SCUD OWNS IT! OCCUPY SAN FRANCISCO - SFPD BRUTALITY - EYE WITNESS -10/5-6/11
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LSp3Axbjq8]
Occupier Scud's guided missile eye witness account of the SFPD attack on Occupy San Francisco's Federal Reserve Bank encampment, theft of belongings, and brutalizing of three people.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
2011-10-05 "BasinGate: An extra $454,481 goes missing from Petaluma's Theatre District development" by Peter Byrne from "Northbay Bohemian"
[http://www.bohemian.com/bohemian/10.05.11/news-1140.html]
Petaluma City Manager John Brown did not respond to requests for comment.
---
Last May, we reported in these pages that Basin Street Properties not only went $10 million over budget redeveloping Petaluma's Theatre District, but left the city to pick up the tab.
Now, new information has surfaced showing that Basin Street Properties cannot account for nearly half a million dollars from the city of Petaluma, and, despite documented attempts by the city to recover the $454,481, it remains on the books as a "donation."
The problem began when the city hired Basin Street Properties, an investment company based in Reno, to oversee such public infrastructure as sidewalks and sewers in the privately owned project. Basin Street contracted with local company North Bay Construction for this work.
But the contract was tainted at its inception by a major conflict of interest: The owner of North Bay Construction, John Barella, is the largest single investor in Basin Street. In a court filing, Barella admitted this year that he and Basin Street are "considered the same."
Public records show that within just a few months, Theatre District construction costs soared 150 percent over budget—sucking up $5 million that had been slated for fixing potholes and sewers and improving Petaluma's decrepit waterfront.
Then, in 2005, Basin Street was instructed by city officials to return an overcharge of nearly half a million dollars. But Petaluma City Attorney Eric Danly says he has no record of the repayment. Nor can Danly locate hundreds of pages of invoices submitted to city officials by Basin Street to justify payment of its $17 million bill.
In August 2003, the Petaluma City Council voted that the proposed Theatre District project would pose no environmental problems. This resolution defied substantial evidence that the construction site had been heavily polluted by gasoline and diesel fuel hydrocarbons for decades. Additionally, the city's environmental consultant had warned the city that underground construction would likely require "special handling of soil and groundwater."
In January 2006, the city council amended the $7.5 million development agreement with Basin Street and pumped another $4.8 million into the downtown project. The huge increase covered remediation of what city manager Mike Bierman said were "unforeseen" underground hazardous wastes on the public portion of the project. The resolution also instructed Basin Street to pay back $704,481 it had improperly charged the city for remediating a plume of toxic waste located on land owned by Basin Street itself.
On February 2, 2006, Basin Street issued a check for $250,000 to the city in partial repayment.
On May 17, 2006, the director of public works, Vince Marengo, reminded Bierman that Basin Street still owed the city $454,481 "to cover costs of contaminated and hazardous materials encountered on the infrastructure project whose source resided on Basin Street owned property." But instead of writing another check, Basin Street cut an unusual deal with Bierman. Under the arrangement, Basin Street would give the $454,481 directly to North Bay Construction, thus paying for construction work that the city would otherwise have had to cover.
In effect, Basin Street issued a $454,481 credit to the city which it could then apply to work performed by North Bay—although the nature of this work was unspecified.
On October 10, 2006, Marengo told Bierman that the city needed "confirmation of Basin Street's total payments to North Bay in the form of copies of canceled check(s) with a confirming statement from Basin Street that these canceled check(s) represent the $454,481 owed to [the city] by BSP." Marengo also wrote to Basin Street's general counsel, Paul Andronico, requesting copies of canceled checks made out to North Bay worth $454,481 and a "confirming transmittal letter."
In a recent interview with the Bohemian, Andronico said that Basin Street made a "voluntary contribution" to compensate the city for the disallowed remediation work, and claimed that the $454,481 was applied by Basin Street as a credit to the city". Andronico said he does not know why the city has no documented confirmation that Basin Street ever made the required payment to North Bay; nor could he himself provide proof of payment. Nor could he specify what work was performed by North Bay to satisfy the credit due to Petaluma.
Normally, a developer working for the city is required to provide, before being paid, a "certified payroll" and other documentation that details the progress of each week's work, including payments to laborers and subcontractors. Danly said that neither the city nor Basin Street can locate a certified payroll identifiable as work performed for the $454,481 in question. Nor can city officials find invoices attesting that the additional North Bay work was ever performed. Danly could not locate the required copy of a canceled check, nor a transmittal letter confirming payment to North Bay of the credited amount.[see .pdf] Danly said the city's accounting books "appear to confirm said payment was made" but he offered no proof that it was made.
When the Bohemian requested copies of Basin Street and North Bay construction invoices from the city, Danly replied, "Staff conducted a diligent search but was unable to locate the actual invoices." He said the documents may have been routinely destroyed, but he offered no record of such destruction. But in 2005, the city had provided the Bohemian with two electronic disks containing all of the records on the Theatre District project, including many of the invoices it currently cannot find. We have offered to make these records available should the city wish to revisit the Theatre District fiasco and recover funds from Basin Street Properties and North Bay Construction. (Danly, who negotiated the project agreements, and was paid $89,000 from the Theatre District budget, says he will accept the disks.)
