It’s Still Better Than a Poke In the Eye With a Pointed Stick

In a modestly bright bit of economic and budget news, the state took in roughly $150 million more in income tax in December than estimated.

The administration of Gov. Jerry Brown cautions not to read too much into the monthly figure because of two years of changes in when and how much businesses withhold from employee taxes and the estimated payments individuals make.    Read more »

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Not a Name That Commonly Surfaces in Inaugural Addresses

For many Californians, Josiah Royce, whose concept of loyalty Gov. Jerry Brown cited in his January 3 inaugural address as the key to overcoming partisanship, might be almost as familiar a name as Thomas Starr King.

Said Brown:

“One of our native sons, Josiah Royce, became for a time one of the most famous of American philosophers.    Read more »

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The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same…

While neither video nor text of Gov. Jerry Brown’s January 3 inaugural speech was readily available on the governor’s official website – clicking the tab “Multimedia” yields a “Coming Soon…” message – his previous inaugural addresses can be found in a site maintained by the state called Governor’s Gallery.

There are some interesting similarities between the two speeches, given 35 years apart, particularly the calls for overcoming partisanship and political rancor.    Read more »

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A Different Inauguration Than the Previous Two, 36 Years Ago

The inauguration of the 39th governor of California was markedly different than that of the 34th governor, even though both are the same man – Jerry Brown.

No Sufi choir was invited to sing at Brown’s January 3 inauguration.

Instead, the Oakland School of the Arts Choir offered a souped-up version of thw Woody Guthrie classic, “This Land is Your Land” and closed the ceremony with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”    Read more »

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Who Is Thomas Starr King and Why Doesn’t He Seem Happy?

As the pedestal says on the attached modern day photo, what’s pictured is a statue of Thomas Starr King, a famous abolitionist from the Civil War.

A gifted orator and zealous churchman, Starr King left the East Coast in 1860 to head the First Unitarian Church in San Francisco.

He raised $1.5 million for the national Sanitary Commission, predecessor of the American Red Cross, which treated wounded soldiers.    Read more »

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Schwarzenegger Names Kim Belshe and His Chief of Staff, Susan Kennedy, to the California Health Benefit Exchange

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointments of Kimberly Belshé and Susan Kennedy to the California Health Benefit Exchange.

“We are once again taking first-in-the-nation action with the California Health Benefit Exchange,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Both Kim and Susan are tremendous leaders that know how to get things done. With their deep understanding of health care, public policy and hands-on attitude, I know they will help build an exchange that will create a competitive marketplace, improve quality of care and reduce health care costs for California consumers.”    Read more »

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Changes Will Be Coming January 1 with the New Occupant

After the first of the year, the governor’s office will look different.

Gone will be the fake gold letters spelling Arnold Schwarzenegger glued above the word “Governor” carved into the marble lintel.

Gone too will be the stnchion with the sign saying “Governor Arnold Schwarzengger” to the right of the California flag.    Read more »

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Schwarzenegger Names David Crane to UC Board of Regents

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of David Crane to the University of California Board of Regents.

“David’s contributions during his time in my administration have shown his commitment to doing everything he can to make California great,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Serving as a member of the Board of Regents, I know that David will devote the energy, tenacity and creativity needed to keep the University of California the finest public university system in the world.”    Read more »

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What Places in California Are Named After Saint Onophrius?

San Onofre State Beach, through which soon-to-be-leaving Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to run a six-lane toll road and San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant both get their name from Saint Onophrius.

Onophrius, Humphrey in English, supposedly lived as a hermit in the Egyptian desert for 70 years, dying around 400 AD. The power plant opened 1,568 years after the saint’s death

The story of the life of Onophrius comes down the ages through an account by Paphnutius the Ascetic who also became a saint.    Read more »

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Supreme Court Won’t Expedite Sale of 11 State Buildings

This item by David Siders of the Sacramento Bee was posted on December 28, 2010:

The California Supreme Court rejected Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s request to lift a stay blocking the sale of state office properties until after he leaves office next week, likely sinking the deal.

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has been critical of the transaction and, as the state attorney general, declined to defend it in court.    Read more »

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