Blog & News

Lively discussion marks 100th anniversary of CA direct democracy
 150 150 Kim Alexander
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We are rapidly approaching the 100 year anniversary of the California initiative process, an occasion celebrated by some and scorned by others. The centennial of the Golden State’s system of direct democracy is provoking many to rethink this process and consider whether it needs an upgrade.

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AB 109 implementation sparks big debate
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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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.

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AB109 offers significant state prison reform
 150 150 Kathy Jett
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AB109 is the unassuming name for the single most significant reform in a century to California’s prison system and the state’s approach to criminal justice. Beginning Oct. 1, anyone convicted of nonviolent, nonsexual and/or non-serious criminal offenses (a.k.a. triple nons) will head to county jail instead of state prison. Anyone up for parole on a similar offense will be supervised by county officials.

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Forward Thinker Kim Walesh tackles economic development by supporting local businesses
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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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.

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Latest Field Poll another reason to support ‘Smart Government’
 150 150 Gina Baleria
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California voters remain fed up with their legislature, as seen in the latest Field Poll, which finds that people have little confidence in the body charged with passing laws and budgeting taxpayer dollars. Their support for the governor, however, remains steady.

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Route 66 Rendezvous revs up economy and civic engagement
 150 150 Cheryl Getuiza
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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.

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