California legislature and unions block volunteer help
August 27, 2008
Look for the Union Label, California! Dan Weintraub reports that the California State Legislature has held up an exemption for volunteers that want to help public works projects that receive government money; for instance library, hospital, and school field trip volunteers, to name just a few. Democratic Assembly opponents, looking to protect public employee unions, have held up a vote for an exemption for volunteers (Assembly Bill 2537) by requiring a $4,000,000 study to make sure libraries just aren’t trying to cut down on union labor hours. With the budget the way it is, such an outrageous price tag for a study that won’t cost that much unless Senator Perata does it will not even get to the floor for a vote. Since we know Messers DeSaulnier and Torlakson can’t explain this one to their dumbfounded constituents, perhaps Assembly District 15 candidates Abram Wilson or Joan Buchanan can make sense of this buffoonery?
Foreclosures drive home sales in California
August 26, 2008
More California houses are selling while prices keep dropping according to recent reports. Foreclosures account for both trends as banks unload distressed properties driving down prices while that attract bottom fishers looking for deals.
California’s top lobbying interests
August 15, 2008
The SacBee has posted a list of California’stop 10 biggest spenders of lobbying money in the first six months of 2008, according to filings with the secretary of state.
1. California Hospital Association, $3.405 million
2. California Teachers Association, $2.699 million
3. Western State Petroleum Association, $2.644 million
4. California State Service Employees (SEIU), $2.555 million
5. Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, $2.113 million
6. Blue Cross of California, $2.044 million
7. California Chamber of Commerce, $1.467 million
8. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, $1.426 million
9. Golden State Water Company, $1.189 million
10. AT&T, $1.168 million Read more
College planning seminars help families find financial aid
August 15, 2008
According to College Planning Specialists, financial aid applications have risen 20% across the state of California. Families are having to choose between staying in their homes, saving for retirement, or paying for college now that getting into top colleges is so competitive? College Planning Specialists offers a number of College Planning seminars in Walnut Creek, Danville, Clayton, and Pleasant Hill that help parents access financial aid money, achieve financial aid for high income households, even send your child to a private school for less than the cost of a Junior College. See the web site for full seminar schedule and more information.
eBay Education Specialist offers East Bay How-To seminars
August 14, 2008
Angela Loyd-Fiorelli is a Gold Powerseller on eBay and an Education Specialist Trained by eBay certified to teach “The Basics of Selling on eBay” and “Beyond the Basics of Selling on eBay”. She has 12 years of retail management experience prior to starting opening her e-commerce eBay business and fashion design firm. Learn how you too can start or grow a thriving e-commerce business by selling full or part-time on eBay! See schedule for classes in August and October to be held at the Brentwood Adult Education Center. For more info contact Email: fashionmommy@gmail.com or call: 925-783-0957.
Constitutional Amendment proposes California Legislature do its budget duty on time
August 14, 2008
Reader James Kyle writes…The current and past budget crises in California should show the public that the Legislature is no longer capable of doing what they are charged with in the state Constitution when it comes to spending and budgeting. Their inability to provide the electorate with a balanced budget by the Constitutional deadline is no longer acceptable. They promised to reform the budget process, they promised to reform redistricting, they promised to repair our infrastructure. They have failed us time and again, it is time for the Voters to take control of our State back. I therefore propose a amendment to the State Constitution that will require the Legislature to perform their duties according to the wishes of the Voters and not their whims. The following should be passed into state law. The Amendment reads: Read more
Don Perata says California budget negotiations are finished
August 13, 2008
Don Perata says the Passion Play over California budget negotiations” is finished,” according to Jim Sanders of the Sacramento Bee. The proposal negotiated by Senate Democratic leaders with California Governor Arnold Scharzenegger, reportedly includes: a spending cap to limit annual state expenditures, a temporary 1-cent increase in the state sales tax, and a rainy-day fund to sock money away in boom years. Accroding to Sanders, “Perata did not elaborate on details of the proposed spending cap, but said it was intended to break the current standoff with Republicans.” Perata said the next step is to place the compromise spending plan before the Senate for a vote and that the settlement would require some Republicans to break ranks over the term “temporary.”
CoCo Tax meets Aug 22, to discuss County budget and November ballot issues
August 13, 2008
View Larger Map The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association will meet on Friday morning, August 22, when it discuss and take positions on the issues of interest to CoCoTax on the November ballot. Updates on the County and state budgets
will also be discussed. The breakfast buffet and discussion begins at 7:45 a.m., at the recently updated(sic) Greenery, located at 1551 Marchbanks, in Walnut Creek, off Ygnacio Valley at the Diablo Hills Golf Course. $20 includes full breakfast and program. Make reservations by calling
925-228-5610, or by e-mailing krishunt@cocotax.org
PeopleFest 2008 at Martinez Waterfront, Sept 6-7
August 8, 2008
PeopleFest 2008, a faith-based, spiritual, and humanitarian movement sponsored by individuals and local churches, hits the Martinez Waterfront September 6 & 7. The FREE event includes top Christian rock artists, xTreme Sports demonstrations, and a kids’ zone with multiple bounce houses. Organizers say the “natural outdoor amphitheater, combined with state of the art sound, lighting and giant video screens, makes PEOPLE Fest the highlight of the year for thousands.” Information about and opportunities for community service will also be available. E-mail or call 925-945-0395 for more information.