The final audit reconciliation for the Theatre District project records $704,000 in "Developer Contributions." This includes the aforementioned check from Basin Street for $250,000, and $454,000 that is variously coded in the city's accounting system as "in-kind" and "donation." [see .pdf] Unlike other line items in these financial records, the nature of the "donation" is not explained. In fact, it repeatedly moves in and out of the city's ledgers like a poltergeist that cannot decide to stay or go.
Nonetheless, it appears that Basin Street still owes the city nearly half a million dollars. The question is: Who will ask for it?
[http://www.bohemian.com/bohemian/10.05.11/news-1140.html]
Petaluma City Manager John Brown did not respond to requests for comment.
---
Last May, we reported in these pages that Basin Street Properties not only went $10 million over budget redeveloping Petaluma's Theatre District, but left the city to pick up the tab.
Now, new information has surfaced showing that Basin Street Properties cannot account for nearly half a million dollars from the city of Petaluma, and, despite documented attempts by the city to recover the $454,481, it remains on the books as a "donation."
The problem began when the city hired Basin Street Properties, an investment company based in Reno, to oversee such public infrastructure as sidewalks and sewers in the privately owned project. Basin Street contracted with local company North Bay Construction for this work.
But the contract was tainted at its inception by a major conflict of interest: The owner of North Bay Construction, John Barella, is the largest single investor in Basin Street. In a court filing, Barella admitted this year that he and Basin Street are "considered the same."
Public records show that within just a few months, Theatre District construction costs soared 150 percent over budget—sucking up $5 million that had been slated for fixing potholes and sewers and improving Petaluma's decrepit waterfront.
Then, in 2005, Basin Street was instructed by city officials to return an overcharge of nearly half a million dollars. But Petaluma City Attorney Eric Danly says he has no record of the repayment. Nor can Danly locate hundreds of pages of invoices submitted to city officials by Basin Street to justify payment of its $17 million bill.
In August 2003, the Petaluma City Council voted that the proposed Theatre District project would pose no environmental problems. This resolution defied substantial evidence that the construction site had been heavily polluted by gasoline and diesel fuel hydrocarbons for decades. Additionally, the city's environmental consultant had warned the city that underground construction would likely require "special handling of soil and groundwater."
In January 2006, the city council amended the $7.5 million development agreement with Basin Street and pumped another $4.8 million into the downtown project. The huge increase covered remediation of what city manager Mike Bierman said were "unforeseen" underground hazardous wastes on the public portion of the project. The resolution also instructed Basin Street to pay back $704,481 it had improperly charged the city for remediating a plume of toxic waste located on land owned by Basin Street itself.
On February 2, 2006, Basin Street issued a check for $250,000 to the city in partial repayment.
On May 17, 2006, the director of public works, Vince Marengo, reminded Bierman that Basin Street still owed the city $454,481 "to cover costs of contaminated and hazardous materials encountered on the infrastructure project whose source resided on Basin Street owned property." But instead of writing another check, Basin Street cut an unusual deal with Bierman. Under the arrangement, Basin Street would give the $454,481 directly to North Bay Construction, thus paying for construction work that the city would otherwise have had to cover.
In effect, Basin Street issued a $454,481 credit to the city which it could then apply to work performed by North Bay—although the nature of this work was unspecified.
On October 10, 2006, Marengo told Bierman that the city needed "confirmation of Basin Street's total payments to North Bay in the form of copies of canceled check(s) with a confirming statement from Basin Street that these canceled check(s) represent the $454,481 owed to [the city] by BSP." Marengo also wrote to Basin Street's general counsel, Paul Andronico, requesting copies of canceled checks made out to North Bay worth $454,481 and a "confirming transmittal letter."
In a recent interview with the Bohemian, Andronico said that Basin Street made a "voluntary contribution" to compensate the city for the disallowed remediation work, and claimed that the $454,481 was applied by Basin Street as a credit to the city". Andronico said he does not know why the city has no documented confirmation that Basin Street ever made the required payment to North Bay; nor could he himself provide proof of payment. Nor could he specify what work was performed by North Bay to satisfy the credit due to Petaluma.
Normally, a developer working for the city is required to provide, before being paid, a "certified payroll" and other documentation that details the progress of each week's work, including payments to laborers and subcontractors. Danly said that neither the city nor Basin Street can locate a certified payroll identifiable as work performed for the $454,481 in question. Nor can city officials find invoices attesting that the additional North Bay work was ever performed. Danly could not locate the required copy of a canceled check, nor a transmittal letter confirming payment to North Bay of the credited amount.[see .pdf] Danly said the city's accounting books "appear to confirm said payment was made" but he offered no proof that it was made.
