special session of the Legislature to address the state's projected $42 billion budget shortfall.

Prison failure -State government neglect of prison health care should not be a license for a federal court receiver to waste tax dollars. An appeals court should grant Attorney General Jerry Brown's request for a review of the spending plan. But the governor and legislators also need to accept their responsibility to provide prisoners with adequate care.

California News Roundup - January 22, 2009

California controller sides with unions in suit challenging Arnold Schwarzenegger - John Chiang refuses to implement the governor's order forcing state workers to take days off without pay. A spokesman for Schwarzenegger says the move is 'politically calculated.'By Michael Rothfeld and Patrick McGreevy Reporting from Sacramento -- State Controller John Chiang has refused to execute an order by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to force state workers to take two days off without pay each month, siding with two unions that filed a lawsuit challenging the move.

George Skelton: Schwarzenegger could learn from Obama's share-the-pain message - I hope Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger listened closely from his choice seat. Because President Obama's inaugural address was a stark reminder of what has been missing from political discourse in California: the notion of individual sacrifice for the common good.

CalPERS names chief investment officer -Joseph Dear, director of Washington state's public pension fund, faces a stiff challenge.By Marc Lifsher Reporting from Sacramento -- The head of the Washington State Investment Board is heading south to Sacramento to oversee investments at the nation's largest public pension fund, the California Public Employees' Retirement System.

L.A. County may divert funds toward welfare clients - Officials are considering using $6 million meant to fight child abuse for welfare and food stamp recipients, as the number of people applying for aid grows as a result of the recession.By Garrett Therolf Scrambling to cope with a surge in welfare applications, Los Angeles County officials are considering a budget maneuver that would prop up some key support services by tapping a pot of money meant to fight child abuse and neglect.

California Republicans put taxes on table for state budget - After months of holding firm on a "no new taxes" pledge, some Republican lawmakers said Wednesday that they are willing to consider a tax hike as part of a wider-ranging deal to close the state's budget gap.

California's Democratic gubernatorial prospects test the waters at inauguration– California's Democratic gubernatorial rivals have been quietly advancing their ambitions amid the inaugural celebrations.

Daniel Weintraub: Maybe it's time for a government overhaul- When people first started kicking around the idea of a constitutional convention for California, I was skeptical.

The Buzz - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is wasting no time in hitting up the new prez on an issue the last administration fought tooth and nail. The guv wrote President Barack Obama on Wednesday to ask him to let California and other states regulate vehicles' greenhouse-gas emissions. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has ruled that states don't have the authority. Obama has said he would grant the waiver.

CalPERS names new chief investment officer- CalPERS named a new chief investment officer Wednesday, hiring a politically savvy pension fund executive to steer it through the most difficult climate the financial markets have seen in decades.

State controller: I won't carry out governor's furlough order- Democratic State Controller John Chiang announced Wednesday that he will refuse to carry out Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's order to cut state worker pay in February unless a judge demands that he do so.

The State Worker: Furlough order's uncertainties cause anxiety- The e-mail was simple and direct: "(Furloughs) are a microcosm of the way the state does things: Wait until the last possible minute, then implement something that never had a chance of being successful in the first place."

It's a crisis; act like it's a crisis- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California's top legislative leaders can't seem to stick to their scripts.

Sen. Feinstein rises to the occasion- If you were among those moved by President Obama's inauguration, take a moment to salute California Sen. Dianne Feinstein. As head of the inaugural committee, she set the tone for the new, incoming government with simple, classy ceremonies that accommodated millions of Americans.

California controller warns of cash crunch, but rejects $1.3 billion furlough plan- State Controller John Chiang — who warned last week that he will soon suspend billions in tax refunds and other payments because the state is short on cash — is opposing a plan by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to save $1.3 billion by furloughing state workers two days a month.

More fuzzy math and bad policies by state prisons- A story problem: It cost $50 a day to house nonviolent offenders in restitution centers, where they worked to compensate their victims and defray detention costs. It costs $97 a day to keep an inmate in a California prison. How much did the state save by moving 74 nonviolent offenders to state prisons?

