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Deaf Californians should not get lost in translation of their legislature in action

Posted by Allen Wilson on April 14, 2013

I respectfully understand that this awesome blog devotes to critical articles mostly of local matters, but does expand on issues of statewide and national politics.

Just moments ago, I sent a “Letter to the Editor” via e-mail to the Sacramento Bee that should be on blog format just in case my letter does not make it to the print edition, because the issue of access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is very important to my heart:

Assembly Speaker John Perez recently penned an article in the Sacramento Bee entitled “Patient safety must not get lost in translation”.  It pretty much sums up about AB 1263 that would provide more translators at hospitals. 

However, Speaker Perez should look no further with regards to the lack of ASL Interpreter services in the Assembly chamber he presides.

In 2001, then-Assemblyman Robert Pacheco introduced AB 772 that would have required legislative hearings to be closed captioned, but the bill died in committee year later.

In 2005, then-Assemblyman Bob Huff introduced AB 181 that would have required legislative floor sessions to be captioned, but the bill died in committee year later as well.

How much longer will Deaf Californians have to cope and wait?

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing should not lost in translation and access to their own legislature due to the lack of an ASL Interpreter and Close Captioning services during committee hearings and floor sessions.

We surely hope that Speaker Perez understands that the legislature works for everyone including all of Deaf Californians.

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Governor Budget Proposal and Orange County Legislators Responds

Posted by Allen Wilson on January 10, 2013

Today, Governor Jerry Brown unveiled $97.7 Billion 2013-2014 Budget proposal to the State Legislature with a message to Members of the State Assembly and State Senate:

“California today is poised to achieve something that has eluded us for more than a decade — a budget that lives within its means, now and for many years to come.”

“Fiscal discipline is not the enemy of democratic governance, but rather its fundamental predicate.”

The proposal includes $1 Billion in reserves, implementation of the Affordable Care Act and ambitious goal to restructure education funding.

Orange County legislators responded swiftly:

GOP Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar, District 29):

“New funding to our classrooms is a positive step forward for California.  However, the Governor’s budget only seems to include $2.7 billion in new funding for K-12 schools and community colleges even though Proposition 30 taxes will generate $6 billion this year alone – Californians should be disappointed.

I remain concerned that while state spending is being increased by $5 billion over last year, much of this money is used to expand state programs and provides major pay and benefit increases for state employees.”

Basically, this budget is balanced by a $50 billion tax increase, and Californians have yet to see any real, long-term plan to bring back jobs and help our struggling families.”

Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills, District 55):

“I hope to be provided the opportunity to work with the Governor and Democrats to craft responsible solutions and be a part of the budget process.  Although general fund spending has dropped, overall state spending has increased $68 billion over the last decade. I agree with the Governor that California’s K-12 and college students should be the state’s top funding priority, but we need to be open and transparent when conducting the budget process, focus on curtailing spending growth in costly programs we cannot afford, and enact pro-jobs reforms that will help grow the economy and get people working again.”

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point, District 73):

“While I applaud the Governor for budgeting within what appears to be a reasonable range of projected revenues, the 2013-14 proposal anticipates spending at record levels. The General Fund budget at $97.7 billion is actually $104 billion if previous realignment adjustments are included.  Hence the General Fund budget is again over 2007-2008 levels, or the highest ever in state history. Spending including all funds – federal, special, and bond funds – has gone from $231 billion in 2012-13 to $225 billion for the 2013-14 year. The passage in November of Prop 30 taxes reduced the Governor’s mountain of debt by in essence allowing the state to make the usual payments on time to schools without borrowing from the districts, as occurred last year. It is difficult to see how future reduction in the ‘mountain’ comprised of internal and Wall Street borrowing will occur at present spending levels. We cannot forget that our long-term debt at roughly $90 billion is also at record levels. I look forward to working with the Governor to create efficiencies to begin to reduce state spending, provide services in line with taxpayer priorities, and return solvency to our Great State.”

Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton, District 65):

“For the first time in years, California will not be forced to make drastic cuts to keep our budget balanced as constitutionally mandated. It is heartening that there is increased investment in some key areas such as public education and health care, though there are certainly issues within these areas to examine more closely. I look forward to working with my Assembly colleagues in the coming months to find the best and most effective fiscal solutions for the residents of the 65th Assembly District and all Californians.”

