Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "governor"

A letter to Jerry Brown

2011-10-26T00:51:27Z

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 and I need to pay my own way.

Please consider reinstating the funding for my work at Stepping Stones Growth Center.

I also found out from Natashia that supervisors and art teachers were cut too.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mr. Matthew James Fitzgerald

cc:
Senator Ellen M. Corbett
Mr. Vic Entrikin
San Leandro City Council

Thank you very much.

Sidebar

2011-01-31T20:07:52Z

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.

Jerry Brown E-Bike Proposal Wins Support From Governor's Inner Circle

2011-01-17T20:55:56Z

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 years, the thrill of watching you take the oath of office, with Anne by your side, was spectacular.

While I was waiting for the Inauguration Reception, I saw an extraordinary bicycle at Electric & Made in USA Bicycle and Tricycles near the Railroad Museum,. Tim Castleman, the owner of the shop, told me he wanted you to have the bicycle while you are Governor an would like to present it to you. It is a beautiful piece of equipment, and it is so unusual that I think you would be fascinated.

Enclosed is a brochure on the BionX bicycle and a card from Tim Castleman. He is a fine fellow. Give him a call because I think you will really enjoy this special "green" technologically advanced bicycle.

Sincereley,
Brian Oxman

Brian Oxman is a LA Defense Attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years. He is a professor of Law at Irvine University, and was a trusted adviser to Governor Jerry Brown during his last term in office . He was also counsel for Michael Jackson in one of the most widely publicized criminal trials in American history in 2005.

There has still been no official word, yes or no, from the Governor on our offer. We are very grateful for the support of Brian Oxman and many others, including Cody Stark from Good Day Sacramento, to help spread the word and move this proposal forward.

Disclosure: Cassidy Castleman is part owner of Practical Cycle

A man called Moonbeam.

2011-01-04T07:36:56Z

"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 probably 150 yards long, beginning at the party tent on the Northwest steps and winding itself nearly all the way to the West lawn.

11:55 AM- I found my way to the end of said line, and jumped in. The line was moving briskly, and populated with exceedingly upbeat folks from nearly all walks of life. I say nearly all because there was one group that was conspicuously absent: the (apparently) homeless. I saw nary a one. At a downtown event, offering free food to "everyone". I'm not sure how they pulled that off. (busing?)

12:00 PM- The seven-piece mariachi band that had been "entertaining" those of us in line moved under the big top to "entertain" those of us who already had their hot dogs and were eagerly awaiting the governors arrival. Nobody in line was visibly upset by this development. Can't speak for those already in the tent. More on the Mariachi's later.

12:15 PM- I arrived at the hot dog tent, which featured three windows. At the first, I was flummoxed by the rapid-fire greeting I received:
"DoritosFritosCheetosorPlain?" "Huh?" I replied, dumbly. "Doritosfritoscheetosorplain" my inquisitor responded, exasperated. I went with Cheetos because it was what the person in front of me had chosen, and I didn't want to find out what would happen to me if I'd made the young lady repeat herself a third time. Thankfully there was no choice to be made at the next two windows, where I received first a bottled water and then two (two!) hot dogs. As far as condiments went, it was pretty basic: mustard, catsup and relish. I took three of each (if it's free, I'll take three!) and found a spot near the podium to get my grub on.

12:18 PM- Hot dogs, inhaled. Pretty solid dogs, would have been a lot better with onions and kraut, but they had a nice char on em. They were a bit small. I could have eaten six without hesitation or remorse. "This Jerry Brown guy is alright" I thought to myself.

12:20 PM- I joined the rapidly growing crowd in the main tent. There were four or five rows of chairs in a semicircle facing a stage with a podium atop it. Behind the stage hung a banner reading "The People's Inauguration Party 2011" with "JERRY BROWN" underneath. The seats had long since been occupied and the crowd was about five people deep behind them. Middle back of the room was a small raised area for the television news cameras. Beyond the news cameras was a covered area with 10 or 12 tables at which people stood and ate their hot dogs. The Mariachi band was playing to the left of the stage.

12:30 PM- Perfunctory "We want Jerry" chant begins.

12:30 PM- Perfunctory "We want Jerry" chant ends.

