Tougher environmental rules will apply to O.C. toll way/ Hagob Boyadjian

President Bush signed an amended military bill last week which negated an exemption sought by Orange County toll road planners in an attempt to avoid state environmental laws. The estimated $875-million project would build a toll way, which would complete Orange County’s network of turnpikes and would cut across San Onofre State Beach, which is a popular camping and surfing spot. Toll road officials claim that the project would be extremely effective in relieving traffic. Opponents, however, argue that it would affect campgrounds, wild lands, Native American burial sites and famous surf spots. Orange County toll road planners had obtained a federal exemption which had enabled federal law to have jurisdiction over lawsuits involving the agency and the Foothill South as opposed to state law which is much more inflexible. Members from the board that governs the Foothill-Eastern toll way explained that they sought the exemption not because they sought after special legislation but because they needed to determine which authority, state or federal, it was to follow for the proposed route.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tollroad30jan30,1,5217670.story

Marijuana from a Vending Machine/ Erica Quevedo

In 1996 California voters passed proposition 215 with over 56% approval rates; it was the first statewide voter initiative in the US supporting the approval of medical marijuana for seriously ill patients. Despite its contradiction to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which continues to regard marijuana as an illegal substance, Los Angeles has pioneered a new way for soliciting this drug.

Los Angeles inventor and owner Vincent Mehdizadeh has created a line of 24-hour medical marijuana vending machines. Mr. Mehdizadeh contends that these machines which he has patented as PVM (prescription vending machines) provides, “convenient access, lower prices, safety, and anonymity." These PVMs are computerized and require finger print identification scanning as well as prepaid magnetic striped cards; once the the fingerprints and prepaid card are verified a green envelope is dropped with the marijuana inside.

Store owners of these PVMs have said that they provide greater accessibility and convenience of these prescription drugs to patients who are serioulsy ill, as well as reduces the risk for raid or theft for workers in the dispensaries. While the DEA has argued that there is a possibility of “unplugging” this new invention as it violates federal laws, this new innovation continues to demonstrate the struggle for power between state and federal jurisdiction, with once again California at the forefront.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-potmachine30jan30,0,5042929.story

"Big Brother" Changes Your Thermostat?/ Pete Peterson

In a plan leaked and destroyed before it could even go before a Legislative committee, the California Energy Commission recommended changing new building construction codes to mandate the usage of "smart" thermostats. These pieces of hardware are "smart" because they can be controlled remotely...like by the utilities.

The plan was to give utilities the power to regulate energy usage during peak and/or emergency situations. The Energy Commission calls this eerie idea one of their "demand-response strategies."

Upon learning of the proposal, legislators from both sides of the aisle rejected the idea as something bordering on a "nanny government" intrusion.

Link: http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_7992487

Santa Monica seeks to help the most vulnerable/ Karla Saia

A Santa Monica coalition comprised of nonprofit social service agencies and officials from Veterans Affairs and the County Department of Mental Health are engaged in an innovative effort to alleviate the city’s chronic homelessness.

Following a similar model pioneered by Common Ground – a New York City nonprofit that succeeded in reducing homelessness in Times Square – the endeavor aims to reach out to the homeless, rather than waiting for them to seek temporary shelter or emergency medical care.

In Los Angeles, community volunteers have previously collaborated with Common Ground to help the most vulnerable of the homeless on Skid Row. The task force created a “vulnerability score,” taking into account length of homelessness and physical and mental health.

Upon completion of the Skid Row study, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $5.6 million to house and provide medical services for those identified as the 50 most vulnerable. Volunteers expect the Santa Monica initiative, slated for completion this week, will yield similar tangible and actionable results.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-homeless29jan29,1,7909262.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

The Irony...Health Care Reform Dies in SAC/ Pete Peterson

Faced with a recent LAO report indicating possible massive revenue shortfalls and state Senators who wanted to put their own stamp on the legislation, California's famed health care reform bill never made it out of the Senate Health Committee. The bill, which was created in the Assembly through an agreement struck by Governor Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez didn't even see a floor vote in the Senate.

Many followers of this year-long effort believe the demise of the bill was a result of numbers and personalities. Numbers, which were revealed just recently by the LAO showing possible billion dollar deficits in the program by its 5th year. And personalities in the well-known friction between Speaker Nunez and Senate President Don Perata. Several senators on the Health Committee didn't like the fact that the bill was presented to them for an up or down vote with no chance to amend provided. Apparently, the "Year of Health Care Reform" has come to an end.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/669021.html

Rent Control Goes on Ballot/ Claudia Paredes

More than 100 owners and operators of apartment buildings and mobile home parks spent nearly $2 million to put an initiative on the June 3 ballot to phase out California's rent control laws. About 1.2 million people statewide are covered by such laws. Generally, the laws allow landlords to raise rents by a limited amount -- in many jurisdictions by the amount of the consumer price index. Whenever a unit is vacated, the landlord can reset the rent at market level. But while the unit is occupied, rent increases are subject to controls. Los Angeles, which has 626,600 rent-controlled residential units, could be affected more than any other city if the measure passes.