When the Bohemian requested copies of Basin Street and North Bay construction invoices from the city, Danly replied, "Staff conducted a diligent search but was unable to locate the actual invoices." He said the documents may have been routinely destroyed, but he offered no record of such destruction. But in 2005, the city had provided the Bohemian with two electronic disks containing all of the records on the Theatre District project, including many of the invoices it currently cannot find. We have offered to make these records available should the city wish to revisit the Theatre District fiasco and recover funds from Basin Street Properties and North Bay Construction. (Danly, who negotiated the project agreements, and was paid $89,000 from the Theatre District budget, says he will accept the disks.)
The final audit reconciliation for the Theatre District project records $704,000 in "Developer Contributions." This includes the aforementioned check from Basin Street for $250,000, and $454,000 that is variously coded in the city's accounting system as "in-kind" and "donation." [see .pdf] Unlike other line items in these financial records, the nature of the "donation" is not explained. In fact, it repeatedly moves in and out of the city's ledgers like a poltergeist that cannot decide to stay or go.
Nonetheless, it appears that Basin Street still owes the city nearly half a million dollars. The question is: Who will ask for it?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
2011-10-04 "Bay Area families struggling amid rising living costs" by Matt O'Brien from "MediaNews Group"
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_19035962]
By one measure, the cost of living for Bay Area families soared 18 percent since the onset of the recession in 2008.
As wages remained stagnant and more residents lost their jobs, the price of rental housing, transportation, child care and other basic needs kept rising, according to an Oakland-based national research group that wants California to overhaul how it measures the economic well-being of its residents.
"The income and expense gap just keeps growing. The ability to meet your basic needs is becoming further and further out of reach," said Jenny Chung Mejia of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development.
For decades, the federal government has relied on just one element of a person's life to figure out which American families were poor: How much income a family made before taxes, and how that compared to the cost of food.
Groups on both sides of the political aisle increasingly are criticizing that poverty threshold as an inadequate measurement that fails to take account of regional price differences and other factors.
Some are offering alternatives, and the U.S. Census Bureau will reveal its own "supplemental" poverty estimates this month based on benefits and expenses not included in the traditional computation.
Census survey data released last month revealed that a record 11 percent of Bay Area residents and 16 percent of Californians are living in poverty, but the meaning of poverty -- and how to combat it -- have become politically charged topics with few easy answers.
A family of four is poor if they make less than $22,133 a year according to the federal poverty line, a measurement developed decades ago, updated annually and used to determine who is eligible for economic assistance.
Liberal groups tend to think that threshold underestimates the number of struggling families who need help. Some conservative groups say it overestimates the poor population.
Organizations such as Insight argue that the federal threshold is an outdated measurement that fails to take into account local costs. They point out that a family would need much more than $22,000 a year to make ends meet in the Bay Area.
Two parents with two young children need more than $69,000 annually in the East Bay, $82,000 in San Mateo County and nearly $84,000 in Santa Clara County to cover normal costs of housing, food, commutes, child care and taxes, according to the group's report released Monday.
To get that number, Insight estimated monthly costs for a Bay Area family of four amount to $1,592 for housing, $1,588 for child care, $1,147 for taxes, $827 for food, $452 for health care and $342 for transportation.
Of those costs, health care has risen the most since 2008, by about 35 percent regionwide, Chung Mejia said. The cost of family premiums increased, and employers shifted a higher share of health care contributions to employees.
Despite the housing crash, actual housing costs are still rising for many people, especially those who rent.
"As a result of the foreclosure market and the housing bust, more people are moving out of their own homes into rental properties. And rents are still high," said David Thompson, a financial coach at the United Way's SparkPoint Center in Bay Point.
Food is the only necessity for which local prices have dropped, at least in relation to other parts of the state and country, Chung Mejia said, but child care and transportation costs also are up regionwide.
"The basic basket of goods people need in order to survive hasn't changed, but when you don't have incomes rising at the same level as the cost of goods, people have to make some really challenging decisions," she said.
Chung Mejia and others have argued that the state should use a cost-based measure -- called the Self Sufficiency Standard -- to determine the needs of struggling Californians. Otherwise, low-income parents end up falling off a "benefits cliff" after they find work with pay that makes them ineligible for food stamps and other help but does not bring enough money to pay the bills.
The Census Bureau also this month will release its first estimates of poverty based on its own experimental index -- the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which takes into account a greater variety of factors than just cash income. But the new measure, which could increase the number of people classified as poor, has met political opposition. President Barack Obama included the measure in his 2011 budget proposal, but Congress blocked funding for its implement.
While some say federal measures underestimate economic troubles, others argue they overestimate problems and oppose changes that would make more people eligible for government support.
Most Americans living below the federal poverty line have amenities that the poor in other countries could not imagine, said Robert Rector of the conservative Heritage Foundation.
Most have air conditioning, microwaves, televisions, nutritious food and an adequate home. A little more than half have personal computers, he said, basing his analysis on an array of federal surveys.
"This doesn't mean there are no poor families, but they are within the minority of the 46 million people the census is saying are poor," he said.
