VOTER INFORMATION ARTICLES

Some Articles from Current Voter & Other Information

Membership Information--Board Highlights.  OTHER Membership Information.  Celebrating Sue Lempert--It was an Honor for the League.  Local Action Goes National.  Important Points about the California Voters first Initiative.  What's the Forecast for SB 840 and Health Care Reform in 2008?.  Preview on LWVC Positions on June 2008 Ballot Measures.  Judicial Independence News.  Legislative Interview with Senator Leland Yee, 8th District LWVN&CSMC March 21, 2008.  Energy: Now and in the Future.

Membership Information--Board Highlights

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS:

At its April 14, 2008 meeting, the Board

• Heard that the Sue Lempert luncheon was almost sold out and had received quite a few sponsorships.
• Heard that the League's involvement with the election at the Shelter Creek Condominiums went well and that we were paid $1,200 for our work.
• Reviewed various budget proposals for the Annual Meeting.
• Discussed the recommendations for the Local and County Program Positions.
• Discussed the open positions on the nominating slate for the Annual Meeting.
• Heard that our interviews with State Senator Leland Yee and Assemblyman Gene Mullin went well.
• Decided that Don and Jackie Jacobberger, Marie Baldisseri and Florence Snyder will attend the LWV Bay Area Convention in May.
• Heard that our League will count votes for the Grand Juror's Election in October.
• Learned that our League has been approached by an adjunct of Legal Aid to see if we could provide court monitors for family court.
• Heard that the Peninsula Resolution Center has asked our League for a member to be on the board. Jean Johnson, Secretary

ANNUAL MEETING MAY 10 9 a.m.-Noon

Nick's Restaurant 100 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica From Highway 280 South, take Highway 1 South toward Pacifica. Turn right on Rockaway Beach Ave. From Highway 280 North, merge onto Skyline Blvd/Highway 35 toward Pacifica. Turn left onto Sharp Park Rd. Turn right onto Francisco Blvd. Merge onto Cabrillo Highway/Highway 1 toward Half Moon Bay/Santa Cruz. Turn right from Highway 1 on Rockaway Beach Ave.

Guest Speaker: Tina King, Education and Outreach Director Sustainable San Mateo County

The Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters of North and Central San Mateo County is the only business meeting for the general membership during the year. Your participation is important as we set the direction of the League during the next twelve months by electing our officers and board members, adopting our program and approving a budget. Guests are welcome to attend, but may not participate in the voting.

Breakfast (incl. tax and Tip), including registration $16.50 Menu includes: Scrambled eggs, served with potatoes, platters of ham, bacon and sausage, fresh fruit, French crumb cake, toast and jelly, coffee or tea and juice Registration only: if you wish to attend the meeting, but do not want breakfast $3.00

Deadline for reservations: Friday, May 2nd

Send reservations and check payable to LWV North & Central San Mateo County to: LWV North & Central San Mateo County c/o Marie Baldisseri, President 852 Alta Loma Drive South San Francisco, CA 94080

Enclosed is my reservation for Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 10th

No. requested Total

Breakfast, including registration @ $16.50 x ___________ = __________ Registration only (No breakfast) @ $ 3.00 x ___________ = __________ Amount enclosed: __________

Name: ___________________________________ Telephone: ____________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

OTHER Membership Information

MEMBERSHIP NOTES:

Dues envelopes will be in the mail soon.

Sheila Heiman Fund for Dues Assistance

The Sheila Heiman Fund is available to provide confidential financial assistance to help League members with dues payments. Sheila, President of LWV Central San Mateo County from 1989 -1991, left this fund in her will to help ease the cost of League dues when they becomes a burden to members. Please contact Membership Chair Afsoon Shahrdar for more information.

PUBLIC RELATIONS NEEDS HELP

Late last year I joined the board as Public Relations Director. Since that time, I have been trying to develop a list of press contacts so that we can establish relationships that will bring more publicity for our events. I have sent several press releases, but don't receive all of the local papers. Articles are available on web sites for some of our local papers, but others don't have them. I have tried to cover all the papers and media outlets that I know about.

