With the election less than a week away, a closer look at some state propositions is in order. Proposition 30 is the first that voters have to consider. It is first in the voter handbook. Recently, Gov. Jerry Brown has spent large amounts of money on TV ads, promoting passage of this proposition. On the one hand, he states it will prevent the cutback in school funding if it passes. On the other, he says it's a temporary tax on the wealthiest Californians who can afford to pay a little more. (He must be talking about professional athletes, corporate farmers, and lottery winners).
For the past several years, our state legislators have overspent in all areas of the budget, hoping that taxes would catch up and cover their profligacy. With the Great Recession came a reduction in tax collection, in sales and use taxes, property taxes, and income taxes. This scenario has continued as monies flowing to the state have declined while obligations have increased or remained the same. Results, tens of billions of dollars in deficits, and they continue to grow.
Gov. Brown admits these new taxes will not cover the deficit, but they could slow the bleeding, allowing the state to catch up. Sounds like wishful thinking to this taxpayer. With one party politics the norm in Sacramento, it is unlikely that there is any incentive to reduce spending. The Democrats solution-always-Raise taxes, obfuscate the take, spread the grab across the widest swath. Nibble at the fringe. This nibbling comes in the form of 1/4cent sales tax hike. Hmmmm? Do we not pay enough already?
NOTE:
Residents pay 7.25% sales tax-the Highest in the country!!!!
Residents pay $172.63 billions in taxes-Highest in the country
Residents pay the 4th highest income taxes after the big payers in :New York, New Jersey, and
Connecticut-not the best company, really.
Local counties often pay additional taxes, as in San Francisco and Marin counties where total sales taxes hover near 9%. Shocking really.
And now the old hippie, former governor, ex-mayor of Oakland, former Attorney General, former Presidential candidate, wants workers to pay more taxes, claiming "It's only temporary". For shame, Jerry. A man your age telling such fibs.
Vote No on Prop 30-Save billions for your own budget, not Sacramento's red ink disaster budget(s).
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Lake Tahoe Front Page News
Halloween Wednesday featured a photo of the lake on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle. The photo accompanied the article about efforts to rid the lake of the aquatic pest, the tiny Asian clam. It's about the size of a large pebble(+/- inch), and lives just under the surface sand on the lake bottom. Researchers say the clam has been here for at least a decade, and could overwhelm native animals in the food competition.
The article, written by the paper's Peter Fimrite, describes the steps involved with plan designed by scientists at UC Davis research center in Incline Village. The plan calls for rubber mats to be place in 10'x100' sections on the lake bottom in Emerald Bay. The site will be monitored for a year, although tests indicate that the clams die off in 10-40days after placement. While not the only pest in the lake environment, the clam could have the highest impact if not controlled immediately.
Watch for updates or go to the UC Davis web site for info. Photos include one of Dr. Geoffrey Schadlow of UCD. Let's hope this project succeeds,too. Who needs more clams, anyway?
The article, written by the paper's Peter Fimrite, describes the steps involved with plan designed by scientists at UC Davis research center in Incline Village. The plan calls for rubber mats to be place in 10'x100' sections on the lake bottom in Emerald Bay. The site will be monitored for a year, although tests indicate that the clams die off in 10-40days after placement. While not the only pest in the lake environment, the clam could have the highest impact if not controlled immediately.
Watch for updates or go to the UC Davis web site for info. Photos include one of Dr. Geoffrey Schadlow of UCD. Let's hope this project succeeds,too. Who needs more clams, anyway?
Halloween Delight
The Giants picked Halloween as the date for their celebration of World Series victory. The parade, held in downtown San Francisco, featured all team members, staff, owners and executives, and probably close to a million adoring fans from all over the Bay Area. Commuters had issues today as parade goers arrived early at commuter parking areas, hoping to get in early to find a choice seat near the city hall reviewing stand. Rain threatened but held off until after 3pm. Local news media featured player interviews during the event. The thrill was still there as players recalled their feelings after recording the last out against the Tigers(pussy cats) of Detroit. A memorable day, equal to the memorable day in 2010 when they won that World Series. Orange and Black are the chosen colors of the day, even around Tahoma and the West Shore.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Darth Vader Sold
Lucas Film Company, producer of Star Wars, and others, announced today they have been sold to Disney Company for approx. $4 billion. Details are not yet available, but the Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley of Marin county was not included in the sale.