"The overwhelming majority of poor people, not all, live in conditions that the average American wouldn't recognize as poverty."
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_19035962]
By one measure, the cost of living for Bay Area families soared 18 percent since the onset of the recession in 2008.
As wages remained stagnant and more residents lost their jobs, the price of rental housing, transportation, child care and other basic needs kept rising, according to an Oakland-based national research group that wants California to overhaul how it measures the economic well-being of its residents.
"The income and expense gap just keeps growing. The ability to meet your basic needs is becoming further and further out of reach," said Jenny Chung Mejia of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development.
For decades, the federal government has relied on just one element of a person's life to figure out which American families were poor: How much income a family made before taxes, and how that compared to the cost of food.
Groups on both sides of the political aisle increasingly are criticizing that poverty threshold as an inadequate measurement that fails to take account of regional price differences and other factors.
Some are offering alternatives, and the U.S. Census Bureau will reveal its own "supplemental" poverty estimates this month based on benefits and expenses not included in the traditional computation.
Census survey data released last month revealed that a record 11 percent of Bay Area residents and 16 percent of Californians are living in poverty, but the meaning of poverty -- and how to combat it -- have become politically charged topics with few easy answers.
A family of four is poor if they make less than $22,133 a year according to the federal poverty line, a measurement developed decades ago, updated annually and used to determine who is eligible for economic assistance.
Liberal groups tend to think that threshold underestimates the number of struggling families who need help. Some conservative groups say it overestimates the poor population.
Organizations such as Insight argue that the federal threshold is an outdated measurement that fails to take into account local costs. They point out that a family would need much more than $22,000 a year to make ends meet in the Bay Area.
Two parents with two young children need more than $69,000 annually in the East Bay, $82,000 in San Mateo County and nearly $84,000 in Santa Clara County to cover normal costs of housing, food, commutes, child care and taxes, according to the group's report released Monday.
To get that number, Insight estimated monthly costs for a Bay Area family of four amount to $1,592 for housing, $1,588 for child care, $1,147 for taxes, $827 for food, $452 for health care and $342 for transportation.
Of those costs, health care has risen the most since 2008, by about 35 percent regionwide, Chung Mejia said. The cost of family premiums increased, and employers shifted a higher share of health care contributions to employees.
Despite the housing crash, actual housing costs are still rising for many people, especially those who rent.
"As a result of the foreclosure market and the housing bust, more people are moving out of their own homes into rental properties. And rents are still high," said David Thompson, a financial coach at the United Way's SparkPoint Center in Bay Point.
Food is the only necessity for which local prices have dropped, at least in relation to other parts of the state and country, Chung Mejia said, but child care and transportation costs also are up regionwide.
"The basic basket of goods people need in order to survive hasn't changed, but when you don't have incomes rising at the same level as the cost of goods, people have to make some really challenging decisions," she said.
Chung Mejia and others have argued that the state should use a cost-based measure -- called the Self Sufficiency Standard -- to determine the needs of struggling Californians. Otherwise, low-income parents end up falling off a "benefits cliff" after they find work with pay that makes them ineligible for food stamps and other help but does not bring enough money to pay the bills.
The Census Bureau also this month will release its first estimates of poverty based on its own experimental index -- the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which takes into account a greater variety of factors than just cash income. But the new measure, which could increase the number of people classified as poor, has met political opposition. President Barack Obama included the measure in his 2011 budget proposal, but Congress blocked funding for its implement.
While some say federal measures underestimate economic troubles, others argue they overestimate problems and oppose changes that would make more people eligible for government support.
Most Americans living below the federal poverty line have amenities that the poor in other countries could not imagine, said Robert Rector of the conservative Heritage Foundation.
Most have air conditioning, microwaves, televisions, nutritious food and an adequate home. A little more than half have personal computers, he said, basing his analysis on an array of federal surveys.
"This doesn't mean there are no poor families, but they are within the minority of the 46 million people the census is saying are poor," he said.
"The overwhelming majority of poor people, not all, live in conditions that the average American wouldn't recognize as poverty."
An historical piece of legislation...
Cannabis agriculture has already been accepted in the Napa Valley, where their county agriculture association has inducted their very first cannabis farmer. And Now, Vallejo has a chance to recognize, tax, and regulate lawful cannabis business...
Measure C: Medical Marijuana Business License Tax
[http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1002&Frame=L1]
The Vallejo City Council placed Measure C on the November 8, 2011 ballot to provide voters the opportunity to vote on imposing business license taxes on marijuana businesses to enhance City services. Measure C, if adopted by a majority of voters, will enact an ordinance taxing marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 (adjusted yearly for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for conducting business within the City. The marijuana business license tax will tax gross receipts from the planting, cultivation, harvesting, transporting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, processing, preparing, storing, packaging, and wholesale and retail sales of marijuana and ancillary products in the City, whether or not carried on for profit. The revenue from Measure C could be used to enhance funding for 9-1-1 emergency response, police patrols, firefighter and paramedic services, youth and senior programs, street and pothole repairs, graffiti removal, economic development, and general City services.