Here is how you can help. If you find articles about League events or projects, even those short announcements in local calendar columns, please clip and send them to me. I would like to know whether the press is paying attention to our announcements. If you have personal contacts with any of the area media outlets, please share that information.

It helps to send material to the right person. So far, I have not been able to develop a list of local community television stations that might carry announcements, but hope to work on that soon. Any current information will be greatly appreciated and will help to build our visibility in the community. Jackie Jacobberger, Public Relations Director 650-871-6357 - jhjacobberger@att.net

Final Call to Convention

League of Women Voters of the United States 48th National Convention

June 13-17, 2008, Portland, Oregon

Reaching New Heights Together

During the Convention, the Delegates will:

Adopt the national program for 2008-2010 Elect Officers and Directors and a Nominating Committee Decide the Per Member Payment for the Biennium Adopt the LWVUS budget for Fiscal year 2008-2009 Vote on Proposed Amendments to the LWVUS Bylaws

Registration Deadline: May 23

All League members are invited to Convention 2008. All non-delegate members may participate fully in Convention except for voting privileges. If you are interested in attending, please contact me for information about convention briefing workshops and other convention activities.

COUNTY STEPS UP WITH HOUSING FOR YOUTH LEAVING FOSTER CARE Every year there are more than 400 children in our county's foster care system. When they leave foster care at age 18, many cannot find permanent housing, resulting in far too many becoming homeless once they're "aged out" of the system. In response to this serious problem, the Board of Supervisors has developed an array of services, including moving and relocation assistance, employment services, emergency aftercare, furniture and clothing assistance, and continuous housing support. With affordable housing identified as a critical need, the Board of Supervisors has set aside funding to develop permanent transitional housing for emancipated foster youth.

On Thursday, May, 8, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, with the support of the City of South San Francisco and Youth and Family Enrichment Services welcomes the community to an Open House at the Grand-Orange triplex, 701 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, the first of three housing facilities designed to assist foster youth in making a successful transition to independent living. The program will take place at 11 a.m., tours will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, please contact Jennie Hwang Loft, (650) 802-6433.

LEAGUE'S EXPERTISE SOUGHT IN COMMUNITY ELECTIONS

Recently the League acted as Inspector of Elections for the Shelter Creek Condominium Owners Association's annual election. Thanks to Marie Baldisseri, Beth Bhatnagar, Don Jacobberger, Jean Johnson, and Diana Stephens for counting ballots on the night of the election and for helping in other ways. Leah Schultz and Kathee Tyson also generously offered to help but were unable to reschedule when the date was changed because of lack of a quorum on the first meeting date.

We have also had a request to conduct an election for the California Grand Jury Association in the fall of this year and have accepted that obligation. Our League also passed on a request from another group to the LWV South San Mateo County as it fell within their jurisdiction.

Recent legislation requires that homeowners associations have independent inspectors of elections, and the fees we charge is a good source of funds to support our League's activities. Because there are very specific rules in the state legislation for conducting these elections and there may be more frequent requests for our service, we should develop a corps of trained volunteers to handle these elections. Occasionally helping in this way is easy. It usually involves only a few hours. The more people we have trained and are willing to help with these elections, the less burdensome it will be for others.

A training session will be scheduled in the near future. Please contact me at 871-6357 or jhjacobberger@att.net if you are interested. It can be fun and is a good way to get to know fellow League members

Celebrating Sue Lempert--It was an Honor for the League

In addition to all the accolades offered at our luncheon on April 18, the League owes Sue one more, for allowing us to honor her. The event was a great success on many levels.

The Luncheon Committee's extraordinary efforts brought all the facets of planning and execution into an organized, smooth, enjoyable gathering of League members, community officers and business and government leaders. Thank you to Jan Epstein, Dorothy Greene, Carole Groom, Jackie Jacobberger, Linda Jansen, Ruth Kahoun, Rosanne Levitt, Masako Nagumo, Patricia Ronald, Sherrean Rundberg, Elise Stone and Timmie Will. I've never enjoyed working with a group as much as this one. They helped make the day a success for the League and for everyone who wanted to honor Sue. A special thank you goes to Donald Stone for contributing a gift of an album of photographic memories of the event for Sue.

