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Calif. bill would try to reduce global warming by tying funding to 'smart growth' projects
Aug 27, 2008 — San Jose Mercury News
Because Democrats have the majority, the bill faces likely passage. And that growth threatens to wipe out all the other global warming reduction plans.But getting Californians to drive less is politically explosive. There are incentives for in-fill development and building along transportation corridors.
Caltrans chief tours and talks along I-80
Aug 27, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
Caltrans logos. But with Proposition IB transportation infrastructure bonds approved by voters in 2006, along with local and federal funds, improvements were planned for the freeway, which is one of only three continuous coast-to-coast highways in the nation. Caltrans is working on the second of its three-phase I-80 project for South Placer, but other proposed improvement projects for the freeway run from Colfax to the Truckee River Canyon. In South Placer, the first...
Train ridership sets records, as travelers seek to avoid traffic hassle, fill-ups Many are jumping on the train bandwagon
Aug 27, 2008 — Ventura County Star
More than 300,000 passengers rode on the Pacific Surfliner in July, according to Amtrak. Possibly adding to the numbers of riders on Amtrak is a program called Rail 2 Rail, which allows monthly Metrolink pass holders to ride Amtrak trains as well. It's also largely a single-track line, which is shared by Amtrak, Metrolink and Union Pacific freight trains.
Bus service to Elkhorn cut for good
Aug 26, 2008 — Lodi News-Sentinel
With not enough parents funding a pay-to-ride service, administrators decided on Monday to cancel all buses that service Elkhorn. The Lodi Unified school board voted in June to cancel service to two schools altogether unless the service could pay for itself. Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in Lodi News-Sentinel story comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Lodi News-Sentinel.
Creating a guide for recreation at Lake Casitas Bureau to discuss 3 scenarios Thursday
Aug 26, 2008 — Ventura County Star
Boating visitation was highest in 1988, when 59,043 boats launched there. A U.S. Forest Service station nearby that sits on a dangerous curve could be relocated to the Teague Watershed if it's appropriate, he said.
OPINION: California businesses may score in legislative duel
Aug 26, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
...oodles of campaign funds. Business groups label the four groups' major bills "job killers" and despite the leftward tilt of the Legislature, business lobbies are faring surprisingly well on defense with less than a week remaining in the 2008 session -- and could even score some points on offense as an adjunct of the state budget wrangle. Last week, the largest and most influential of the business groups, the California Chamber of Commerce, revised its "job killer" list, noting...
OPINION: Pander politics, stupid voters: Which came first?
Aug 26, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
But in the last few months, with the spike in gasoline prices, McCain's mantra has been all "drill, drill, drill." And, shame on us, it's working. Now we have the worst public transportation system of any modern nation in the world, the most costly, unfair and inefficient health system. Now our atrocities have given cover to every tin-pot tyrant from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, our would-be leaders continue to pander to our self-indulgence.
SAN MARCOS: Bond-financing plan moves forward
Aug 26, 2008 — North County Times
Hamels said Monday, though, that other nearby districts, including Escondido Union School District and Poway Unified School District, are exploring such options. District officials have only recently begun adding up the true costs of retiree health benefits.
AllBusiness.com The Small Business Blog
Aug 25, 2008 — AllBusiness.com
It's all work and no reward for the workers, who are afraid of making a mistake. Or maybe they're just afraid of the boss. Did you respect your boss? Now think about your staff.
Helping others is a real kick for United Way 2-1-1 specialist
Aug 25, 2008 — The Modesto Bee
He eventually made his way to the United Way of Stanislaus County. Rivera is one of the agency's 211 call center specialists. I helped people link people with services that were out there, such as rental and utility assistance. Want to X-Press Yourself in The Modesto Bee?
Press-Telegram, Long Beach, Calif., The Canalis Report column: John Canalis Can outsider beat Richardson?
Aug 25, 2008 — Press-Telegram
Living in the district is not a requirement to run for Congress. Anti-war stance Dibs' platform tilts left with sprinkles of libertarianism. To help the economy, he suggests paying down the federal debt and abolishing deficit spending. Dibs parts with the left on taxes.
Tour boosts hydrogen as future fuel of choice
Aug 25, 2008 — Daily News - Los Angeles, California
...kilogram of hydrogen, the equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Expected to roll into showrooms by 2018, the Honda FCX Clarity, for example, is just now pulling onto the streets on three-year leases for only 200 motorists, who must live near the hydrogen-fueling station to be approved for the $600 monthly lease, said Todd Mittleman, a Honda spokesman. With a 4-kilogram hydrogen tank, the Honda gets the equivalent of 74 miles per gallon. For $20 to fill the tank, drivers can go...
Helping others is a real kick for United Way 2-1-1 specialist
Aug 24, 2008 — The Modesto Bee
Tell us about it. A: It was the Valley Heritage Award or "Premios Herencia del Valle" from the Vide en el Valle newspaper. What discipline? A: I practiced Chinese Kempo style karate from 1994 to 2006. Want to X-Press Yourself in The Modesto Bee?
