This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 5, 2009. While the reasoning for California’s budget disappointments are being explored, a major newspaper is ripping up the Golden State’s elected officials. Meanwhile, high school students will be able to get jobs with less red tape. The root of the problem: A professor at San Francisco State University… Read more →
San Diegans see flashbacks with Boyz II Men concert
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 5, 2009. Disclaimer: I sang and danced at the concert. I had to. It was Boyz II Men! One member short? No problem. Swine flu? No way, no matter what CNN says. Flu? Well, as the wise theater folks say, the show must go on. Nothing fazes these Men.… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: More taxes to save the state
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 3, 2009. An increase in income taxes, the finance director announces his parting and the state is a little closer to stimulus funds for education. Here’s a recap of what’s going on in Sacramento. Income tax increase: California wage earners will soon notice a little less money in their… Read more →
Single-payer health care advocates arrested in protest
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on November 2, 2009. Three single-payer health care supporters were arrested Monday after protesting outside the Mission Valley office of Blue Shield of California. The protest was a part of a nationwide campaign to dispute health care companies, who demonstrators claim have been raising premiums throughout the recession and have lobbied… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: F-bomb controversy
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 29, 2009. People surrounding Capitol Hill are wondering whether Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office offered some choice words to an assemblymember, while the state’s chances to qualify for stimulus funds increases. Increase in charter schools: The number of charter schools in California has risen to 809. The California Charter Schools… Read more →
City invites San Diegans to tackle $179 million deficit
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 28, 2009. San Diegans alongside the city’s Budget and Finance Committee gathered together Wednesday evening to discuss the expected shortfall of $179 million for next fiscal year. “Speak San Diego,” a special series of meetings hosted by the committee, took off in Council President Ben Hueso’s district at a… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Keepin’ the film industry
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 27, 2009. Actors, directors, and other professionals in the film industry will continue working in the state while Californians below the poverty line can now obtain free legal advice. But there are more happenings in the West Coast state, so keep reading. Film Industry, you’re staying here: Gov. Arnold… Read more →
California’s Budget Crisis Diaries: Billion-dollar lawsuit hits state
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 22, 2009. A redevelopment organization is attempting to protect its coffers by filing a lawsuit, students are disappearing from universities and some state employees are seeing hefty dollars from overtime hours. Here’s what’s happening in the money world of California. Suing over money: The California Redevelopment Association filed a… Read more →
Taxpayer advocates host panel on Chapter 9 bankruptcy
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 22, 2009. Experts in municipal bankruptcy did not endorse Chapter 9 filing as an option for San Diego County cities during a Thursday morning forum hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA). The SDCTA invited members to learn more about municipal bankruptcy, but avoided recommending the solution… Read more →
SD Asian Film Fest’s ‘All About Dad’ hits home
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 17, 2009. Being an Asian American and a member of the Asian American Journalists Association, an organization with close ties to the San Diego Asian Film Foundation, I’ve been excited about this year’s San Diego Asian Film Festival. But I wanted to write more than a movie review. I… Read more →