Attendees representing Sue's long public career in San Mateo and the Bay Area were present, as were members of her family, husband Art and sons Ted and Robert. (Daughter Elizabeth was unable to attend.) Former Supervisor and Assemblyman Ted Lempert, President of Children Now, gave the keynote address.

After tributes led by Master of Ceremonies San Mateo City Manager Arne Croce; Bay Area League President Linda Craig; San Mateo Mayor Carole Groom; San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Adrienne Tissier; San Mateo Union High School District Trustee Dave Pine; San Mateo-Foster City School District Trustee Mark Hudak and Metropolitan Transportation Commission Executive Director Steve Heminger, it was Sue's turn to speak.

Her remarks about joining the League and its importance in preparing her for her career in public service were very moving. They were reinforced in comments by Arne Croce about the League's contribution to good governance in San Mateo and the Bay Area.

Finally, the luncheon was a financial success due to sponsorships from a broad range of individuals and corporations in the community. Many thanks to all of the sponsors, listed below, for their votes of confidence in our League and its services to the community. We appreciate all those who attended and supported this important community event. Renée Kaseff, Celebrating Sue Lempert Chair

We Appreciate Our Sponsors Presidential Bay Meadows Land Company Senatorial David D. Bohannon Organization City of San Bruno/San Bruno Garbage Company Congressional The City of San Mateo Art, Robert, Ted, & Liz Lempert The Raiser Family Gubernatorial George Corey & Ina Stewart Phyllis Friedman Legislative Jane Baker Judy Bloom Jane Blumberg-Goldberg Building & Construction Trades Council of San Mateo County Tish Busselle Concar Enterprises, Inc. Linda Craig Don & Jan Elliott Carole Groom Hanson Bridgett Trish Hooper Don & Jackie Jacobberger Wally & Linda Jansen Leon & Renée Kaseff Thelma Kromhout Rosanne Levitt Masako Nagumo Bill & Sherrean Rundberg Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #467 Harriet Saign Robert & Patricia Ronald Austin & J'nan Sellery Ruth Steiner Timmie Will

Local Action Goes National

Good news! The Leagues of Women Voters of California and of the United States have approved our Local League's petition to send letters to Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator Diane Feinstein and Representative Anna Eshoo requesting federal funding for a new state-of-the-art Jail Management System in San Mateo County.

The letters urge our elected representatives to do all they can to assist the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office to secure federal funds of $1,690,000 in the 2009 fiscal year to implement a state-of-the-art Jail Management System (JMS) at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office's correctional facilities. The letters explain that due to financial constraints, San Mateo County is one of the few counties in the nation that has been unable to undertake this important initiative. The letters further explain that with their assistance, a JMS system could be implemented that would greatly increase the efficiency of the county's criminal justice system and increase public safety for every resident.

Background: The JMS project would be part of a larger Countywide Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) upgrade which would result in the ultimate sharing of data with all of the San Mateo County Criminal Justice Agencies and other identified law enforcement partners. The main benefits of the system include:

Elimination of multiple labor-intensive manual systems currently employed for maintaining jail records.

Reduction of the unnecessary waste of valuable staff time currently needed to re-enter data in multiple databases.

Enhancement of the ability to analyze the inmate population to better assign, manage and direct inmates into rehabilitative programs.

Significant fiscal savings.

The ability to automate processes and reports that currently take an inordinate amount of staff time to compile.

Improvement of capabilities to improve information sharing and enhance investigative efforts among and between all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the region.

This initiative is critical to improving the effectiveness of jail management and ensuring coordinated local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in San Mateo County. Our County Position on Correction Systems has enabled our League to give its support proudly to this important effort.

