This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on October 16, 2009. I was hoping to have a full story Friday in regards to the memo released by San Diego Chief Operating Officer Jay Goldstone but it looks like officials are still examining it. Let me give readers an update though. Councilmember Donna Frye’s spokesperson said she’ll be… Read more →
Memo makes waves at City Hall as Goldstone fires back
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 15, 2009. San Diego City Chief Operating Officer Jay Goldstone released a memo Thursday in response to my story published Monday (“SDNN inquiry prompts investigation into city’s finances.”) I’m working on a complete story for Friday. As I originally reported, Councilmembers Donna Frye and Todd Gloria asked Mayor Jerry… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: To veto or not to veto?
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 13, 2009. It’s been an overwhelming past couple of days for state lawmakers. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had more than 700 bills to flip through while additional information about California passed through. Here’s a heftier budget diary entry. Bills, bills, bills: Schwarzenegger signed and vetoed bills Sunday, the last day… Read more →
SDNN inquiry prompts investigation into city’s finances
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 12, 2009. Documents discovered through a Public Records Act request made by the San Diego News Network allege that the city of San Diego spent more than $250,000 on consultancy services offered by Grant Thornton without the City Council’s approval. Last year, the city council approved a memorandum of… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Investors, please buy the state’s bonds
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 8, 2009. The state government still has its goods on the market and is attempting to make them more appealing. Meanwhile, a local Congressman endorses a gubernatorial candidate and a police chief takes his department in his own hands. Here’s a recap of what’s happening in the world of… Read more →
Is bankruptcy an option for San Diego?
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on October 8, 2009. It was reported by Hoa Quach and Steven Bartholow. Four years ago Pat Shea, a candidate for mayor, pitched a risky idea to San Diego’s voters and decision makers: declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Shea – an attorney who helped handle Orange County’s bankruptcy proceedings in 1994… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Costly lawsuits and late payment fees
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 6, 2009. The number of lawsuits being filed against state lawmakers and the state offices making late payments show millions of dollars down the drain. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel as the various gubernatorial candidates put forth their ideas for fixing the… Read more →
An unfiltered interview with Assemblymember Saldaña
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on October 5, 2009. She’s chair of the only bipartisan caucus in Sacramento – a caucus made up of women lawmakers. Through her work on the caucus, her passion for assisting women is evident. She gets heated though when you talk about the state budget cuts to health care. And she… Read more →
California Budget Crisis Diaries: Tough doing business here
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on September 29, 2009. California lawmakers are working to revamp the state’s budget. This week they’re looking at a study, considering recommendations and even decided to change the recycling program. Here’s the roundup: Business-related study: It’s no secret Fortune 500 companies are leaving the Golden State to venture off to brighter… Read more →
Locals develop circle of assistance for San Diego women
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on September 28, 2009. About 1.6 million women and girls live in San Diego County. At least 250,000 women are living below the federal poverty line, while 80,000 of that number live 50 percent below the federal poverty line. Around 84,000 are elderly women who do not have sufficient income. And… Read more →