Spin cycle

Jan 6, 2005

Now that the speech is over, partisans are in full spin mode to tell their version of what it all means. Subscribers can check out the Capitol Morning Report for the best breakdown of who said what about the State of the State.

Whether the speech was a "bold disappointment" or outlined a "bold vision" is apparently in the eye of the beholder.

The governor's speech was short on specifics, though he did send out a list of all of the boards and commissions on his hit list, including the California Medical Board and the Integrated Waste Management Board.

For the wonks in our midst, many of the governor's cabinet secretaries will be out today to discuss the little details about all the governor's big ideas.

The Governor appeared to support Perata's call for a somewhat ugly Bay Bridge, claiming that Californians can not transport themselves using "little fairy wings." Tinkerbell could not be reached for comment.

Among the most significant components of the speech was the revelation that the governor will tackle government reform one department at a time. First on the list -- the Correctional Agency. That should be the full employment act for Gloria Romero for the first part of this year.

And the governor's Pete Wilson roots began to poke through the surface last night, with pointed shots aimed at labor unions, and major reform packages seemingly targeted at teachers' unions and state workers. On that score, as expected, Keith Richman and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association submitted language to the Attorney General for an initiative to change CalPERS to a 401k-style plan by 2007.

The Emmy for Best Performance in a Drama goes to the education community. LAT's Halper quotes CSBA Chief Scott Plotkin "We are left absolutely speechless by his proposal to suspend and amend Prop. 98 and resolve the state's fiscal troubles at the direct expense of 6 million public schoolchildren" and ACSA lobbyist Brett McFadden "This is war . . . We are going to be out in the streets, in the schools, at the PTAs. We had a deal. We shook hands and put it in writing."

In a deal with the Governor, the Education Coalition supported resolving the state's fiscal troubles at the "direct expense of . . . schoolchildren" in the 2004-05 budget.

Gentlemen, start your checkbooks! The governor called for a summertime election that he wants to include an as-yet-unspecified redistricting proposal. Bruce Cain cautions observers from overestimating the guv's popularity, saying "Arnold has yet to prove he can get people to vote for something they're not already in favor of."

Weintraub's assessment: "His chances of getting all of what he is demanding from the Legislature are nil ... But most of what he is asking for -with the notable exception of his budget plans -makes a lot of sense and would probably win favor with the voters."

Now that the speech is out of the way, we turn toward the budget. But before the Governor's big unveiling on Monday, Senate members and staff are eagerly awaiting their committee assignments. Sources say Perata has promised those committee assignments by the end of the week. In the Assembly, Speaker Nuņez has reportedly told members they can serve on no more than four committees.

In Other News

Dept. of Finance budget-writers may be penciling in more federal bucks in the state budget after the appointment of congressman Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The "federal funds" revenue may help the guv move toward balancing that Jan 10 budget.

In a blow for long distance relationships everywhere, San Francisco's first couple announces they're calling it quits.

Speaking of divorces, media groups have filed suit seeking access to records in Ron Burkle's divorce case. "The law on which Ron Burkle's attorneys rely was passed by the Legislature in May and signed by Schwarzenegger under an emergency clause that put it into effect immediately," ABC news reports. "Its Assembly sponsor, Democrat Christine Kehoe, who has since been elected to the state Senate, said at the time that the law was needed partly to prevent "undue media publicity about divorcing couples with substantial assets."

Bill Lockyer has been located. His office has been investigating Stockton's (read Mayor Podesto) privatization plans, and rebuked the Central Valley town in court documents filed this week.

Has Hollywood located the next Arnold?

Speaking of Hollywood, the Fleishman-Hillard scandal that has rocked the LA Mayor's race took another turn when Doug Dowie was fired from the firm yesterday.

And finally, a formal apology from us to your liver. Yesterday, we sent you the State of the State drinking game. Those that followed faithfully along should be waking up in a few hours. Yes, it took 41 shots to keep up with the drinking game, and we sincerely hope that you didn't drive home if you attempted to play along.