This story was reported for San Diego News Network on June 1, 2009. The dreariness of June may have some Californians wishing this was simply another Hollywood drama. Unfortunately, this isn’t another gig for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and he’s not acting when making statements about budget cuts. But state legislators are buoyant that the sunny state will devise a new… Read more →
San Diego developing through a water shortage
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 27, 2009. With San Diego facing a water shortage and growing population, regional developers are fearful that their industry may face tougher days and stricter laws. “My fear is that real estate development projects are going to get caught up in the middle until we work out these issues,”… Read more →
School board passes major labor agreement
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 26, 2009. San Diego Unified School District and local unions have reached a project labor agreement for a $2.1 billion project; and the board voted 3-2 for its passage Tuesday evening. The final agreement with the school district and two unions – San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council… Read more →
California’s budget woes expected to get worse
This was reported for San Diego News Network on May 26, 2009. We, Californians, have the weather, the sand, the surf – but we’ll crash and burn if we don’t solve the deficit by the end of June, that’s what State Controller John Chiang said. It’s been one week since 23 percent of California voters riotously rejected five of the… Read more →
Propositions failed – what now, California?
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 20, 2009. Five of the six propositions on Tuesday’s special election tanked, as many expected. Whether “Plan B” – laid out by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week – will be adopted is still unknown. Meanwhile, local officials are waiting and hoping their property tax revenues won’t be a part… Read more →
California’s deficit remains, legislators won’t get raises
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 19, 2009. The anticipated special election is, at last, history. But California remains $6 billion short of “fixing” the $21 billion deficit and state legislators won’t be eligible for raises until the problem is fixed. “Tonight we have heard from the voters and I respect the will of the… Read more →
Local activists start new organization for women
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 19, 2009. Women make up more of the world’s population, but they earn less on average than men. They also have less power, with women serving in only a small fraction of elected officials nationally. Two local activists-women intend to address this problem and they’ll start in San Diego… Read more →
California’s budget hits the hands of voters
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 19, 2009. The anticipated special election of May 2009 has arrived. On Tuesday, California voters will determine whether six propositions should be passed to deter $6 billion of the state deficit. “They’re very important, they’re a very important part of the budget puzzle,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Monday.… Read more →
California’s “Plan B” asks for municipal funds
This story was reported for San Diego News Network on May 13, 2009. If Californians reject six ballot initiatives on May 19, the state will resort to “Plan B” to recoup the $6 billion the propositions would have saved, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday. Schwarzenegger’s Plan B includes releasing 40,000 inmates from prison, laying off 51,000 teachers and suspending Proposition… Read more →
Are California legislators election-crazy?
This story was reported for the San Diego News Network on May 13, 2009. Californians must get a lot of “I voted” stickers … because they do so often. During Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s time in office, the state has seen numerous ballot initiatives. In fact, the only year the state didn’t have ballot initiatives for voters to decide on was… Read more →