Legalizing Marijuana? Not Any Time Soon

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on May 6 in Davis, a college town down the road from Sacramento, that while he doesn’t think its time to legalize marijuana in California, it’s time to debate it’s legalization.

He was asked his views on legalization by reporters in the context of the state’s continuing budget problems as a possible way to raise more revenue to help close what is likely to be a gap of more than $13 billion between revenue and spending commitments during the fiscal year that begins July 1. Read more »

5.07.2009

A Closer Look at Proposition 1C

At California Lottery outlets players will find a pad of three by five sheets of paper which in large letters says: Yeson1C with a checkmark through the “o” in “on.”

In smaller letters beneath: “Improve the Lottery Now!”

Proposition 1C is one of six measures on the May 19 special election ballot. Read more »

5.06.2009

Assembly GOP Mike Villines to Resign, Sam Blakeslee the Likely Replacement

E.J Schultz of the Sacraemento Bee Capitol Bureau reports:

Assembly GOP leader Mike Villines of Clovis is expected to resign his leadership post tomorrow (May 7).

“Mike is going to be making an announcement tomorrow morning prior to a 9 a.m. caucus meeting,” said his spokeswoman, Jennifer Gibbons.

She would not discuss details but indications are that Villines will step aside after a more than two-year reign. Read more »

5.05.2009

Attend This Fundraiser

Finally, a fundraiser at which an attendee gets something useful instead of rubber chicken or cocktails and weenies.

Three supporters of Sacramento Assemblyman Dave Jones, a Democrat running for insurance Commissioner, are hosting a fundraiser for Jones May 12 at Harv’s Car Wash at 1901 L St. in Sacramento.

That would suggest that Aaron Zeff, Doron Levitan and Ernesto Jimenez, the supporters in question, are owners of the long-standing car wash which now offers “green-certified” car washes. Read more »

5.04.2009

Nothing Like a Berkshire Hathaway Meeting — Except a Grateful Dead Concert

Not often in a lifetime come back-to-back weekends in which the first centers on the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders meeting, drinking in the wit and wisdom of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger with 35,000 close friends followed by a Saturday in Los Angeles at a Dead show.

The events have more in common than first blush might suggest. Read more »

5.01.2009

Now What?

The state’s budget plot sickens.

April income tax and corporate tax collections fell nearly $2 billion short of expectations – and voters seem poised to reject three key propositions on the May 19 special election ballot, adding $5.8 billion to an already serious problem.

Given the sorry state of the state’s economy, the gap between revenue and spending commitments is only going to get bigger – the consensus being double digit billions for the foreseeable future. Read more »