The two parties are staging stunts as the state’s unpaid bills pile up heading into the fifth week without a spending plan.

By Shane Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times

July 28, 2010

Reporting from Sacramento —

As California staggers toward the fifth week of the fiscal year without a spending plan, a month of closed-door talks in the Capitol have produced little but tension and finger-pointing. The calendar is flipping toward August with no resolution in sight.

Top officials don’t even publicly agree about what they agree upon. The two parties are staging stunts at the Capitol and trading barbs in dueling radio addresses, each side accusing the other of being dug in or disengaged, or both.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 42

Status: Legislature on summer recess

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/26/2010 05:56:55 PM PDT

One of the Inland Empire’s most outspoken Democratic activists says he is unhappy with the county Democratic Party and is considering promoting Republican candidates for local office.

Gil Navarro, who earlier this month said his new political action committee – the Latino Caucus of the Inland Empire – would support only Democratic candidates, now says he might have had a change of heart after a meeting with Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills.

Read the rest of this entry »

10:00 PM PDT on Monday, July 26, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – Several Inland governments, businesses and other groups have rallied behind a recently introduced state bill meant to preserve millions in revenue for the agency in charge of redeveloping the former Norton Air Force Base.

The support comes even though some of the agencies would stand to get more money if current law was left alone.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Ed Mendel

As CalPERS publicly said a decade ago that a major pension increase, now targeted for rollbacks, could be paid for with investment earnings rather than higher state costs, its actuaries made a startlingly accurate forecast of the impact if earnings fell short.

The actuaries said the annual state payment to CalPERS, $159 million in 1999, could soar to $3.954 billion in fiscal 2010-11 — a long-range forecast that scored a near bull’s-eye on the $3.888 billion state payment for the fiscal year that began this month.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

PolitiCal
On politics in the Golden State

July 26, 2010 | 3:54 pm

Nearly four weeks into the fiscal year without a budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested Monday that California might have to wait until his successor is sworn in next year to get a spending plan — unless lawmakers give him everything he wants.

Schwarzenegger says the Legislature must curtail public pensions and change California’s taxation and budgeting systems before he will sign a budget this year, his last as governor. He leaves office in January.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 41

Status: Legislature on summer recess

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 39

Status: Legislature on summer recess

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 38

Status: Legislature on summer recess

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 37

Status: Legislature on summer recess



Number of days past constitutional deadline: 36

Status: Legislature on summer recess

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 07/20/2010 05:39:24 PM PDT

San Bernardino County leaders are applauding a new law that will allow the county to have more than one grand jury, but it’s not clear if or when the law might be used.

The law, signed last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, gives the county’s presiding judge the ability to create a second civil grand jury that would be able to investigate government entities in the county.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 35

Status: Legislature on summer recess

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 34

Status: Legislature out on summer recess



Number of days past constitutional deadline: 33

Status: Legislature out on summer recess



Lobbyists play huge role in bills
Karen de Sa, San Jose Mercury News
Created: 07/17/2010 07:10:37 AM PDT

Like all newly elected lawmakers, Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes arrived in Sacramento needing two things to ensure his political success: legislative achievements and campaign money.

If he established himself as a political force, the Los Angeles-area Democrat might breeze to re-election in two years and rise up the legislative ranks. And sure enough, there were folks who could help him along – the throng of lobbyists offering bill ideas on behalf of their corporate clients.

Read the rest of this entry »

Doom of both could be goal of one of them
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/17/2010 09:30:25 PM PDT

If you can’t beat ‘em, confuse ‘em.

That’s the thinking, some political observers say, behind Proposition 27, one of the measures that will appear on November’s ballot. Proposition 27 and another measure on the ballot have near-opposite effects, which could doom both measures.

Read the rest of this entry »

THE WEEK

Those are the two things Californians give their elected officials.

By Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times

July 18, 2010

Even a cursory look at events last week was enough to show the concept of “public service” being turned on its ear.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission took up the issue of elected officials getting freebie tickets, in the wake of investigations into Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s acceptance of tickets to dozens of sought-after events, sometimes from companies doing business with his administration.

Read the rest of this entry »

Brian Charles, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/16/2010 09:02:50 PM PDT

State election officials Friday certified self-described Minuteman and Tea Party movement member Tim Donnelly as the winner of the Republican primary in the 59th Assembly District.

Donnelly, who lives in Twin Oaks, narrowly defeated veteran politician Chris Lancaster, a former councilman and mayor of Covina.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 31

Status: Legislature out on summer recess





Number of days past constitutional deadline: 30

Status: Legislature out on summer vacation



By Anthony York | 07/15/10 12:00 AM PST

Recount. The very word now conjures up decade-old images of a carnival-like scene in the county seats of Florida, where we all learned new terms like “hanging chads,” “overvotes” and “Kathleen Harris.”

Alas, those days are over, but elections officials in Riverside and San Diego counties are girding for their own journey into uncharted electoral waters this week. That’s because Assemblywoman Mary Salas, D-Chula Vista, asked for a recount in the two counties of the 40th Senate District where she did better than her Democratic opponent, Juan Vargas.

Read the rest of this entry »

Schwarzenegger

06:55 AM PDT on Wednesday, July 14, 2010

By GENE GHIOTTO
The Press-Enterprise

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s job approval rating among California voters is the lowest since he took office in 2003 and equals the lowest given in the more than 50 years the Field Poll has been conducting the assessments.

