This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 28, 2010. California’s weather isn’t the only bizarre phenomenon in the state. We’ve gone from doom and gloom (and tornado warnings) to sunshine in a matter of a week. Likewise, emotions run the gamut among Californians, with regard to the state’s budget woes. Higher education leaders are increasingly… Read more →
Obama’s speech a mixed bag for San Diego leaders
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 27, 2010. San Diegans gathered around their televisions Wednesday night as President Barack Obama reiterated words of hope and change in his State of the Union address. In a reflection of what some consider a divided nation, local leaders held different views of the U.S. Chief Executive and… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Looking to Mexico for help
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 26, 2010. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been all over the place these past few days. He’s hitting Capitol Hill cigar bars attempting to garner federal aid, and he’s at Press Club meetings talking about undocumented inmates and voters. Here’s the roundup of Schwarzenegger’s political life and California’s budget… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Gov. ventures to D.C. in search of funds
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 21, 2010. Criticism of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger continued as he visited Washington D.C. Wednesday. But one thing is different, as Schwarzenegger’s senior adviser chimes in backing the boss on his moves. This California Budget Crisis Diaries is focused on what happened in D.C. and what two people are… Read more →
Obama’s choices during first year in office resonate in San Diego
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 20, 2010. It has two parts. It’s been exactly one year since President Barack Obama accepted the challenge of leading the most powerful country in the world. It’s clear his presence on the nation’s center stage has shaped the dynamics of various issues plaguing the U.S., and the… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Gov’s traffic camera idea sees a halt
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 19, 2010. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is having a tough week. First, his proposal to bring in revenue through traffic violations may be illegal. Second, a class-action lawsuit against a state agency that includes autistic children is garnering lots of attention. Finally, the U.S. Supreme court rejected his prison… Read more →
Former Martin Luther King Jr. aide keeps dream alive at annual YMCA ‘Dignity’ awards
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 15, 2010. Nearly 42 years ago, Rev. Samuel “Billy” Kyles was sitting with Martin Luther King Jr. in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. Kyles — one of three friends to be with King at the moment of his assassination — said he wondered why… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Redeem your IOUs, folks
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 14, 2010. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger continues pressuring the federal government for financial assistance while the finance gurus overseeing California’s accounts are asking people to cash in their IOUs. Meanwhile San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders explains the Gov.’s pony-pig-dog metaphor. Cash in those IOUs: An estimated $500 million worth… Read more →
Sanders vows to reform structural deficit, turn city into leader
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 13, 2010. A structural deficit that has taken “decades” to grow will be difficult to eliminate but San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said Wednesday evening he’s going to take on the challenge. In his fifth State of the City address — and with the ratio of general fund… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: The declining cash balance
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on January 12, 2010. California will see a reduction in cash and poor residents may feel the pain from budget cuts first, while a columnist offers creative ideas to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Postponing those payments: The state government may delay paying some bills because its cash flow will drop in… Read more →