Important Points about the California Voters first Initiative

Under current law, California legislators draw their own political districts. Allowing politicians to draw their own districts is a serious conflict of interest that harms voters

Not surprisingly, 99% of incumbent politicians were re-elected in the districts they had drawn for themselves in the last election. In the election before that, 100% of incumbents were reelected.

Politicians draw districts that serve their interests, not those of our communities. For example, cities such as Long Beach, San Jose and Fresno are divided into multiple oddly shaped districts to protect incumbent legislators. Voters in communities like Korea town in Los Angeles and La Jolla in San Diego have no political voice because they have been split into as many as four different districts purely to protect incumbent legislators.

This reform will make the redistricting process more open and transparent so it cannot be controlled by one party or another. It will give us an equal number of Democrats and Republicans on the Commission, and it will ensure true independents can participate + a voice that is completely shut out of the current process. In addition, this reform requires support from Democrats, Independents and Republicans for approval of new redistricting plans.

The Independent Citizens Commission will draw districts based on strict, non-partisan rules designed to ensure fair representation. The reform takes redistricting out of the partisan battles of the legislature and guarantees that redistricting will be debated in the open with public meetings, and all minutes will be posted publicly on the Internet. Every aspect of this process will be open to scrutiny by the public and the press.

In the current process politicians are choosing their voters instead of voters having a real choice. This reform will put the voters back in charge.

What's the Forecast for SB 840 and Health Care Reform in 2008?

OneCareNow's 15-member State Strategy Group, which includes the LWVC, has built strong support for single-payer health care among Californians. League members were among the 200 plus strategy group members who attended a two-day planning summit in February. The resulting second-year campaign strategy will build on the success of the 365-City Campaign in 2007. This campaign commits us to continue building grassroots support for single-payer health care. We will be working to move SB 840 to the Governor's desk this year. You can become involved in this effort.

Attend a Health Care Workshop Saturday, May 17, at the Leadership Council in Sacramento. This

workshop will provide advocacy tools for League members, effective strategies to continue expanding statewide support for single payer and answers to these critical questions: Is our strongest opponent really the insurance industry? Who are the major untapped supporters for SB 840? What can we do to veto-proof SB 840?

Health Care for All-California (HCA-CA) Executive Director Andrew McGuire will present our workshop. He developed the 365-City Campaign and recruited other single-payer organizations to form a coalition that is now the State Strategy Group. Fighting giants like the health care industry is not a new experience for Andrew. He stood up to the tobacco industry and won. He organized the Million Mom march on Washington, DC. NOVA won its first EMMY award when it aired Andrew's first documentary film, Here's Looking at You, Kid, nationally on PBS. In Andrew's words, "We are the people who will win single payer health care in California". Workshops are open to members and non-members. To register, please visit: http://www.lwvc.org

Join us in San Francisco at noon on June 19 for a rally led by CARA (California Association of Retired Americans) in support of HR 676 (Conyers) and SB 840 (Kuehl) at the health insurance industry meeting at Moscone Center. The American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) will be meeting at Moscone Convention Center West from June 18 to June 20. Its Thursday, June 19, program features former U.S. Senators John Breaux and Jim Frist; past Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson; former Counselor to President Bush, Dan Bartlett and former Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Terry McAuliffe. All these speakers oppose health care proposals that remove the insurance industry from our health care.

For further information and directions to the rally, call (650) 368-0880.

It becomes a contest of power: those who have money and those who have people. We have nothing but people. +Saul Alinsky Del Silverman, Health Care

Preview on LWVC Positions on June 2008 Ballot Measures

Heads Up for Prop O on June Ballot The Leagues of Women Voters of North/Central and South San Mateo County have voted to support County Measure O, "Parks for the Future," a sales tax increase of 1/8 of a cent, on the June 3 statewide primary ballot. We supported Measure A, Parks for the Future, in a previous election, and while it received majority support, it was short of the 2/3 majority required for passage. We have another opportunity this year to promote this measure. Look for more information on this important issue in the June Voter.

The June 3, 2008 ballot features two propositions on the subject of eminent domain. The first, Proposition 98, The California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act, is similar to Proposition 90, which the LWVC opposed on the November 2006 ballot. However it goes much further in limiting the ability of public agencies to acquire land to provide water resources, to regulate land use, to protect natural resources, and even to continue rent control laws.