Republicans considering the unthinkable: - Republicans are rethinking the unthinkable: saying yes, though begrudgingly so, to taxes.

Catholic group enters the legal fray over Prop. - Catholic Answers Action has entered the legal fray over the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage, filing a court brief in support of the measure. Opponents of the measure, which passed in November, are suing to have the ban voided by the state Supreme Court.

State challenges prison plan- California's attorney general asked a federal appeals court Wednesday to block what he described as an extravagant spending proposal for prison medical facilities.

Legislators object to proposal for drilling off Santa Barbara-A dozen state legislators have challenged a proposal to drill for oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, saying it could set a precedent for more drilling along the 1,100 miles of California coastline.

State deficit debacle threatens First -The top administrator of California's embattled First 5 program urged local supporters Wednesday to lobby state legislators not to scuttle the child care and preschool program.

Tech promise - California's enormous budget deficit makes more efficient state government a necessity. So Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to combine four technology agencies into one state office has merit: The proposal could save taxpayers money. And done properly, the idea could lead to a more effective and accountable state government.

Roe v. Wade and the making of a President

In light of the history making events we witnessed this week and because today marks the 36 year anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade, I would like to offer the following food for thought



As one who was also born prior to Roe v. Wade and was unwanted by my paternal parents, this part of the President's story resonates with me. Furthermore, I have come to learn that had Roe been the law of the land in 1969, I myself would likely not be here. Just think, what if our President had been concieved just a few years later?

How many doctors, lawyers, teachers, pastors, community organizers or presidents have been sacrificed on the altar of choice? Is it truly justice to allow one person's right to choose supersede another's right to live?

Just food for thought....

Someone didn't get the memo about the end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas...

In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama proclaimed, "...an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."

But clearly someone in his new administration didn't get the memo. Below is an exerpt from the Whitehouse.gov, the official website of the President of the United States. Notice no petty grievences, false promises, recriminations or worn out dogmas here:

President Obama will keep the broken promises made by President Bush to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. He and Vice President Biden will take steps to ensure that the federal government will never again allow such catastrophic failures in emergency planning and response to occur.

President Obama swiftly responded to Hurricane Katrina. Citing the Bush Administration's "unconscionable ineptitude" in responding to Hurricane Katrina, then-Senator Obama introduced legislation requiring disaster planners to take into account the specific needs of low-income hurricane victims. Obama visited thousands of Hurricane survivors in the Houston Convention Center and later took three more trips to the region. He worked with members of the Congressional Black Caucus to introduce legislation to address the immediate income, employment, business, and housing needs of Gulf Coast communities.

President Barack Obama will partner with the people of the Gulf Coast to rebuild now, stronger than ever.

It is great to see you talking the talk Mr. President. Now it's time to start walking the walk.

California News Roundup - January 21, 2009

Capitol Alert: Why the Capitol is quiet this - Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders plan to resume budget talks Thursday, the first time all five will be in Sacramento this week.

Capitol Alert: Teachers launch radio ads -Trying to tighten pressure on lawmakers, the California Teachers Association launched a statewide radio advertising campaign Tuesday urging state officials to pass a budget that doesn't hurt schools.

Capitol Alert: Bass looks back - and forward -Assembly Speaker Karen Bass wrote this piece on the inaugural for the Hufftington Post:

Capitol Alert: AM Alert: Governor Lockyer? -Shane GoldmacherNo, the 30-year veteran of California politics, state Treasurer Bill Lockyer, isn't tossing his hat into the ring in 2010 (that we know of).

Dan Walters: Obama's win doesn't mean windfall for California -When George W. Bush began running for president eight-plus years ago, he lavished attention on California, a state his father had won in 1988 but lost in 1992 as Bill Clinton captured the White House.