Today’s Field Poll places Schwarzenegger at the same level as former Gov. Gray Davis just before Davis was recalled.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 28

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 27

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 26



Edward Roski, Jr.

Sponsored bill got special treatment
Karen de Sa, San Jose Mercury News
Created: 07/10/2010 07:08:15 AM PDT

Before Southern California billionaire Edward Roski Jr. could satisfy the Los Angeles region’s craving for the return of pro football, he needed a stadium.

And before that stadium could be built on 592 acres of land in city of Industry on the edge of Diamond Bar, Roski needed to resolve a pair of lawsuits over whether the project complied with the state’s environmental laws.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 25

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/09/2010 04:51:21 PM PDT

If California voters don’t approve a massive bond measure to pay for, among other things, more water storage facilities across the state, Kathye Rietkerk of Kallisto Greenhouses is afraid there won’t be enough water for her to stay in business.

Which is why, strangely, she hopes lawmakers can agree to postpone a vote on that ballot measure – scheduled to be on November’s ballot – by two years.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 24

Share
By Susan Ferriss
sferriss@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Jul. 9, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 4A

With former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown at his side, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a new demand Thursday that a specific change in state worker pensions be made before he signs off on a budget.

At a minimum, the governor said he wants legislators to roll back current pension terms to those that existed before 1999 legislation created more generous rules.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 23

By PE Politics
on July 7, 2010 4:00 PM

Financially ailing Arrowhead Credit Union has pulled the plug on its participation in this summer’s payroll assistance program for legislative employees who aren’t getting paid because of the lack of a state budget.

During past budget impasses, the San Bernardino-based credit union and several other financial institutions have agreed to front the salaries of customers who work for the Senate or Assembly and have direct deposit.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/07/2010 05:23:25 PM PDT

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Controller John Chiang tussle over whether state workers should take a pay cut until the Legislature approves a budget, lawmakers are considering a bill that would make sure those workers get their full pay whether or not a budget passes.

The new fiscal year started July 1, but the legislature has yet to pass a new budget. Because of that budget impasse, Schwarzenegger last week ordered Chiang to cut the wages of about 200,000 state employees to the minimum wage – $7.25 per hour. Chiang has refused the order, but might have to comply.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 22

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 21

Newcomer enters race

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/05/2010 09:58:31 PM PDT

If an unpredictable political climate can help a political newcomer beat more established and better-funded candidates, why can’t it also help a Democrat get elected in a traditionally Republican district?

That’s the question at the heart of Democrat Darcel Woods’ candidacy for the 59th District State Assembly seat.

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Number of days past constitutional deadline: 20

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 19

By Shane Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times

July 4, 2010

Reporting from Sacramento —

Many of the pressures that can push California’s leaders toward a budget accord are absent this summer as the state lurches into yet another budget year without a spending plan.

The lack of acute suffering from the budget stalemate may help explain why talks between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and top lawmakers show no signs of agreement on how to tackle California’s $19.1-billion deficit.

Read the rest of this entry »

Controller John Chiang

By Jon Ortiz and Kevin Yamamura
jortiz@sacbee.com
Published: Saturday, Jul. 3, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 1A
Last Modified: Saturday, Jul. 3, 2010 – 12:12 am

The decision is in. The fight isn’t over.

Sacramento’s 3rd District Court of Appeal on Friday upheld a 17-month-old ruling allowing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to order state workers’ pay reduced to minimum wage in the absence of a budget.

Although the state is now three days into the new fiscal year with no budget and the governor has instructed more than 200,000 government employees’ pay lowered to the federal minimum, the ultimate impact of the court decision is far from clear.

Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Saturday, Jul. 3, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

With the ballyhooed July 1 milepost having come and gone, expect slow going for a while on the budget.

Republican and Democratic legislative leaders met privately Thursday to discuss their next steps. They are interested in working out as much as possible without Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and they want to reconvene the joint budget conference committee next week.

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Number of days past constitutional deadline: 17

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 16

By Shane Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times

July 1, 2010

Reporting from Sacramento —

California begins a new budget year Thursday without a spending plan in place and with no agreement imminent between state legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on how to close a $19.1-billion deficit.

Read the rest of this entry »

Number of days past constitutional deadline: 15

59th Assembly District

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 06/27/2010 08:31:33 PM PDT

Tim Donnelly wants to cut government spending. He doesn’t believe global warming is real. He wants to bring Arizona’s latest immigration law – known as S.B. 1070 – to California.

In short, he is conservative.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Kevin Yamamura
kyamamura@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Sunday, Jun. 27, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 1A
Last Modified: Sunday, Jun. 27, 2010 – 10:02 am

With the 2010-11 fiscal year set to begin Thursday, state lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger remain far from a budget deal that would eliminate an estimated $19.1 billion deficit.

The Republican governor outlined his budget blueprint in May. Democrats in each house responded with their own proposals that block the most drastic social service cuts in his plan. Republican lawmakers have not issued a proposal, instead getting behind Schwarzenegger’s budget and reiterating their opposition to new taxes.

Read the rest of this entry »

California budget

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/26/2010 07:10:53 AM PDT

This year, oil companies have pumped 29.5 million barrels of oil from Kern County. An additional 3.4 million have come from Los Angeles County.

