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11.12.2009
Some Things Never Change…

Some Things Never Change…

“Lord, the money we do spend on government and it’s not one bit better than the government we got for one-third the money 20 years ago.”

“Things in our country run in spite of government — not by aid of it.”

“With Congress, every time they make a joke it’s a law.    Read more »

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11.11.2009
Legislation Becomes Law to Aid Small Business Loan Program

Legislation Becomes Law to Aid Small Business Loan Program

In an October 7 post, California’s Capitol discussed legislation pending in the Senate allowing the state’s Small Business Loan Guarantee Program to continue guaranteeing loans.

During the final throes of budget negotiations in July, the loan program, whose supporters say is one of the few positive things the state does for small businesses, was added to a list of entities whose unencumbered funds were to be swept into the state’s cash-starved general fund.    Read more »

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11.10.2009
Major Recycler Sues Over Beverage Container Fund Insolvency

Major Recycler Sues Over Beverage Container Fund Insolvency

California’s largest single recycling services provider sued the state November 9 claiming $416 million in so-called loans made to the cash-starved general fund from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund are illegal and must be repaid.

In a lawsuit filed in Alameda Superior Court, Tomra Pacific Inc., which operates nearly one-third of the state’s 1,200 supermarket parking lot recycling centers, claims the loans have driven the recycling fund into insolvency, causing the state Department of Conservation to eliminate payments to recyclers and irreparably harming the state’s 23-year-old effort to reduce can and bottle waste.    Read more »

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11.09.2009
Quite an Understatement…

Quite an Understatement…

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.”

                                                  — Martin Luther King    Read more »

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11.09.2009
I am the Delta Watermaster, Are You the Smelt Gatekeeper?

I am the Delta Watermaster, Are You the Smelt Gatekeeper?

A long time ago in a Legislature far, far away, newly elected Assembly Speaker Willie Brown attempted to lure his former education consultant, John Mockler, into abandoning his lucrative work as a textbook industry lobbyist and return to Brown’s staff.

Mockler agreed and asked Brown if he cared what job title he chose for himself.    Read more »

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11.06.2009
State Water Board Gains Some New Powers and Hard Tasks

State Water Board Gains Some New Powers and Hard Tasks

Charlie Hoppin almost became one of the most powerful persons in state government.

He has plenty of power as chairman of the State Water Resources Control Board but the Yuba City rice farmer was going to be presiding over a body with significantly greater powers to halt water scofflaws – at least when the recently concluded special session on water began in late October.    Read more »

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11.05.2009
“Historic” Water Bond Would Contribute to Historic Debt

“Historic” Water Bond Would Contribute to Historic Debt

Passage of an $11 billion water bond by the Legislature comes just a few weeks after the state treasurer warned that lawmakers cannot keep issuing debt willy-nilly and need a master plan to set priorities for its issuance.

Apparently, lawmakers didn’t read the treasurer’s report on debt levels.

The water bond, which began at $9.4 billion in the Senate and was inflated to $11 billion in the Assembly, is part of what Gov.    Read more »

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11.04.2009
Setting Records for Legislative “Extraordinary” Sessions

Setting Records for Legislative “Extraordinary” Sessions

At seven, the California Legislature has a record number of special sessions this year.

The previous record was five during one two-year legislative session and, now with the special session on water, lawmakers are at seven –in just this year alone.

These “Extraordinary sessions,” as they’re known, are called by the governor to focus legislative attention on a particular issue.    Read more »

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11.03.2009
Legislature to Governor: Don’t Smoke ’em If You Got ’em

Legislature to Governor: Don’t Smoke ’em If You Got ’em

Occupying legislative office space above the central courtyard of the governor’s office and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s smoking tent can be a drag – literally – a drag off a bunch of big cigars.

Smoke crawls up the chimney-like enclosure and enters the Capitol ventilation system, infusing the upstairs offices with a very pronounced eau du cigar.    Read more »

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11.02.2009
The San Francisco Symphony Gets a Break Under New Law

The San Francisco Symphony Gets a Break Under New Law

Champagne corks will be popping at the San Francisco Symphony November 2 – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation allowing the symphony to accept monetary contributions and alcoholic beverages from makers of beer, wine and distilled spirits.

A small portion of the symphony’s facility has a retail license to sell alcohol, which prevents them from accepting alcohol from manufacturers under California’s “tied house” laws.    Read more »

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