Feinstein plays key role - Sen. Dianne Feinstein spent much of the past year consumed with details of the presidential inauguration: 240,000 tickets, 22,000 sheets of plywood for the platform, 5,000 portable toilets, 4,000 members of the news media who applied for credentials and more than 24 jumbo TV screens.
Ruben Navarrette: In search of a better life -California is famous for its whine. Take it from someone who was born in the Golden State and who has lived here most of his life, but who also spent long stretches elsewhere. Part of living in California is feeling the need to complain about how hard it is to live in California. Many have called it quits and left the state.

Official wants 7,000 inmates moved -Up to 7,000 sick California inmates must be transferred to prisons with access to better medical care, a court-appointed receiver said in a court filing Tuesday.

No Budget: Day 77 -It's been 77 days since the governor called the first special session of the Legislature to address the state's projected $42 billion budget shortfall.

Hope in D.C., fear in CA- State leaders should embrace Obama's message. In Sacramento on Tuesday, negotiations over how to avert the fiscal and human calamity that will arrive Feb. 1 were put on hold because three of the principal budget negotiators — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass — were all in Washington, D.C., to attend President Barack Obama's inaugural.

Funding freeze halts environmental projects across California -Commissions and nonprofits charged with conserving parks, wildlife, water and mountain areas of the state are at risk of laying off staff or closing since the state stopped funding last month.By Jordan Rau Reporting from Sacramento -- If swimmers in Santa Monica Bay bump into trash or bacteria this summer, one culprit will be California's budget impasse.

Health Net executive joins board of CalPERS -Patricia Clarey, also a former chief of staff to Schwarzenegger, says she won't be involved in benefits decisions.By Marc Lifsher Reporting from Sacramento -- Patricia Clarey, a top healthcare company executive and former chief of staff to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been appointed to the board of the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the country's largest government pension fund.

Fix probation to fix prisons -More resources for probation services in California would prevent many offenders from becoming prisoners.By Don Meyer California's corrections system is in a state of disarray and is in dire need of reform. As The Times described in a Jan. 5 editorial, the state is awaiting a decision from a panel of federal judges that will decide whether to release more than 50,000 criminals into our communities to ease prison overcrowding. Evidently, California is failing to rehabilitate criminals and adding to a cyclical problem facing our prison system that returns more than 70% of released convicts back to state prison.

Schwarzenegger fills high-paying jobs amid budget- In the midst of a $40 billion budget deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed former Democratic Assemblywoman Nicole Parra to a newly created $128,124-a-year job and named former Republican Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian to a board slot with a similar salary, his office announced Tuesday.

Prop. 8 foes push new ballot measures to reverse gay marriage ban-Angered by the passage of Proposition 8, grass-roots activists are working to place measures on the ballot to reverse California's ban on same-sex unions.

Golden State sends some star power -A high-profile California contingent gathers Tuesday at the inaugural stage at the Capitol.

The BuzzCall it the Doomsday scenario, but a Livermore man has submitted a proposed initiative that would terminate the terms of the entire Legislature and governor if the state budget bill is not passed by June 15 each year. The measure raises some questions, such as how could the state could survive with no Legislature until a special election could be called (presumably by the lieutenant governor). Hmmmmmmm.

Bucking the Trend: DeLuz Brothers on CBS 13

The Father of the Bride: My view of the Inauguration of Barack Obama

I was listening to conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt discuss the swearing in ceremony of President Barack Obama when a caller likened the experience to being the father of the bride at a wedding where he never approved of the groom. And I honestly have to say that I could not think of a more appropriate analogy than the one this man had so cleverly offered.

I am a black Republican, who also happens to be the father of a beautiful daughter. I know that one day (in the distant future) she will chose a man to be her husband; and like it or not, it is her choice, not mine. While I pray that she would choose a man whose morals and values are consistent with those we have tried to instill in both of our children, this choice is not mine to make. So what would happen if she chose to go a different direction?

Would I be angry and refuse to attend the wedding? Would I go out of my way to undermine the engagement and actually try to stop the nuptials from taking place? Would I curse her, her husband and their impending marriage? Of course not!

