Governor Jerry Brown c/o State Capital, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814 Mr. Matthew James Fitzgerald Alameda, CA 94501 August 26, 2011 Dear Governor Brown, My name is Mr. Matthew James Fitzgerald. I had a job on the janitorial crew at Stepping Stones Center. The executive director at Stepping Stones is Mr. Jerry Joseph and the deputy director is Mr. Vic Entrikin. I found out from deputy director Entrikin that this janitorial work program was cut because of the budget crisis in California. I have Downs Syndrome, and it is very hard to compete for jobs. The work I did at Stepping Stones was a good opportunity to earn money and contribute to my family or even friends. I need to work an

With his security detail watching the surroundings, Mayor Kevin Johnson answers a question about an earlier incident that involved a reported threat to his safety. To accommodate the media, the Mayor took a momentary break in a day-long series of meetings with the mayors of eight other California cities and several State officials, including Governor Jerry Brown. The "Big 10 Mayors" were in Sacramento in an attempt to keep redevelopment funds from being completely absorbed back into the State budget.

During the Inauguration Reception across the street from us at the California Railroad Museum, we had many Jerry Brown insiders come check out Practical Cycle. We seized the opportunity to gain support for our proposal to present the Governor with a limited edition Styriette electric bicycle. Attorney Brian Oxman, counsel and longtime friend to Jerry Brown, was so intrigued and impressed with the idea that he took the time to send a letter to the Governor in support of our proposal. He was even so thoughtful as to send us a copy which can be seen in the images above. In the letter, he writes: Dear Jerry, It was so great to see you at the Inauguration and Reunion Party. After so many yea

"Noon-2 p.m.: A "people's party" with free hot dogs will be held at the Capitol Northwest lawn; (Jerry) Brown will speak." Steven Harmon, San Jose Mercury News, 1/3/11  As a political science major, a former intern at one of Washington D.C.'s most influential think tanks, and an all around amateur politico, I was very tempted to go to "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" to see Jerry Brown speak.  I'm tempted to do lots of things.  As a broke fat kid, I actually went to "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" to eat free hot dogs.  I kept a running diary of my experiences thereat:  11:50 AM- I arrived at the Capitol and immediately located the line for the free hot dogs. It was prob

Jerry Brown was sworn in Monday morning as California's 39th governor, saying he has the opportunity to follow in his father's footsteps again. He also joked he was following in his own footsteps, referring to his return to the governor's office after 28 years. Brown served two terms between 1975 and 1983. Memorial Auditorium hosted the ceremony, which featured a cappella performances by the Oakland School of the Arts Choir. The choir opened the ceremony with a rendition of "This Land is Your Land" and sang the National Anthem as the Oakland Military Institute and California Cadet Corps Honor Guard presented the colors. Brown's wife, Anne Gust Brown, spoke first, describing the day as a

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in Sacramento Monday urging Legislature to pass a ban on plastic grocery bags. The news conference was held on the west steps of the state capitol. Several local governments, like Los Angeles County, have already passed bans on single-use bags. “What the locals are doing is a terrific effort but my preference is to do a statewide ban of plastic bags. That is the bottom line,” Schwarzenegger said. AB 1998, the bill that would have restricted the use of plastic bags in California was rejected by the Senate. Schwarzenegger and author of the bill Assemblywoman Julia Brownley said they will continue efforts to pass this bill. “I will run through the finish lin

The race for Governor won’t be decided until November, but River Cats fans will have a chance to cast their votes early at the Bobblehead Election this Friday. Bobbleheads of Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans. The bobblehead that is given away first will be declared the winner of the River Cats Bobblehead Election. Fans will also get the opportunity to watch democrats and republicans battle it out in a friendly, but competitive, precinct relay race and in other on-field promotions during the game. Sit on the left side if you are a democrat or the right if you are a republican to cheer on your team. Republicans can order their disco

In the two and a half weeks that I've been a Sacramentan, I've discovered many things that I like.  Some of these things I have included in my series of "Discovering Sacramento" articles.  I really like taco trucks. I like sports bars in general, and Sneakers in particular.  I like the Garden Highway, and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to like the Virgin Sturgeon.  But there are a lot more things that I like, which haven't made it into my articles.  With this fact in mind, I have decided to begin a new storyline.  I'm calling it "Stuff I Like".  I'm going to try and keep these posts brief and to the point.  This is what I like, heres why, badda bing, badda boom. Short attention span readin

