Katy Grimes, Author at CalWatchdog.com

Posts From Katy Grimes

Katy Grimes

Katy Grimes is CalWatchdog’s news reporter. Grimes is a longtime political analyst, writer and journalist. Grimes has written columns for The Sacramento Union, The Washington Examiner, The San Francisco Examiner and The Sacramento Bee. Grimes has been an influential political blogger since 2004 and currently blogs at Townhall.com and The Sacramento Citizen.

CA ports and trade busy, but could be more competitive

California is home to 11 major ports spanning the 1,000 miles of coast between the North Coast near Oregon, and San Diego County. California has not fully analyzed the state’s current trade system needs, nor are the port facilities fully

Bill to save beach bonfires passes Assembly

Katy Grimes January 28, 2014

For many state residents, roasting marshmallows over a beach fire ring is as Californian as surfing and the Beach Boys. Yet in recent years the rings have come under fire for producing smoke and noise. The California Assembly voted unanimously

Sacto water deputies patrolling for water wasters

Katy Grimes January 27, 2014

Sacramento water police are on patrol. If the rule of law isn’t enough to control Sacramento’s citizens, government officials have turned to deputizing neighbors for help making sure everyone complies with environmental restrictions. For nearly four years, the City of Sacramento

Legislature takes up dueling water bonds

Katy Grimes January 27, 2014

There’s no drought of water bonds in the California Legislature to deal with the record drought the state is suffering. The Republican minority in the Legislature even is pitching in. Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Marysville, is pushing Assembly Bill 1445, a

Sacto City Clerk rejects petition to put arena subsidy to a public vote

Katy Grimes January 25, 2014

In another twist in Sacramento’s arena derangement syndrome, a petition drive to put a public subsidy for the proposed Sacramento basketball arena project to a public vote, has been rejected by the Sacramento City Clerk. Friday, the city clerk announced

Mayor’s ‘arena hype machine’ shuns due diligence, economic analysis

Katy Grimes January 24, 2014

Arena Derangement Syndrome continues. “Collusion” and “shady dealings,” are just a few of the words used in a letter to describe the City of Sacramento’s “utter failure to conduct any economic analysis” in the proposed taxpayer-subsidized sports arena. Attorneys representing members

Senate bill targets Vernon battery recycler

Katy Grimes January 23, 2014

A new bill that today passed the California Senate, 33-0, is aimed at one specific company. And it would give great new regulatory powers to the state Department of Toxic Substances Control. Senate Bill 712, by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Huntington Park,

State of the State: Gov. Brown seeks ‘fiscal restraint’ — and more spending

Katy Grimes January 22, 2014

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown delivered his 2014 State of the State this morning. It was largely a recap of his recent 2014 Budget proposal press conference, but shorter. As Brown often does, he first took on his critics: “It

BOE building gremlins linger in ‘sick’ building

Katy Grimes January 21, 2014

There must be gremlins living in the Board of Equalization building in downtown Sacramento. What else could explain burst water pipes, flooding, mechanical problems, bats, mold, and falling glass? BOE employees have complained for years of safety hazards and moldy,

Hearing reveals DTSC clogged with regulatory problems

Katy Grimes January 21, 2014

The new year brought the implementation of complex new state legislation passed in 2013 dealing with toxic waste in California. Businesses also must prepare for yet more legislation that was enacted in 2013, but will become effective in 2015. The