I love my daughter and want only the best for her. Although I may have well founded doubts about the partner she has chosen, I will pray that I am wrong. I will cling to the hope that my assessments are incorrect and that their future together will be blessed with joy and prosperity. This is because my desire to be right pales in comparison to the love I have for this most precious gift that is my only daughter.

I did not choose Barack Obama to be my President. But the choice was not mine alone. And like my daughter, I love this country, because of the many blessings it has given me. I will not wish ill to my President because the fate of those I love are intertwined with his. The leadership he provides will have a profound affect on all of us. His success is our success. His failures are our failures. This is what marriage (matrimonial or political) are all about.

While I reserve the right to maintain my skepticism and will stand at the ready to defend the ones I care about from this man whom I did not chose; I cannot ignore the significance of this day and the message that the election of the First black President sends about how far we have come as a nation. I must join in the celebration this historic day and root on my new President. I will support him as he does good and provide constructive criticism when he does wrong. But I will none-the-less give him this day and honor what it means to so many of my fellow Americans.

We are an American family. And like it or not… Barack Obama is part of our family. So, I wish him all the best!

California News Roundup - January 20, 2009

New Assemblywoman are walking a political -Imagine, if you will, a legislator on a tightrope.

Calif. insurance comm. seeks disability -For the second time in two months, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is being accused by his predecessor, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, of proposing regulation changes that will weaken consumer protections.

Dan Walters: Political fund limits just cannot work-At first blush, it sounds outrageous that California politicians should be amassing multimillion-dollar political war chests for supposed ballot measure campaigns, then spending it for other political purposes, for semi-personal expenses or, in at least one case, for criminal defense lawyers.

A day to celebrate enduring ideals-By the time this day is over, the word "historic" will have been used so many times that it may seem to have temporarily lost its meaning.

Berkeley nudging residents to cut the carbon -Some cities urge residents to go on citywide exercise kicks. Others promote municipal book clubs. Berkeley wants its citizens to go on a collective low-carbon diet.

New law requires free language services from - For millions of Californians who don't speak fluent English, visiting the doctor or pharmacist just got easier.

Waiving environmental rules would help break budget deadlock- End the roadblock in Sacramento. Start roadwork in San Jose.

Capitol leaders couch inaugural trip with show of - Today's historic inauguration could be seen by many — particularly Democrats — as cathartic, a pent-up celebration after eight years of a Republican administration; an excuse to party and to take part in a smooth though undoubtedly raucous transfer of power.

Shadowy politics-Letting politicians exploit ballot measures to evade the state's campaign finance laws makes little sense. So California's campaign finance watchdog last week wisely provided voters with better tools to track the flow of this political money.

California News Roundup - January 16, 2009

State of the State - How that day is upon is – and the governor who failed to prepare California for these rocky times somehow thinks he holds the moral high ground. It's just not true. The high ground belongs to those who have long argued with clarity and common sense that a state with tax rates this high should be able to get by with the revenue it receives – namely, the Legislature's minority Republicans.

Governor's verdict: Once-golden state is in a dismal state these days - The state of the once Golden State of California is dismal. Everyone gathered in the Assembly chambers on Thursday to hear Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's State of the State speech already knew that.

At cliff's edge - The governor's brisk speech set the right tone. The crisis is at cliff's edge. He and the Legislature must work fast. The public is out of patience, and the state is about to run out of cash.

A state government on steroids - There are far-out ideas being kicked around in Sacramento. Tax increases on top of already-too-high taxes. Fewer school days. Even arbitrarily favoring some constituents by waiving environmental regulations.

Unlock prisons' hold on budget - Of all the factors driving California's budget crisis, none is harder to deal with than the out-of-control costs of the state's prisons. To understand why, a bit of history is in order.

The high price of advocating for avocadoes - Even fruit is not safe from the spate of financial scandals sweeping the country. A state audit of the California Avocado Commission found that senior staffers and directors spent more than $1.5 million on season tickets to the Mighty Ducks and Los Angeles Angels, home improvements, swanky hotel bills, gym memberships, and other perks from July 2005 to May 2008.

