CABPRO Report

2012 is gonna rock! by Todd Juvinall

I just attended my first Board of Directors meeting today and Martin Light was there to receive our accolades for a job well done.  Martin ran the headquarters for four years after a series of Executive Directors came and went.   Margaret Urke, who took over from me quite a few years ago, was our longest tenured EO.

Margaret was there when NH2020 was going strong and CABPRO helped elect a new Board of Supervisors who supported our positions on property rights and smaller government. But as we all know, the big government keeps getting bigger and we all get to pay the bills.  CABPRO will strive to be a voice of less government, less taxes and less regulation.  America is hurting and millions are out of work,  Yet, our state, run by democrats for much of my life, has acted as if there were no problems and the golden goose was living high on the hog.  The people in charge of our government live in a different universe than the regular folks.  

AB32 is kicking into gear and Governor Jerry Brown and his band of renown want all of us to pay more taxes to keep the sinking ship afloat.  We get to deal in "carbon credits", oh yippee!  Instead of greenback dollars we get to buy and sell a new currency representing one of the building blocks of life, carbon!  If that wasn't so silly I'd think the politicians were serious!  Of course they are and their "cap and trade" is only one of hundreds of ridiculous intrusions into our everyday lives they are foisting on us.  That is what you get when the government is actually a dictatorship.  A dictatorship of one ideology.  A train of thought by people who all think the same (except for the minority Republicans of course).

California and America as well, were never meant to be controlled by a hegemonic minority ideology like they are by the liberals.  How our great state was taken over and made into a "people's republic of....) will be studied in political science classes from now on.  Sort of like the Communists who were a small minority in Russia in 1917 but somehow were able to take over.  Many Californians feel they are under attack in every aspect of their lives and businesses.  California passed another 800 laws in the last session and on January 1, 2012, most went into affect.  More and more interference in your personal lives and more rules in how you run your business.  The politicians have cooked our goose and they are now picking at the bones!

Well, I look forward to maintaining this blog and debating the issues of the day.  Local liberals have already tried to post comments here which in their anger and vitriol kept me from allowing them the light of day.  But, that is our local left.  Nasty little people who seem to be very unhappy.  I say go to the lefty blogs for your nasty jags and let us grownups alone here.  We will be a major part of the happenings in our county and we have people interested in expanding our organization and message into other counties.  That is why we used California in our title anyway.

With our membership growing and the dedication of our BOD members I expect CABPRO will have an important say in county, region and statewide issues this year and for years to come.

 

 

 

 

The Long Stall

by Russ Steele

I have written many times about the business-smothering regulations, that are killing California jobs, in the local newspaper and on blogs. Now Wendell Cox writing at The City Journal (http://www.city-journal.org/2011/21_4_california-jobs.html) has the depressing numbers.

California’s jobs engine broke down well before the financial crisis.

Everybody knows that California’s economy has struggled mightily since the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession. The state’s current unemployment rate, 12.1 percent, is a full 3 percentage points above the national rate. Liberal pundits and politicians tend to blame this dismal performance entirely on the Great Recession; as Jerry Brown put it while campaigning (successfully) for governor last year, “I’ve seen recessions. They come, they go. California always comes back.”

But a study commissioned by City Journal using the National Establishment Time Series database, which has tracked job creation and migration from 1992 through 2008 (so far) in a way that government statistics can’t, reveals the disturbing truth. California’s economy during the second half of that period—2000 through 2008—was far less vibrant and diverse than it had been during the first. Well before the crisis struck, then, the Golden State was setting itself up for a big fall.

One of the starkest signs of California’s malaise during the first decade of the twenty-first century was its changing job dynamics. Even before the downturn, California had stopped attracting new business investment, whether from within the state or from without.

To understand the scope of our problem, you need to read the whole report and study the excellent graphics. They tell a very important story, we are living in a economic disaster area that we created by allowing Sacramento to regulate our economy into a liberal democratic black hole. Yes, we are at fault, and we are the only ones that fix the problem by voting all the useful idiots out of office. Wendell concludes with my emphasis:

What is behind California’s shocking decline—its snuffed-out start-ups, unproductive big cities, poorer jobs, and tinier, weaker, or fleeing companies—during the 2000–2008 period? Steven Malanga’s “Cali to Business: Get Out!” identifies the major villains: suffocating regulations, inflated business taxes and fees, a lawsuit-friendly legal environment, and a political class uninterested in business concerns, if not downright hostile to them. One could add to this list the state’s extraordinarily high cost of living, with housing prices particularly onerous, having skyrocketed in the major metropolitan areas before the downturn—thanks, the research suggests, to overzealous land-use regulation.