Additional information on the City’s financial condition and the text of Measure C can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link [http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1004&Frame=L1] and other links found on this page.
If you have questions regarding Measure C or if you would like to receive an informational presentation on Measure C please send an email to MeasureC@ci.vallejo.ca.us, email to measurec@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or call (707) 551-4418.
"Measure C: Medical Marijuana Business License Tax - Frequently Asked Questions"
[http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1004&Frame=L1]
Q: What is Measure C?
A: Measure C, if adopted by Vallejo voters, will enact an ordinance imposing a business license tax on marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 (adjusted yearly for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for conducting business within the City. The marijuana business license tax will tax gross receipts from the planting, cultivation, harvesting, transporting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, processing, preparing, storing, packaging, and wholesale and retail sales of marijuana and ancillary products in the City, whether or not carried on for profit. If adopted, Measure C revenues would create a local revenue source to help meet the service needs of the City.
Q: If adopted by a majority of voters, when would the tax take effect?
A: The base tax of $500 would take effect upon approval of the voters, but the tax on gross receipts will not take effect until the City Council, by ordinance, sets the rate of the tax, which cannot exceed 10%. The City Council may, at any time, set a lower tax rate on gross receipts for all marijuana businesses or establish differing tax rates for different categories of marijuana businesses, subject to the maximum rate of 10%. The City Council may also increase the tax rate on gross receipts from time to time, provided the rate set does not exceed 10%.
Q: Does Measure C legalize, authorize, regulate or otherwise permit medical or recreational marijuana businesses in Vallejo?
A: No. Measure C does not legalize, authorize, regulate or otherwise permit medical or recreational marijuana businesses in Vallejo. Measure C would create a local revenue source by allowing the City Council to impose a business license tax on marijuana businesses. Measure C does not set up a regulatory structure for marijuana businesses and they would still be required to comply with the Vallejo Municipal Code to lawfully operate within the City.
Q: Does Measure C legalize recreational use of marijuana in Vallejo?
A: This Measure does not legalize the recreational use of marijuana within in Vallejo.
Q: Will the Revenues collected from Measure C be subject to audit?
A: Under Measure C, the revenues from the marijuana business license tax would be subject to the annual audit performed by the City’s independent auditor, which is reported in the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Q: What City services could Measure C support or improve?
A: By law, as a “general tax”, the specific City services that Measure C would support cannot be designated before the Measure is adopted by the voters. Measure C revenues will be placed in the General Fund – to support services that will be designated by the City Council if Measure C is adopted. The City Council establishes budget priorities, including the use of any additional revenues from Measure C. Revenue from Measure C could be used to enhance funding for 9-1-1 emergency response, police patrols, firefighter and paramedic services, youth and senior programs, street and pothole repairs, graffiti removal, economic development, and general City services.
Q: What is Vallejo’s current fiscal condition?
A: Similar to many other California communities, the City’s General Fund budget has been hit with double digit reductions in sales tax and property tax revenues due to the recession. Sales tax and property tax revenues make up approximately half of the City’s budget, which pays for the day to day services provided to residents. In fiscal year 2007/08 General Fund revenue was $83.6 million. In the current fiscal year, General Fund revenue is projected to be $65.7 million. This is a reduction of almost $18 million in revenue that previously funded City and community services.
Q: How has Vallejo’s fiscal condition affected public services and community services in Vallejo?
A: The City of Vallejo has made service and staff cuts to balance the budget over the past several years. Total City staffing has been reduced by approximately 33% over the past 4 years – resulting in 167 fewer people providing services to Vallejo residents. 36 firefighter paramedic positions have been eliminated, 56 police officer positions have been cut, and another 75 positions throughout other City departments have been eliminated. In addition, City General Fund payments to the Florence Douglas Senior Center, Greater Vallejo Recreation District, Solano County Library and other community groups and services have been eliminated.
Q: How is the City planning to address its fiscal challenges?
A: The City has renegotiated labor agreements to reduce costs, reorganized to place a greater focus on economic development and pursued grant opportunities to augment local tax revenue. If adopted by Vallejo voters, Measure C would generate additional revenue through a tax on marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 which will be reinvested directly into our community.
Q: How can I find out more information about Measure C?
A: The City has established a link on the main page of its website (www.ci.vallejo.ca.us) that provides information on Measure C. Additionally, speakers are available to attend organizations’ meetings, to provide educational information on the City’s financial condition and Measure C. If you have any questions, please call the City’s Measure C inquiry line, at (707) 551-4418. We would be happy to speak directly to any organization and answer any questions that may arise.