In San Bernardino County, the total is just 274 barrels, pumped by two tiny oil operations in the Chino Hills area – the hub of the county’s barely existent oil industry.

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Nestande

10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 24, 2010

Residents can meet with Assemblyman Brian Nestande from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday in Riverside. Nestande represents an area that includes Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Temecula, Perris, Hemet and Riverside.

Nestande will meet with constituents at Coco’s Restaurant, 1303 University Ave., Riverside. Information: 951-369-6644.

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/22/2010 05:57:53 PM PDT

In the most unexpected outcome of this month’s primary election, political neophyte and former Minuteman Tim Donnelly is the winner in the 59th State Assembly District Republican Primary.

Final vote tallies show Donnelly with 12,211 votes, ahead of candidate Chris Lancaster by just 484 votes – about 1 percent of the total votes cast in the Republican primary.

Read the rest of this entry »

Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
June 22, 2010

Assembly Democrats have quietly halved the size of a controversial borrowing plan in their budget, recognizing legal pitfalls that could undermine their idea, according to an Assembly source.

They initially proposed a maneuver in which the state would sell nearly $9 billion in bonds against its Beverage Container Recycling Fund, using proceeds from deposits that consumers pay on cans and bottles to pay off bond debt in future years. To make up for the recycling fund money, the state would then enact a new tax on oil production. Essentially, the state would borrow against oil tax revenues.

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Schwarzenegger

Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/21/2010 08:14:45 PM PDT

Pension reform hinges on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s promise that he’ll veto any budget proposal that does not include “two-tier” retirement benefits, according to Republican lawmakers.

“There is a really good chance he will keep his promise,” said state Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga. “He’s got nothing to lose.”

Read the rest of this entry »

June 21, 2010 6:22 PM
Natasha Lindstrom

Tim Donnelly’s narrow victory in claiming the Republican nomination in the 59th Assembly District surprised nearly everyone — including Donnelly and his backers.

The Twin Peaks small businessman admits that just three months ago, he knew next to nothing about running a campaign.

Read the rest of this entry »

Political newbie, Minuteman Tim Donnelly ‘humbled’ by Republican win
June 21, 2010 5:59 PM
Natasha Lindstrom

You probably never heard of Tim Donnelly a few months ago, but if you saw his blue-and-gold campaign signs scattered across the High Desert, you have a good idea of the issues that get him fired up.

The Twin Peaks small businessman’s signs clearly stated, “Patriot, Not Politician,” and featured the anti-illegal immigration Minuteman group logo, a founding-father-type figure clutching a rifle and casting a watchful eye off into the distance.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Tuesday, Jun. 22, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

Budget, budget, who’s got a budget?

The governor has a state budget that his fellow Republicans more or less support. Assembly Democrats have a budget whose centerpiece is a complex scheme to borrow billions of dollars. And Democratic senators have a budget that’s based on raising taxes and shifting some programs from the state to counties.

Read the rest of this entry »

10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, June 20, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – The number of mortgage defaults and home foreclosures is falling in the Inland area and around the state, but the tug of war between the lending industry and people pushing for new borrower protections is still going strong at the state Capitol.

“Foreclosures have dropped. That’s a good sign,” said Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, the author of several bills on the subject. “But we still have to do more because there are a lot of people not communicating.”

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James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/17/2010 06:08:42 PM PDT

In 2008, Democratic candidate Linda Jones, a Palmdale teacher and school board member, nearly scored a huge upset: She came within about 3 percentage points of beating Republican Steve Knight in the 36th State Assembly District.

Knight, R-Palmdale, will face Jones again in November, in a rematch of one of 2008′s closest Assembly races.

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By Jim Sanders
jsanders@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, Jun. 17, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 4A

The Legislature’s failure to pass a state budget by its constitutional deadline played a key role Wednesday in killing a proposed pay cut for lawmakers and other top officeholders, according to members of the state’s pay panel.

Lawmakers will continue to be paid $95,291 annually, while other officeholder salaries will range from $173,987 for governor – Arnold Schwarzenegger does not accept pay – to $130,490 for members of the Board of Equalization.

Read the rest of this entry »

Political newcomer and Tea Party candidate Tim Donnelly’s lead over Christopher Lancaster in the race for the Republican nomination in the 59th Assembly District is down to just 367 votes this evening.

That’s just a 1.0% difference.

Read the rest of this entry »

Rebecca Kimitch, Staff Writer
Created: 06/15/2010 09:10:53 PM PDT

The deadline by which the Legislature is supposed to pass a state budget came and went Tuesday, with most Sacramento lawmakers saying it will be months before they can find an answer to the $19.1 billion deficit.

By all indications, the state this summer will see the same partisan bickering over the massive spending cuts proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the tax increases and elimination of corporate tax breaks proposed by Democrats.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Jim Sanders
jsanders@sacbee.com
Published: Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 4A

The chairman of the California commission that sets legislative pay said Tuesday that he supports another reduction in salaries and benefits, which would mark the second consecutive year of targeting lawmakers’ pocketbooks.

“I’m going to vote for it, as long as it’s not punitive,” said Chuck Murray, chairman of the California Citizens Compensation Committee.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/13/2010 09:05:33 PM PDT

If there were any doubt that Tea Party groups could have an impact at the ballot box, the case of Tim Donnelly should lay it to rest.

