April 2015 | Page 6 of 8 | CalWatchdog.com

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Pension funds’ goal: High returns or symbolic stands?

Government pension funds around America have for years been pressured to take stands on political issues by investing or not investing in particular companies or industries. Pension fund managers bent on maximizing returns typically push back, especially in an era

Lawmakers embark on high-speed journey through Japan

John April 11, 2015

As California moves forward with the state’s first high-speed rail system, questions remain about the viability of the $68 billion transportation project. In an effort to better understand the challenges posed by high-speed rail, a delegation of three state Senators spent the

Unions, environmentalists clash over wind farm

Dave Roberts April 10, 2015

Usually reliable allies for three liberal causes – renewable energy, environmental protection and labor unions – clashed recently over whether to grant a three-year extension for a wind farm in the Altamont Pass on the eastern fringe of the Bay

Sanchez poised to challenge Harris for Boxer’s Senate seat

James Poulos April 10, 2015

With expectation building around a presumptive Senate run, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Ca., is scheduled to attend a high-powered meet and greet event in San Francisco today, April 10. The move signals what could be the beginning of a Democratic title fight in

Did Rail Authority flout sunshine law?

Kathy Hamilton April 9, 2015

At a recent meeting of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, a board member announced a closed executive session but provided no exception as required by the state’s sunshine law, citizen attendees said. State law requires government bodies to notify the

Accusations fly over volatile CA gas prices

James Poulos April 9, 2015

In an unusual exercise of power, California lawmakers in the state Senate launched a preliminary probe into the recent spike in Golden State gas prices. Although the numbers have dipped back down, and a big refinery explosion last month sidelined some

Tech giant provides twist in San Diego stadium saga

Chris Reed April 8, 2015

A San Diego task force continues to prepare a report on how a $1 billion-plus stadium could be built without direct public funding in Mission Valley in the space now occupied by Qualcomm Stadium, the Chargers’ home under various names

Feds cloud pot picture in CA

James Poulos April 8, 2015

Over the strenuous objections of some California lawmakers, the Department of Justice vowed to continue prosecuting the medical marijuana industry in the Golden State. Despite a recent bipartisan federal amendment de-funding the Department’s fight against medical marijuana, spokesman Patrick Rodenbush revealed to the

Hertzberg seeks permanent extension to taxpayer relief program

John April 8, 2015

As California taxpayers brace for another round of tax increases this session, they’ve found an unlikely ally in the state Legislature. State Senator Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, who has ruffled the feathers of taxpayer groups with his proposal for a $10

Climate change should be top issue despite public apathy, Steyer and Cisneros say

Wayne Lusvardi April 7, 2015

Despite a recent Gallup poll showing climate changing ranking last among a number of environmental priorities, including polluted drinking water, air pollution and the loss of tropical rain forests, billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer and former Secretary of Housing and