Measure C: Medical Marijuana Business License Tax
[http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1002&Frame=L1]
The Vallejo City Council placed Measure C on the November 8, 2011 ballot to provide voters the opportunity to vote on imposing business license taxes on marijuana businesses to enhance City services. Measure C, if adopted by a majority of voters, will enact an ordinance taxing marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 (adjusted yearly for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for conducting business within the City. The marijuana business license tax will tax gross receipts from the planting, cultivation, harvesting, transporting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, processing, preparing, storing, packaging, and wholesale and retail sales of marijuana and ancillary products in the City, whether or not carried on for profit. The revenue from Measure C could be used to enhance funding for 9-1-1 emergency response, police patrols, firefighter and paramedic services, youth and senior programs, street and pothole repairs, graffiti removal, economic development, and general City services.
Additional information on the City’s financial condition and the text of Measure C can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link [http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1004&Frame=L1] and other links found on this page.
If you have questions regarding Measure C or if you would like to receive an informational presentation on Measure C please send an email to MeasureC@ci.vallejo.ca.us, email to measurec@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or call (707) 551-4418.
"Measure C: Medical Marijuana Business License Tax - Frequently Asked Questions"
[http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/GovSite/default.asp?serviceID1=1004&Frame=L1]
Q: What is Measure C?
A: Measure C, if adopted by Vallejo voters, will enact an ordinance imposing a business license tax on marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 (adjusted yearly for changes in the Consumer Price Index) for conducting business within the City. The marijuana business license tax will tax gross receipts from the planting, cultivation, harvesting, transporting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, processing, preparing, storing, packaging, and wholesale and retail sales of marijuana and ancillary products in the City, whether or not carried on for profit. If adopted, Measure C revenues would create a local revenue source to help meet the service needs of the City.
Q: If adopted by a majority of voters, when would the tax take effect?
A: The base tax of $500 would take effect upon approval of the voters, but the tax on gross receipts will not take effect until the City Council, by ordinance, sets the rate of the tax, which cannot exceed 10%. The City Council may, at any time, set a lower tax rate on gross receipts for all marijuana businesses or establish differing tax rates for different categories of marijuana businesses, subject to the maximum rate of 10%. The City Council may also increase the tax rate on gross receipts from time to time, provided the rate set does not exceed 10%.
Q: Does Measure C legalize, authorize, regulate or otherwise permit medical or recreational marijuana businesses in Vallejo?
A: No. Measure C does not legalize, authorize, regulate or otherwise permit medical or recreational marijuana businesses in Vallejo. Measure C would create a local revenue source by allowing the City Council to impose a business license tax on marijuana businesses. Measure C does not set up a regulatory structure for marijuana businesses and they would still be required to comply with the Vallejo Municipal Code to lawfully operate within the City.
Q: Does Measure C legalize recreational use of marijuana in Vallejo?
A: This Measure does not legalize the recreational use of marijuana within in Vallejo.
Q: Will the Revenues collected from Measure C be subject to audit?
A: Under Measure C, the revenues from the marijuana business license tax would be subject to the annual audit performed by the City’s independent auditor, which is reported in the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Q: What City services could Measure C support or improve?
A: By law, as a “general tax”, the specific City services that Measure C would support cannot be designated before the Measure is adopted by the voters. Measure C revenues will be placed in the General Fund – to support services that will be designated by the City Council if Measure C is adopted. The City Council establishes budget priorities, including the use of any additional revenues from Measure C. Revenue from Measure C could be used to enhance funding for 9-1-1 emergency response, police patrols, firefighter and paramedic services, youth and senior programs, street and pothole repairs, graffiti removal, economic development, and general City services.
Q: What is Vallejo’s current fiscal condition?
A: Similar to many other California communities, the City’s General Fund budget has been hit with double digit reductions in sales tax and property tax revenues due to the recession. Sales tax and property tax revenues make up approximately half of the City’s budget, which pays for the day to day services provided to residents. In fiscal year 2007/08 General Fund revenue was $83.6 million. In the current fiscal year, General Fund revenue is projected to be $65.7 million. This is a reduction of almost $18 million in revenue that previously funded City and community services.
Q: How has Vallejo’s fiscal condition affected public services and community services in Vallejo?
A: The City of Vallejo has made service and staff cuts to balance the budget over the past several years. Total City staffing has been reduced by approximately 33% over the past 4 years – resulting in 167 fewer people providing services to Vallejo residents. 36 firefighter paramedic positions have been eliminated, 56 police officer positions have been cut, and another 75 positions throughout other City departments have been eliminated. In addition, City General Fund payments to the Florence Douglas Senior Center, Greater Vallejo Recreation District, Solano County Library and other community groups and services have been eliminated.
Q: How is the City planning to address its fiscal challenges?
A: The City has renegotiated labor agreements to reduce costs, reorganized to place a greater focus on economic development and pursued grant opportunities to augment local tax revenue. If adopted by Vallejo voters, Measure C would generate additional revenue through a tax on marijuana businesses at a rate of up to 10% of their gross receipts plus a base tax of $500 which will be reinvested directly into our community.
Q: How can I find out more information about Measure C?
A: The City has established a link on the main page of its website (www.ci.vallejo.ca.us) that provides information on Measure C. Additionally, speakers are available to attend organizations’ meetings, to provide educational information on the City’s financial condition and Measure C. If you have any questions, please call the City’s Measure C inquiry line, at (707) 551-4418. We would be happy to speak directly to any organization and answer any questions that may arise.