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Assemblyman Hagman: California Republicans Still Have a Pulse

Posted by Allen Wilson on December 13, 2012

Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills, District 55) offers his thoughts about Republicans place in California politics:

In this world of instant information, news outlets are always looking to be the first to break major stories or provide the most comprehensive analysis of current events. That is why less than 12 hours after the final vote was cast in our state’s recent election; the media was chomping at the bit to write the Republican Party’s political obituary in California as Democrats secured supermajorities in the State Senate and Assembly.  

But to completely write off the GOP after one disappointing election is incredibly shortsighted and fails to take into account the electoral tradition of our state.  In fact, the last party to hold a supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature was the Republican Party in the 1930s and it was only 16 years ago when Republicans held a majority in the Assembly. Republicans will once again return to prominence in state politics.  It will, however, require us to get back to the basics.

A critical mistake that I believe Republicans have made in recent years is allowing the other side to define us as the “party of no.”  That characterization could not be farther from reality. Consider that earlier this year, the Los Angeles Times called Republicans the “party of yes” when we got behind the Governor’s pension reform package. We supported the L.A. Mayor’s effort to eliminate bureaucratic red tape protecting predators in the classroom.  Republicans also put forward our own budget roadmap prioritizing funding for education.

At its core, the Republican Party remains a party of ideas, principles, and opportunity. We believe in the power of individuals to succeed based on their hard work and initiative.  No one, especially the government, should stand in the way of that freedom.  In California, it means bringing private sector jobs back and ensuring families have opportunities to achieve financial security.  It means guaranteeing our children have access to the best education in the world.  It means keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe.

Our state’s status within our country has continued to fall.  Look at some of our sobering numbers:

·    California is 24/7 Wall St.’s “Worst Run State” for the second year in a row.
·    The state’s S&P credit rating is the worst of all states, while its Moody’s credit rating is the second-worst.
·    Home prices plunged by 33.6% between 2006 and 2011, worse than all states except for three.
·    The state’s foreclosure rate and unemployment rate were the third- and second-highest in the country, respectively.
·    California’s personal income tax has the highest top rate and one of the most highly progressive structures in the nation.
·    According to the Tax Foundation, the state has the third-worst business tax climate in the country and the highest corporate tax rate in the West.
·    We have the highest statewide general sales and use tax in the nation.
·    Our combined local, state, and federal gasoline taxes are the second highest in the nation.

So even with this election’s setbacks, we can find solace in the fact that the Republican Party’s message resonated in other areas of the country.  Not only did we retain the U.S. House of Representatives, but Republicans also control 30 governors’ mansions – the most for any party in over a decade. But it is clear our party failed to effectively communicate that message in California and we now have a chance to correct course.  Voters agree with us on many issues, but evidently they have doubts about our ability to deliver those promises.

Although our clout is admittedly diluted in Sacramento, Republicans in the Legislature were elected by the people in our communities who deserve to have their voices heard in the Capitol.  Their choice to send us to Sacramento reflects their belief that jobs must come first, that realignment is the wrong prescription for public safety, and that our children must be educated for a 21st century economy. It remains our duty to stand up for our constituents when the Legislature or Governor inevitably overreach.  Democrats need to know that they cannot run amok with their newfound supermajority powers.  Their decisions impact all Californians, not just the blue parts of our state.

As both sides of the aisle chart a new path through largely unfamiliar terrain, Republicans have an opportunity to hold Democrats accountable for their decisions and ensure Californians understand every option for solving the state’s problems. Our party may currently be down for the count, but we still have a strong pulse.

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Assemblyman Norby’s “Farewell” Newsletter “Norby Notes”

Posted by Allen Wilson on November 28, 2012

Assemblyman Chris Norby (R-Fullerton, District 72) penned his last and final “Norby Notes” to his constituents in the North Orange County Assembly District:

“Thank You, 72

My representation of the 72nd District in the California State Assembly will soon end. After this Friday, further communication to me should be by telephone: 714-990-2064, or personal email: pocalver@yahoo.com.

My old 72nd District included all of Fullerton, Brea and Placentia, along with parts of Anaheim, La Habra, Orange and Yorba Linda, to which I was first elected in a special election in 2009 and re-elected in 2010.