As George Lucas approaches 70 years of age, he no doubt wants to ensure his life's work will continue in a proper environment with good stewards of the company. His personal statement will be forthcoming.
Darth Vader will be seen tomorrow night, Halloween, all over the world, I'm sure.
As George Lucas approaches 70 years of age, he no doubt wants to ensure his life's work will continue in a proper environment with good stewards of the company. His personal statement will be forthcoming.
Darth Vader will be seen tomorrow night, Halloween, all over the world, I'm sure.
HMS Bounty Lost in Atlantic -Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy claimed 2 more victims yesterday as the replica sailing ship, the 3 -masted ship known as HMS Bounty, a to-scale replica built in 1961 for the big Hollywood remake of the film by the same name. The star of the movie was Marlon Brando, who was at the peak of his early career.
The movie was done in spectacular fashion, with many scenes shot on the decks of the ship in and around Tahiti and French Polynesia. The replica ship had 20' added to the original dimension to accommodate the film equipment and to install an engine room.
After the movie was filmed the ship returned to the USA and made several stops at West coast ports to promote the film. One of those stops was at Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco in 1962. It was a thrill to view the ship up close, with the crew in period garb and the ship brightly painted in authentic colors. It was an experience to walk the length of the ship and examine the details of her construction.
Sadly, for unexplained reasons, the ship was sailing off the Mid Atlantic coast, apparently trying to avoid Hurricane Sandy without success. As the ship took on more water, the pumps became over taxed and failed. The crew took to life boats, but the captain and one crew member were washed overboard and were lost. The Coast Guard recovered the body of one crew member, and airlifted the remainder off the lifeboats; and they were taken to Elizabeth City, NC.
The ship sunk shortly thereafter, and no doubt will not be salvaged. A little bit of history, gone forever.
The movie was done in spectacular fashion, with many scenes shot on the decks of the ship in and around Tahiti and French Polynesia. The replica ship had 20' added to the original dimension to accommodate the film equipment and to install an engine room.
After the movie was filmed the ship returned to the USA and made several stops at West coast ports to promote the film. One of those stops was at Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco in 1962. It was a thrill to view the ship up close, with the crew in period garb and the ship brightly painted in authentic colors. It was an experience to walk the length of the ship and examine the details of her construction.
Sadly, for unexplained reasons, the ship was sailing off the Mid Atlantic coast, apparently trying to avoid Hurricane Sandy without success. As the ship took on more water, the pumps became over taxed and failed. The crew took to life boats, but the captain and one crew member were washed overboard and were lost. The Coast Guard recovered the body of one crew member, and airlifted the remainder off the lifeboats; and they were taken to Elizabeth City, NC.
The ship sunk shortly thereafter, and no doubt will not be salvaged. A little bit of history, gone forever.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Misses Tahoma
Nice to be in Tahoma as opposed to Manhattan, New Jersey, and Delaware. Hurricane Sandy came ashore this evening creating havoc across the east coast as she turns north. Flooding and heavy rain shut down just about all activity in these coastal states. Power outages have affected 5.6 million people and several accidental deaths have been reported. It could be days before anything resembling normal returns. The NYSE is closed and will not reopen until power and transportation services are operating. Mayor Bloomberg advised all citizens to stay put and stay out of their cars and off the streets.
The mayor and his deputy had dinner with friends including a family(2 newspaper reporters) from Narragansett, Rhode Island. They've been forced to cancel their return flights and extend their California vacation-good news. Friends have reassured them all's well at this hour.
This could be the October surprise that could actually affect the outcome of the election. Obama and Romney have both had to change schedules to deal with storm activity. Obama returned to Washington to keep his eye on things from the White House.
The Minister of Latin American Affairs for Tahoma left DC Sunday morning for Lima, Peru. So, he has missed all the activity related to Sandy along the Potomac. Lucky him. His reports will obviously include local weather at Lima. A complete conference report will be filed later upon his return.
Meanwhile, our weather is changing, again. Look for a little rain or snow over the next 48 hours.
