Daily Briefing For September 4, 2008

GEORGE SKELTON COLUMN 

California Needs A Budget Now, So Save Reform For Later
The Legislature and the governor may have reached the point where the most responsible thing they can do is to be irresponsible. Acting responsibly may be beyond their grasp. They may be incapable of passing a state budget that honestly balances the books, one that includes a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. Now 66 days into the fiscal year without passing a spending plan -- a record -- it's perhaps time for the Legislature to produce another irresponsible budget that relies on borrowing and accounting gimmicks, one that digs the state deeper into its hole. 

BUDGET
Governor Blasts Lawmakers' Per Diem During Budget Impasse
California senators are profiting this week from the state's budget misery, earning an extra $170 per day at the Capitol while the state's multibillion-dollar standoff drags on. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger targeted the extra per diem Wednesday in blasting a system that does not punish lawmakers for violating their constitutional duty to pass a budget by June 15. "There are absolutely no consequences to legislators," Schwarzenegger said at a news conference at Marshall Medical Center in Placerville. 

Care Providers In Crisis As Budget Impasse Drags On
Fallout from the state's longest budget standoff on record is rippling through California, with scores of healthcare providers on the brink of bankruptcy, schools and community colleges scaling back offerings and contractors struggling to hang on. If there is no spending plan by the end of the month, the state will owe $12 billion to government service providers who by law cannot be paid in the absence of a budget. Many in the Capitol predict the stalemate could easily last that long, and service providers up and down the state are warning that they will go under if it does. 

State Budget Impasse Already Threatens $12 Billion In Payments
California’s 2-month-old state budget impasse has blocked, cut or jeopardized nearly $12 billion in payments to community colleges, the courts, education, health care for the poor, college aid, mental health services, and thousands of state workers, according to state Controller John Chiang, who signs the state’s checks. Chiang said that since July 1, when the 2008-09 fiscal year began, he has made some payments but been unable to make others, reflecting the mosaic of rules that surround California’s budgeting. 

Budget Impasse Hurts Neediest Students
As the state's budget stalemate reached its 66th day, anxiety spread among thousands of California's neediest community college students who might not receive promised Cal Grant checks this month, leaving many struggling to pay for everything from food and rent to books and transportation, campus officials say. With no budget, the state will withhold Cal Grant money from as many as 86,000 community college students. The grant is a $1,551 check that goes to any graduating high school senior who meets the financial criteria and has a minimum 2.0 grade point average. 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Judge Trims Time In Medi-Cal 10% Fee Ruling
A federal judge has scaled back her order overturning a 10 percent cut in Medi-Cal fees to thousands of doctors and other health professionals. The ruling spares the state from tens of millions of dollars of reimbursements over seven weeks and requires repayment only for services performed on or after Aug. 18. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder of Los Angeles had ruled Aug. 18 that the fee reductions threatened health care for many of Medi-Cal's 6.6 million low-income patients and appeared to violate federal standards for access to high-quality medical services.

A significant number of health care bills is headed to the governor's desk, but industry watchers say the changes promised in the proposed legislation are a far cry from comprehensive policy reform. Under the proposals passed over the weekend by state lawmakers, people would see greater protections if their health insurer retroactively canceled their coverage, and doctors would be prevented from charging patients for unreimbursed emergency-room treatment.
Health Care Bills Faced Uphill Fight
Less than a year after the disintegration of Assemblyman Fabian Nunez’s plan to expand health care coverage to thousands of uninsured Californians, lawmakers tried to pick up the pieces on health care reform this session. The results, like those in much of the legislative session, were decidedly mixed. The Legislature passed a bill by Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, that would set standards for health plans before they rescind coverage for customers, over some strong opposition from health plans. The bill faces an uncertain future at the hand of Gov. Schwarzenegger. 