Redistricting made my re-election more difficult, and I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of money and negative mail that narrowly ended my bid to continue to serve. What I missed most in the recent campaign was the exchange of ideas, the give-and-take of public forums, rather than just the hit mail from special interest PACs.  So be it. Life goes on. Some doors close-others open.

My three-year stint in Sacramento followed 18 years on the Fullerton City Council and 7 years as Orange County Supervisor. I thank you all for the opportunity to serve and represent you, whether at the municipal, county or state level.

Throughout my political career, fortune and circumstance have blessed me-until this year. It was especially fortuitous to have been in the Assembly when California’s redevelopment agencies were shut down. Following my initial 1995 publication of “Redevelopment: The Unknown Government” (now in its ninth and final edition), I’ve been part of a statewide coalition opposed to the eminent domain abuses, corporate welfare, crony capitalism, land use distortions and public waste that the agencies had become.

As a Fullerton City Councilmember, I warned my regional colleagues that the sales tax shell game of outbidding each other for big-box retail and auto malls was not sustainable.  As an Orange County Supervisor, I met with Gov. Schwarzenegger and told him personally to look to the agencies to meet the state’s obligation to education-which he did.  When Gov. Brown convinced his reluctant fellow Democrats that redevelopment’s annual $7 billion property tax diversion was unsustainable, I enthusiastically joined them, and provided enough other Republicans to get the two-thirds vote needed.  With over $100 billion in debt still to pay off, it will be years before all the revenue can be restored to our schools, counties, special districts and municipal general funds. But being part of this decisive phase of the process has been the capstone of my political career.

That’s what made the mountain of campaign money spent against me by the public employee unions disheartening, as I’d spent my political career trying to restore redevelopment funds to public services, schools and public safety.

Other issues in which I felt I made a difference included ELL education programs and marijuana policy.

Among my own children, I could see that the whole $1.5 billion annual English Language Learner program (previously known as English as a Second Language) has become a giant trap for students and parents, costly in public dollars and wasted student time. Designated as “limited English” while entering kindergarten, these kids (70% of whom are US-born) lose valuable class time with costly testing and tedious remedial help most do not need. Many students never escape the program, a fact my colleague Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana) and I heard confirmed during our recent ELL Hearing in Santa Ana. Our office research, hearings and reform legislation has helped place this arcane program into the limelight of future legislative scrutiny.

As for marijuana, I was happy to provide bipartisan support to legalize the growing of industrial hemp, and for more rational laws in dealing with its recreational use. The War on Drugs has become a war on people-especially poor people. It costs billions in incarceration and in broken lives of those whose only crime was ingesting a substance into their own bodies. Is this a criminal issue or health issue? Consensual, non-violent adult activity should not be subject to our costly criminal justice system or militarize our relations with other countries.

Republican leaders love to blast the over-intrusive “nanny state,” yet for cultural reasons most shy away from advocating common sense drug laws. Some have not shied away: influential columnists William F. Buckley and George Will, Reps. Ron Paul (R-Texas) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach), Rep. and Sen.-elect Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), and former Secretary of State George Shultz. Where are the Democrats? The current presidential administration has raided more medical marijuana dispensaries than its Republican predecessor.

Immigration is not a state issue and the state legislature has no power to change federal policies. However, the emotional issue of immigration lies just beneath the surface of many legislative debates. My attitude has always been an inclusive one. Our state is far better off when people-whatever their status-are studying, driving and working legally rather than living in the shadows. I’m hopeful a new consensus will emerge from Congress to provide the changes we need.

I have tried to judge every law, every program, every expenditure not through their intentions, but their unexpected consequences. We need fewer laws-not more. Government must do a few things-public safety and services-and do them well.

So, thank you, 72, for the opportunity to serve you; a rare opportunity when the state’s ongoing financial crisis has forced the discussion of long-overdue changes.

The dual-life of spending half my time in Sacramento took away from my time with my wife and the four kids still at home-especially my little Johnny, now 18 months old. Now I have returned, a full-time dad.

Old doors close. New ones open, if we have only the wisdom and patience to see them. I am open to new doors, and welcome old friends who may know of any.

I thank, too, my loyal staff: District Director Bruce Whitaker, just re-elected as the top vote getter among twelve Fullerton City Council candidates; Jackie Filbeck, Chris Nguyen and Connor Duckworth for their outstanding work in the district office and community outreach; and I thank my Capitol staff, including Chief of Staff Bryan Lanza and Nikos Leverenz. They will all be valuable assets wherever they land.

