by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Just a quick final reminder of the Calitics Show. You can stream it live on the Radio show home page or listen to a podcast there or at iTunes.

Assembly member Lloyd Levine and former Assembly member Fran Pavley will join us to talk about a number of California policy issues. I figure they might also mention the fact that they are both running for SD-23 as well.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I'm really proud of the growth and improvement of the Calitics Show. I like to think that the podcast is becoming an exciting new medium for some good Calitics content. We've interviewed candidates and elected officials from across the state, and covered some of the major issues and races in the state.

This Monday, we have another exciting show. We will have both candidates for SD-23 Assembly member Lloyd Levine and former Assembly member Fran Pavley LIVE! We want to use this as a chance to discuss important policy issues facing the state, such as our worsening budget situation, the challenges facing our environment, the energy crisis and whatever issues they or YOU care to bring up.  We'll have time for just a few callers. The number is available at the Calitics Show Page. Also, if you have questions, feel free to leave them as comments to this post.

by WhatAre Progressive Values [courtesy of Blog for America]

This is part of a continuing series of interviews of progressives telling stories about their progressive values.  I am working on a documentary to answer the question, What are Progressive Values? So far, I have interviewed over 100 progressives and have placed over 350 video clips on YouTube with the various replies. See ProgressiveSpirit.com  

 This interview is with Loni Hancock, California Assembly member representing the 14th Assembly District: Serving Berkeley, Richmond, Albany, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Kensington, Emeryville and Oakland. Loni says that empathy and caring are the most important progressive values to her. She tells a childhood story about empathy and her visit to the zoo.
 
 Progressive Values Stories: Loni Hancock on Empathy and Caring

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

So, this is rapidly breaking news here. As of right now, Assembly Members Price and Calderon abstained from voting on the yacht loophole fix. All other Dems voted yes, with Assembly Member Soto being out sick, we don't have the 41 votes necessary to fix the yacht loophole. What does it say if we can't get even this smallest of revenue fixes passed?

As an aside, apparently Sen. Denham is taking this recall effort seriously. He voted against some of the spending cuts. Interesting. I'll update when I learn more.

by jbridges16 [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

This article written by:  Former Assembly Member, Hannah Beth Jackson of Speak Out California

This is the truly crazy-making time of the legislative year, when hundreds of bills line up on the floor like airplanes on a crowded runway. And productivity isn't measured by the quality of the bills being considered but rather by the number that are disposed of on the floor each day. With over 700 bills waiting for take-off or otherwise, it's a madhouse. Several bills have already been or will be delayed, postponed or canceled while most of those lined up will take off for the Governor's desk where their fate will be decided within thirty days of their final vote. An action alert is up, here. But read on for the details.

by Mark Leno [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I truly appreciate the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues and friends as I started this week to learn for myself if food stamp benefits are enough to eat adequately and nutritiously, while balancing a busy life.  I can already tell you that the experience has truly lived up to its name? it really is a challenge.

Yesterday I began the day with a bowl of cereal, which isn?t a huge departure from what I usually eat.  But as the day wore on, I began to notice the many food choices that were available to me before the challenge, but are no longer.  A generous staff member happened to bring in four dozen hand-dipped chocolate strawberries.  An array of cheeses and fresh fruits tempted me in the Assembly member?s lounge.  All of it was off limits. 

by atdleft [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]