One Way to Find Which Schwarzenegger Appointees Remain

Here in the early stages of the Brown administration the most reliable method of finding out which Schwarzenegger administration cabinet secretaries are staying, at least for the time being, is to visit the agency websites.

If there is only a photo of Gov. Jerry Brown the smart money says that cabinet secretary is gone.    Read more »

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The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same…

While neither video nor text of Gov. Jerry Brown’s January 3 inaugural speech was readily available on the governor’s official website – clicking the tab “Multimedia” yields a “Coming Soon…” message – his previous inaugural addresses can be found in a site maintained by the state called Governor’s Gallery.

There are some interesting similarities between the two speeches, given 35 years apart, particularly the calls for overcoming partisanship and political rancor.    Read more »

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A Different Inauguration Than the Previous Two, 36 Years Ago

The inauguration of the 39th governor of California was markedly different than that of the 34th governor, even though both are the same man – Jerry Brown.

No Sufi choir was invited to sing at Brown’s January 3 inauguration.

Instead, the Oakland School of the Arts Choir offered a souped-up version of thw Woody Guthrie classic, “This Land is Your Land” and closed the ceremony with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”    Read more »

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Schwarzenegger Names Kim Belshe and His Chief of Staff, Susan Kennedy, to the California Health Benefit Exchange

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointments of Kimberly Belshé and Susan Kennedy to the California Health Benefit Exchange.

“We are once again taking first-in-the-nation action with the California Health Benefit Exchange,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Both Kim and Susan are tremendous leaders that know how to get things done. With their deep understanding of health care, public policy and hands-on attitude, I know they will help build an exchange that will create a competitive marketplace, improve quality of care and reduce health care costs for California consumers.”    Read more »

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Changes Will Be Coming January 1 with the New Occupant

After the first of the year, the governor’s office will look different.

Gone will be the fake gold letters spelling Arnold Schwarzenegger glued above the word “Governor” carved into the marble lintel.

Gone too will be the stnchion with the sign saying “Governor Arnold Schwarzengger” to the right of the California flag.    Read more »

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Schwarzenegger Names David Crane to UC Board of Regents

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of David Crane to the University of California Board of Regents.

“David’s contributions during his time in my administration have shown his commitment to doing everything he can to make California great,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Serving as a member of the Board of Regents, I know that David will devote the energy, tenacity and creativity needed to keep the University of California the finest public university system in the world.”    Read more »

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This Just In…Be Sure to Mark the Calendar

(Editor’s Note: “All the people at this party they’ve got a lot of style. They’ve got stamps of many countries; they’ve got passport smiles. Some are friendly. Some are cutting. Some are watching it from the wings. Some are standing in the center, giving to get something.” Joni Mitchell, first verse of  “People’s Parties.”)    Read more »

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Maria Shriver’s Statement on the Death of Elizabeth Edwards

“Arnold and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Elizabeth Edwards. My heart goes out to her loving family.

Elizabeth was a mighty warrior, and I’ve long admired her courage, her compassion and her personal quest for truth. She was a public servant, a dedicated mother, a tireless advocate and a loyal friend.    Read more »

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In Session for One Day, the Legislature Introduces 131 Bills

Although the members of the Assembly and Senate were sworn in December 6 and adjourned until January, they did manage to introduce 131 bills before they left the Capitol for the rest of the year.

In the Assembly 58 bills were introduced, eight constitutional amendments and nine measures dealing with the state’s projected $25.4 billion budget hole.    Read more »

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Governor Calls 8th Special Session on Budget in Seven Years

SACRAMENTO  — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced that he will call the legislature into Special Session to address a new projected budget deficit. The Special Session will convene on Monday, December 6th, the first day the new legislature is sworn in.

“While California’s economy appears to be showing signs of stabilizing, our job creation and revenues are still lagging.    Read more »

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