Senate Bucks Law Enforcement, Goes Soft on Solar Crime

In two hours of morning work, the Senate sent 16 Assembly bills back to the lower house August 20 – six of them unanimously – held some brief committee hearings and adjourned for the week.

The Assembly, which also scheduled a rare Friday session to cope with the avalanche of bills that bottle up in each house at the close of the legislative session which occurs August 31.    Read more »

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A Sign — Albeit a Little One — Of Some Economic Recovery

In a tiny microcosm of improvement in the construction industry, building has recently begun on a new home in Sacramento’s Tapestri Square midtown development.

The project was planned for 58 brownstone homes on a city block bounded by 20th St. and 21st and T and U Streets. Prices sought or the row houses ranged from the higher $300,000s to $800,000.    Read more »

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Rest Easy, Citizens, Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado Is in Charge

UPDATED: MEDIA ADVISORY

For Planning Purposes Only

Thursday August 19, 2010

Governor Schwarzenegger’s Schedule for August 19

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has left the state.

(Editor’s Note: Only for a few hours, though. Phew.)    Read more »

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A Busy Thursday Morning Moving Product in the State Senate

In approximately two-and-one-half hours on August 19, the state Senate during its morning session sent Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger 43 pieces of legislation, 34 of them on unanimous votes.

A budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 wasn’t one of them.

Of nine bills that received votes in opposition, only four had seven or more “no” votes.    Read more »

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“Neighborhood Electric Vehicle” Exemption OK’d for Fresno

On a unanimous vote, the state Senate approved a bill August 18 that would allow the city of Fresno to crate a “neighborhood electric vehicle” plan.

Low-speed vehicles, like golf carts, are prevented from being driven on roads with speeds above 35 miles per hour unless the state issues an exemption.    Read more »

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Block on State Worker Furloughs Overturned by High Court

The California Supreme Court, which has consolidated three challenges to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s state worker furloughs, overturned an Alameda County judge’s restraining order on August 18 that had blocked further furloughs.

Schwarzenegger’s Press Secretary Aaron McLear said this:

“The result of the (high court’s) ruling today means that the furloughs will continue until the court says otherwise.    Read more »

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No Budget in Sight, Democrats Try to Land a Rhetorical Punch

Meet the Expendables

(BERKELEY, CA) Assemblymember Nancy Skinner was joined today by the stars of a new video, the “Faces Behind the Governor’s Cuts,” her East Bay constituents who stand to lose their job, their independence, or their ability to go to work if the Governor’s proposed budget cuts prevail.

Premiering today, “Faces Behind the Governor’s Cuts”, presents real people directly at risk by the Governor’s plan to eliminate childcare, close senior programs, and make deep cuts to vital services.    Read more »

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California Apiary Commission Would Help Protect Honey Bees

Legislature Sends Governor Bill to Protect Honey Bees

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – The State Legislature approved a bill authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) establishing the California Apiary Research Commission (Commission) tasked with protecting the health of honey bees, which have been dying in alarming numbers in recent years.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1912 passed the Assembly today (August 16) with a 57-15 concurrence vote on amendments taken in the Senate, following a 26-8 Senate vote last Wednesday.     Read more »

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If Proposition 23 is Approved in November, California’s Global Warming Law Will be Suspended At Least Five Years

If voters approve Proposition 23 in November, which would “suspend” AB 32, California’s landmark greenhouse gas reduction law, recent economic forecasts suggest it will be at least five years before the law becomes operable again.

Three recent forecasts say that while California’s recession has bottomed, unemployment will remain at or above 12 percent for the remainder of 2010 and in double digits through at least 2011.    Read more »

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Voluntary Tax Check-Off For Police Activities League OK’d

The California Police Activities League would be the beneficiary of new voluntary state income tax check-of under legislation approved August 12 by the California state Senate.

It’s one of six such measures pending in the Legislature this year allowing taxpayers to help pay for everything from the YMCA Model Legislature to National Guard Education Assistance to the “Morale, Welfare and Recreation” funds at California’s veterans’ homes.    Read more »

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