Author Archives: Russ

Charger Finds His Way to ClubFed

Posted on November 9, 2008 by Russ

It hasn’t been a good year for the San Diego Chargers. Their best defensive player, Shawne Merriman, is out for the year. They’ve struggled on offense. Yet their only one game out of first place. For one former Charger it’s … Continue reading →

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Schwarzenegger Proposes Big Sales Tax Increase

Posted on November 8, 2008 by Russ

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed increasing California’s base sales tax from 7.25% to 8.75% to help close an $11 billion budget shortfall. If the measure passes the state legislature, Orange County’s sales tax would be 9.25%. The measure is billed as … Continue reading →

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California Voters Haven’t Figured Out that Bonds Must be Paid Back

Posted on November 5, 2008 by Russ

While the most hotly debated proposition on the California ballot was Proposition 8 (banning of gay marriage—it passed 52% to 48%) that was not the proposition with the biggest fiscal impact. There were billions of dollars of bond measures on … Continue reading →

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California Races

Posted on November 4, 2008 by Russ

Unfortunately, it’s likely to be well past midnight before we know the results of the statewide propositions and the local ballot measures. I value my sleep, so I’ll be reporting on these on Wednesday.

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It’s Time to Watch Your Wallets

Posted on November 4, 2008 by Russ

It now appears certain that Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States. Congratulations to him. It’s an historic occasion when race really doesn’t matter in electing a president. That said, it’s now time to ponder what … Continue reading →

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Remember to Vote

Posted on November 4, 2008 by Russ

Today is Election Day, and that means you should exercise your privilege and vote. In California, you can go to the Secretary of State’s website to find your polling place.

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More Tax Fraud

Posted on November 2, 2008 by Russ

There’s lots of fraud to report this week. Here are some more of the lowlights. First, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) issued a report noting that over $1.6 billion in false refunds were estimated to have been … Continue reading →

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Tax Fraud: The Food Edition

Posted on November 2, 2008 by Russ

There was so much tax fraud reported this week that I’m writing two posts on it. Here I’m going to take a look at two frauds from restaurants and one from farming. Let’s start in Freeport, Long Island, New York. … Continue reading →

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He Gambled…And He Lost

Posted on November 1, 2008 by Russ

Renato Medina used to own Lucky Chances, a Colma, California cardroom (poker club). Colma, which may have more tombstones than people, was the target of a federal corruption investigation. Mr. Medina was found to have been taking personal deductions on … Continue reading →

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Irvine Measure S

Posted on November 1, 2008 by Russ

Measure S is titled the City of Irvine Personal Information Privacy Act. The City Attorney’s analysis states that measure S will comply with state and federal privacy regulations. Proponents believe this measure will aid in privacy for Irvine residents. Opponents … Continue reading →

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