12:35 PM- From my vantage point, I can see all of the following things: a blood red feather boa, a pair of leather bike chaps, a VFW hat, a bald mullet ponytail, a bright yellow yarmulke, an eye patch, and a big blond afro (to be fair, the last three all belonged to the same person). Politics (and free hot dogs) makes for strange bedfellows.

12:42 PM- A half-hearted rhythmic clapping of the the sort you might here at a rock show when the crowd is trying to extoll a band into returning for an encore begins.

12:42 PM- Halfhearted clapping ends. If it had been at a rock show, the lights would have come up. No encore for you.

12:44 PM- I briefly, but seriously, considered re-entering the hot dog line. You know whats better than two free hot dogs? Four free hot dogs.

12:46 PM- As the Mariachi begins it's 20th (120th?) song of the afternoon, a woman to the left of me says what we'd all been thinking: "Enough with the music, already". Here, here. Mariachi music is best appreciated in small (two or three song) doses. And while drunk. Really drunk. Try listening to 80 minutes straight of mariachi music while dead sober sometime. I dare you.

12:50 PM- "Alright, now I'm sorry I voted for him" offered June, who was there playing hooky from work. "If he doesn't come out soon I'm gonna leave. He's not gonna pay my parking ticket". She was joking about being sorry she voted for him. I think.

12:51 PM- K.J. arrives, makes his way through the crowd, poses for a couple pictures and then poof, like that, he's gone.

1:00 PM- Nothing happens. Mariachis still playing. Huzzah.

1:12 PM- Another "We want Jerry" chant begins and ends. A modicum better than the first.

1:14 PM- June can't take it anymore, takes off.

1:19 PM- The Gubernatorial hype man (Gubernatorial fluffier?) takes the mic, exhorts the crowd "Let's get it going for the Governor !!!" and looks to his right where the man himself is exiting the Capitol and heading our way. The crowd goes respectably bananas. Finally, they are going to get to greet their champion! The wait was worth it!

1:21 PM- A funny thing happened on the way to the podium. J.B. took a b-line across the lawn and entered the back portion of the tent, to glad-hand his way through the hot dog eaters. For a moment it looked as if he was simply going to go up to the podium the back way, through the crowd, but then he turned right instead of left. He approached the hot dog tent.

1:25 PM- He ate a hot dog

1:27 PM- He left the tent, the same way he'd come in, and re-entered the Capitol, never to be seen again. To the consternation of his adoring supporters, many of whom had been waiting two plus hours to see the man.

1:28 PM - One of Brown's flunkies (Ed. note- it was Lou Correa, D- Santa Ana. Authors note- potato, potahto) took the podium, and offered a lame analogy about how the Governor had "visited the cheap seats" and had ignored "those with the most access". Which would have been fine and valid had the people in front paid money or exerted their political influence to get their seats. But they hadn't, they had simply taken more time out of their busy day to get their earlier. It was more important to them. And this is the thanks they got. Not even a cursory walk through from their conquering hero. Thanks for nothing, Moonbeam.

1:29 PM- It was all over. A flunky (The same one? A different one? I don't know. Stuffed suits all look the same to me) announced that "this is the people's inauguration" and sheepishly thanked us all for coming. The crowd booed. I thought it was a joke until I saw the TV news folks breaking down their equipment.

It's an interesting first act as Governor, to dick over your supporters like that. I don't quite understand the thinking behind it. Regardless, he's made a powerful new enemy. I certainly didn't see that coming while I was eating my free* hot dogs.

*There's no such thing as a free hot dog.

Jerry Brown takes office on a "very emotional day"

2011-01-04T04:32:12Z

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 "very emotional day" and acknowledged former governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger and their wives. The two former governors sat next to each other in the front row of the auditorium, along with other dignitaries such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Dianne Feinstein and members of the Brown and Gust families. After introducing her husband, she stood between Jerry Brown and newly sworn-in California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, who administered the oath of office. With his left hand on his wife's grandfather's bible, and raising his right hand, Jerry Brown recited the oath. When he reached the part where he swears to take the obligation freely and without mental reservations, Brown turned to the audience and repeated, "Really, no mental reservations!" The audience responded with laughter and applause.