At about 9 a.m. Thursday, three-time Amgen Tour of California winner Levi Leipheimer announced via a "tweet" that he was going to defend his title in 2010. It was part of a high-profile Twitter conversation started by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that went something like this: "@schwarzenegger: Great news for American cycling fans and CA. The 2010 Amgen Tour of California will be better than ever. @lancearmstrong will you join us? @lancearmstrong: Absolutely! @schwarzenegger, I've decided to ride the #Amgen Tour of California in 2010. Can't wait. What about you @levileipheimer? @levileipheimer: I'll definitely be racing the 2010 Amgen Tour of California, defending my title." Then at 4:30

Thursday, July 9 11:45 a.m.- 4 p.m. California Association for Micro-enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) will be holding a legislative day near the north steps of the Capitol. It will include lunch with legislators under a tent and a presentation by Senator Leland Yee. About 40 people are expected. 5:30- 9 p.m. A gathering in support for Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be held on the west steps of the Capitol. About 100 participants are expected including Lisa Ling and her family, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg and Mayor Kevin Johnson.  

No one availble for story research. See info at Governors site.

Sacramento, CA - Earlier today, Maria Shriver unveiled a community garden at the heart of the Capitol grounds, following a national trend to grow food local and sustainably. The garden will be made up of fruits, vegetables and herbs, and change with the seasons. According to advocates, it is intended to be a teaching tool for children regarding nutrition, agriculture and healthy living. “Over the years, I have seen how gardens have positively transformed students, schools and communities in California. Gardens are a wonderful resource, and I truly believe in the life lessons they teach and the lives they touch -- and that every school and community should have one. What we’re doing in Cal

Let’s not mince words: political conventions are boring and a party convention is an oxymoron plain and simple. If you’ve been to one then you know. Sure, the Democrats throw better parties than the Republicans. Hell, the new chairman of the Democratic Party, John Burton, is an admitted cocaine addict and known womanizer. But I digress. For anybody who's been to a party convention, whether as a delegate, officer or volunteer, it's a fact that the highlight of a convention weekend is the dozen or so "hospitality suites" wherein various caucuses host parties inside the hotel. Usually the best party is hosted by the California Young Democrats who rent out a large hall and host a DJ, full bar

The Sacramento Chapter of the Social Media Club is hosting a Government 2.0 panel discussion.   The panel will answer questions on how local government leaders and community activists are effectively incorporating Web 2.0 and social media technologies into their organizations. We'll consider the benefits of developing a social media strategy and share ideas and solutions to help participants deal with the unique challenges and potential obstacles that arise when trying to integrate these new technologies within government agencies. The free event, sponsored by Morgan/Dorado Public Relations, LLC, is Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at 2804 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA.  The

Look out, Governor Schwarzenegger! Thousands of angry students are yelling at your front door.   Today at the Capitol, college students from all over California gathered to speak up about their frustrations in this year’s ‘March in March’.   At 10:00 am, a crowd of thousands from all over the state started marching from Raley Field towards the Capitol. The passion of the students could be felt in the air during the walk.   “What do we want? EDUCATION! When do we want it? NOW!” “You say cut that, we say fight back!”   These were just a couple of the many chants that could be heard throughout the crowd. Anybody with functioning ears within a ten-block radius could probably hear the screa

A march for education will begin at Raley Field March 16 and end at the Capitol, where a crowd of thousands of students, teachers, administrators is expected to recognize the importance of affordable education for all.   Students and teachers are hopeful their voices will be heard. Instructors throughout the Los Rios Community College District are encouraging their students to get out there on Monday at 10 a.m. for the beginning of the march.   “Community colleges are the backbone, especially in a bad economy, for students,” says Sacramento City College political science professor Paul Frank. “If community college students stop being political, they’re going to lose whatever they have or

Lt. Governor Garamendi, Chief Justice George, President pro Tem Steinberg, Speaker Bass, Senate Republican Leader Cogdill, Assembly Republican Leader Villines, Members of the legislature, ladies and gentlemen, we meet in times of great hope for our nation. Although we hear the drumbeat of news about bailouts, bankruptcies and Ponzi schemes, the nation with great anticipation is also awaiting the inauguration of a new president. Our nation should be proud of what President-elect Obama's election says to the world about American openness and renewal. President Reagan used to tell about the letter he got from a man who said that you can go to live in Turkey, but you can't become a Turk. Yo

 Wednesday, on the eve of Governor Schwarzenegger's annual state address, droves of people gathered at the State Capitol to protest the recent budget cuts. Various state, union and trade organization members, as well as local students and state workers, attended the rally entitled "State of the People." The recent cuts -- totaling $10 billion in 2008-09 -- have left many throwing blame at each other for the state's financial problems. In the meantime, many California families' financial problems multiply in the midst of our nation's economic crisis. This protest is held annually, with a similar larger one scheduled during the Governor's address. Though upwards of a thousand people showed