Proponents tout the measure as one that would limit government's use of eminent domain, preventing the taking of private property for private development. Although that is the first provision of the measure, it goes on to phase out rent control. Opponents have dubbed the measure the "Hidden Agenda Scheme," in part because rent control is not mentioned in the ballot title. The measure says rent control laws enacted before Jan. 1, 2007, would remain in effect for tenants who were living in the controlled units as their principal residence. When the tenant leaves, rent control would be removed from that unit.

Tenant-rights advocates say that if rent control is phased out, many poor and elderly people will have no place to live. On the other side, there is a need to focus on the property owners because many of them have difficulty breaking even or making profit on their housing units under the current rent control laws.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rent28jan28,1,6597221.story?page=1&cset=true&ctrack=1

Housing Defaults Continue in SoCal/ Ayawo Awanyo

The financial crisis has adversely affected the house market in California. More than 31,676 Californians lost their houses in the three months ended December 31, 2007 because the depreciation led a certain number of homeowners to owe more than the market value of their properties. However, a 41 percent of 81,550 homeowners who received default notices could conserve their properties through a refinancing system or reimburse their loans by selling their houses. Riverside County is the most affected with default notices that increased by 119% compared to its level a year ago. Los Angeles County homeowners’ response to the financial crisis is better because it recorded 89 % increase in default notices.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-foreclosures23jan23,0,5559243.story?coll=la-home-center

Healthcare Reform a Sham?/ Greg Gaudino

Governor Schwarzenegger and state legislative leaders have produced a bill that will supposedly provide healthcare for all Californians. The bill is currently awaiting approval by the State Senate and funding from the California voters via a ballot initiative. The article goes on to say that state leaders are claiming that it is either now or never when it comes to making healthcare reform happen.

The main points of the article point out that the bill is being marketed to “communities of color” without actually telling them how the bill would actually affect them. The article goes on to explain that these “communities of color” aren’t being told the key facts is because the bill may not even include them. For one, you must be a full time worker among other things to be covered. With this bill come a lot of loose ends, so we must be careful in approving the funding for such a large project.

Link: http:news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=08ec85891c3eb72ba4b76cb7b43dbe07

CSU Moves Up Admissions Deadline...HS Students Scramble/April Johnson

A memorandum, written by CSUS officials, will be sent out to high schools informing incoming freshmen that admissions for all 23 campuses will close February 1st. This decision moves up the admission deadline a full six months. This unexpected move comes as part of the governor’s proposal to reduce state support for a university system that already has problems with overcrowding.

Currently the CSUS system serves 445,000 students and expected to increase the student load by an additional 10,000 for the 2008-09 school year. The strain has already been felt this year, however, as CSU schools are already underfunded by 14,000 students.

What will this mean for incoming students? A prioritizing system will have to be implemented and the schools may have to accept only those transfer students who have completed all prerequisite classes…


Link: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/637679.html

CSU vs. Community Colleges - Battle Over Budget Funds/ Julia Gonzales

In an effort to stave off the harmful affects of the impending proposed state budget cuts totaling $1.1 billion dollars in higher education, the California State University system has announced this week that it has moved up its admission deadline from August 10th, to February 1, to reduce its enrollment by 10,000.

Consequently, it is expected that students will attend the state’s 109 Community Colleges (CC). The CC must now brace itself for the potentially harmful affects that the spike will have on the overall quality of education, as it will admit all who apply, whilst impending budget cuts will not allow them to provide additional courses to teach new students. In sum, those most affected by the likely budget shortfall, will unfortunately be the state’s 10,000 H.S. graduates.

Link: : http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/641089.html

Governor Schwarzenegger to Endorse Term-Limit Changes/ Haley Ayraud

Governor Schwarzenegger is now endorsing a February 5th ballot measure, also known as Proposition 93. Schwarzenegger, has been an avid supporter of California's existing term-limits law, reversed himself saying the original law "went too far." The Governor believes that under the current law “elected officials are not given the time they need to reach their full potential as public servant.”

Proposition 93 would reduce the total number of years a legislator can serve from 14 to 12. It also would allow lawmakers to serve all of their time in either the Assembly or the state Senate.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-limits15jan15,1,6112341.story?coll=la-news-politics-california

Clinton the Strong Leader in CA, McCain in GOP Lead/Megan McClendon

The recent L.A. Times/CNN/Politico poll shows Clinton ahead of Obama among CA voters 47% to 31%. Edwards is polling far behind at only 10%. Forty percent of those California voters polled, however, said there was still a chance their vote could change. The primary will be held Feb. 5 and if lessons can be learned from New Hampshire, three weeks out may be too soon to tell. Voters in CA seem to be focusing on Clinton’s promise of change, her experience, and her likely ability to beat out any nominated Republican candidate.