In his 16-minute inaugural address, Brown thanked Schwarzenegger for "keeping California the great exception that it is." He spoke about the difficulties facing Californians and recounted the challenges facing his great-grandfather who traveled from Germany to America and crossed the Great Plains and mountains to reach California. Brown also introduced his aunt, who will turn 99 this March. Commenting to those who may be "hankering after" his job, Brown said it may be a while, referring to his "good genes". Ironically, Brown returned to the wrong place in his speech, stammered and then quipped about his age. He adroitly moved on to stress his point, saying, "Every Californian is heir to some form of powerful tradition, some history of overcoming challenges much more daunting than the ones we face today."

Speaking on the budget challenges, Brown used general terms describing his proposed budget as "painful, but it will be honest." Saying, "This is the time to honestly assess our financial condition and make the tough choices," he promised there would be no smoke and mirrors on the budget. He also stressed that California's schools should be places of real learning and that students should have the "skills, zest and character to keep California up and running the best."

Jerry Brown closed his speech by quoting a line from the song, "California, here I come, right back where I started from." As Brown left the auditorium, the choir sang, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

Other gubernatorial inaugural events included an open hot dog picnic in Capitol Park and a private reception at the California State Railroad Museum.

Photos by Kati Garner and Ron Nabity

Schwarzenegger pushes for California plastic bag ban

2010-11-29T22:22:16Z

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 line. I’m going to make every effort possible in order to get this done,” Schwarzenegger said.

California uses 120,000 tons of plastic bags every year and only 5 percent get recycled, Schwarzenegger said.

“If we have a ban statewide, it would be the thing that we need to do in order to show to the rest of the country that we are also leaders in that particular area,” Schwarzenegger said.

This issue, along with the $6 billion budget deficit, will be on the agenda for the special session the governor called for next Monday.

“The governor, I have to applaud him because he wants to sign a bill like this and the special session obviously would be the session where he could get his signature on the bill but the conditions have to be right,” Brownley said.

Brownley, however, could not say if those conditions would be right by the time of the special session.

Green Cities California (GCC) and the Clean Seas Coalition (CSC) hosted the press event.

Governor Bobblehead Election this Friday at Raley Field

2010-08-16T19:27:56Z

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 discounted tickets at www.rivercats.com/republican, while Democrats can get theirs at www.rivercats.com/democrat.

Even in this dog-eat-dog world of politics you can still have fun with your favorite Cats at Raley Field.

Stuff I Like

2010-03-06T17:25:51Z

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 reading for those of you in a hurry. You can get in and get out, like a successful jewelry heist. Only instead of diamonds, you're fleeing the scene with knowledge, the knowledge of what I like. And you can't put a price tag on something like that. Or go to prison for it. So, without further ado, here is some stuff I like.

I like hotel bars, and I like places with history, and I like 2 dollar beers on draft. So imagine my glee when I stumbled in to the Clarion Hotel for happy hour, and got a hat trick. The Clarion Hotel, born "The Mansion Inn" in 1957, was once the only game in town. Before the Marriott, before the Hyatt, there was the Mansion Inn. So named due to its location right across the street from the former Governors Mansion, it has played host to presidents and visiting aristocracy, as well as some of the greatest stage actors from New York and LA . It may have lost a bit of its luster since its 1960's heyday (the carpet is downright garish, and the downstairs hallways where the bathroom is located, are eerily similar to the hallway in The Shining. . . you know the one with the twins? Redrum, Redrum), but it still has an old school style and grace that you won't find in the more modern super hotels. It's easy to imagine Don Draper smoking a cigarette and hitting on a statuesque redhead at the end of the bar, and I like that about the place. And my love for all things 60's chic aside, I like, nay, I love, their happy hour. 2 dollar draft beers (Shock Top, complete with an orange slice, and Coors Light), 2 dollar house wines, and 2.50 well drinks. You can't beat that with a stick. So, if you like good drinks at a good price, good service (thanks Dana!) and good single serving friends (the easiest strangers to meet are those who are traveling, 'cause everyone is a stranger to them), you'll like the Clarion Inn from 5 to 7pm, every day of the week. And if you don't like those things, well, I don't think we can be friends anymore.

Sacramento to be part of 2010 Amgen Tour of California

2009-10-23T05:17:30Z

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 p.m., the defending champion spoke at a press conference for the 2010 race at The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.

"It was a lot of fun being in the announcement today on Twitter, so I feel like I'm really a part of the race," Leipheimer said to a crowd of about 50, which included the mayors of Sacramento, Nevada City and Davis, and local legislators.