The Twin Peaks resident and founder of a minuteman group has never before run for office. Still, he now finds himself holding onto a 654-vote lead over opponent Chris Lancaster, a former Covina city councilman whose father was in the state Legislature.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lastest updated figures released by the California Secretary of State this morning show Republican and Tea Party activist Tim Donnelly widening his lead over Republican Christopher Lancaster in securing the 59th Assembly District nomination.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 06/09/2010 05:18:26 PM PDT

With only 40 votes separating the top two candidates and more than 200,000 ballots left to be counted in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, it could take weeks for a clear winner to emerge in the 59th State Assembly District’s Republican primary.

Election-night vote tallies show Tim Donnelly, a business owner and former minuteman, leading the race with 9,659 votes. Chris Lancaster, an employee for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, a sister paper of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and The Sun, trails with 9,619.

Read the rest of this entry »

June 09, 2010 5:59 PM
Natasha Lindstrom

Forty votes were all that separated Tim Donnelly and rival Chris Lancaster on Wednesday in the race for the Republican nomination for the 59th California Assembly District.

Roughly 53,500 San Bernardino County ballots and another 149,000 Los Angeles County ballots remained uncounted, officials said.

Read the rest of this entry »

Chris Lancaster and Tim Donnelly are neck and neck in the race for the Republican Primary for the 59th Assembly District.

Donnelly currently leads Lancaster by 40 votes.

Interestingly, Donnelly has issued a press statement proclaiming victory. Even though the trend was with Donnelly this morning the race remains too close to call.

This contest will be decided by provisional and late absentee ballots.

Morrell

Businessman Mike Morrell easily cruised to victory in the Republican Primary for the 63rd Assembly District.

The following numbers, embarrassing for some. say it all.

Read the rest of this entry »

Last week debt-weary congressional Democrats pulled an aid package targeted at debt-ridden states, including California.

The action will cost California big. Just add another $2 billion to the current $20 billion crater. An increase of 10%.

Politicians are becoming increasingly fearful of an angry electorate now fully aware of increasing deficits. A result of out of control pork-barrel spending by both parties.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Monday, Jun. 7, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

It’s a week before the June 15 constitutional deadline for enacting a state budget, an appropriate moment to consider the status of this year’s version of the annual fiscal drama.

And that is? Up the proverbial creek without the proverbial paddle.

Read the rest of this entry »

Don Kurth

Will a negative independent expenditure by health insurers targeted at 63rd Assembly District candidate Don Kurth (R-Rancho Cucamonga) work?

We will know in less than 72-hours.

Read the rest of this entry »

Primary ballot filled with key local, statewide races
James Rufus Koren and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 06/05/2010 09:23:48 PM PDT

Two crowded Assembly races, a billionaire-on-multimillionaire gubernatorial battle and a fistful of county and judicial contests await voters in Tuesday’s primary election.

Most of the excitement on the ballot comes in nonpartisan races for county office and in Republican races for state offices.

Read the rest of this entry »

Bill Emmerson

By PE News
on June 5, 2010 7:57 AM

Friday night was set to be something of an anomaly in the race for Riverside County’s 37th Senate District.

Seven months after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a June 8 special election for the seat, all of the candidates would finally share a stage at a candidate forum.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/03/2010 05:12:31 PM PDT

Republican candidates have spent more than $1 million in the 59th and 63rd district State Assembly races, with more money to be spent in the final days of the campaign.

Both races feature a crowded field in next week’s primary, as the incumbents in both districts are not seeking re-election.

Read the rest of this entry »

James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 06/03/2010 06:15:27 PM PDT

With just days before Tuesday’s election, State Assembly candidate Anthony Riley’s campaign is trying to undo the potential damage of a voter guide that indicates Riley – who bills himself as a conservative Republican – wants to repeal Proposition 8, the 2008 measure that bans gay marriage in California.

The California Voter’s Guide, released by the Orange County-based Traditional Values Coalition, reports that Riley supports a legislative resolution “in favor of homosexual marriage” and supports repealing Prop. 8. But Riley’s campaign manager, Lee Samuels, said the information in the voter guide is incorrect.

Read the rest of this entry »

Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/02/2010 05:07:17 PM PDT

CHINO – A bill to let the Chino Valley Unified School District off the hook for an $8 million state penalty was passed Wednesday in the Assembly.

Assembly Bill 1988, authored by Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, still must be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor to take effect. A similar bill by Hagman stalled in the Senate last year.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Dale Kasler
dkasler@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, Jun. 3, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 8B

A bill cracking down on placement agents, the middlemen enmeshed in an influence-peddling scandal at CalPERS, squeaked through the Assembly on Wednesday. It now goes to the Senate.

Assembly Bill 1743 would prohibit placement agents – who are hired by private equity firms to secure investments from CalPERS and other public pension funds – from collecting contingency fees from their clients. They would also have to register as lobbyists.

Read the rest of this entry »

Interesting dynamics are in play in the race to replace Assemblyman Bill Emmerson (R-Hemet).

Emmerson is termed out of the State Assembly and is on his way to assuming the seat previously occupied by Riverside county Supervisor John Benoit.

Of the field competing for the 63rd Assembly District, five GOP candidates are making things interesting to say the least

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Morrell criticizes GOP hopefuls for 63rd Assembly
Chantal M. Lovell, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/01/2010 09:26:44 PM PDT

REDLANDS – Republican candidates for the 63rd Assembly District seat want to set the record straight following a mailer they say distorts the truth.

