[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Robert Cruickshank

It sounds like one of those stories that conservatives often use to make government look bad - the city of Sacramento is fining a household $746 for letting their lawn die to save water. But the real issue here isn't government - it's whether California will abandon wasteful and even elitist 20th century values to meet the needs of the 21st century.

This basic tension according to the Sacramento Bee:

"In order to make the lawn go, I would have had to keep watering it intensely, and since the drought was declared, I decided that wasn't a good idea," said Hartridge. "Honestly, I think there's a disconnect within the city about priorities."

“Two weeks ago, The Bee reported that Sacramento's per capita water use is among the greatest in the world....

“The city's landscaping rule is intended to maintain neighborhood visual standards to prevent one neighbor's tastes from harming another's property values.

“The rule was the subject of much conflict last year when amended to provide gardeners leeway to grow more than grass. Sacramentans can now grow large trees, shrubs and, yes, even food in their front yards without fear of reprisal.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

The LA Times blog analyzes Hillary Clinton's surrenderon Saturday for other messages the Senator could be sending. "All threeof the Clintons are perfectly dressed -- for a funeral."

The state assembly has approved a bill that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote. Excuse me: Democrats in the assembly approved the bill. Not a single Republican voted for it.

The Sacramento Bee has a story on the disabled access bill and reactions to it. "Critics say the plan is too broad – and so conciliatory it won't accomplish much of anything."

There's more... 

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Sometimes It’s How the Question is Asked That Makes a Big Difference

By Frank D. Russo

The California Field Poll has just released today, on the 30th anniversary of Proposition 13, findings of a survey of registered voters. It shows strong support for Proposition 13 and that it would pass again if presented to the voters.

The generally available numbers at the moment are in a special digest from Field. To get a better understanding of the responses Field asked, which include questions on taxes in general as well, one must dive into the 61 pages of crosstabs, which are available through the Sacramento Bee’s Capitol Alert.

There are no two ways about many of these findings. Let’s take a look.

First of all, how familiar do registered voters say they are with Prop 13?

Field asked: “Thirty years ago in 1978 California voters approved Proposition 13, which reduced local property taxes and limited the amount they could be increased each year. How familiar are you with Proposition 13 – very familiar, somewhat familiar, not too familiar or not at all familiar?”

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Governor Schwarzenegger has dropped a plan to release 22,000 prison inmates early, reports the Sacramento Bee."Not a single legislator in the state had expressed support for theidea."

East Bay residents may be forced to reduce their use of water by 20 percent under a rationing proposal by the East Bay MunicipalUtility District expected to be announced today. "We could have an evendrier year next year, and we could end up with even half that or less.So, we have to stretch every last drop," said EBMUD spokesman CharlesHardy.

The LA Times reports disappointment among many female supporters of Hillary Clinton in West Virginia. Clinton is likely to sweep West Virginia, but it won't make a difference at this point.

There's more... 

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Torres to Governor: You're Not in Austria Anymore

Consider this an in case you missed it: "Torres to Schwarzenegger: 'This is not Austria'":

"Art Torres, the chair of the California Democratic Party, is taking a shot at Arnold Schwarzenegger for comments the governor made Wednesday about small towns in California.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Schwarzenegger told attendees at the infrastructure conference that it’s good for state legislators from “little towns” to see worldly things like "an airport" or even "a highway on top of a highway."

“The Governor’s comments are insulting,” Torres told PolitickerCA.com today. “California does not have villages. This is not Austria, this is California. Voters in Central California and others from small towns have more on the ball than Arnie! ..."

Go to PolitickerCA.com to see the rest of the story.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Criticism of the Sacramento Bee's coverage of the city's mayors race continued yesterday, with the Sacramento Police Officers Association weighing in with some stinging criticism of the newspaper. The union has endorsed challenger Kevin Johnson.

Their press release notes:

Today, the Sacramento Police Officers' Association took issue with the Sacramento Bee's headline, "Chief concerned about Sac High's Johnson probe, although no crime occurred," calling it an effort to mislead readers and sensationalize a non-story. Said Brent Meyer, President of the Board, Sacramento Police Officers Association: "We have serious concerns with the Bee's sensationalized headline and failure to accurately reflect Chief Braziel's news conference. The Chief was unequivocal in his support of the investigation-both in how it was handled and closed. The Bee headline misleads readers and is clearly done to sensationalize a non-story. We join with the other community leaders in supporting Kevin Johnson and call on the Bee to responsibly cover the mayoral campaign."

It will be interesting to see if the Bee's Public Editor weighs in on these complaints about the newspaper's coverage on Sunday.