"Right from the fall of 2005, when we first announced the Tour of California was going to happen, I felt like this was something that I needed to be involved with, and I think that's been the secret to my success the last three years," he added. Leipheimer has won the last three Tours of California.

Mayor Kevin Johnson also expressed excitement that Sacramento be will be involved in the tour again. In addition to hosting the pre-race team presentation and gala on May 14, downtown Sacramento is where the first stage of the tour will conclude May 16, after a start in Nevada City.

"That allows us to have four or five days of activities and make it a really special weekend event," Johnson said. "We're going to have about 70,000 spectators that will participate over the weekend. This event brings in $8 million dollars, and that is very significant."

He also addressed last year's "hiccup": During the race, Lance Armstrong's time trial bike was stolen in Sacramento. The mayor joked that although the chief of police had promised tighter security, riders should bring their own locks, just in case.

Davis's Mayor Dr. Ruth Uy Asmundson and Nevada City's Mayor Reinette Senum said they were honored that their cities were part of the race as well.

A big change in the 2010 tour is that it will be held in May instead of February.

"We did it to showcase the state of California in a better way," said Andrew Messick, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group and tour director. "There's a lot of terrain you can't get to on a bicycle in the wintertime."

Moving the tour dates also means that it will overlap with the peak of the European cycling season. As a result, it is unclear whether Europe's top racers will choose the Tour of California over the Giro d'Italia (Tour of Italy).

"There are probably some Italians who will end up going to the Giro, but I don't think that we're going to see any impact because of the two races conflicting," Leipheimer said. "(The Tour of California) is better preparation for the Tour de France in July."

Leipheimer, Armstrong, and most of last year's Astana team will ride together, but have moved to the newly-formed Team Radioshack. A 2007 Tour de France doping scandal, near financial collapse and a talent overload (three of the top four 2009 Tour de France riders) sent many former Astana riders elsewhere for 2010.

What's happening at the Capitol: July 9

2009-07-07T22:52:10Z

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.

Governor Schwarzenegger's Continued Commitment To Fuel-Efficient And Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

2009-06-04T03:55:30Z

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

Shriver Gets Her Hands Dirty

2009-05-21T19:46:58Z

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 California goes beyond symbolism, we are truly creating a comprehensive environment for learning all around this garden,” said First Lady Maria Shriver in a written statement.

Also speaking at the event were California Secretary of Agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, chef and author Alice Waters, and TV chef celebrity Guy Fieri.

Increasingly, the movement of people working on food issues has linked the issues of hunger, global warming, and food safety. "Shriver's garden points California in the right direction---towards, healthy, organic and local food," said Claude Black, an activist with EAT Sacramento.

Like the Obama garden, the Shriver garden will be maintained organically, in accordance with the rest of the Capitol grounds. And food grown, will be distributed to the local food banks. Similar fruit harvest operations have already been taking place in Sacramento over the past few months, under the auspices of the Urban Fruit Sustainability Project.

Logo courtesy of the Office of First Lady Maria Shriver

George Jackson is an intern with Pesticide-Free Sacramento, a group that works to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the use of pesticides in the Sacramento region.

San Francisco Mayor Newsom woos young voters with free concert

2009-04-27T23:50:36Z

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 and ample room for dancing and rubbing elbows.

This year, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took the whole party thing to a new level by hosting an outdoor bloc party and concert. The backstage was built between The Depot and Lounge on 20. The main floor was blacked out all around and ran half a block just past the Sacramento News & Review.

By 5 p.m. word had spread throughout midtown that Wyclef Jean of The Fugees was in town and gearing up to play a show at the bloc party. What’s more – it was free. A free concert with Wyclef Jean at an outdoor bloc party in midtown? Yeah, the only caveat was that you had to either be a delegate, a member of the California Young Democrats (a.k.a. College Democrats) or be really good friends with one of the two groups. There’s the rub. Of course, Capitol staffers simply waved their ID cards to gain access.

One reporter from San Francisco wrote that Newsom’s team expected 3,000 attendees. But by 11:00 p.m., official reports estimated about 1,000 in force and I doubt even that. Maybe next time Newsom decides to throw a party in Sacramento, he might want to invite some of the locals who actually live and work here — and vote.