For the Republicans, McCain is polling with a slight lead, but with McCain, Romney, Giuliani, and Huckabee all polling within a few points of each other, it could be anyone’s game. Ron Paul and Fred Thompson followed a few points lower in single digits.


Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-poll15jan15,1,4368987.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

L.A. County Approves Housing for Homeless/ Jackie Cubas

Last Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved additional steps for Project 50, a three-year, $5.6 million pilot program designed to provide housing and services to 50 homeless individuals. The approval will now require organizers of the program to report back to the supervisors at least every 90 days, and county staffers to review the project’s budget. Furthermore, it establishes an executive steering committee of county officials to oversee the program, a public health nurse to direct it, and teams of county social service workers to help people obtain housing, as well as medical and other services.

The 50 individuals who will be receiving housing and other services were identified recently with the help of volunteers who conducted early morning interviews with several hundred homeless people downtown. Starting next week, a county social service team of seven will return to downtown and search for the 50 people previously identified and encourage them to move to county-funding apartments, as well as receive regular medical and mental-health care.

It is estimated that more than 73,000 homeless people live in Los Angeles County. Supporters of Project 50 claim that the program could save taxpayers millions of dollars currently spent on homeless people who wind up in shelters, jails, or emergency rooms.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/los_angeles_metro/la-me-skidrow9jan09,1,3614100.story?coll=la-commun-los_angeles_metro&ctrack=5&cset=true

Wavering over Emissions Waiver/ Aimee Dewing

In response to the EPA’s denial of California’s application for a waiver that would allow the state to set its own emission standards, angered critics spoke out against the current administration, yesterday. The waiver, if approved, would have enabled California to adopt its own strict curbs on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

California, home to six of the ten most polluted cities in the entire country, already has the most severe air quality problems in the nation. Yet, the EPA stated that because global warming is a worldwide problem, only national measures such as the energy bill signed by President Bush last month, could adequately address it.

Under the typically smoggy skies of Los Angeles, Sen. Barbara Boxer stated at a briefing with state officials at city hall that she would consider taking actions to reveal White House interference in the EPA’s decision to deny the waiver. California Attorney General Jerry Brown has already begun a law suit against the EPA in an effort to overturn their decision.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-epa11jan11,1,5236978.story

Toll Lanes on L.A. County Freeways May Be Coming Soon / Laura Elena Ortuno

L.A. County transportation officials stated this past Tuesday that the implementation by spring 2009 of rush-hour toll lanes will depend on the approval of a huge federal grant. A total of $648 million will be needed to put this project into action.

Although MTA and Caltrans officials stated that this project has always been controversial, it seems to be an appropriate alternative for a city characterized by having the worst traffic congestion in the U.S.

The plan will consist of converting approximately 85 miles of the 110, the 210 and the 10 freeways into toll lanes. Eventually, a second phase would further expand the carpool lanes on these freeways.

Although the plan seems to be a good option to the recurrent problem in L.A., it will all depend on the grant. Good ideas need funding, or else that is all they are, just “good ideas.”

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-congestion9jan09,1,5309757.story?track=rss

Governor Calls for Constitutional Amendment in midst of Budget Woes/ Sarah Montes

California is facing an estimated $14-billion budget deficit. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a constitutional amendment that would impose a spending cap to keep the state from spending more than it collects. The governor will have to cut certain services to the poor, AIDS patients, and the elderly. The new budget will also increase insurance fees for millions of property owners.

The governor has made changes from previous proposals to give lawmakers more power to decide which programs would not be funded. It is estimated that the governor’s plan faces many challenges from Democrats. Republicans are in favor of this proposal.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-state9jan09,1,1073847.story?coll=la-headlines-california

In SF, Gov't Working with Businesses for a Safer City/ Joanne Golden

Tenderloin, San Francisco’s high-crime neighborhood, has been encouraging businesses to join their Safe Haven program to protect its citizens. The plan utilizes public space to promote safety. If there is conflict outside, citizens can enter any Safe Haven approved area for protection. These businesses or organizations are trained to decelerate conflicts without relying entirely on police—even though they arrive within minutes. These sites are indicated by a sign in the window or door of the 23 participating locations. The city is hoping that by the end of the year, 45 businesses and organizations will join the program.

Link: http://www.examiner.com/a-1143071~Safe_Haven_program_encourages_businesses_to_keep_locals_secure.html

Division of Juv. Justice Closes 2 Youth Corrections Facilities/ Lisa Sweet

The California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), which was formerly known as the California Youth Authority (CYA), announced the closure of two of its prisons the Dewitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton and the El Paso de Robles Youth Correctional Facility in Paso Robles. This was the result of a 2004 Alameda County Superior Court ordered overhaul of its corrections system. The decision was for the most part positively received but there were those, such as the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, that thought the closures would only result in needless transfers and some job loss.

Link: http://www.sacbee.com/114/index-p2.html