One thing is for sure: California will never regain its previous prosperity if it leaves these problems unaddressed. Its profound economic woes aren’t just the result of the Great Recession.

It is going to be up to the voters of California to address these problems at the ballot box. Are you ready? Let’s start by killing AB-32. Yes, I know we muffed our first opportunity, but there are more options to be explored.

Russ Steele is a freelance writer, who blogs at The Next Grand Minimum and Is it 2012 in Nevada County Yet? He encourages CABPRO readers to comment on his blogs.

For All Our Warmer Friends Out There....

The Great Global Warming Fizzle

The climate religion fades in spasms of anger and twitches of boredom. Read All About It HERE!

Off the Top of My Head - The Hidden Economic Costs of Non-profits

by Russ Steele

The real economic cost of funding non-profits is often hidden from the public. This is especially true among the plethora of non-profit organizations in Nevada County.

In Nevada County there are 852 nonprofit organizations that in 2010 had an annual revenue stream exceeding $150 million dollars, with total assets of over $233 million dollars. On this list of 852 there are 32 non-profits in Nevada County with a net worth of over $1million.

Most of this money does not stay in the county, but passes through to other communities.  For example, the True North Foundation in Grass Valley is a 501(C)(3) non-profit with assets of $14,695,135 dollars according to IRS filings.  The Foundation distributed about $2.7 million in 2010, mostly to charitable organizations in California and Alaska.  In 2009, they distributed over $2.3 million to 76 charities, none of which are in Nevada County.  Most of the (509(A)(1) receiving charities were in the Bay Area, with some funds going to anti-mining groups in Alaska, California, Montana, Colorado, and Minnesota. 

If you are donating to the True North Foundation, your money is not supporting organizations in Nevada County. In fact, the money is being sucked out of the county, and some of it is being given to environmentalist organizations that have a much larger anti-business agenda. 

On the larger scale, many Nevada County citizens may donate to the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Earth First, Climate Progress, Environmental Defense Fund, The World Wildlife Fund and other local environmental organizations. The actions of these environmental groups often result in anti-business policies by government agencies.

These organizations use your tax dollars to lobby legislators to craft anti-business legislation in their quest to restore the earth to its pristine state, all the while controlling how we live and work. The result is often economic disaster for some businesses. 

An Australian writer, speaker and author of The Skeptic's Handbook, Jo Nova has prepared an analysis of how our tax dollars are being used to fund environmental organizations which are trying to dupe their donors into believing in anthropogenic global warming.  Warming they claim is a significant contributor to weather disasters and future long-term droughts.

Here is a graphic that Jo Nova published on her website (joannenova.com.au), demonstrating how your tax dollars are flowing into multiple climate change scare machines.

Look closely at the Government Funded Activities block; it has some significance to our economic well being in California.  We have our own version of the US EPA and the government funded California Air Resources Board. These agencies have direct links back to the GFA block.  For example, CARB uses the UN IPCC climate change assessment reports, of questionable value, to justify the need for AB-32, the Global Warming Solutions Act.

AB 32 Five Years Later

By John Seiler

It’s been five years now since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Time for an assessment.

Two things to note up front. First, the operative euphemism has changed from “global warming” to “climate change.” So anything environmentalist extremists like Schwarzenegger or Gov. Jerry Brown say is “climate change” leads to them controlling your life. Anything. A butterfly dying out your window is an excuse for them to take over your energy production and consumer purchases.

Second, California remains just 1 percent of the global economy. AB 32 mandated a 25 percent reduction in state greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. So, that’s a 0.25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions globally. Nothing.

AB 32 is a typical California exercise in global grandiloquence. We’re the center of the universe. We have surfing and Hollywood and Silicon Valley and the Golden Gate Bridge. We set trends. Everybody follows us.

Except that’s not how the real world works. Here’s what really happens:

The Chinese use dirty coal-generated electricity to make solar panels they sell to us to meet AB 32. They’re not going to slow down their economic growth just to make Arnold and Jerry feel better.

The Europeans have their own “climate change” agenda. But they also have their own major crisis with the Euro and the whole European Union falling apart, sparked by the PIIGS crisis.

India, another up-and-coming country, doesn’t care about AB 32. They’re also concerned about continuing to bring their people out of poverty.

Japan’s problem is declining output from a rapidly aging population.

Where Are the Jobs?

The California Air Resources Board still claims on its Web site:  “The plan generates jobs, promotes a growing, clean-energy economy and a healthy environment for California at the same time.”