STATE POLITICS
Legislative Limbo: Confusion Deepens
As of this writing, there are about 850 bills in legislative purgatory. The measures were approved by the Senate and Assembly, but they are being held at the clerks’ desks to avoid a veto threat from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The governor has said he would not sign any bills without a state budget. In response, the Legislature has held off sending bills to the governor. But how long can they hold onto those bills? 

Bills, Bills, Bills: That's A Wrap -- Sort Of
As we continue to wait for a state budget, the Legislature is waiting, too. The Senate and Assembly are holding an estimated 850 bills at the Assembly and Senate desks, waiting to send them to Gov. Schwarzenegger. The governor has threatened to veto any bills that come to his desk until a budget is passed. But the clock is ticking. Any bill passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor must be acted on by Sept. 30 to take effect by January 2009. The governor has until November 15 to act on any bill containing an appropriation or with an urgency clause. 

Whitman Boosts Her GOP Credentials
Former eBay chief Meg Whitman is one of the fastest-rising stars in the GOP universe, and her stature as national co-chair for Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign was highlighted Wednesday with her speech on economic reform at the Republican National Convention. 

CD 11- Andal Dogged By Delta College Land Dispute
Dean Andal’s Congressional campaign continues to be dogged by questions surrounding his role in negotiations for new community college branch campus. Andal’s campaign has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the issue as “internal bickering” on the board. At issue are claims made by Ted Simas, a Board of Trustees member of San Joaquin Delta College who is also a registered Republican and a former Andal supporter. The negotiations among the board have been the subject of a grand jury investigation. 

Judge Tosses Richmond-Tribe Deal On Casino
A judge has struck down an agreement between the city of Richmond and an Indian tribe to provide services for a planned 30-acre casino complex near the waterfront. Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Barbara Zuniga ruled Monday that the city's Municipal Service Agreement with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is illegal because the city did not prepare an environmental impact report. The Vegas-style casino would be in unincorporated North Richmond, but the city of Richmond would provide police, fire, public works and other services.

Colin Atagi • The Desert Sun • September 4, 2008
Area Republicans sound notes of support for veep candidate
Local GOP members who listened live or from home to Wednesday night's speech by Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin agreed that the Alaska governor is ready to help lead a nation. “I think she hit it out of the ballpark,” said Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, attending the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. “I think everyone was waiting to see who she was and I think she walked away with everyone's heart.” Supporters said Palin's experience as a mayor and a governor already prove she is ready to lead, but her personality is one of her greatest attributes.

The Associated Press • September 4, 2008
Schwarzenegger urges Californians to demand budget
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a unique appeal to Californians on Wednesday, saying they must do their part to prod lawmakers into passing a budget because the state is not run by a dictator. Schwarzenegger said he needs the public's help in coaxing lawmakers out of their ideological corners and ending a record-long stalemate that shows no sign of ending. He joked by making a reference to his native Austria, which he said was surrounded by totalitarian governments when he came to America in the late 1960s.

Mariecar Mendoza • The Desert Sun • September 4, 2008
City Hall now accepting plastic bags for Hidden Harvest
Got a mountain of plastic bags stuffed in the pantry? Drop them off at Indian Wells' City Hall and leave knowing they'll be used to help the needy. Indian Wells reminded residents Tuesday they are continuing to collect plastic bags outside the front door of City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive, in efforts to help residents go green. The program began during the spring this year, said city management analyst Susan Weisbart.

Mariecar Mendoza • The Desert Sun • September 4, 2008
City Council to meet today, review city manager's work
Indian Wells City Council meets today at 1:30 p.m. for its regular meeting in City Council Chambers, 44-950 Eldorado Drive. Items on the agenda: Introduction of a revised ordinance relating to the city's Conflict of Interest Code. A recommendation to appoint a community development director to a Coachella Valley Conservation Commission subcommittee. A recommendation to create an information systems technician position. During closed session, a performance evaluation is set for City Manager Greg Johnson. Information: 346-2489.

