This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 22, 2009. It’s all about the future in this California Budget Crisis Diary entry — the future of California’s deficit and the future of some politicians — and it’s topped off with some criticism for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. California going default: The Golden State may have to soon admit… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Less revenue, more borrowing
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 17, 2009. Let me just apologize for this abnormally sad entry of California Budget Crisis Diaries during such holiday glee. In fact, this is so sad – I’m going to link to a few cheery stories at the end of this entry because I don’t want to leave any… Read more →
Carlsbad desal plant moves forward despite opposition
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 16, 2009. Ten years ago, Poseidon Resources embarked on a journey to turn the ocean’s water into a usable supply for human consumption. A myriad of lawsuits and battles later, the Carlsbad Desalination Project is now more than a month into its construction amid California’s water crisis — and… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Legalizing and taxing pot
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 15, 2009. Marijuana, prisons and a new finance director. Nice mix, right? Here’s your California Budget Crisis Diaries fix. Costly prisons: California’s health care receiver J. Clark Kelso said the high costs of a suicide-watch program is probably the fault of management and the budget woes. In an ongoing… Read more →
Eight great local charities worth your time this holiday season
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 11, 2009. When I was eight, my mother took me to a jewelry store and let me choose out a charm. I chose an 18-karat heart with the Goddess of Compassion in the middle. The Goddess of Compassion was an emblem I was familiar having grown up in a… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Education remains hot issue in Sacramento
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 10, 2009. Here’s another California Budget Crisis Diaries (CBCD) entry devoted to one of the biggest issues facing the state: lack of funds for education. We’ll start with hopeful news then move on to more angry students. Race to the Top update: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called on the State… Read more →
Shortage of health care workers a growing concern
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 9, 2009. The public option, Medicare and insurance for undocumented residents are just some issues related to health care being debated in the U.S. Senate at the moment. But some Americans have other concerns surrounding health care legislation — like the depleted amount of workers in the industry. Does… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Funding the core of the Golden State
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 8, 2009. You know how the holiday season tends to make everything seem a little warmer? Problems seem more minuscule? Unfortunately, it’s not happening this holiday season, especially not in Sacramento. California’s staggering budget deficit continues to loom over the most populated state, despite the joyful season. Here’s your… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Marijuana training for lawmakers?
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 3, 2009. Low-vision Californians, public-private court houses and Ganja University? Just read on … Low funds for low-vision Californians: Those with low-vision and who rely on state assistance are no longer covered by the California government. According to a San Jose Mercury News article, lawmakers axed evaluations optometry services… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Takes on higher education cuts
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on December 1, 2009. Roughly 191,000 students attend a University of California campus, while 417,112 students attend a California State University campus – and all will experience major changes in the following months until the state government is back on its feet. But some students aren’t taking the changes quietly as… Read more →