California budget cuts en route, with or without proposition approval

From today's Sacramento Bee:

Schwarzenegger's budget proposals cut services,
school year, state workers

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed dire budget plans Thursday that slash core public services and push California's financial problems into future years as the state struggles to survive a historic economic downturn.

Under the governor's budget scenarios, schools could let out students five to seven days early, an oil company would drill into California waters near Santa Barbara, and low-income elderly and disabled residents would receive smaller grants.

Schwarzenegger offered two proposals Thursday – one that bridges a $15.4 billion gap if three ballot measures pass next week, and another that closes a $21.3 billion shortfall if the measures fail. The latter plan was different largely in the severity of school cuts and burdens placed on cities and counties

Read the full article at http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/1863556.html.

Anyone heading to Merced this Saturday?

A quick question for all V4CF members: Are you one of the few lucky enough to be heading to Merced this weekend, to see First Lady Michelle Obama's speech?

We've checked with the University, and sadly, at this point there's nary a ticket to be had.

So, if you're fortunate enough to be one of those holding a ticket, please let we of Volunteers For Change-Fresno know. We'd love to hear your thoughts and impressions after the speech.

One week to go, and five of six budget propositions appear headed for defeat

From the Sacramento Bee:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is hitting the road, warning of dire fiscal consequences if the special election ballot measures don't pass. But a majority of Californians say they prefer to take their chances and vote "no," according to a new poll.

In a Survey USA poll of measures 1A-1F, five of the six initiatives appeared headed to defeat with just a week to go before the election.

A plurality of voters favored one measure -- Proposition 1F -- which would ban pay raises for state elected officials when there is a budget shortfall. Prop 1F was favored by 45 to 35 percent.

Read the full article at http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/022236.html.

A 'thank you' from Hands On CenCal

Volunteers For Change-Fresno recently received a note from Nicole Smaira of HandsOn Central California, thanking us for our participation in the recent Generation Green Earth Day event. Here's her note:

On behalf of HandsOn Central California and our nonprofit partners, I would like to sincerely thank you for your participation in “Generation Green: Youth Serve Earth Day Event.” Due to your support and service the event was a huge success.

This event was a true demonstration of the community coming together for the grater good. In one day six local nonprofits and 203 volunteers, like you, worked to fill the need for environmental restoration in our community!

When all was said and done the results where astounding! This is what you helped accomplish:

• You planted 30 young Valley Oak and California Sycamore trees along the Eaton Trail.
  
  
• Spano River Ranch was re-vegetated with over 75 newly planted trees, existing trees where caged for protection and the entire premises was fertilized to promote healthy growth.
  
  
• Habitat enhancement was created for the Western Blue bird that makes its home on McKenzie Preserve and existing trees where caged and restored.
  
  
• China Creek went through an invasive weed removal in order to prepare the land for re-vegetation and native planting.
  
  
• Decade old trees along Woodward Parks Pearl Harbor and Eaton trail were cleared of debris and trail ways were weeded, cleaned up and restored.
  
  
• A section of the 100 acres of Jensen River Ranch, one of the largest restoration projects in the works was replanted with native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

We are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of volunteers. It is people like you who help make real change in our community. It is our hope that this has been a meaningful experience for you and that you will continue to serve your community throughout the year!

Congratulations on your success and we look forward to serving with you again soon!

Sincerely,
Nicole Smaira
Volunteer Connections Director
HandsOn Central California
(559) 237-3101
www.handsoncentralcal.org

President Obama's weekly address: Credit card reform

From our friends at Whitehouse.gov:

This week President Obama recaps a busy week, from strides on fiscal discipline, to financial stability, to cracking down on tax havens and tax breaks for shifting jobs overseas. For his next big step, he calls for a credit card reform bill.

"Americans know that they have a responsibility to live within their means and pay what they owe. But they also have a right to not get ripped off by the sudden rate hikes, unfair penalties, and hidden fees that have become all-too common in our credit card industry."

If the viewscreen above does not appear, you can view President Obama's weekly address at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oXZLeKqcnk.