But where are those jobs? Five years later, the state’s economy suffers 12.1 percent unemployment, 3 percentage points higher than the U.S. economy.

And the Solyndra scandal reminded us that most “green” jobs exist only because of government subsidies and tax breaks. Solyndra got a $535 million federal loan and $35 million in California tax breaks.

Peter Lynch, a New York-based solar energy analyst, told ABC News:  “It’s very difficult to perceive a company with a model that says, well, I can build something for six dollars and sell it for three dollars. Those numbers don’t generally work. You don’t want to lose three dollars for every unit you make.”

No kidding. But that’s what the whole “green jobs” scam is based on — especially AB 32.

CARB continues: “California’s economic powerhouses support AB 32. AB 32 enjoys the strong support of a diverse and formidable alliance of California’s economic powerhouses including Google, Gap Inc., eBay, Bloom Energy, E2, Small Business California, Yahoo!, California Business Alliance for a Green Economy, Cleantech, California Ski Industry Association, and much more. (Source: California’s Global Warming Solution — the Economic Stimulus We Need)”

Back to Oklahoma

Then why is Google building a gigantic new server farm in Oklahoma?  AB 32 really is causing a Reverse Okie Trek, from California to Oklahoma.

According to the 2011 Green State Guide from Greenopia, California ranks 6th Greenest, Oklahoma way down at 33rd Greenest.  According to the rankings, “Oklahoma is amongst the cellar dwellers in number of LEED buildings (both certified and registered). Finally, Oklahoma has worse than average per capita emissions and energy consumption rates. “  LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Oklahoma doesn’t have an AB 32.

Time to load up the truck like the Joad Family in “The Grapes of Wrath” and head back the other way singing, “I’m an Okie from Muskogee.”

(Source: CalWatchdog)

 

Code Enforcement Coming To A County Near YOU

By  Seymour A. Cummin

When was the last time you read the Nevada County Land Use Code?
Many of us would probably say, “never”, and understandably so.
Reading it would probably be as interesting as, “watching paint dry” or “grass grow.”
For that matter, after all, our elected officials are watching over the business at hand with our best interest in mind. Right?

When or if one DOES read it they would think, “I’m sure they didn’t really mean what it implies nor would those responsible to carry it out be as merciless as government in other areas are proving to be.”

With that in mind, I’m going to provide you the opening paragraphs of the “Nevada County Land Use & Development Code-Chapter II-Zoning Regulations” and you tell me how it strikes you or better yet - maybe you should speak to your County Supervisor.

It’s time to start asking questions.

Section L-II 5.19 Legal Nonconforming Uses and Structures

A.  Purpose.  Within the zoning districts established by this Chapter, there may be
      uses and structures which were lawful before the effective date of the applicable
      terms of the regulations, but which are prohibited, regulated, or restricted under
      the terms of the regulations currently in effect or by future amendments. Relative
      to such uses and structures, it is the purpose of this Section to:

Reduce them to conformity or to eliminate them through abandonment,
        obsolescence, or destruction due to strict provisions against changes that
        could perpetuate them.

Provide for their regulation and to specify the circumstances and
        conditions under which they may continue to exist until brought into
        conformity, removed, or terminated.

The words used in these paragraphs are very loaded, even explosive.
Terms such as “REDUCING them to conformity or…ELIMINATING…through ABANDONMENT, OBSOLESCENCE, or DESTRUCTION due to STRICT PROVISIONS”….they may not be “planning” to do it now, but “providing for their regulation …specify the circumstances and conditions they MAY continue until brought into CONFORMITY, REMOVED, or TERMINATED.”

With the content of these words it begs the question: What is our government code setting us up for?

Falsifying research

by Bill Neuharth

Some years ago the marquee at the Del Oro theatre in Grass Valley billed the movie "Inconvenient Truth." At the same time, an article in a local Lake Tahoe newspaper headlined "UC Davis scientists discover pollution from China in Tahoe-Truckee."

This movie and subsequent horror about Global Warming led to the passing of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 also known as A.B. 32. The result of these occurrences was the empowerment of the California Air Resources Board with unlimited authority over all commerce within the State. As businesses flee the state in record numbers to escape this undue regulation the State's revenue base shrinks proportionately.  Recently State Senator Doug LaMalfa wrote an article stating "that a primary researcher behind the California Air  Resources Board (CARB) regulations had falsified his PhD., yet Mary Nichols, CARB Chairwoman, chose to not share this with other board members.   Statistics were falsified on diesel truck emissions, resulting in regulations that will cripple the movement of raw materials and finished products."   Senator La Malfa has exposed a government agency promoting their agenda regardless of it's impact on our economy, and regardless of an individual's lack of  integrity and exageration of the data  developed.   

