Democrats in the Legislature are once again at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown, this time over the size of California’s budget.
Jim Miller reports for the Sacramento Bee: “Just how deep the intraparty rift runs, however, remains to be seen. With lawmakers now required to lose pay if a budget is not passed by June 15, lawmakers and administration officials have downplayed the prospect of any deal-breakers that would prevent an on-time spending package or prompt Brown’s veto.”
“Negotiations on a new budget take place with the state’s fiscal outlook the best it has been in years, thanks to an improving economy and voters’ approval of temporary tax hikes two years ago. Last month, Brown and legislative leaders announced an agreement on a rainy-day reserve constitutional amendment that passed overwhelmingly.”
“The governor and legislative leaders have met privately in recent days.”
As Brown positions himself for an easy victory in November, we ask: what would it have to take for the incumbent Democrat to lose?
Josh Richman reports for The Mercury News: “"I want to believe that the voters can choose whomever they want and nothing is ever a foregone conclusion," Boilard said, "but I really just don't see any realistic scenario in which a majority of the public would say, 'We don't like the job Jerry is doing.'"
“There's always the possibility of his untimely demise. Still, a candidate who's entitled to appear on the general election ballot remains on the ballot even after death, and if he or she gets the most votes, "he or she shall be considered elected to that office," state law says.”
“The seat, of course, would then be deemed vacant, and the lieutenant governor would take over.”
California transportation officials’ decision to hire an inexperienced Chinese manufacturing company is the source of Bay Bridge woes.
Charles Pillar reports for the Sacramento Bee: “Caltrans asked an outside expert to assess whether ZPMC could do the job, and Jim Merrill, a senior materials contractor for the bridge project, gave the company a “contingent pass.” He also labeled it “high risk.” Among other problems, ZPMC didn’t have enough qualified welders or inspectors, the audit noted, and routinely welded in the rain, a basic error that often causes defects.”
“Undeterred, Caltrans signed off.”
State lawmakers are testing their authority to repeal a controversial and unconstitutional ballot initiative targeting undocumented immigrants.
Roxanne Kopetmam reports for the Orange County Register: ““These guys are acting lawlessly,” Eastman said. “They’ll do it if they think they can get away with it and no one will challenge them.””
“California voters approved Prop. 187 – also known as the “Save our State” campaign – in November 1994 with almost 60 percent approval. A federal court ruled most of the provisions unconstitutional. And the measure was not enforced. But some of the language remains embedded in various codes, including education codes.”
Locals are set to start picking up the costs for abiding by the state’s open government laws.
Samantha Gallegos reports in Capitol Weekly: “By one estimate, the cost comes to about $48 million annually statewide. That figure includes staff pay to provide documents, paperwork costs such as copying and posting agendas, and legal costs to vet the information requests. In the context of a $100 billion state budget, the number may not appear large but strapped local governments, however, have a different view.”
President Obama is expected to sign into law a congressional water bill that would impact our drought-ridden state.
Cathy Taylor reports for the Orange County Register: “It is the first water bill in seven years, and has two impacts in Southern California – potential funding for San Clemente beach restoration and increased funding for harbor maintenance at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. In Northern California, the bill includes several significant projects aimed at enhanced water storage.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he’s absolutely confident of a pending LA Clippers deal, despite Donald Sterling.
Ben Bolch reports in the LA Times: “The agreement means the Sterling trust that controls the team would pay for any legal judgment or settlement that Donald Sterling obtained.”
“"In essence, Donald is suing himself and he knows that," Silver told reporters on Sunday before Game 2 of the NBA Finals at the AT&T Center. "While I understand he is frustrated, I think it's over."”
California Chrome lost his shot at the Triple Crown and also some say his intrepid persona, thanks to a loudmouth owner.
Bill Dwyre reports for the LA Times: “He had used words such as "cowards" and "cheaters" in his reference to horsemen who didn't run all three legs — the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont. The Belmont winner, Tonalist, ran in neither of the first two races.”
“Coburn's message is not without merit. His suggestion that only horses that run in the Kentucky Derby should be eligible for the next two legs of the Triple Crown has substance. And the very person in the gun sights of Coburn's rant, Tonalist owner Robert Evans, said after the race that he agreed with the concept that three major races in five weeks was too much.”