A campaign advertisement paid for by Mike Morrell for State Assembly 2010 hit mailboxes last week and accuses fellow Republican candidates Pat Gilbreath, Don Kurth and Acquanetta Warren of taking a less than conservative stance on illegal immigration, taxes and government spending.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lancaster

GOP candidates on a quest to replace Assemblyman Anthony Adams next year are in the home stretch this week.

Campaign finance reports filed last week show Chris Lancaster with a commanding lead over all others with $166,978.00 in contributions received. Claremont Mayor Corey Calaycay was in second place taking in $93, 037.61 followed by Hesperia School Board member Anthony Riley at $67,641.72.

Read the rest of this entry »

Teachers biggest election spenders
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/31/2010 10:01:19 PM PDT

Unions can flex serious muscle when it comes to fighting for political agendas as evidenced by the vast amounts of money they spend on influencing state policy.

A report released in March titled “Big Money Talks” revealed 15 public-interest groups spent $1.3 billion toward policy shaping in the past decade, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission report, “Big Money Talks.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Assembly hopeful fired as deputy D.A.
Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Created: 05/31/2010 09:57:14 PM PDT

While serving as a Los Angeles County deputy district attorney in 2004, a Republican candidate for the 59th Assembly District seat was suspended for 30 days and placed on three years probation.

According to the State Bar of California, Iver Bye, a Phelan attorney, had multiple misconduct counts.

Read the rest of this entry »

By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
Published: Tuesday, Jun. 1, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

California’s cities are feeling the financial pinch as property and sales tax revenues stagnate or decline and as the spending commitments they made during the now-deflated housing boom, especially bigger payrolls, haunt them.

The Pew Charitable Trusts has declared Los Angeles to have the fourth worst fiscal condition of the 13 large cities it surveyed. Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has advocated bankruptcy for his city, and the current mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, is calling for the city’s payroll to be sharply downsized.

Read the rest of this entry »

10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, May 30, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – State legislators representing central Riverside and San Bernardino counties have received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign help from unions representing government workers.

The donations have gone to members of both parties, with labor-friendly Democrats receiving the heaviest support.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/28/2010 05:39:30 PM PDT

The passage of Arizona’s immigration law has brought California’s immigration policy into the debate.

Similar wording in the laws have caused some experts to question the call to boycott Arizona from California cities and individuals.

Read the rest of this entry »

Morrell

Two-time political loser and perennial candidate Mike Morrell is once again showing how desperate he is to win an important public office.

While most candidates in the race for the open AD 63 seat (Republican-Emmerson) have kept the race clean from attacks and focused on the issues, perennial candidate and sub-prime mortgage broker Mike Morrell is resorting to misleading and dishonest attacks against not one, not two, but three of his Republican opponents.

Read the rest of this entry »

10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 27, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – Primary losses for legislative incumbents are about as common as meteor strikes in California, but two Inland members find themselves with challenges next month in this most sour of campaign seasons.

Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto, and Assemblyman Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, are among five legislators statewide who face primary opponents in the June 8 election.

Read the rest of this entry »

10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 27, 2010

Meg Whitman, a Republican candidate for governor of California, will attend a private fundraiser in Hemet at 5 p.m. today at the home of Dr. Kali Chaudhuri.

A VIP photo reception with Whitman costs $12,500 per person, with proceeds going to Whitman’s campaign. For the general reception, sponsors can pay $7,800, $3,900, $2,000 or $1,000. The cost for an individual is $500 per person, a flier states. That money will go to the campaign of 65th District Assemblyman Paul Cook.

To read entire story, click here.

By Anthony York | 05/27/10 12:00 AM PST

A News Analysis- The battle lines have been drawn for this summer’s budget fight, with Senate Democrats touting plans for new tax increases and cuts and Assembly Democrats unveiling an elaborate budget maneuver that leads to new taxes on oil production and virtually no cuts to the state’s safety net. The trick, now, is figuring out which pieces of these proposals – and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s May budget revision – are real.

Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, and his staff came up with the most creative of the budget proposals, revealed in a press conference this week in the Capitol.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dutton

Staff and Wire reports
Created: 05/25/2010 04:18:36 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO – Inland Valley state Sen. Bob Dutton this week blasted a Democrat plan to raise taxes by nearly $5 billion, largely by extending temporary taxes and delaying corporate tax breaks for two years.

Democrats in the Senate on Monday countered Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget cuts with a plan to raise taxes by nearly $5 billion.

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Emmerson

www.iepolitics.com

Written by Senor Blogger
May 25th, 2010 at 12:46 am

Is Assemblyman Bill Emmerson (R-Hemet/Upland/Redlands/Wherever) turning against one of his strongest endorsers? For years, DA Mike Ramos and Bill Emmerson have been politically close. DA Mike Ramos has endorsed Emmerson for legislative offices through the years, and Emmerson has backed Ramos for district attorney.

However, is that supposedly close political relationship about to change?

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Kurth

Chantal M. Lovell, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/22/2010 07:09:10 AM PDT

REDLANDS – Don Kurth, a Republican candidate for the state Assembly seat in the 63rd District, took a public stand Friday against an HMO attack campaign launched against him.

Kurth said he would fight the for-profit HMOs in Sacramento and told voters to do the same.