Here's a short video of the action on Saturday night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2XUiXV_ZPQ

Government 2.0 Panel features Schwarzenegger New Media Director

2009-04-18T15:58:49Z

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. There is no cost to participate, but we request that attendees register online at http://smcsac.eventbrite.com/. Space is limited, so please secure your attendance by submitting your RSVP today.

For those not able to join the discussion in person, the event will be streamed live online at http://www.ustream.tv/smc-sac. Online viewers will be able to pose questions to the panelists just like the on-site participants.

Scheduled Panel Participants Include:

Rob Quigley is a Sacramento website developer who specializes in creation & management of political, government, and non-profit websites. He currently serves as the New Media Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and has worked on several recent political campaigns as a consultant for Bill Simon and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rob is on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Bryan Merica founded ID Media; co-founded Fox and Hounds Daily, a blog covering business and politics in California; and will serve as a “founding professor” for the soon-to-be-launched National Institute of Politics, an online educational resource for communications and political consultants. Before starting ID Media, he worked as a senior strategist for enterprise software, management consulting and startup technology companies. You can follow him on Twitter or find him on Linkedin.

Marilyn Clark is the Manager of Online Communications and Services at the California Public Employees' Retirement System where she oversees web communications strategy and user experience design for all CalPERS web products and services. She is also a member of the Federal Web Managers Council's Social Media Subcouncil. The Social Media Subcouncil is a group of government web managers at the federal, state, and local levels bringing together social media best practices and other resources for the benefit of government agencies. You can follow her on Twitter or find her on LinkedIn.

Social Media Club brings together journalists, publishers, communications professionals, artists, amateur media creators, citizen journalists, teachers, students, tool makers, and other interested collaborators. The Sacramento chapter was founded in 2009 by local users of social media.

Students Speak Up

2009-03-17T01:54:01Z

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 screams.

As the swarm of people kept growing at the steps of the Capitol, it became very cramped and very loud. Thousands were eventually gathered, showing the true enthusiasm of the people in California’s higher education system. Many carried signs that said 'Stop Education Cuts', 'Schools not War', and 'Tax the Rich'. Some, though, were not as serious. I came across one that said 'Chuck Norris supports education' and one that had a person looking at a dog and saying 'cat' showing why we need education. The people had a serious agenda, but the mood remained light for most of the crowd.

The first speaker to the stage was SSCCC President Richael Young, who was very engaging to the crowd, especially the many from community colleges around the state.

Next up, was SSCCC Vice President Troy Carter, followed by quite a few other speakers from colleges around California. They were from different areas, but shared the same message: Keep colleges effective, open, and affordable.

One of the speakers who was full of charisma, who is also candidate for governor for the 2010 election, was Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, who criticized the state for trying to cut its most valuable asset: its students. There was an uproar of screams and applause during all of the speeches given at the Capitol.

Seeing the crowd from the steps of the Capitol stretching out to Tower Bridge gave a sense of awe. To see that there were that many people passionate about education gave me some hope. During this time where everything seems to be getting worse, hope was a very welcome feeling. You could see it on the faces of all of the people. People who traveled from all over the state just to be there for a few hours (some from as far away as San Diego) didn’t care about the long ride they had ahead of them. They knew what they were there for, and they were going to get it. The students of California colleges are the future of the state. Having affordable education for all is a basic American right and there should never be any governmental move that would stop people from getting it.

Hopefully, legislators will recognize this march and react accordingly. If they don’t, I have no doubt that even more students will come to the Capitol to show them who they’re hurting.

A 'March in March' for education

2009-03-12T06:02:34Z

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 want. By going to this march, they are [saying] very loudly ‘We want a strong community college system in California.’”

This will be one of many concerns voiced at this colossal march to the Capitol. Estimates for the upcoming school year show that the upcoming budget cuts will be at the expense of thousands of incoming freshmen at UCs and CSUs. This makes them turn to the community colleges, where they will also have difficulty. The March in March Web site www.iwillmarch.com says "the State must more realistically plan for and fund our Community College safety net, so education standards are not compromised."

The students will not be alone in this fight. Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, Assemblymember Sandré Swanson, and Assemblymember Warren Furutani are among the guests expected to speak at the Capitol.

Student Senate of California Community Colleges Vice President Troy Carter says that Sacramento students will be directly affected by this march because the people participating in it are "maintaining access to a quality higher education throughout this economic recession," which is essential during the recession.