The League OPPOSES Proposition 98 and has signed the ballot argument against the measure. Any League member wishing to work on the campaign should contact Meghan Callahan by calling 916-443-0872.

The second, Proposition 99, The Homeowners Protection Act, simply addresses a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision by clarifying that single-family occupied property may not be condemned for transfer to other private parties. It reinforces the right of local governments and others to regulate land use and to acquire property for valid government purposes.

The League SUPPORTS Proposition 99 and signed the ballot argument in favor of the measure.

Judicial Independence News

The LWVUS is pleased to report the receipt of two additional years of funding for Safeguarding U.S. Democracy: Promoting a Fair and Independent Judiciary program, sponsored by the Open Society Institute! Here are some recent highlights of the League's critical work in this area: Podcast on the Importance of Fair and Impartial Courts now available: In this new podcast, LWVUS President, Mary G. Wilson, addresses the importance of a fair and impartial court system in our democracy. To listen, please visit the LWVUS multimedia section on their web page at http://www.lwv.org/faircourts. 2008 Supreme Court Elections: Five States to watch. Thirty-nine state contestable State Supreme Court seats in 21 states are on the ballot next year, potentially making 2008 the most expensive year ever for candidates seeking election to America's state courts. But threats to the fairness and impartiality of the courts may not end with elections: special interest ballot measures and legislative efforts to inject politics into nonpartisan judicial selection systems are also on the horizon for 2008. Check http://www.lwv.org/faircourts for information on five key states to watch. Colorado Citizen Survey: Judicial Independence: With Support from LWVUS, the LWV of Colorado recently conducted a survey of Colorado citizens' views on the judiciary. The poll, conducted in partnership with the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, has yielded some interesting results which are posted at http://www.lwv.org/faircourts

What Does Judicial Independence Mean? Judicial independence was one of the original principles of the Constitution. The founders of the United States had negative experiences with the judiciary controlled by King George III. They chose to establish courts that were independent so that people would be protected from an overreaching government. The question of influence on judges remains. Courts can be pressured by the other branches of government, by the press or by the public directly. However, judges are to rule only on the basis of the facts and law in all cases before them; other elements should not affect the outcome of a case before them. Independence does not mean a lack of oversight and accountability; judges can be disciplined for serious misconduct on or off the bench. All states have some sort of commission to investigate complaints about judicial behavior. These often have lay people as members. The commissions can recommend removal from office, public or private reprimand, censure and suspension, as well as involuntary retirement. State judges may also face impeachment or recall (where elected.) Federal judges are also impeachable. Recently, some judges have been criticized by politicians and the general public because their decisions have been unpopular. They are usually unable to respond to charges because of the Code of Judicial Conduct which limits their discussion of specific cases in which they have ruled. Lately, this criticism has increased greatly, and judges have taken some action to increase public understanding of the role of judges. Some of these actions include holding court in schools or other accessible places. They support "moot" court trials which are often used in law schools and other locations, working with cable TV and radio stations on programs about courts and the law. They may also encourage use of volunteers in the court systems. Some "customer surveys" measure how the court system is seen to be working by people involved in cases before them. Some state court systems allow trials and related proceedings to be televised. It is important that people know what judges do, and that they are indeed accountable even when they issue rulings that some people will find objectionable. Judges must be servants of the law and the Constitution, not of political bosses, the media, and special interest groups. Judicial independence assures that cases will be decided on their merits and that decisions are based on what is right and just under the law, not what is popular at the moment. This protects our individual liberties and our rule of law.