Dan Walters: Speech reflects state's need for major reforms - Arnold Schwarzenegger apparently delayed his State of the State address in hopes that he and legislative leaders would reach agreement on closing the state's enormous budget deficit and he would have some positive news to report.

Schwarzenegger's message: Defer big ideas, pass a budget - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger two years ago compared California to Athens and Sparta in their prime, a shining nation-state that shows the world how to get things done.

California controller forms group to study IOU issuance - Controller John Chiang has launched a special working group with the financial industry to study how California will issue IOUs if it runs out of cash next month.

Schwarzenegger Uses His Movies to Make Points as Governor - For outsiders to Sacramento, it’s surreal enough to see Arnold Schwarzenegger, former bodybuilder and action-movie star, in his current role as governor of California.

Possible deal in Hwy. 50 suit could remove one barrier in budget battle - State highway officials and local environmentalists have tentatively settled a lawsuit, which could allow the state to move forward with plans for carpool lanes on Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova. If the deal wins judicial approval, it would clear up a key sticking point in the state's ongoing budget battle.

FPPC cracks down on use of ballot measure panel money - In a 4-0 vote, California's campaign watchdog agency approved new rules Thursday to limit how politicians can use ballot measure committees.

San Bernardino County Assessor Postmus arrested - Detectives investigating San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus fanned out across Southern California on Thursday morning seeking evidence of political malfeasance but stumbled across something else - his stash of methamphetamine, authorities said.

7 states sue U.S. over anti-abortion rule - California and six other states sued the federal government Thursday over a new rule that expands protections for doctors and other health care workers who refuse to participate in abortions and other medical procedures because of religious or moral objections.

Gavin Newsom whistle-stops in Concord - Gubernatorial candidate and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom stumped in Concord tonight on the very same stage at the Senior Center where the man he hopes to succeed, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, spoke just last year.

Californians give $6.4 million for inauguration - Californians dramatically lead the pack among big donors underwriting President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, with a roster of Golden State movie stars, film executives and businesses - including Google - putting up $6.4 million so far toward next week's events, a new report shows.

Dutton bill would give new-home buyers a state tax credit - On the heels of a wrecked housing market, area legislators are crafting legislation that they hope can start the healing process.

State new-home sales down 63% from year ago - California home builders reported a dismal November, selling 1,336 new houses and condominiums after credit markets froze in October.

State’s enterprise zones don’t work - California enterprise zones don’t create new jobs and may even reduce the number of businesses within their boundaries, says a new report from then National Bureau of Economic Research.

Hundreds wait for hours to buy San Francisco ID card - Hundreds of people stood in line for hours at San Francisco City Hall on Thursday to be among the first in the nation to receive municipal identification cards regardless of their immigration status.

San Jose Unified teachers vote for two furlough days - Teachers in San Jose Unified have voted for two furlough days — essentially two days without pay — to help close the district's budget gap.

Environmental projects taking a hit in state budget crisis - Across the state, environmental projects are in limbo, scientists have been laid off and land deals are falling apart since the state froze bond funding to preserve its dwindling cash during the budget standoff.

Sacramento airport seeks bird-kill law for air safety - Calling bird collisions with commercial jets a safety threat, Sacramento International Airport officials this week are seeking a law allowing them to kill birds that can't be frightened from airport grounds by other means.

Children's clothing makers in a frenzy over lead testing - As buyers converge on the L.A. garment district to decide what to stock in stores, already struggling manufacturers are scrambling to have kids' items tested to comply with federal law.

Wilderness package includes 735 acres in state - The huge wilderness conservation package approved Thursday by the U.S. Senate would forever protect some of California's most spectacular scenery, including snowcapped peaks, forests of giant sequoia trees, rushing rivers, glassy lakes and desert sagebrush.

Senate approves bill that would aid San Joaquin River - The Senate on Thursday approved a grab-bag public lands bill that's supposed to save the San Joaquin River, store Madera County groundwater and secure Sierra Nevada wilderness.