Uncategorized

Last week, the Governor issued his long awaited Executive Order on “common-sense budgeting methods.” Although the Executive Order has minor language variations from those used in SB 14 (which the Governor vetoed), the Executive Order will accomplish the same purpose and will lay the foundation for a major change in California state budgeting.

A little over a week ago, the California Forward Action Fund introduced the Government Performance and Accountability Act (GPAA) as a potential ballot initiative for 2012. The initiative quickly garnered support in the press as soon as it was launched. Here we present a coverage roundup of the GPAA thus far and it ranges from cautious optimism to unequivocal support.

Governor Jerry Brown has introduced his proposal to modernize the state-employee pension system. I say “modernize” because in principle that’s what we’re talking about here. Anyone who’s held a job in private industry as far back as the mid- 1970s has seen the system evolve from the pension Dad collected back in the day (along with his 25- year commemorative watch) to today’s system complete with 401Ks and their diminishing contributions by employers.

For some, it’s an inner struggle during mealtimes—should I have the shake and fries or a green salad?

It’s a decision the Beach Cities Health District hopes to make easier.

The organization has a renewed mission: improve the health of the entire region—Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches-over a three year period by transforming schools, workplaces and homes.

California Forward has named Kathay Feng as a Forward Thinker for her role in Proposition 11—authorizing the formation of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw legislative lines.

Kathay Feng has spent most of her life on election reform—making sure every person’s voice is represented and heard at the polls.

California is about to become the first state to undergo a major shift, in an effort to trim the state’s bulging prison population and cut costs. Starting this Saturday, the state’s new massive prisoner realignment plan begins. Assembly Bill 109 shifts the responsibility for tens of thousands of low-level inmates from state prisons to county jails. The move will save the state money and help the state comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring that it reduce its overcrowded population by more than 30,000 inmates.

California Forward has named Kim Walesh as a Forward Thinker for developing thriving and striving economies even during these difficult times.

Kim Walesh grew up in the Bay Area and always knew she wanted to build better communities.

“I enjoyed opportunities to take ideas and put them into action—why not do it in my own community?” says Walesh.

Revving engines and polished chrome dominated the streets of San Bernardino over the weekend for the annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous.
“Anyone who has grown up around classic cars—just loves cars—this is the event for them,” said Patrick Caffery, one of the event’s founding fathers.
The event, which boasts nearly 1,700 souped up classic cars, is the city’s way of celebrating the historic Route 66, the cross country highway that runs through San Bernardino.

California Forward has named Tandra Johnson a Forward Thinker for bringing the community together to bring patriotism and support to military families. For Tandra Johnson, saying good bye to her son is never easy—a marine in the special forces, he was recently redeployed. “The emotions of the unknown and not having anyone who understands—I felt alone.”