State Senators yesterday failed to approve a much-needed revised water bond, as they inch ever closer to the ballot measure deadline.
Jeremy B. White reports in The Sacramento Bee: “Monday’s outcome cements the reality that the Legislature will not move a new ballot to the bond by June 26, the technical deadline for November ballot measures. Lawmakers have missed ballot deadlines in the past, however, and waived the law to put measures before voters anyway. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said he hoped to complete work on a new bond before the July recess but conceded the effort could extend through August.”
““It gets tougher the longer you go into the summer,” Steinberg told reporters.
As the field of potential new bond proposals has narrowed, Senate Bill 848 by Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis, has remained the vehicle of choice for Senate Democrats.”
Incoming Senate Leader Kevin De Leon draws a line in the sand concerning details of the governor’s proposals for the delta tunnels and high-speed rail projects.
George Skelton reports in The Los Angeles Times: “The tunnels would drain fresh Sacramento River water on the delta's north end and funnel it into aqueducts headed south into the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. The $26-billion project, which includes some delta restoration, would be paid for with higher water rates and taxpayer-funded borrowing.”
“"I'm not quite sure if investing tens of billions of dollars in two tunnels is going to be the panacea for our water woes, particularly in Southern California," De León says. "I haven't come to a real conclusion, but we've got to be conserving water more."”
Legislators approved a measure opening up California’s currency laws to alternative forms of payment such as bitcoin.
Sharon Bernstein reports for Reuters: ““This bill is intended to fine-tune current law to address Californians’ payment habits in the mobile and digital fields,” said the bill's author, Democratic Assemblyman Roger Dickinson in a press release.”
“He cited the popularity of Bitcoin, and said even gift cards and reward points from retailers could be considered illegal under the current law.”
“"In an era of evolving payment methods, from Amazon coins to Starbucks Stars, it is impractical to ignore the growing use of cash alternatives," Dickinson said.”
One California congressional election heads for a recount.
Leslie Parilla reports in Daily Bulletin: “An official recount in the 31st Congressional District primary race on behalf of Republican Lesli Gooch is scheduled to begin Wednesday, officials at the San Bernardino County Elections Office said Monday.”
“The recount was granted after Redlands Tea Party Patriots board member John Berry requested ballots be counted again in 186 of the 477 precincts that led to Gooch finishing 209 votes behind Democrat Pete Aguilar in the statewide Primary Election held June 3, according to the certified election count.”
President Obama maintains strong approval ratings with Californians according to a new Field Poll.
Christopher Cadelago reports in The Sacramento Bee: “Half of California voters support the president’s job performance, with 39 percent disapproving. The figures released Tuesday contrast sharply with the nationwide average that shows 42 percent approving and 54 percent expressing an unfavorable opinion.”
“Obama’s approval rating here has held steady since dropping 10 percentage points – to 52 percent – over a five-month period ending last July. The record-high of 65 percent was approached only by a “second honeymoon” following his re-election two years ago, said Mark DiCamillo, the poll’s director.”
Billionaire enviro Tom Steyer will meet with White House officials to discuss the economic consequences of climate change.
Jeff Mason reports for Reuters: “Steyer has pledged to spend up to $100 million to make sure climate change is a top issue in the November U.S. elections. His meeting with White House officials illustrates the extent to which the administration wants his support, and the increasing importance Steyer has placed on working with, not against, members of the Democratic Party.”
“The meeting is part of a White House push on climate change policy. Earlier this month, the Obama administration unveiled new rules limiting carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.”
Drones are becoming an unregulated, commonplace hobby for civilians.
Joseph Serna reports in The Los Angeles Times: “The FAA estimated in a report that there could be 7,500 civilian hobbyist drones in use within five years. Federal officials said they hope to craft clearer civilian drone rules by 2015, but some experts said that's too optimistic a timeline.”
“On Friday, the National Parks Service announced that it intended to ban low-flying drones on the 84 million acres of land it manages, citing concerns about visitor safety and the effect on wildlife.”