Category Archives: California

Are the Democrats in Sacramento that Blind?

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Russ

There was an election in Massachusetts on Tuesday. As I’m sure you’re aware, Republican Scott Brown is the new Republican Senator from Massachusetts. Apparently, Democrats in Sacramento are blind to the obvious. The voters in Massachusetts, a state more liberal … Continue reading →

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The Mess in California

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

There is some good news in California this weekend. We’re apparently about to be hit with a lot of rain. The television stations are saying we’ll get four to eight inches this coming week. That doesn’t sound like much, but … Continue reading →

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Haiti Charitable Tax Deduction Legislation Likely

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Russ

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans plan on introducing joint legislation to allow Americans to claim a tax deduction for charitable contributions to Haiti earthquake relief in 2009 though the deductions are made in 2010. I expect … Continue reading →

Posted in California, IRS | 2 Comments

For Sale With Mold

Posted on January 12, 2010 by Russ

Mold inside a building can be a major health issue. Unfortunately, California’s Board of Equalization is housed in such a building. The 24-story building is in a prime, downtown Sacramento location. But leaks and mold abound, and the $15 million … Continue reading →

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What’s $2 Trillion Among Friends

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Russ

From the Financial Times comes word that there are $2 Trillion worth of unfunded pensions at just the state and local level in the United States. The Financial Times article relies on a study by Orin Kramer of New Jersey’s … Continue reading →

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Can You Lend a Hand? And a Few Billion Dollars?

Posted on January 3, 2010 by Russ

California remains in financial trouble. The state faces a $21 billion deficit. Meanwhile, the economic news doesn’t appear particularly good. First, a judge in Alameda County (Oakland) rejected some of the furloughs implemented by Governor Schwarzenegger. The ruling impacts about … Continue reading →

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Worse than California: Michigan

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Russ

Sure, California has problems. Our legislators can’t figure out that if you have $70 billion coming in that you can’t spend $90 billion. Still, there’s plenty of businesses located in the Bronze Golden State (mine included). Then there’s Michigan. How … Continue reading →

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Governor Schwarzenegger Wants $8 Billion from the Feds

Posted on December 24, 2009 by Russ

The joy of living in California. The wonderful climate (it’s going to be 70 and sunny today). The beach is just a 15 minute drive from my house. I live in the safest city in the country. And our state … Continue reading →

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Knocked Out From California

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Russ

Once a month the Irvine Marriott holds boxing matches. I’ve been told that they’re selling out, so it’s apparent that boxing does draw well in California. It’s likely that a major prize fight would also draw well. Bob Arum is … Continue reading →

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A Lesson for California from South Dakota

Posted on December 2, 2009 by Russ

California politicians seem to think that they can raise tax rates higher and higher and higher and businesses won’t react. Bluntly, that’s wrong. From the Leonard Letter and the South Dakota Department of Tourism and Economic Development comes word of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, South Dakota | 3 Comments