California Watch

The ,Mayor wants to spread "The Word". The word, of course, is information that local citizens can use to stay informed about the operations of government that affect the lives of all of us. We are in 'this' together and the more information we have, the better the decisions we make and the better the outcomes of dollars(taxes) spent at all levels. California is a big spender-too big apparently. With a 25 billion dollar deficit, one can assume that the State of California spends too much money, money it doesn't have. The Democrats have had a lock on Sacramento for years, enjoying a legislative plurality for years. The results speak for themselves: $25,000,000,000. of red ink spread over the golden landscape of the Golden State.
For generations, newspaper reporters held the feet of the pols to the fire, exposing gimmicks and deals in the budget arcana, backroom shenanigans, and bald-faced lies to an unwary electorate. Journalists have done great work, but the message seems to be losing its strength. Voters are walking away from the polling booths, with barely 60% taking the time to vote. The Internet has become a powerful economic force, and it is now a platform for voters to stay informed, educated, and aware of what's happening at local and community levels of government,
Now, the payoff. California Watch is an organization dedicated to information, information for all. It is for the benefit of citizens who want a better life, for citizens who understand the demands of urban living, who appreciate the idea of community and public welfare. Working citizens see taxes extracted from their paychecks, they see income tax forms containing all the details of their lives sent to anonymous collectors who analyze those details, and they see the politicians overspend again and again.
California Watch is just one news gathering organization, but it is well connected to many others. It is tied to the various State schools of journalism and to established newspapers around the state.
I recommend that each resident of the West Lake Tahoe community familiarize themselves with California Watch. Reading and understanding this information will benefit us all.