Golden State’s Future a Little More Golden But Still Work to Do, Recent Poll Says

Although Californians view their governor, their Legislature and their future more positively, there’s still some changes they would like to see in how state government operates, according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll released December 5.

The poll of 2,001 adults – 1,025 likely voters – found two-thirds or more of respondents supporting an annual cap on state spending, boosting the size of the state’s reserve account and requiring policymakers to identify funding sources for any new programs.    Read more »

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After The November Election, FitchRatings Says This About California:

Fitch Ratings-New York — 05 December 2012:

“The State of California’s progress in recovering from the severe fiscal challenges of recent years could receive an additional boost thanks to the outcome of the Nov. 6 election. The state’s fiscal recovery is incomplete and challenges remain but continued economic improvement, a demonstrated commitment to more sustainable budgetary operations and progress on reducing budgetary debt would be viewed positively by Fitch.    Read more »

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Not A Pretty Picture

“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”

–Warren Buffett    Read more »

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A New Legislature Begins Work

California’s 120 legislators were sworn in December 3 for the two-year session that runs through 2014. Both houses have “super-majorities” of Democrats meaning there are enough Democratic votes to pass taxes or place constitutional amendments on the ballot without the need to compromise with Republicans to win the necessary votes.

While not a stampede, several Democrats are introducing constitutional amendments that lower the approval threshold for local taxes and bonds.    Read more »

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Planning Ahead — But For What?

SAVE THE DATE:

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2012

5:30 – 7:30 P.M.

ASSEMBLYMAN MIKE ENG

INVITES YOU TO HIS:

“FAREWELL TO THE ASSEMBLY

HELLO TO THE ???” 

Private Gala Reception – Fundraiser to

Celebrate “Mike’s Next Step” 

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2012

5:30 – 7:30 P.M. 

SAN GABRIEL HILTON HOTEL

225 West Valley Blvd.    Read more »

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From Whom Gilroy Gets Its Name

Gilroy is named for California’s first non-Spanish permanent settler, John Gilroy.

The Scottish seaman from Inverness was actually born John Cameron. Gilroy was his mother’s maiden name, which he substituted for Cameron presumably to avoid detection.

The History of Santa Clara County published in 1881 by Alley, Bowen & Co. of San Francisco describes Gilroy as “six feet in his stockings, as straight as an arrow, broad in the shoulders, a well-proportioned frame, with a keen eye, wide forehead, and lowering brow.    Read more »

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Spung

Noun: Something so appalling or terrible words cannot describe it, according to the Urban Dictionary.

Used in a Sentence: “With due respect to the author, allowing this measure to become law is nothing but pure, unadulterated spung.”    Read more »

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Two Related Observations…

“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

                                 ***

“My idea of a group decision is to look in the mirror.”

                                                          –Warren Buffett    Read more »

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Mike Kahl, Influential and Respected Sacramento Lobbyist, Dead at 71

Mike Kahl, one of Sacramento’s most effective and influential lobbyists for more than a quarter century died November 18 of Parkinson’s disease. He was 71.

Principled, strategic and tenacious, Kahl and his partner Fred Pownall, built one of the most respected and one of the biggest grossing lobbying firms in Sacramento, representing the oil industry, water districts, and timber concerns, among many other clients.    Read more »

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Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Thanksgiving (Not a Moment Too Soon!)

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a celebration of the harvest that brought together the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation and the Native Americans who helped them adapt to their new environment. Over the years, Thanksgiving became an American tradition and one of the first holidays we celebrated as a free and independent nation.    Read more »

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