Pat Brady, LWV + Fairfax Area, Virginia Justice
Committee

Legislative Interview with Senator Leland Yee, 8th District LWVN&CSMC March 21, 2008

QUESTION 1: The governor's budget proposed 10 percent across-the-board cuts to all programs on the grounds of fairness. The Legislative Analyst (LAO) and others have argued that it would be better to set priorities and identify the most critical needs. How do you view these choices, and what would be your own funding priorities or areas of greatest concern? ANSWER 1: Senator Yee said the Governor's intent with the 10% across-the-board cut proposal was to "begin the discussion." He said he agrees that the state has a serious financial deficit and does admit that everyone will "feel the pain." Senator Yee believes some areas will take deeper cuts than the 10%, but others will not. The Senator noted that his own funding priorities are consistent and are the areas he has always championed --- the protection of children, education, and mental health. He said the Democratic caucus has made clear to the Governor that they will not support cuts to education. Senator Yee said he knows some funding must be cut from the education budget, but hopes to make the vast majority of cuts within the State Department of Education by cutting red tape and by eliminating duplication of services. Senator Yee hopes there will be no cuts that directly impact the children in the classroom. The Senator said they will look for savings by addressing inefficiencies and duplication of services. He is also hoping there might be a way to shift money allocated for facilities into the instructional side. Senator Yee added, however, that he couldn't guarantee that there will be no cuts in the classroom. They will try not to suspend Prop 98, but "there will be some cuts." He said the areas most likely to be cut are in social services and health care ,and more people will have to get qualified for services (eligibility will have to be renewed more frequently for a variety of services). The Senator admits we do not have many options and that there can be no more borrowing.

QUESTION - 2: The Governor proposes to address the state budget deficit through borrowing and spending reductions, with only minimal revenue-raising proposals. The LAO and others, including the California Budget Project, the California State PTA, the League, and many other public interest organizations, have called for a balance between spending cuts and revenue increases. Would you support any new revenues, and if so, what kinds would you suggest?

Would you consider reducing or eliminating any tax expenditures to realize more revenue for the state? If so, which ones would you suggest? It has been pointed out that commercial property is only reassessed when there is an outright sale of the property, but not when more than half of the actual ownership of the property has changed hands. Would you consider changes in the way commercial property is assessed to trigger reassessment when such changes in ownership occur?

ANSWER 2:

Senator Yee said the Governor knows that no more borrowing can occur. As to the Governor's proposal to address the budget deficit through borrowing and spending reductions with only minimal revenue raising proposals, Senator Yee does not think this will work. He foresees problems with mandates. He said the Democrats are willing to look at tax increases, but the votes aren't there. The Senator said that there is consideration for a November ballot measure, however the budget is due June 30, so there would still be a July-to-November funding gap that must be addressed. The Senator said he is hoping for proposed limited tax increases tied to very particular needs + education, for example. He said this might be a way to get some Republicans on board. He does admit, however, that the Democrats do not have the necessary 2/3 majority to override a gubernatorial veto which would undoubtedly occur. Senator Yee said he is not opposed to a sales tax increase, and he would also be open to increased taxes at the higher end of the economic ladder. Senator Yee said, "Yes," he would like to take a serious look at loopholes. He said the Republicans are against this, but there is hope that some Republicans might support a targeted and trackable revenue enhancement for education. He feels strongly constituents who are represented by Republicans, must speak up for this to happen. Senator Yee said, "Clearly, Prop 13 is not going to be touched." There are not the votes to do so and any modification would have to be passed by the voters, which is very unlikely. The Senator said he is in favor of a change in the commercial transfer tax, but it's not clear the votes would be there to make that happen. He said there is a lot of discussion and interest in exploring, however. He did call California's tax structure problematic.

QUESTION 3: The Governor is proposing a Budget Stabilization Act that would include such provisions as automatic reductions by a formula whenever the administration projects a deficit in the budget and would give the Governor added authority to enforce reductions. Would you support such a measure?

ANSWER 3: The Senator said, "No. The budget must be a collaborative effort between the branches of Government." Senator Yee feels that the budget is a collaboration between the legislative and executive branches of government and strongly feels that no one branch should have control. He strongly believes in the balance of powers between the branches.

