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.
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