Lawmakers aim to cut global warming by limiting sprawl REGIONAL PLANS, HIGHER DENSITY SOUGHT TO TRIM GREENHOUSE GAS
Aug 24, 2008 — San Jose Mercury News
State lawmakers already require auto companies to build more plug-in hybrids and clean technology cars. And that growth threatens to wipe out all the other global warming reduction plans. But getting Californians to drive less is politically explosive. There are incentives for in-fill development and building along transportation corridors.
Library closure option leaves questions: L.B. City wants to provide access to Main Library materials at a new site, but no specific plan is in place.
Aug 24, 2008 — Press-Telegram
Through the years, the park was closed and the plants removed, but the irrigation pipes remained. As years of leaky pipes and rainwater attacked the library's roof, it developed leaks.
Thousands of California children are in danger of losing health insurance
Aug 24, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
The changes to subsidized or free health programs come as private health initiatives that pay for the care of children are running out of money, causing them to limit the number they cover. Altogether, "thousands of California children are likely to lose health insurance coverage they now have," said E. Richard Brown, the director of UCLA's research center. Gray Davis, Schwarzenegger said he wanted all children to have medical coverage.
EDITORIAL: Let new rule on ER billing have chance WHY KILL 'BALANCE BILLING' RULE BEFORE IT EVEN GOES INTO EFFECT?
Aug 23, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
It's out of your health insurance network, no fault of yours. The doctor charges $286 for your emergency care; the insurer wants to pay $159. What happens when out-of-network emergency room doctors and insurers don't agree on a payment? SB 981 gets in the way, radically changing the process.
Fees for builders could spike $1,700 more for each new home needed to fund big road projects, report says.
Aug 23, 2008 — The Fresno Bee
Those drivers would have had to exit Highway 168 at McKinley or Shields avenues and drive across town to reach northbound Highway 41.
Google's ventures outside search fail to pay dividends GOOGLE TO FACE FIRST REAL TEST OF ITS LEADERSHIP AS VENTURES OUTSIDE SEARCH FAIL TO SHOW DIVIDENDS
Aug 23, 2008 — San Jose Mercury News
And even now, the first chinks are beginning to show in Google's armor. The immense goodwill and admiration the company has accumulated probably insulated it from taking a bigger hit from those disclosures. But for how long? In addition, all those high-profile ventures the company has launched, and the acquisitions it's made, have yet to contribute much to the bottom line.
Hey brother, can you spare a satellite campus?
Aug 23, 2008 — Lodi News-Sentinel
Rodriguez said the college has looked at the Blue Shield buildings on Guild Avenue as well as other properties throughout Lodi. That firm is working with the Lodi company Sandhill Development Company LLC to search for a site on Lodi. City Councilman Bob Johnson is an ardent supporter of the Delta satellite campus as well as the Victor Road site.
Machado proposes tax break for debt on homes
Aug 23, 2008 — The Record - Stockton, California
In addition, penalties and interest not paid by the April 15 deadline on forgiven debt would be waived. Machado's series of proposed legislation includes SB 1737.
Woman gets 7-year prison term in pension fraud
Aug 23, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
Folsom prison guard on Friday received a seven-year sentence for pension fraud, one of the most severe penalties for a case of this kind in the state. June Ann Lucena, 45, who claimed she was too injured to work or enjoy water sports, was prosecuted after surveillance tapes showed her piloting a Jet Ski and frolicking on a water slide. A jury in December 2007 convicted Lucena on 14 counts of fraud for faking injuries to qualify for workers' compensation and state disability. The...
Budget cuts rile some at Long Beach meeting
Aug 22, 2008 — Press-Telegram
...avoid millions of dollars in roof repairs. Cal Heights resident Jahn Hardison said there seem to be too many unknowns in the plan. "There is maybe money from the bond and maybe there's not," Hardison said. "It just all seems a little hazy." Councilwoman Rae Gabelich of the 8th District told the audience that voters' decision in 2000 to cut the utility users tax in half, eliminating about $40 million from the city's budget, is largely to blame for Long Beach's financial...
City budget limits street repairs, to some residents' frustration
Aug 22, 2008 — San Mateo County Times
That's 13 percent of the city's streets, driving residents and commuters alike crazy with their unseemly, hazardous surfaces. Left unattended for several more years, the pavement drops in quality by 80 percent.
Edison company proposes substation
Aug 22, 2008 — Ventura County Star
We will be taking it to the City Council.
Long Beach budget cuts rile some at meeting Residents ask city officials tough questions on plans.
