Report already opposed
Even before a commision’s tax revision report landed on the Governator’s desk there was some opposition to parts of it. A bipartisan committee, headed by Gerald Parsky of Rancho Santa Fe, worked on it for more than a year. Basically it repeals sales and corporate taxes, and includes a new business tax that assesses business enterprises like lawyers, accountants and other professions that are now exempt. Products manufactured out of state but sold in California would be taxed and the income tax rate would be flattened. Too early to get into a tizzy over it. The final product will be phased over five years beginning in 2012. Unlike federal legislation that is hammered out behind closed doors in the dark of night and approved with the lawmakers not bothering to read it. There will be lottsa opportunities for residents to voice their likes and dislikes.
NCTD mobility plan study
The last of four North County Transit District presentations that address how transit operations will take place in the future will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the San Marcos Civic Center community room at 3 Civic Center Drive from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Previous ones were held in O’side, the Flower Capital City Hall and Escondido Civic Center. You are encouraged to attend and voice your opinion.
Petrol prices
How come gas prices in the Golden State, where lots of the stuff is refined, are more than half a buck per gallon higher than in every state in the country? Availability of gas is essential for every average working person.
Gourmet dinner
One of the most unique fundraisers was held recently by Community Connections in Surfside City. Folks were invited to bid on a gourmet dinner for 10 that included select wines. The meal, valued at 10 grand, will be served in the private wine room of Pacifica Del Mar Restaurant. Local wine collectors who donated prized wines included Tina and Jim Benedict, Bill Michalsky, Pat JaCoby, Tony Corso and George Hoover.
Nothing to cheer about
Recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonpartisan think tank, reported that state government was rated rather low, is not trustworthy, wastes money and performs for the benefit of the few and not the bulk of the folks. It cited the endless cycle of budget disasters. No surprise in its findings and certainly nothing to write outta state friends about.
Gold medal grape squeezings
Recent U.S. study of more than 4,000 wine competitions found that not all gold medal winners are judged by the same criteria universally in wine samplings and some didn’t receive the same score and others failed to meet the gold medal standard. The survey appeared in the Journal of Wine Economics.
Hizzoner the visionary
Harbor City Mayor Jerry Sanders said he will continue to champion for a new city hall complex, downtown library and expansions of the convention center even though the city is in the tank for a $100 million. He sees conditions in better shape by the time these projects are “shovel ready.”
Horse racing future
As noted here several months ago, Fairplex Park at Los Angeles County Fairground in Pomona will be a major player in the future of Thoroughbred racing in the Southland when Hollywood Park folds. Pomona will have to increase its track size from five-eighths mile to a full mile and likely will continue to be the only dirt course in the circuit. Or it can become a year-round training track — something that Del Mar would like to be during the interim. A good number of horse owners and trainers are saying dirt is better, more reliable than the synthetic surfaces at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar. Rachel Alexander, winner of 11 races taking on all challengers, reportedly is skipping the lucrative and prestigious Breeders Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 becuz of the synthetic surface.
Solbeach chamber sundowners
Frida Silveira, executive director of Solbeach Chamber, reports the Sundowner schedule for the rest of the year is now complete. These events provide an informal setting for members and bizness folks to gather and enjoy leisure time away from their business. Special events on the books are a ribbon cutting and grand opening of Thinker Things at 943 Lomas Santa Fe Drive at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22; Fish Market Sundowner on Nov. 4; Union Bank Sundowner on Dec. 2; Sam’s Place Sundowner on Dec.17; and the Chamber Holiday Fest on Dec.10 at Lomas Santa Fe Plaza.
Quackers & chili
A ducky derby on the seashore and chili cook-off have been combined Oct. 24 by the Rotary Club of Del Mar. Event will take place at Powerhouse Park. Sponsored rubber ducks will be released in the ocean by lifeguards and the first 10 to float across the finish line on the shore will be the challenge winners. Their owners or sponsors will receive “fabulous prizes.” Goal is to have more than 2,000 entries floating toward the finish line. Sharyn Daly is event spokesperson and has the complete skinny at (858) 755-0075.
Internships
Assemblyman Martin Garrick reports his office is now receiving apps from high school seniors and college students desiring to intern at his C’bad or Sacto offices. Good opportunity for youngsters who are interested in politics to receive hands-on experience.
One-linersx
For the first time beachgoers at C’bad’s Tamarack Beach will pay 2 bux per hour to park their autos becuz of a new tax by the state, which owns the park … U.S. Supreme Court will rule on whether judges, politicians and others can take private property without due compensation based on a case in Florida … Nine state parks in the county will remain open due to a sudden infusion of cash, including Torrey Pines and C’bad Beach … Thanx to more than 2,000 folks who signed petitions, San Luis Rey branch post office will remain open … An appeals court has ruled cities can prohibit pot dispensaries … Friends of Solbeach Library has donated 20 grand to the county library system for the purchase of books and materials.
Hasta la Vista
