What's one percent?

2009-03-31T18:47:41Z

When you go to purchase something on April 1, 2009 and see that the sales tax has gone up by one percent, don't expect to hear "April Fools!" come out of the cashier's mouth.

Beginning on the first day of April, as part of the state's budget, sales tax will increase by one percent throughout California.

Sacramento County will now have a sales tax of 8.75 percent; Placer County and El Dorado County 8.25 percent; with the city of Placerville at 8.5 percent. San Francisco will have a 9.5 percent sales tax; Stockton will be at 9 percent. Davis, West Sacramento and Woodland will be at 8.75 percent as well, despite Yolo County being at 8.25 percent due to voter approved increases.

According to the Board of Equalization's website, the sales tax increase will be in effect until July 1, 2011, or July 1, 2012, depending on the result of the vote in May for the Budget Stabilization constitutional amendment.

May 11, 2009 will see another increase in postage. The first class rate for stamps will increase two cents from $0.42 to $0.44.

For more information on sales tax increases, visit the Board of Equalization's website.

I'll trade you a Rail Road for the Electric Company

2008-11-21T01:21:01Z

Today was a sad day for my remote. But my blood pressure will remain stable when I cease to see overdraft charges after Comcast has taken close to a hundred dollars out of my account each month right before my rent check is about to go through.

I turned in my DVR box. I downgraded. My pride is still intact, even though I got rid of the Food Network, MTV, the Style Network and many other channels.

The transaction was smooth, however it was not congratulatory on the customer service representative's end the way it usually is when you are upgrading.

It's frustrating to see how Comcast has monopolized many of the Midtown neighborhoods and the Sacramento area at large. My apartment does not allow Dish, nor anything but Comcast. Hmm... Well, I guess I'll choose.... This is a tough decision.... So many options... Ok, Comcast it is.

At the end of the day, there is an empty space below my TV, but my monthly cable bill went from around $70 something to $13 something. In my TV game of monopoly, I gave up passing the dreaded Reading Rail Road every month and can hopefully save some electricity as well as some much needed cash. Now that's what I call passing "Go."

Anyone else have comments on Comcast or any cable subscription? Would you be able to part with your beloved channels? I'd like to see my situation as temporary... Any stories to share about upgrading, downgrading, being charged an arm and a leg?

Shortchanged

What's one percent?

I'll trade you a Rail Road for the Electric Company