SSCCC President Richael Young, who will be one of the speakers at the Capitol, suggests that it is in the best interest of the state to invest in students.

"We are asking our legislators to fund higher education," Young says. "They sometimes ask us, 'Where's the money to come from? What's your solution to this fiscal crisis?' Well, we are the solution. We are their best investment. For every dollar invested in education, three are returned in the form of increased tax revenues and economic activity. That's what the rally is about-- financially supporting the state's most valuable assets: its students."

Fear of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's possible budget cuts looms over students. Supposedly, the word from the Capitol is that by next semester, tuition costs for community college students may increase from $20 a unit to $40. Even if it doesn't go up that high, students won't want to pay any more than they already do.

Marchinmarch.com recalls a similar circumstance: "When fees were raised from $11 to $26 per unit, community colleges lost over 300,000 students."

A decrease in attendance at community colleges would be detrimental to Californians because they allow them the chance to pursue a degree that they could not afford elsewhere. If people weren’t earning as many degrees, they would have no chance to get jobs in this competitive economy.

The pursuit of accessible education is a necessary fight. The state needs to listen to the needs of its students because they are its future. March 16 will be the chance for their voices to be heard.

Full text of the Governor's State of the State speech

2009-01-15T18:29:46Z

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. You can go to live in Japan, but you cannot become Japanese. And he went through other countries.

"But," the man said, "anyone from any corner of the world can come to America and become an American."

And now, we know that any American child, no matter what corner of the world his father or mother comes from, can even become President of the United States.

What a wonderful national story for us. This nation rightfully feels the hope of change. Californians, of course, desire change here in their own state as well.

Yet they have doubts if that is possible.

For months, in the face of a crisis, we have been unable to reach agreement on the largest budget deficit in our history.

We are in our third special session and we've declared a fiscal emergency - and every day that goes by, makes the budget problem that much harder to solve.

As a result of all this, California, the eighth largest economy in the world, faces insolvency within weeks.

The legislature is currently in the midst of serious and good faith negotiations to resolve the crisis, negotiations that are being conducted in the knowledge we have no alternative but to find agreement.

The importance of the negotiation's success goes far beyond the economic and human impact.

People are asking if California is governable. They wonder about the need for a constitutional convention. They don't understand how we could have let political dysfunction paralyze our state for so long. In recent years, they have seen more gridlock in Sacramento than on our roads, if such a thing is possible.

I will not give the traditional State of the State address today, because the reality is that our state is incapacitated until we resolve the budget crisis.

The truth is that California is in a state of emergency.

Addressing this emergency is the first and greatest thing we must do for the people. The 42 billion dollar deficit is a rock upon our chest and we cannot breathe until we get it off. It doesn't make any sense to talk about education, infrastructure, water, health care reform and all these things when we have this huge budget deficit.

I will talk about my vision for all of these things... and more... as soon as we get the budget done.

So, no, I did not come today to deliver the normal list of accomplishments and proposals. I came to encourage this body to continue the hard work you are doing behind closed doors.

There is a context and a history to the negotiations that are underway. It is not that California is ungovernable. It's that for too long we have been split by ideology. Conan's sword could not have cleaved our political system in two as cleanly as our own political parties have done.

Over time, ours has become a system where rigid ideology has been rewarded and pragmatic compromise has been punished.

And where has this led? I think you would agree that in recent years California's legislature has been engaged in civil war.

Meanwhile, the needs of the people became secondary.

Our citizens do not believe that we in government are in touch with their needs. These needs are not unreasonable.

At the end of the day, most people do not require a great deal from their government. They expect the fundamentals.

They want to live in safety. They want a good education for their children. They want jobs. They want to breathe clean air. They want water when they turn on the faucet and electricity when they turn on the switch. And they want these things delivered efficiently and economically.

One of the reasonable expectations the public has of government is that it will produce a sound and balanced budget. That is what the legislative leaders are struggling to do right now.

There is no course left open to us but this: to work together, to sacrifice together, to think of the common good - not our individual good.

No one wants to take money from our gang-fighting programs or from Medi-Cal or from education. No one wants to pay more in taxes or fees.

But each of us has to give up something because our country is in an economic crisis and our state simply doesn't have the money.

In December, we even had to suspend funding that affects 2,000 infrastructure projects that were already underway.