QUESTION 4: The Governor has directed the sale of, and the Treasurer has sold, the remaining authorized $3.3 billion of Economic Recovery Bonds (ERBs), and early repayment of some of the bonds that have already been sold will be suspended. Repayment of the bonds come from the state General Fund and, coupled with debt service on other bonds the state has sold, this is an increasing percentage of General Fund. Are there any circumstances under which you would consider any further borrowing? The Governor has proposed $48 billion in infrastructure bonds for transportation, water, schools and other projects over the next two election cycles. Given our existing debt, would you support any of these bonds, and if so, which ones?

ANSWER 4:

Senator Yee said, "Yes." He said he would borrow more to ensure the "vitality of the state" and to minimize the pain right now, although the likelihood of that happening may be minimal. The Senator added that although he understands that borrowing equates to saddling future generations, "if your house is burning it doesn't make sense to let it burn down and then have only ashes to leave to your children."

He noted that California is a vital state with a great future. He said if we minimize the pain now, we will have a stronger economy in the future. He also touched on the state's infrastructure and how it is necessary to sell bonds for such long-term capital projects. Senator Yee noted that we are well within our legal limit of bonded indebtedness. The Senator feels bonds give us "more bang for our buck." He said this will help the economy too (e.g. jobs).

QUESTON 5: What other major issues do you think the Legislature must deal with in 2008? What are your personal priorities?

ANSWER 5:

"System change" is the priority for Senator Yee. He said we need to deal with the systemic problems with existing programs + how to use existing dollars wisely rather than always looking to add dollars. For example, schools should "own support services as an integral part of the instructional program" and "deal with the entire child." The Senator said that this is preferred over adding more programs and then having to cut them when we hit bad economic conditions. He added that mental health is similar, and he said we need to improve delivery systems within the county. Beyond that, Senator Yee said his other priorities are kids, education and the environment. The Senator said he would prefer to see increases in revenues rather than cuts in spending. The easier way to do this (with Republicans) is through closing loopholes.

Energy: Now and in the Future

The energy mix-- is changing. That is, the sources of energy are changing. This is caused by a variety of reasons, including concern about global warming, economics, dwindling supplies of certain sources, the international political situation and local politics.

It is interesting to compare the energy mix in different places. Canada's Province of British Columbia uses a mix of 92.8% hydroelectric and 0% nuclear. France uses a mix of 11.3% hydroelectric and 78.3% nuclear. Both make minimal use of natural gas, oil and coal, while Canada's Province of Alberta has a mix of 4.4% hydroelectric and 0% nuclear, but 79.2% coal.

The Province of Ontario has a mix of 24.8% hydroelectric, 49.7% nuclear and 18% coal. Like each state in the United States, each of Canada's provinces has its own energy policy and energy mix. Countries that are geographically close also may have differing sources of energy. Germany uses a mix of 4.5% hydroelectric and 27.1% nuclear, and depends on coal for 50% of its energy, while its neighbor France depends on coal for only 5% of its energy.

What about California? As of 2006, PG&E's mix was 31% hydroelectric, 35% natural gas, 29% coal, 5% renewable, and less than 1% nuclear. PG&E projected a 2007 energy mix of 12% hydroelectric, 49% natural gas, 2% coal, and 24% nuclear. Renewables (solar, wind, biomass, waste, geothermal, etc.) were 5% in 2006 and projected for 12% for 2007.

What does this portend for the future? Will hydroelectric power be decreasing and nuclear energy increasing as a source of Energy in California? The increase in nuclear energy sources will not come about because we will have more nuclear reactors in California; but because PG&E will purchase more energy from those sources. We already import natural gas, and it seems that we will import even more in the future. Renewables will increase as a source of California energy, but will still account for only a small percentage of our mix. Global warming appears to be a reality, whether or not contributed to by human activity. This means that hydroelectric sources will

become less reliable. Water flows will be more sporadic and less predictable in the long run--heavy periodic rains instead of a slow snowmelt. An increase in the use of natural gas will only contribute more to greenhouse gases and global warming. The one factor left out of equation so far is conservation. We are going to need a lot more of that in the future. Donald Jacobberger

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: May 3, 2008 11:06 PDT.

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