Off the Top of My Head - Avoid mercury poison -- buy 100 watt bulbs.

by Russ Steele

Oh my god, it broke!  I was removing one of those funny curly cue light bulbs that the EPA calls CFLs, or Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb from the passage way in my garage and I dropped it on the concrete.  The garage is only place I will allow this urban disaster in my home. Why, you ask?

The CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When it breaks, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. The broken bulb continues to release this mercury vapor until it is cleaned up and removed from the building. 

To minimize exposure to this mercury vapor the EPA recommends that residents follow the cleanup and disposal steps described below.

Before cleanup:
• Have people and pets leave the room.

• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.

• Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning (H&AC) system, if you have one.

• Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb, include:
  – Stiff paper or cardboard
  –  Sticky tape (e.g., duct tape)
  –  Damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces)
  –  Glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar) or a sealable plastic bag(s)

Assemblyman Dan Logue awarded Advocate of the Year

On Friday, January 21st Assemblyman Dan Logue received CABPRO's Advocate of the Year Eagle Award for 2010 for his steadfast focus and fight this past year to defeat AB32 via Prop 23 and putting California Jobs and Economy as the highest priority.  The event was attended by 65 supporters and well-wishers with many speaking out to thank Dan for his hard work and honesty while representing the interests of the 3rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Butte, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra and Yuba.

News links covering the event can be found at:

NC Media Watch

Rebane's Ruminations

Sierra Dragon's Breath

 

Standing left to right: CABPRO Board Member John Spencer, Executive Director Martin Light, Assemblyman Dan Logue and CABPRO Board Chair Kim Janousek at Penny's Diner, Grass Valley, California.  January 21, 2011

California Ballot Initiatives and Candidates Recommendations ~ November 2nd

by CABPRO Staff

November 2 Ballot Initiatives Recommendations

Proposition 19: Legalizes recreational marijuana use.  Do we need additional legalized substance abuse in the state under the guise of bringing in additional tax revenue at the local level?  Remember how the state lottery was sold to us as a means of of funding public education?  It's Trojan Horse.
Vote:  NO!

Proposition 20: Redistricting Congressional Districts is a follow-up to the 2008 Proposition 11.  Don't we want to be in charge of how our districts are laid out and not leave it to a bunch of politicians and bureaucrats in Sacramento?
Vote:  YES!

Proposition 21: Adds an $18 annual vehicle surcharge (TAX) to help fund state parks and wildlife programs and grants free admission to all state parks to surcharged vehicles.  Do we want more surcharges/fees/taxes in these hard economic times?
Vote:  NO!

Proposition 22: Prohibits the State from Taking Funds Used for Transportation or Local Government Projects and Services.  State spending is out-of-control.  Why balance the State budget off our local backs?  Robing Peter to Pay Paul isn't right!
Vote: YES!

Proposition 23: The California Jobs Initiative puts implementation of AB 32 on hold until California's unemployment rate drops.  So far, thousands of businesses have relocated to more business friendly states.  We cannot allow our Golden State become a 3rd world state by allowing AB 32 and CARB's regulations to kill jobs.
Vote: YES!

Proposition 24:  Repeals recently enacted corporate tax breaks letting businesses carry back losses, share tax credits, and use a sales-based income calculation to lower taxable income.  Isn't it time to stop beating up businesses but instead encourage them to stay and others to come to California?
Vote: NO!

Proposition 25: Allows the state budget to be approved based on a simple majority instead of the current 2/3 majority.  If passed then just a little over 50% of a controlling legislature could tax and spend California into bankruptcy.  Don't we need true reform instead of just changing the rules?
Vote: NO!

Proposition 26: The Supermajority vote to Pass New Taxes and Fees Act changes the state Constitution to require voters to approve, either by two-thirds or majority, local levies and charges with limited exceptions.  Doesn't it make sense to make it more difficult to impose more fees and taxes than easier?
Vote: YES!

Proposition 27: The Elimination of the Citizen Redistricting Commission eliminates the State Commission on Redistricting we voted for in 2008 and returns redistricting to elected politicians.  Doesn't it make sense not to allow self-serving politicians drawing their own boundaries?
Vote: NO!


Selected Candidates Recommendations

Governor:  Meg Whitman
U.S. Senate:  Carly Fiorina
U.S. Representative 4th Congressional District:  Tom McClintock
State Assembly 3rd District:  Dan Logue
State Senate 4th District:  Doug LaMalfa
Nevada County Treasurer-Tax Collector:  Dai Meagher, CPA