California's Department of Veteran Affairs' wasted nearly $28 million on a failed computer system aimed at keeping patients consistent and integrated with treatments.
Rachel Cohrs in Sac Bee reports: "California’s state auditor has labeled yet another California government technology project an expensive failure."
"The California Department of Veterans Affairs has spent nearly $28 million on a system that launched years later than planned, wastes staff time and has not been fully implemented, according to an audit released Thursday by state Auditor Elaine Howle."
"The audit marks the latest in a long string of California government technology failures. The auditor previously found data security weaknesses and unsatisfactory oversight on technology projects. Additionally, a payroll system update spiraled into chaos, licensing board software was delayed, and a tax and fee system stalled."
The CDCR sees a large funding increase with the new budget approval, making it the fourth largest budget in the state behind K-12 education, health and human services and higher education.
Kevin Walker reports in KPCC: "California's newly-passed $122 billion budget includes more than $10 billion for the state's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)."
"The department, which runs the state's 35 prisons, is also getting a funding bump over the prior year – an estimated $593 million. The 5.8 percent increase would bring the department's total budget to more than $10.7 billion. That will make it the fourth highest budget in the state after K-12 education, health and human services and higher education."
"Representatives from both the state's finance department and the CDCR were unable to confirm the final budget numbers. Scott Graves with the California Budget and Policy Center said state lawmakers must still approve bonds that supplement a small portion of the CDCR's budget. He said the state's general fund would likely supply the bulk – about $10.5 billion."
Speaking of budget, Sheriff Scott Jones and Supervisor Phil Serna duke it out over $250,000.
Sac Bee's Ellen Garrison reports: "Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones and Supervisor Phil Serna squared off this week during a budget hearing as Serna tried to divert $250,000 from Jones’ concealed weapons permit budget to fund a family services program."
"The clash of priorities came weeks into a feud between Serna and Jones over the sheriff’s support of Donald Trump in the presidential race, though Serna said the two issues had nothing to do with one another."
"Serna wanted to direct about $250,000 away from the sheriff’s budget to pay for Birth and Beyond Family Resource Centers, which provides home visitation and counseling for pregnant women and parents with children up to age 17. That amount is roughly what it costs the county to administer concealed weapons permits after fees from permit holders."
The Wall Street Journal speculates that L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti could be Hillary Clinton's VP pick despite disbelief from pundits.
Dakota Smith reporting with L.A. Daily News writes: "Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was cited as a possible vice presidential pick for Hillary Clinton in a news report Thursday, a seemingly public endorsement by the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee."
"But political experts are skeptical Garcetti will secure the slot."
"From a political perspective, it doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Sacramento-based Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio. “Clinton has a lot of close or closer relationships with other politicians."
Scandal in Bay Area's police departments can only be summarized with one word: epidemic. From illegal use-of-force, to sexual misconduct, to human trafficking--the ignominy continues to mount.
Michael Cabanatuan in The Chronicle reports: "Oakland’s troubled Police Department, already the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation, is now being scrutinized in an unrelated criminal misconduct case, city officials announced Thursday night."
"In a news release sent out during the Warriors’ NBA Finals game, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and City Administrator Sabrina Landreth announced that they have asked the Alameda County district attorney’s office to investigate the unspecified criminal misconduct."
"The release did not identify the Police Department employee under investigation but said the individual has been placed on administrative leave."
A Sacramento-area Baptist pastor has caught himself, and his church, some serious flak after praising Omar Mateen's cold-blooded mass murder at Club Pulse -- even wishing more people had been killed in the attack.
Dana Griffin in KCRA: "About 100 people protested Wednesday night outside of a Sacramento Baptist church after a pastor praised the Orlando mass shooting during his sermon."
"It was supposed to be a silent protest, but dozens of people shouted and sang as parishioners, with Bibles in hand, tried to make their way through the crowd."
"Yellow tape and Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies kept protesters back and didn’t allow them inside."
SEE ALSO: Sister-in-Law ready to take high road after Sacramento pastor's remarks -- Shirin Rajaee with CBS.
#WorstWeekinCA goes to former state Sen. Ron Calderon, after he pleaded out this week to mail fraud and accepting bribes. His brother Tom, also a former lawmaker, pleaded guilty last week to money laundering. Here's a tale on the misfortunes of a family that was once a political dynasty.