2011-10-04 "Report Finds Poverty In Bay Area Doubles Government Estimates"
[http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/10/04/report-finds-poverty-in-bay-area-doubles-government-estimates/]
OAKLAND (KCBS) – A new report finds the number of people living in poverty in the Bay Area could more than twice what federal statistics suggest if the higher cost of living in California is taken into account.
While the federal poverty line for a couple raising two children is set at $22,350, the formula used to calculate the California Self-Sufficiency Standard finds the same family would need about $70,000 to make ends meet in the Bay Area.
The report released Tuesday by the Insight Center for Economic Community Development in Oakland in essence redefines what it means to be poor or economically secure, said president Roger Clay [http://www.insightcced.org/index.php?page=ca-sss].
“The federal poverty line actually is very inadequate. It’s sort of outdated,” he said.
The standard uses the cost of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation in each California county to arrive at a local cost of living typically far higher than the federal standard widely used to allocate state and federal money.
Clay urged government agencies and charities to take advantage of more specific data provided by his organization to better serve those in need.
The report found child care costs rose 22 percent and health care costs climbed 27 percent since 2008.
But the greatest increase was in taxes. On average, California households were paying 29 percent more to the IRS than they did three years ago.
View The Self-Sufficiency Standard For California By County [http://www.insightcced.org/communities/cfess/ca-sss.html]
[http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/10/04/report-finds-poverty-in-bay-area-doubles-government-estimates/]
OAKLAND (KCBS) – A new report finds the number of people living in poverty in the Bay Area could more than twice what federal statistics suggest if the higher cost of living in California is taken into account.
While the federal poverty line for a couple raising two children is set at $22,350, the formula used to calculate the California Self-Sufficiency Standard finds the same family would need about $70,000 to make ends meet in the Bay Area.
The report released Tuesday by the Insight Center for Economic Community Development in Oakland in essence redefines what it means to be poor or economically secure, said president Roger Clay [http://www.insightcced.org/index.php?page=ca-sss].
“The federal poverty line actually is very inadequate. It’s sort of outdated,” he said.
The standard uses the cost of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation in each California county to arrive at a local cost of living typically far higher than the federal standard widely used to allocate state and federal money.
Clay urged government agencies and charities to take advantage of more specific data provided by his organization to better serve those in need.
The report found child care costs rose 22 percent and health care costs climbed 27 percent since 2008.
But the greatest increase was in taxes. On average, California households were paying 29 percent more to the IRS than they did three years ago.
View The Self-Sufficiency Standard For California By County [http://www.insightcced.org/communities/cfess/ca-sss.html]
Saturday, October 1, 2011
January and Febuary Culture Calender at Viracocha in San Francisco
For more information about Viracocha:
[viracochasf@gmail.com]
Thursday 19th
LISA MEZZACAPPA's BAIT & SWITCH
NATHAN CLEVENGER GROUP (creative jazz)
http://www.lisamezzacappa.com/projects_quartet.html
http://www.nathanclevengermusic.com/
8pm
Friday 20th
PROFESSOR BURNS & THE LILAC FIELD
JONAH MATRANGA
COURTNEY BROWNE
http://www.myspace.com/professorburnslilacfield
http://jonahmatranga.com
http://www.courtneybrownemusic.com
8PM
Saturday 21st
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
CHAIRMAN WOW
PASSENGER & PILOT
POEINA SUDDARTH
http://www.longlivechairmanwow.com
http://www.myspace.com/passengerandpilot
http://poeinasuddarth.com
8pm
Sunday 22nd
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 3pm: Fundamentals Of Human Nutrition with Tatiana Granik
In The Evening...
THE NORTHERLIES
ART ELLIOT
http://www.thenortherlies.com
http://www.artelliot.com
8pm
Monday 23rd
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 24th
OURSHELVES Presents: EXCERPTS (Monthly Reading Series)
http://ourshelves.net
8pm
Wednesday 25th
RADAR BOOK CLUB
presents
DREAM SCHOOL by Blake Nelson
plus Special Guest Rhiannon Argo
http://www.radarproductions.org
7:30pm
Thursday 26th
NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 27th
ARIAN SALEH
MR. LONESOME & THE BLUEBELLES
DINA MACCABEE BAND
http://www.ariansaleh.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thebluebelles
http://www.myspace.com/dinamaccabee
8pm
Saturday 28th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
INTIMASEE :: The Space Between
8pm
Sunday 29th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 3pm: Fundamentals Of Human Nutrition with Tatiana Granik
In The Evening...