The Press-Enterprise By MICHELLE DeARMOND and DAVID OLSON
Palin pick raises volume in abortion debate
To many opponents of abortion, John McCain's vice presidential pick is the real deal -- an abortion foe whose personal life is a testament to her beliefs. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who was nominated Wednesday as the Republican vice presidential candidate, carried a Down syndrome baby to term last year. And Palin, a mother of five, is supporting her pregnant teenage daughter's decision to keep her unplanned baby, due later this year.

The Press-Enterprise By JIM MILLER and BEN GOAD
McCain, GOP in cease-fire -- for now -- over immigration policy
More Coverage: PE.com - Politics ST. PAUL, MINN. - Republican John McCain's primary campaign almost collapsed last year under the weight of opponents' attacks that he backed "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. As McCain prepares to accept his party's nomination for president tonight, past critics of the Arizona senator's position have rallied behind his candidacy. McCain, meanwhile, has backed away from signature immigration legislation and signed off on a party platform that makes a fence along the Mexican border a priority.

By K Kaufmann • Palm Desert Sun • September 4, 2008
Palm Desert leads state with green effort
Palm Desert made history on Aug. 28 with the creation of California's first energy-efficient loan program aimed at accelerating efforts to cut energy consumption. With representatives from other cities and eco-friendly businesses filling chambers, the Palm Desert City Council voted unanimously to approve the program, made possible under Assembly Bill 811. Signed in July, the law allows cities to set up low-interest loan programs to help residents finance big-ticket energy efficient items, such as efficient air conditioners and solar panels, with a long-term payback plan linked to property taxes.

Colin Atagi • The Desert Sun • September 4, 2008
Rancho Mirage saves green with new green
Rancho Mirage joining others in changing landscape to conserve
RANCHO MIRAGE — City Hall is undergoing a $480,000 landscaping renovation that city officials hope will conserve resources and set an example for other landscape projects. Trees may have been spared, but 90 percent of the 66,000 square feet of land surrounding the building is being replaced by desert landscaping. Once the project is complete, the remaining 6,300 square feet will have synthetic turf. Water usage should decrease by 60 percent, bringing the monthly water bill from $2,000 to $800, Public Works Director Bruce Harry said.

Staff reports • September 4, 2008
Public invited to attend city candidate's discussion
Tahseen “Tee” Ahmed, one of four candidates for Cathedral City mayor, will have his first public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at La Palapa Taco Shop building, 28-401 Date Palm Drive, corner of Date Palm and Vista Chino. He is expected to outline his platform and answer questions from attendees. Ron Garcia and other candidates for the Cathedral City City Council may be there to participate in the discussion. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

The Press-Enterprise By AMANDA STRINDBERG
Riverside's sewer rates plan concerns customers
Riverside's industrial businesses are concerned that a proposed sewer rate increase may cost them too much too soon and are working with city leaders to spread out the costs beyond the four years now proposed. While the business community supports the rate increases to improve the city's sewer system, the proposed rate formula for industrial businesses, which is based on the amount and type of sewage, is too steep, especially during a time of economic uncertainty, said Cindy Roth, president of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

The Press-Enterprise By SARAH BURGE
Barbecue bickering leads to neighbor shooting
A quarrel over the size of a barbecue fire at a Lake Elsinore trailer park ended with one resident shot in the head and two others in jail this week, authorities said. Despite the location of his wound, the resident's injuries were not life-threatening, police said. His name was not released. According to Investigator William Stens of the Lake Elsinore Police Department, the dispute began when a 56-year-old man living at the Shore Acres trailer park lit a fire to grill some steaks about 8:45 p.m. Sunday.

The Press-Enterprise By Sarah Burge
Perris police foil two daytime burglaries
Four teenagers were arrested in connection with two unrelated burglaries Wednesday in Perris after callers reported seeing apparent crimes in progress, authorities said. About 10:15 a.m., a burglary-in-progress on the 1700 block of Dobell Street was reported to police. The caller described two young men removing a screen from a home and taking property, a police news release said.