Aug 22, 2008 — Press-Telegram
LONG BEACH -- Residents of the 7 th and 8 th districts got a chance to corner city officials on the proposed city budget Thursday night, hitting them with a barrage of questions for more than an hour. While some people criticized proposed budget cuts and other plans for the 2009 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, the meeting at the Petroleum Club in northwest Long Beach, had several jovial moments. After a brief presentation on the proposed budget by city officials, Laurie Angel,...
San Joaquin County ERs among busiest Report cites lack of doctors, higher levels of uninsured
Aug 22, 2008 — The Record - Stockton, California
But Kern County residents visit primary-care clinics at higher rates than other Valley residents, which may contribute to their lower ER use. Joseph's and San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp, in terms of how patients said they expected to pay for treatment. At St. Joseph's higher level of Medi-Cal patients in the ER. "Once they get to our door, we treat them as any other patient.
Schools feel squeezed
Aug 22, 2008 — The Modesto Bee
And she expects no relief this school year. "We were able to siphon about 500 gallons from downed buses," she said. Empire Union has cut a part-time bus driver. Ceres schools will start full-day kindergarten this fall.
New schools open in area
Aug 21, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
State funding was sought amid an uncertain budget. However, Placer County educators agree it took more than cash to build their schools. The need was determined. The community pulled together to shape plans and curriculum.
Residents contest development plan
Aug 21, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
Because this would preserve open space, they would be eligible for a density bonus, increasing the number of residential lots to 12. Vernon Miller objected to the increased density.
Sacramento transit delays rail extension, noting 23% jump in cost
Aug 21, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
... Nakano, RT's engineer for the project, said the agency will look for ways to speed the building process. "But the devil's in the details," she said The transit agency has yet to negotiate with the Union Pacific Railroad over use of part of the freight company's rail right of way. It also must come to terms with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) over moving an underground gas pipe so it isn't corroded by stray electrical currents. RT officials await word...
The State Worker CalPERS, engineers reach a deal
Aug 21, 2008 — The Sacramento Bee
Agreement in hand, the union last Thursday withdrew its lawsuit threat. On Monday, CalPERS' board added PPPs to its investment list. By now you're probably hollering, "There go the unions again! And CalPERS could still end up in court.
Walnut Creek council to go through big changes
Aug 21, 2008 — Contra Costa Times
Rajan, 38, is a technology executive and chairman of the city's Transportation Commission. They have both endorsed Skrel, Rajan and Simmons, based on those candidates' city government experience. Skrel has served two terms and is in line to be mayor if re-elected. Rainey, appointed in 1997 and subsequently elected, will be the senior member of the council after Regalia and Abrams leave.
A tale of two tax plans State can't agree on which proposal would be best
Aug 20, 2008 — The Record - Stockton, California
Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Democrats to propose tax increases. The Republican governor suggests raising $6 billion a year through a temporary sales tax increase. We can either cut spending by $500 per (K-12 through higher education) student or raise taxes to prevent these cuts. Taxpayers are fleeing California." The economists address the perceived notion that tax increases are particularly bad in a recession, when people are struggling to pay bills.
Acrimony rules trial's first day Chiropractor accused of insurance fraud
Aug 20, 2008 — The Record - Stockton, California
Under the procedure, patients are briefly anesthetized to avoid painful adjustments. Upon his arrest, Origel's case was described as the biggest medical billing insurance fraud case in Northern California. San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Michael Garrigan is overseeing the case. Green once objected to Garrigan, saying Horowitz was arguing his case. They already won," Horowitz said of prosecutors. "They crushed this man economically.
Capitol Letters Blog: 11 Weeks to Go Until Election
Aug 20, 2008 — Santa Barbara Independent
If you hadn't noticed, Jerry Roberts has been blogging hard for the past couple months at his Capitol Letters Blog, covering the state of the Golden State and all things political. In today's entry, titled 11 Weeks to Go, he covers the McCain-Obama race, tallying who's up, who's down, and what everyone else has to say about it. And check out all of his blogs here.
Closure a go for Romic site Company has recycled tons of toxic chemicals for almost 50 years
Aug 20, 2008 — Palo Alto Daily News
The one selected will clean up and tear down the site's infrastructure, possibly starting in a few months.
District aims to cut traffic Menlo Park schools kick off transportation initiative
Aug 20, 2008 — Palo Alto Daily News
...or riding, 25 percent using public transportation or the district buses and 35 percent in carpools. Superintendent Ken Ranella outlined the plan to the district board Tuesday night. Following the discussion, the board approved the purchase of two new school buses: a 24-seater for special education students and a 64-seater for morning trips to Encinal School and Laurel School and afternoon trips to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church for child care, Ranella said before the meeting. ...
Fresno offers developer bonds Builders can use the funds to pay fees charged by the city.
Aug 20, 2008 — The Fresno Bee
At issue are neglected swimming pools, unmowed lawns and broken windows. Calhoun said the money should go into a reserve account. "Our first priority as a city is not providing for educational programs," Calhoun said.

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