The mayor and his deputy had dinner with friends including a family(2 newspaper reporters) from Narragansett, Rhode Island. They've been forced to cancel their return flights and extend their California vacation-good news. Friends have reassured them all's well at this hour.
This could be the October surprise that could actually affect the outcome of the election. Obama and Romney have both had to change schedules to deal with storm activity. Obama returned to Washington to keep his eye on things from the White House.
The Minister of Latin American Affairs for Tahoma left DC Sunday morning for Lima, Peru. So, he has missed all the activity related to Sandy along the Potomac. Lucky him. His reports will obviously include local weather at Lima. A complete conference report will be filed later upon his return.
Meanwhile, our weather is changing, again. Look for a little rain or snow over the next 48 hours.
Giants Win It All!
Yes, they did. They went to the Motor City and confronted the usual hostilities directed at any visiting team. The last team here was the pathetic New York Yankees who were handed a sweep defeat in 4 games. And now, the Tigers faced the same embarrassing fate: 4 and done, fini, over.
This game would be different: it would go to extra innings, postponing the outcome as the clock edged toward midnight. The lead changed 5 times: Giants 1-0; Tigers 2-1; Giants 3-2; game tied 3-3; Giants 4-3-final in 10 innings. Home runs helped this seesaw contest. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2 run shot;then Buster Posey hit a 2 run shot; then Delman Young hit a solo shot to tie. But this cycle was broken when Ryan Theriot hit a single to right field off reliever Coke. Theriot was pushed to 2nd by a sacrifice bunt by Brandon Crawford, fielded by Coke who threw to Fielder at first. Then, Marco Scutaro came up. While not swinging the hot bat of the NLCS, he was ready; and he delivered: an RBI single that brought Theriot home, 4-3 Giants!
The bottom of the 10th featured the Giants closer, Sergio Romo, the man with the wicked slider. First batter, strike out; 2nd batter,strike out; 3rd batter-the triple crown winner, Miguel Cabrera, called strike 3. Game over. GIANTS ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 2012.
The sounds of victory cheers richochet over the Bay Area as loyal fans celebrated the final out. It's is always a thrill, for new fans and all. Game announcers Jon Miller and Dave Fleming voiced their collective joy as the Giant fans in Detroit crowded around the dugout in Comerica Park. Manager Bruce Bochy, he of the understatement, managed a smile and what passes for joy on his normally stoic face.
As players prepare for their flight home, the nations' attention is on the east coast Hurricane Sandy as it prepares to roll over New England, creating havoc. At least the World Series doesn't have to compete with Mother Nature for fan support.
This game would be different: it would go to extra innings, postponing the outcome as the clock edged toward midnight. The lead changed 5 times: Giants 1-0; Tigers 2-1; Giants 3-2; game tied 3-3; Giants 4-3-final in 10 innings. Home runs helped this seesaw contest. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2 run shot;then Buster Posey hit a 2 run shot; then Delman Young hit a solo shot to tie. But this cycle was broken when Ryan Theriot hit a single to right field off reliever Coke. Theriot was pushed to 2nd by a sacrifice bunt by Brandon Crawford, fielded by Coke who threw to Fielder at first. Then, Marco Scutaro came up. While not swinging the hot bat of the NLCS, he was ready; and he delivered: an RBI single that brought Theriot home, 4-3 Giants!
The bottom of the 10th featured the Giants closer, Sergio Romo, the man with the wicked slider. First batter, strike out; 2nd batter,strike out; 3rd batter-the triple crown winner, Miguel Cabrera, called strike 3. Game over. GIANTS ARE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS 2012.
The sounds of victory cheers richochet over the Bay Area as loyal fans celebrated the final out. It's is always a thrill, for new fans and all. Game announcers Jon Miller and Dave Fleming voiced their collective joy as the Giant fans in Detroit crowded around the dugout in Comerica Park. Manager Bruce Bochy, he of the understatement, managed a smile and what passes for joy on his normally stoic face.
As players prepare for their flight home, the nations' attention is on the east coast Hurricane Sandy as it prepares to roll over New England, creating havoc. At least the World Series doesn't have to compete with Mother Nature for fan support.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)