We all gave it our best.”

You were a voice of reason who held your convictions and principles.

You didn’t belittle your colleagues on the Assembly floor.

Be proud of your accomplishments of the last three short years that many career politicians tried to do in 30 years.

Assemblyman Norby, Thank you for your years of public service.

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Government Powers Overreached?

Posted by Allen Wilson on November 25, 2012

Tonight, I went to the Vons store in La Verne, which is located in eastern Los Angeles County, which I was encountered a signage affixed to the store’s window “Notice of Overcharge Conviction” from the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures:

“Inspectors with the Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department conducted a price accuracy inspection on May 1, 2012.  The store charged more than its lowest posted/advertised price on ONE item.  The overcharge amounted to $5.40.

As a result of that inspection, the store was found to be violation of Business and Professions Code section 12024.2 (a).  Vons #2832 was fined a total of $2,190.00.  It was further ordered to pay $550.00 in investigation costs.  Hearing was held in Pomona Superior Courthouse, Case #2PK03190 before Judge Geanene M. Yriate in Division 002.”

Then, it prompted me to read what the Business and Professions Code says on this issue:

12024.2.  (a) It is unlawful for any person, at the time of sale of
a commodity, to do any of the following:
   (1) Charge an amount greater than the price, or to compute an
amount greater than a true extension of a price per unit, that is
then advertised, posted, marked, displayed, or quoted for that
commodity.
   (2) Charge an amount greater than the lowest price posted on the
commodity itself or on a shelf tag that corresponds to the commodity,
notwithstanding any limitation of the time period for which the
posted price is in effect.

On the surface, the fine of $2,740 imposed on Vons seems pretty harsh over $5.40 for ONE ITEM, which begs the question:  Is government powers overreached?

It will be argued that government powers have reached its zenith, because retailers like, Vons, makes every attempt to ensure the prices on the shelf will reflect when it rings up at the cash register.

The Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department have the ability to impose administrative fines rather than tying up the court docket on a $5.40 overcharged item.

Consumers should be protected from retailers ripoffs.

Retailers should have the ability to survive in a tough economy that provides jobs and tax base for local economies.

Let’s hope that government bureaucrats will not become overzealous with their powers and such regulations should be reviewed and checked by the state legislature.

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Jordan Brandman campaigns by being naivete

Posted by Allen Wilson on October 15, 2012

The Voice of Orange County penned an article entitled “Brandman Vows to Support Living Wage and Council Districts“, which is eye opening for those who are following the Anaheim City Council contest.

Los Amigos of Orange County have been long odds with Jordan Brandman, because they doubt his sincerity and more importantly his credibility.

What was amazing in the article that Brandman was asked whether he believed “police brutality” ever exists in Anaheim neighborhoods.

Brandman replied, “Police brutality?”

The article most damning and telling quote from Dr. Jose Moreno, leader of Los Amigos of Orange County, says this about Brandman, “To say that I don’t know it’s happening means you’re not living in the community.”

Now, Brandman supports a “Living Wage”, which would only increase the costs of running Anaheim City government.

Also, Brandman supports council districts.

Every political campaign has it’s own silly season, but for Brandman to circle the wagons to gain support and votes in all of Anaheim proudly says that he is endorsed by former Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle.

The Voice of OC article points out that Brandman says, “Curt Pringle is a supporter, but I am my own man.”

This YouTube is very telling at the very end Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Anaheim) advises Brandman to “stop while your ahead”.

Being naivete is not the best suit for someone who has little or no clue of the machinations inside and outside of Anaheim City Hall politics much less sitting on the dais by making decisions that affects over 300,000 Anaheim residents.

Brandman is not his own man, because Anaheim voters should not be fooled of the invisible strings that hangs over the head and shoulders of a man who is simply naivete PERIOD!

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Pols using legislative resources touting ratings from interest groups

Posted by Allen Wilson on October 3, 2012

Of lately, we have been receiving e-mail and press release communications from California legislators regarding legislative updates and ratings from various interest groups.

Though, these messages are being circulated by using legislative resources and staff time 30 days plus before the primary and general election, which amounts to campaigning on the legislators part.

