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At the second annual Fresh Start for Working Families, thousands of people filled Ted Watkins Memorial Park in Los Angeles for a day of care for their kids—free backpacks, haircuts, health screenings and more.

The CA Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has just released a report on the state’s 2011-2012 Realignment Plan that aligns very closely with California Forward’s Smart Government Framework. It’s not surprising that there is overlap between LAO recommendations and the CA FWD proposals, because much of what we are proposing is common sense. It is, however, affirming that the esteemed LAO appears to be pushing for the same improvements.

California Forward has named Peter Repovich as a Forward Thinker for his dedication to protect and serve the citizens of Los Angeles even when he’s not wearing his badge.

He’s been an officer for the Los Angeles Police Department for 28 years. He’s seen the area go through many ups and down—and understands that making Los Angeles more economically vibrant will help the city attain new levels of security and prosperity.

On Friday, the California Assembly Rules Committee released current expenditure data. Dakin Sloss of California Common Sense compared the records to available payroll data and found discrepancies.

California Forward has named Paul Betancourt a Forward Thinker for his work in the agricultural community. For the past 30 years, he’s been a farmer in the Fresno Valley, he’s proud of what he does—in fact, he says it’s easy to advocate and be proud of agriculture.

It is now up to members of the California Assembly to decide whether two of California Forward’s important fiscal reforms will move forward.

Developing hard, quantitative standards of spending efficiency should be a priority for a state in California’s financial position. But efforts toward developing such standards have been placed on indefinite hold in the state’s trial court system.

The Assembly Budget Committee this morning sent to the full Assembly two bills that would help stabilize California’s fiscal system: SB 14 and SB 15. They passed with votes of 20-0 and 20-1, respectively.

What’s the best way to connect minority businesswomen with others in their community—then give them the tools to succeed? Put them all in one room, for one day.