Democratic Majority Senate OKs Timber Industry backed Bill

It’s a rarity when the timber industry gets measures it supports through the Democratic majority Legislature but that’s what happened in the 40-member Senate August 18 on a bipartisan 32 to 1 vote.

The bill, awaiting action by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, deals with timber harvest plans, which are required by the state prior to commercial logging.    Read more »

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Here’s A Word That Isn’t Heard Very Often…

SNOKER — One who smells at objects like a dog.

From the verb, SNOKE — To pry into holes and corners, to poke one’s nose where it has no business.

As in:

“Jeez Louise, the guy at the workstation over there is quite the All-World snoker.”

“Totally, man. Snoke Central.”

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Preference for Bidders Using California Workers Is Weighed

Companies using California workers would get a 5 percent preference when bidding on state contracts under legislation awaiting action by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The measure is a classic business versus labor face-off with unions backing the bill – California Labor Federation is the sponsor – and businesses, led by the state Chamber of Commerce, opposing it.    Read more »

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Rod Wright Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Charges That He Allegedly Doesn’t Live In the Senate District He Represents

LOS ANGELES — State Sen. Roderick Wright, an Inglewood Democrat, pleaded not guilty September 16 in Superior Court to eight felony charges of not living in the district he was elected to represent.

Wright, 58, was indicted September 13 on charges of perjury by declaration, filing false declaration of candidacy and fraudulent voting.    Read more »

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Comes Now This Missive From the State Republican Party

Where Is John Burton?

Burton Strangely Silent on Brown-Clinton Democratic Family Feud

SACRAMENTO — California Republican Party spokesman Brian Seitchik today issued the following statement:

“Chairman of the California Democratic Party John Burton, known for his razor sharp retorts, has been uncharacteristically silent on the Brown-Clinton family feud.

Does Burton agree with Jerry Brown when he said last Sunday “Clinton’s a nice guy but whoever said he always told the truth?”    Read more »

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And If They Don’t Pass a Budget, Taunt Them A Second Time

State Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Urges State Legislature and Governor to Pass Budget Budget Impasse Forcing Some State Child Care Centers to Close

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today reports that state-funded child care centers, already burdened by severe cutbacks over the past few years, are now bearing the brunt of the current state budget stalemate.    Read more »

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Legislature and Governor About to Set a Dubious Record

Thursday September 16 will be the 78th day of the current fiscal year without a budget.

That’s just over two and one-half months, almost a full quarter, without a spending plan in place.

It’s also a record for California’s 160 years of statehood.

Previously, the longest budget stalemate lasted 77 days into the fiscal year.    Read more »

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Attention Golfers: Democrats Have a Foursome Just for You

(Editor’s Note: A pricey one but a foursome nonetheless.)

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Somewhat Reminiscent of Chuck Devore’s Solicitation Letters

Dear XXXX,

Over the past 24 hours, thousands of people have watched the Boxer campaign’s first TV ad, and the response has been tremendous!

But to keep our new ad running as far and wide as possible, we’ve set an ambitious goal of raising an extra $200,000 for our media fund before midnight Sunday.    Read more »

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Will Young Skiers and Snowboarders Don Helmets in 2011?

Skiers and snowboarders under 18 years of age would join bicyclists under the same age and be required to wear helmets under a bill awaiting action by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Failure to obey the law could lead to a fine of up to $25 levied against the child’s parents.

Supporters offer the same arguments as those who backed the 1993 measure requiring bike helmets for non-adult riders and the 1992 law mandating helmets for all motorcyclists: Helmets reduce injury.    Read more »

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