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Don Kurth

By PE Politics
on May 21, 2010 2:19 PM

Wearing a white lab coat and joined by several prominent Inland physicians, Don Kurth today slammed the “for-profit HMO lobby in Sacramento” for “blatantly false” attack ads against him.

Kurth, a physician and Rancho Cucamonga’s mayor, is one of seven Republican candidates in the 63rd Assembly District.

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10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 20, 2010

By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise

The race to succeed Assemblyman Anthony Adams is a crowded affair.

Adams, R-Hesperia, announced in January that he would not seek re-election to his 59th Assembly District seat. The district stretches from San Bernardino to the outskirts of Los Angeles.

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – The National Rifle Association (NRA) today announced its endorsement of Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Dr. Don Kurth for State Assembly in District 63.

The NRA gave Mayor Kurth an outstanding “A” rating for his many years of dedicated support for the 2nd Amendment. As Mayor, Dr. Kurth has championed the NRA-sponsored Eddie Eagle youth gun safety program and has led the fight against state and local gun control laws.

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10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 18, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – Seven candidates and at least $680,000 in spending are making the race for the Republican nomination in the Inland area’s 63rd Assembly District crowded and competitive.

“It’s the wildest and woolliest Assembly primary in the state of California,” said consultant Kevin Spillane, who oversees the Assembly GOP’s 2010 campaigns.

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Lancaster

Senator Bob Huff has announced his endorsement of San Gabriel Valley Republican Businessman Chris Lancaster to succeed Assemblyman Anthony Adams in the 59th District.

“I am proud to endorse Chris Lancaster for State Assembly,” said Senator Huff. “Chris believes as I do that for California to thrive we need pro-growth policies that reward job creators and increase jobs. He also shares my view that California needs fewer government regulations, not more restrictions on our businesses.”

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By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Sunday, May. 16, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

One of the major factors in California’s perpetual budget crisis is this: Enormous fiscal policy decisions with decades-long impacts may be made in the political climate of the moment by either legislators or voters. If they prove to be counterproductive, however, they’re virtually impossible to retract.

Tax cuts are one obvious example of the dichotomy. By a simple majority vote, the Legislature can reduce any tax. To reverse that action, it must muster a two-thirds majority, thanks to one constitutional provision of Proposition 13, which voters enacted in 1978.

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The influential California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) today announced their endorsement of Mayor Don Kurth (R-Rancho Cucamonga) to succeed Assemblyman Bill Emmerson in the 63rd Assembly District. CCPOA represents more than 30,000 correctional peace officers working inside California’s prisons and youth facilities.

“The California Correctional Peace Officers Association is pleased to endorse Don Kurth’s candidacy for Assembly District 63,” said CCPOA President Mike Jimenez. “We look forward to assisting him in his victory and to working with him in the State Legislature on all the issues that affect our members and every other Californian.”

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Insiders have Assembly Candidate Chris Lancaster establishing a sound foothold in the race to replace Anthony Adams.

With the absentee voting period in progress, Lancaster is building a strong advantage over Claremont Mayor Corey Calacay and Hesperia School Board member Anthony Riley.

All are running for the GOP nomination in the June primary.

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Lancaster

Republican Assemblyman Bill Emmerson today announced his endorsement of San Gabriel Valley Republican Businessman Chris Lancaster for State Assembly in the 59th District.

“Chris Lancaster will bring solid conservative leadership and two decades of successful business experience to the State Assembly. I am pleased to endorse his candidacy,” said Emmerson, who represents the neighboring 63rd Assembly District and recently won a Republican Primary to serve in the State Senate.

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10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 12, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone wants to give up better pay, time at home and being one of five members on a Republican-leaning board to be part of a Democrat-controlled state Senate.

But Stone is just one of the candidates in a four-way battle for the Republican nomination in the 36th Senate District.

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Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/12/2010 05:55:01 PM PDT

CHINO – A bill making its way through Sacramento would allow unused state land around California Institution for Men to be used for commercial and industrial development.

Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, is sponsoring the bill that could also provide for upgrades to the state prison.

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By PE Politics
on May 12, 2010 2:27 PM

It’s doctors versus the insurance industry in the Republican primary battle for the Inland area’s 63rd Assembly District.

The California Medical Association has spent more than $84,000 on mailers and other independent expenditures backing Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth, a doctor.

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By Kevin Yamamura
kyamamura@sacbee.com
Published: Wednesday, May. 12, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 1A
Last Modified: Wednesday, May. 12, 2010 – 9:13 am

Washington hasn’t come to the rescue. Hopes for a tax windfall were dashed last month.

As the reality of a $20 billion deficit sets in, California leaders are bracing for another summer of difficult state budget talks.

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By PE Politics
on May 11, 2010 2:11 PM

Paul Chabot, a Republican candidate in the crowded 63rd Assembly race, took aim today at the California Medical Association.

The doctor’s group is spending heavily to back one of Chabot’s opponents — Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth.

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Mayor Don Kurth

PE Politics
on May 11, 2010 1:29 PM

The California Medical Association has spent more than $84,000 on mailers and other independent expenditures backing Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth for Assembly.

Kurth, a doctor, is one of seven candidates in next month’s Republican primary in the Inland area’s 63rd Assembly District.

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In today’s San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, and Redlands Daily Facts, there appeared an identical story regarding the 7 Republican Party candidates standing for the GOP nomination for the 63rd Assembly District.

