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3.08.2009
State Controller John Chiang On California Cash Concerns

State Controller John Chiang On California Cash Concerns

CC: Did this latest budget solve the long-term gap between spending obligations and revenue? 

JC: No. My principle concern is what takes place next year. We still have significant cash issues. In fact, the cash issues appear to be greater next year than the ones we just experienced. 

CC: When you say cash issues that means what?     Read more »

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3.06.2009
California’s Budget Problems Are Far From Over

California’s Budget Problems Are Far From Over

It’s good that the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009 has a $2 billion reserve and that the Senate Appropriations Committee has said it will not approve any legislation with a price tag, no matter how small. 

The state of the state’s economy is worsening and there is the strong probability the budget enacted on February 19 is moving toward becoming out of balance.     Read more »

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3.05.2009
How Green Are Tomorrow’s Jobs Today?

How Green Are Tomorrow’s Jobs Today?

Several lawmakers, led by Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, a Sacramento Democrat, announced a package of bills March 5, 2009, which they said, would “take the first steps towards linking our education system to hig-wage jobs in the emerging economies.” 

Like the so-called economic stimulus measures that accompanied last month’s budget, the reality is somewhat less than the hyperbole.     Read more »

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3.05.2009
California Consumer Affairs Cabinet Secretary Rosario Marin Resigns

California Consumer Affairs Cabinet Secretary Rosario Marin Resigns

Sent: Thu Mar 05 15:31:32 2009 Subject: Thank you

Dearest Cabinet Colleagues,

I have given my all for this job and I believe I have held myself to the utmost level of integrity and professionalism. I truly believe in Governor Schwarzenegger and I have made it my goal to see his policies and his agenda move this great state forward.    Read more »

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3.05.2009

Young People

(Editor’s Note: We note, regrettably, some disturbing behavioral trends in our chief correspondent as he approaches the age of 50. We have received reports of obsessive garage cleaning, uncontrollable weeping during Hallmark Card commercials and, as evidenced here, a disturbing fixation on youth. A letter has been placed in his personnel file.)    Read more »

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3.04.2009
A Look Back — And Ahead to the May 19 Election

A Look Back — And Ahead to the May 19 Election

The conventional wisdom on special elections held in odd-numbered years is that turnout will be lower and comprised mainly of high propensity voters who tend to be older, white and monied.

“A special election is a wild card because voter turnout could be significantly lower and oriented toward older and more conservative voters,” Mark Baldassare, Public Policy Instute of California’s president and pollster tells California’s Capitol.     Read more »

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3.04.2009
California’s Capitol Press Credential Request

California’s Capitol Press Credential Request

March 2, 2009 

Governor’s Press Office, State Capitol

Press Corps Credentialing Coordinator: 

It is with some trepidation that we request a credential for our chief correspondent.  While Mr. Lucas does write frequently about the governor and his policies, it is most commonly in an unctuous and ill-informed manner. 

This has led to a bevy of reprimands in his personnel file and frequent reader complaints.     Read more »

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3.03.2009
A Few Puzzlers…

A Few Puzzlers…

Why is it people so often say “the Ukraine” instead of simply Ukraine? Is it common to hear someone say “the Senegal,” “the India” or “the Honduras?” 

It happens to Netherlands, too. And, although not a country, myriad.

An “a” in front of myriad is wildly redundant since, quoting the Free On-Line Dictionary,myriad is defined as “a large indefinite number.”    Read more »

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