The California legislators should use the example from the State of Washington Legislature which are restricted from using such communications under State of Washington Law RCW 42.52.185 “Restrictions on Mailing by Legislators”:

(1) During the twelve-month period beginning on December 1st of the year before a general election for a state legislator’s election to office and continuing through November 30th immediately after the general election, the legislator may not mail, either by regular mail or electronic mail, to a constituent at public expense a letter, newsletter, brochure, or other piece of literature, except as follows:

(a) The legislator may mail two mailings of newsletters to constituents. All newsletters within each mailing of newsletters must be identical as to their content but not as to the constituent name or address. One such mailing may be mailed no later than thirty days after the start of a regular legislative session, except that a legislator appointed during a regular legislative session to fill a vacant seat may have up to thirty days from the date of appointment to send out the first mailing. The other mailing may be mailed no later than sixty days after the end of a regular legislative session.

     (b) The legislator may mail an individual letter to (i) an individual constituent who has contacted the legislator regarding the subject matter of the letter during the legislator’s current term of office; (ii) an individual constituent who holds a governmental office with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the letter; or (iii) an individual constituent who has received an award or honor of extraordinary distinction of a type that is sufficiently infrequent to be noteworthy to a reasonable person, including, but not limited to: (A) An international or national award such as the Nobel prize or the Pulitzer prize; (B) a state award such as Washington scholar; (C) an Eagle Scout award; and (D) a Medal of Honor.

     (c) In those cases where constituents have specifically indicated that they would like to be contacted to receive regular or periodic updates on legislative matters, legislators may provide such updates by electronic mail throughout the legislative session and up until thirty days from the conclusion of a legislative session.

     (2) For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, “legislator” means a legislator who is a “candidate,” as defined by RCW 42.17A.005, for any public office.

     (3) A violation of this section constitutes use of the facilities of a public office for the purpose of assisting a campaign under RCW 42.52.180.

     (4) The house of representatives and senate shall specifically limit expenditures per member for the total cost of mailings. Those costs include, but are not limited to, production costs, printing costs, and postage costs. The limits imposed under this subsection apply only to the total expenditures on mailings per member and not to any categorical cost within the total.

     (5) For purposes of this section, persons residing outside the legislative district represented by the legislator are not considered to be constituents, but students, military personnel, or others temporarily employed outside of the district who normally reside in the district are considered to be constituents.

Pols need to keep an open mind on my point, because the general public are already apathetic towards Sacramento when it comes to the use of legislative resources and staff time.

Reforms and ideas comes from the people in turn strengthens our legislative process, because the legislature belongs to the people!

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Royce Mailer Hits Chen on $716 Billion cuts from Medicare

Posted by Allen Wilson on September 22, 2012

Today, the Royce for Congress campaign has hit the mailboxes throughout the 39th CD (Diamond Bar, Fullerton) on a devastating glossy black and white four piece attack towards Democratic candidate for Congress Jay Chen.

It opens up with these words:

“Jay Chen supports CUTTING $716 Billion from Medicare — to pay for the Federal Health Care Take Over”

The insert goes on to say:

“Jay Chen’s plan for Health Care?  Rob $716 Billion from Medicare, Tax Wheelchairs and Medical Devices, Bloat the federal bureaucracy with 159 new boards, agencies and programs to regulate doctors and patients”

“If you are like most Americans, you pay for Medicare with every paycheck you receive.  It’s an investment you made – and deserve to collect”

It appears the continuing campaign theme of “Medicare” by Congressional Republicans campaign to retain control of the House by hitting the Democrats hard on the issue of $716 Billion cuts from Medicare to pay for the “Affordability Care Act” a.k.a. “Obamacare”.

My colleague, Chris Emami, penned his article dated September 10, 2012 entitled “2012 General Election Predictions: 39th Congressional District” predicting that Rep. Ed Royce will win the seat for the Republicans.

Though, Rep. Ed Royce is taking no chances and with $2 Million plus in his campaign war chest could help deliver the GOTV efforts not just for himself, but for other Republicans in the area like Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) and Assemblymembers Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) and Chris Norby (R-Fullerton).

The mailer is effective and by all accounts the campaign charge of accusing the Democrats of cutting $716 Billion from Medicare must by an indicator that is working, because key Congressional Democrats are increasingly writing off retaking control of the House in 2012.

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