The piece by reporter Wendy Leung was fair and impartial, and it included quotes from all competing candidates for this seat.
Among those commenting was Mike Morrell, who has a fantastic message. A winning message that Morrell himself admits is strictly for the purpose of securing votes in his endeavor for State Assembly.

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By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Monday, May. 10, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

Self-evidently, the California Legislature isn’t balancing the state budget, nor is it doing anything noticeably positive about traffic congestion, poor school test scores, high dropout rates, the public pension crisis or any other real-world issues.

So how are the nation’s highest-paid state legislators occupying their – actually our – time in Sacramento these days, when they’re not throwing or attending campaign fundraisers?

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By Allen Wilson | 03/25/10 | 03:14 AM EDT

Republicans become very uneasy with the deeds and words of certain GOP elected’s who fail to live up the basic conservative principles of the party.

The RINO term is widely known as “Republican In Name Only” meaning insufficiently conservative or outside of the party mainstream.

One need to look at a candidate running for State Assembly from the 59th Assembly District: Chris Lancaster.

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Bill Emmerson

Legislator says all 7 GOP rivals worthy
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 05/08/2010 07:07:55 AM PDT

Work hard, pound the pavement and enjoy yourself.

That’s the advice Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Rancho Cucamonga, has for the seven Republican candidates seeking his termed-out seat.

Six years ago, he did just that, dividing his time evenly between the western and eastern portions of the 63rd District – which spans Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, San Antonio Heights, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace and parts of Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley and Riverside.

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Hometown may be Assembly race key
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/08/2010 07:07:52 AM PDT

The seven Republicans coveting the open seat in the 63rd Assembly District aren’t keen on the spending policies in Sacramento or the legislation curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

But the June 8 primary that will help determine who will succeed a termed-out assemblyman might have less to do with campaign rhetoric and more to do with the candidates’ hometowns.

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Curt Hagman

Assemblyman Curt Hagman
Posted: 05/05/2010 06:03:06 PM PDT

One hundred years ago, the Boy Scouts of America was founded, inspiring generations of young men to become outstanding citizens and community leaders. Why did the Assembly Democrats adopt a resolution recognizing the Girl Scouts, yet at the same time reject the proposal to honor the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts?

It is disappointing that in today’s California political climate, equality for atheists, gays and lesbians is now brought into the arena of Scouting. The State Capitol’s political agenda has gotten in the way of recognizing a great institution. As an Eagle Scout, and co-author of the Boy Scout resolution, I am one of the millions of young men who proudly served as a Scout.

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Cook says legislation would fight corruption
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/02/2010 09:32:02 PM PDT

Assemblyman Paul Cook ramped up efforts Friday to inform the public, and clear up any misconceptions, about his bill that would allow San Bernardino County to impanel an additional grand jury to investigate local government.

In addition to allowing an additional grand jury, Cook’s AB 1906 would also allow the presiding judge to extend the term of the grand jury longer than a year, if necessary, to complete an investigation.

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Acquanetta Warren

By CHANTAL M. LOVELL, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/30/2010 12:04:30 AM PDT

REDLANDS – Acquanetta Warren is spending her Thursdays manning a booth at Market Night in Redlands.

Warren is a Republican running for the California Assembly in the 63rd District and wants to meet one-on-one with potential constituents.

Thursday was her third time hosting a booth at Market Night to greet voters, pass out information and yard signs, answer questions and let people know she is running for office.

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By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Sunday, May. 2, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

Cross the fingers of both hands, hold them out in front of you, close your eyes and think beautiful thoughts. Congratulations, you are now fully qualified to help fashion a new state budget.

Say what?

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Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/30/2010 07:13:54 PM PDT

A candidate in 59th Assembly District said that if elected he will introduce in California the elements of a Arizona law that allows police to question anyone they suspect is in the country illegally.

“People are hungry for leadership right now,” said Republican candidate Tim Donnelly. “Being a leader means taking risks. I believe this is the right thing to do. And I’ve been on the right side of this issue.”

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Paul Cook

10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 28, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – Boards of local government appointees, such as Riverside County’s transportation agency, someday could eject members facing criminal charges under a bill approved Wednesday by a state Assembly committee.

The measure is designed to ensure that regional agencies comprised of local government officials won’t be tainted by a member’s trouble with the law and lose out on federal money.

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Williams

R.C. councilwoman gives nod to mayor of Redlands
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 04/28/2010 08:37:38 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Councilwoman Diane Williams has thrown her support behind Redlands Mayor Pat Gilbreath in the 63rd Assembly District race, an unexpected endorsement that leaves Mayor Don Kurth without the backing of his colleague.

Williams announced her endorsement at a meet-and-greet event on Tuesday at Etiwanda Gardens.

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James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/28/2010 08:51:40 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Republicans running in the 63rd Assembly District race spoke about their widely diverse backgrounds and much less diverse political priorities and views Wednesday evening at a candidates’ forum.

Six of the seven Republicans running for the seat, which will be vacated later this year by termed-out Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Rancho Cucamonga, spoke about reining in state spending, lowering taxes, creating a more friendly business climate in California and reforming public education.

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By Jim Sanders
jsanders@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, Apr. 29, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A
Last Modified: Thursday, Apr. 29, 2010 – 8:49 am

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg accused Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday of leveraging legislative pay to pressure lawmakers in budget talks over a projected $18.6 billion deficit.