So, now, the bulldozers are silent. The nail guns are still. The cement trucks are parked. This disruption has stopped work on levees, schools, roads, everything.

It has thrown thousands and thousands of people out of work at a time when our unemployment rate is rising.

How could we let something like that happen?

I know that everyone in this room wants to hear again the sound of construction; No one wants unemployment checks replacing paychecks.

So, I am encouraged that meaningful negotiations are underway. And, as difficult as the budget will be, good things can come out of it.

Because, in spite of the budget crisis, when we have worked together in the past, we have passed measures that moved this state - and even the nation - forward.

When a budget agreement is reached, when some of the raw emotions have passed, I will send to the legislature the package of legislative goals and proposals that a governor traditionally sends.

These proposals are sitting on my desk. Let me tell you, I have big plans. They include action on the economy, on water, environment, education, health care reform, government efficiency and reform, job creation.

But, our first order of business is to solve the budget crisis.

And I have an idea going forward.

As you know, in the last 20 years of budgeting, only four budgets have been on time.

So, if you don't mind, let me make a little suggestion.

We should make a commitment that legislators - and the governor, too - lose per diem expenses and our paychecks, for every day the budget goes past the constitutional deadline of June 15th.

You have to admit it is a brilliant idea.

I mean, if you call a taxi and the taxi doesn't come, you don't pay the driver. If the people's work is not getting done, the people's representatives should not get paid either. That is common sense in the real world.

And I will send you some other reforms, too.

Let me close by saying something about the fires of 2008.

At one point, I got a phone call that we had 875 wildfires burning all at the same time.

I said to myself, how do we deal with this?

The next morning I get a call, "Governor, there are now 2,014 fires burning all at the same time." The largest number on record.

Imagine, 2,000 fires, a huge challenge and every one of those fires was put out.

You know why? Because we have the best trained, the most selfless, the toughest firefighters in the nation.

Thirteen of whom lost their lives.

They gave their lives for this state. Think about that, they gave their lives for this state.

Ladies and gentlemen, the courageous examples of those firefighters should not be lost on us. In our own way, we, too, must show courage in serving the public.

Ladies and gentlemen, let this be a year of political courage. Let us be courageous for the people. Let us be courageous for the common good of California.

Let us resolve the budget crisis, so that we can get on with the people's work.

Thank you.

State of the People

2009-01-15T17:05:00Z

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 up, they were a passionate and peaceful crowd.

Evan LaVang, director of the Independent Living Resource Center of Northern California, warmed up the crowd and emceed. "Budget cuts have deeply wounded our families," said LaVang.

Roughly a hundred stood behind him, holding signs with slogans such as "We need jobs not layoffs," "School cuts won't fix the economy," and "Families are losing their homes."

The overall message of the nine featured speakers was that regular people -- teachers, health care providers, the elderly -- suffer disproportionately from the budget cuts.

One speaker, Herb Meyer, a disabled 73-year-old, is not only a veteran of a foreign war, but a veteran of the protest.

The Marin County resident said in his speech, "This is the fourth year in a row I've been here." A recipient of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Meyer relies on home workers to help him with his daily activities. "IHSS is one of the most cost effective programs in the state of California," said the disabled veteran from his wheelchair. But if the Governor’s proposal passes, IHSS will be eliminated.

Audience member Juan-Antonio Molina, a home care worker from San Francisco, was also visibly angry about the effects of the yearly budget cuts.

"Every year it is the same," Molina said. "Home care and health always get cut first, but everybody needs it; it's not a luxury. The elderly need and depend on the home care workers. Why not cut money from the rich people?"

When asked about what the protest meant to her, Berta Perez, another home care worker, said, "It means that we have hope. It's not right what he's cutting, especially for the elderly because they need to live with dignity. The governor should sit down and realize that the elderly and disabled people need the most financial help."

The Governor’s budget proposes that grants for elderly and disabled individuals to receive money from Social Security Income and the State Supplement Program will be reduced to the 1983 standard level.

Speakers led the crowd in chants such as, "Enough is enough!", "No more cuts!", and "Walk one day in our shoes!"

Most speakers targeted Governor Schwarzenegger as the person to blame. California families wanted to make it clear that the "State of the People" is grim, and to see Schwarzenegger's plan is faulty.

Was anyone there? If so, what was your impression of the protest? How has the state's budget cuts affected you? How can we solve the state budget problem?