How Twee Can It Be? Have a Look-See

Nineteen states have created health insurance marketplaces like California as part of the Affordable Care Act, which kicks in October 1.

Half the states are electing to use a federal marketplace where their residents can shop for insurance.

Not all state exchanges are like “Covered California,” the Golden State’s version. 

Consider “Cover Oregon.”    Read more »

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Not a Moment Too Soon

New car dealers will still be able to sell “pre-owned vehicles” without replacing their “brake friction materials,” under legislation signed September 27 by Gov. Jerry Brown.

In English: New car dealers won’t have to install new brake pads on used cars they buy and resell after 2014.

Dealers were afraid they might be required to do so under a 2010 bill requiring less copper content in brake pads sold in California.    Read more »

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New Law Allows Artisan Distillers to Charge for Tastings

Small distilleries of artisan spirits such as bourbon, whiskey and fruit-based liqueurs like limoncello can offer up to six paid tastings under legislation signed by Gov. Jerry brown September 26.

Effective January 1, 2014, the bill — AB 933 by Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, a Berkeley Democrat – lifts a current ban on distilleries charging for tastings as wineries and breweries do.      Read more »

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Wage Increase Tightens Weave of California’s Social Fabric, Governor Says

California’s minimum hourly wage will rise from $8 to $10 between now and January 1, 2016 under legislation signed Sept. 25 in Oakland by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Restaurant owners and other businesses decried the increase, saying it would boost their bottom line and dampen economic growth.

In Los Angeles prior to the Bay Area bill signing, the Democratic governor portrayed the $2 increase as an agent of social change.    Read more »

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State Economy Largely Unchanged In August, Brown Says

 “California experienced a slight uptick in the unemployment rate in July, ending 23 consecutive months of decline. However, the number of jobs continued to rise and the real estate market continued to improve.”

So begins the September 2013 Finance Bulletin of Gov. Jerry Brown’s Department of Finance, which covers July economic activity and August revenue collections.    Read more »

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California’s First Highway Goes “Unscenic”

A 37-mile stretch of Inland Empire freeway is no longer part of the state’s network of “scenic” highways under legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

It’s the first time since the California Scenic Highway program was created in 1963 that a section of the roadway has been removed from the program.    Read more »

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A Different Kind of Capitol Fundraiser

Of the at least 96 fundraisers scheduled during the final weeks of the legislative session, there’s one that only costs $250 instead of the usual $1,000-a-head.

And the money doesn’t pad some candidate’s campaign coffers.

The $250 buys college textbooks for foster kids.   

The event – 5 pm, Tuesday, August 27, Chicory Café, 11th and L Streets – benefits The John Burton Foundation for Children without Homes.    Read more »

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Appreciate the Update, Alan

My first August district work period has been a great experience. This work period marks the end of my first 8 months in Congress — a whirlwind experience to say the least — and the beginning of a month-long stay back home in California, interacting directly with the citizens of the 47th District.    Read more »

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Jerry Brown Repeals California’s Subversive Organization Registration Act

 Obscure Statute Recalls the Golden State’s Red-Scare Years and Its Grand Inquisitor, Jack B. Tenney

During California’s 1941 January-to-June legislative session, Germany had conquered Western Europe and was preparing to invade Russia.

America had not officially been drawn into World War II because Japan had yet to bomb Pearl Harbor. But it had approved the Lend-Lease program to aid Great Britain and Russia.    Read more »

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Six Gun-Related Bills Place “Your Privacy, Your Freedom and Your Right to Self Defense” at Risk, Says the NRA

In a mailer sent to GOP and independent voters during the week of August 12, the National Rifle Association says California lawmakers would “steamroll” the rights of gun owners by passing six measures that include a ban on magazines with more than 10 rounds and requiring background checks for ammunition purchases.    Read more »

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