“I have no doubt that the administration’s imprint is all over that decision,” Steinberg said of a proposal being considered by the state’s independent salary-setting commission to cut legislative pay and benefits by up to 10 percent.

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The dispute over California public employee payouts is growing. Republicans blame Democrats, who see the problem but fear alienating labor.

By George Skelton Capitol Journal

April 29, 2010

No question: California public employee pensions are a big problem — especially for Democratic politicians.

Republicans pound them on the issue, claiming it’s emblematic of the majority party’s extravagant spending and subservience to patron labor unions.

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Don Kurth

By PE Politics
on April 26, 2010 10:14 AM

The California Medical Association has formed an independent expenditure committee to help Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth win the June primary election.

Kurth is one of seven Republican candidates for the Inland area’s 63rd Assembly District. And, yes, he is a doctor.

By Ed Mendel

As if their rising cost to state and local governments weren’t trouble enough, public pensions also face legislation cracking down on pension boosting, improperly influenced investments and real estate schemes that displace the poor.

A whiff of anti-corruption cleanser, or the verbal equivalent, wafted through the Capitol this month. Bills moved to curb the “spiking” of final pay to boost pensions and regulate “placement agents” paid big fees for helping money managers get pension funds.

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By Torey Van Oot
tvanoot@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Apr. 23, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

The partisan tension that torpedoed Sen. Abel Maldonado’s first shot at becoming lieutenant governor had largely subsided Thursday, as the Assembly voted 51-17 to approve the Santa Maria Republican’s nomination.

“I know that this place, this institution that I love so much, can work,” Maldonado said. “Today I think we demonstrated that we can come together.”

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By Susan Ferriss
sferriss@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Apr. 23, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 3A

BURBANK – A decision on how much to cut state legislators’ salaries and benefits and use of leased state vehicles was pushed to June by the California Citizens Compensation Commission on Thursday.

Most members of the commission seemed ready to use their regulatory power to impose another cut when they meet again, although some said a proposed 10 percent chop was too much.

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10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 21, 2010

By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO – An Assembly committee gave quick approval Wednesday to the latest legislative attempt to free up $30 million in tribal casino revenue for Inland communities and other parts of the state.

But it’s unclear whether the proposal to restore what supporters call the “lost year” of casino-mitigation funding will find support where it’s needed most: the Schwarzenegger administration.

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By Susan Ferriss
sferriss@sacbee.com
Published: Thursday, Apr. 22, 2010 – 12:00 am | Page 1A

The commission that regulates California legislators’ salaries will consider a proposal Thursday that could slash lawmakers’ pay by at least a quarter in less than a year.

The Governor’s Office, which appoints the commissioners, is suggesting the panel won’t necessarily vote immediately.

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Five Republicans debate

Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Created: 04/20/2010 08:39:31 PM PDT

CLAREMONT – Republican candidates for the 59th Assembly District generally offered similar views on lowering taxes, eliminating abortion and preventing illegal immigration Monday night at a forum held by the Mountain View Republican Club.

Attending were Claremont Councilman Corey Calaycay, businessman Ken Hunter, attorney Iver Bye, advertising executive Chris Lancaster and business owner Tim Donnelly.

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Curt Hagman

Associated Press
Created: 04/16/2010 10:14:46 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, authored a resolution this week honoring the 100-year anniversary of the Boy Scouts.

However, this being California, the political equivalent of a school-yard brawl broke out.

Democrats ultimately killed the resolution after criticizing the Boy Scouts for excluding homosexuals. Predictably, Republicans became indignant and accused Democrats of defaming a cherished American institution.

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By Lisa Vorderbrueggen
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 04/16/2010 03:55:46 PM PDT
Updated: 04/16/2010 05:09:14 PM PDT

A bitterly contested bill that would force California cities and counties to seek state permission to file for federal bankruptcy protection has resurfaced.

Assembly Bill 155 by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, is set for a hearing before the Senate Local Government Committee on Monday.

The bill stalled last year under fierce opposition from local governments. But it is much more likely to pass out of the committee this time around.

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Rebecca Kimitch, Staff Writer
Created: 04/14/2010 07:53:07 PM PDT

CLAREMONT – Four of the Republican candidates vying to replace Assemblyman Anthony Adams in the 59th Assembly District will make their case to voters at a forum Monday night.

Claremont Councilman Corey Calaycay, business owner Tim Donnelly, businessman Ken Hunter, and Los Angeles Newspaper Group advertising executive Chris Lancaster have all confirmed their attendance at the forum, which is being sponsored by the Mountain View Republican Club.

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PolitiCal
On politics in the Golden State

April 14, 2010 | 9:42 am

Last year, when the state was gripped by a budget crisis, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered hundreds of state cars to be sold to save money.

But that didn’t stop the Legislature from spending $529,000 to buy a new fleet of 2009 model cars for 16 lawmakers, according to documents released Tuesday.

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Democrat Gatto will face GOP’s Ramani in the 43rd Assembly District. GOP’s Emmerson will face Democrat Blake and Monica of the American Independent Party in the 37th Senate District.

By Jean Merl

April 14, 2010 | 12:35 a.m.

Two hard-fought Southern California special elections for vacant state legislative seats will be decided in a June 8 runoff, as no candidate in either race won a majority of the vote Tuesday.

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