BRIAN DIXON
8pm
Monday 30th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
with Dottie Lux
7pm
Tuesday 31st
EASTERN EUROPEAN EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
Russian, Ukrainian, Romany music
with SHARMANKA
Traditional Greek music with AGAPE MOU
http://agapimoumusic.com/
Vocal harmonies from Eastern Europe, the Americas & beyond
with TRUE LIFE TRIO
http://www.myspace.com/truelifetrio
8pm
FEBRUARY
Friday 3rd
JL STILES
MICHAEL McNEVIN
http://www.jlstiles.com
http://www.michaelmcnevin.com
8pm
Saturday 4th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
JACK O' THE CLOCK
BE BRAVE BOLD ROBOT
DEATH OF THE COOL
http://jackotheclock.com
http://www.myspace.com/bebraveboldrobot
http://www.deathofthecool.com
8pm
Sunday 5th
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
Monday 6th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Thursday 9th
THE NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 10th
THE LAWLANDS
SPANISH CANNONS
CITY TRIBE
http://twitter.com/thelawlands
http://www.facebook.com/spanishcannons
http://www.myspace.com/citytribemusic
8pm
Saturday 11th
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
Monday 13th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 14th
"FUNNY VALENTINE"
An evening with
EFFT
&
THE BEEHAVERS
http://www.myspace.com/weareefft
http://thebeehavers.com/
8pm
Thursday 16th
DAVID JAMES' GPS
8pm
Friday 17th
JOHN HEART JACKIE
plus SPECTRE SPECTRE
http://johnheartjackie.wordpress.com
8pm
Saturday 18th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
HOWELLDEVINE
THE PANHANDLERS
http://www.facebook.com/
howelldevine http://www.facebook.com/panhandlers
8pm
Sunday 19th
During The Day...
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
In The Evening...
ANGER MANAGEMENT (reading series)
7:30pm
Monday 20th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 21st
WORD PARTY Poetry Open Mic w/ Nova Jazz
http://thewordparty.com
http://novajazzonline.com
8pm
Thursday 23rd
THE NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 24th
BELLS EP Release
http://www.facebook.com/hearbellsmusic
8pm
Saturday 25th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
PRIVATE EVENT
Sunday 26th
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
Monday 27th
THE SCOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 28th
OURSHELVES Presents EXCERPTS (Reading Series)
http://ourshelves.net
8PM
[viracochasf@gmail.com]
Thursday 19th
LISA MEZZACAPPA's BAIT & SWITCH
NATHAN CLEVENGER GROUP (creative jazz)
http://www.lisamezzacappa.com/projects_quartet.html
http://www.nathanclevengermusic.com/
8pm
Friday 20th
PROFESSOR BURNS & THE LILAC FIELD
JONAH MATRANGA
COURTNEY BROWNE
http://www.myspace.com/professorburnslilacfield
http://jonahmatranga.com
http://www.courtneybrownemusic.com
8PM
Saturday 21st
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
CHAIRMAN WOW
PASSENGER & PILOT
POEINA SUDDARTH
http://www.longlivechairmanwow.com
http://www.myspace.com/passengerandpilot
http://poeinasuddarth.com
8pm
Sunday 22nd
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 3pm: Fundamentals Of Human Nutrition with Tatiana Granik
In The Evening...
THE NORTHERLIES
ART ELLIOT
http://www.thenortherlies.com
http://www.artelliot.com
8pm
Monday 23rd
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 24th
OURSHELVES Presents: EXCERPTS (Monthly Reading Series)
http://ourshelves.net
8pm
Wednesday 25th
RADAR BOOK CLUB
presents
DREAM SCHOOL by Blake Nelson
plus Special Guest Rhiannon Argo
http://www.radarproductions.org
7:30pm
Thursday 26th
NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 27th
ARIAN SALEH
MR. LONESOME & THE BLUEBELLES
DINA MACCABEE BAND
http://www.ariansaleh.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thebluebelles
http://www.myspace.com/dinamaccabee
8pm
Saturday 28th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
INTIMASEE :: The Space Between
8pm
Sunday 29th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 3pm: Fundamentals Of Human Nutrition with Tatiana Granik
In The Evening...
BRIAN DIXON
8pm
Monday 30th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
with Dottie Lux
7pm
Tuesday 31st
EASTERN EUROPEAN EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
Russian, Ukrainian, Romany music
with SHARMANKA
Traditional Greek music with AGAPE MOU
http://agapimoumusic.com/
Vocal harmonies from Eastern Europe, the Americas & beyond
with TRUE LIFE TRIO
http://www.myspace.com/truelifetrio
8pm
FEBRUARY
Friday 3rd
JL STILES
MICHAEL McNEVIN
http://www.jlstiles.com
http://www.michaelmcnevin.com
8pm
Saturday 4th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
JACK O' THE CLOCK
BE BRAVE BOLD ROBOT
DEATH OF THE COOL
http://jackotheclock.com
http://www.myspace.com/bebraveboldrobot
http://www.deathofthecool.com
8pm
Sunday 5th
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
Monday 6th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Thursday 9th
THE NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 10th
THE LAWLANDS
SPANISH CANNONS
CITY TRIBE
http://twitter.com/thelawlands
http://www.facebook.com/spanishcannons
http://www.myspace.com/citytribemusic
8pm
Saturday 11th
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
Monday 13th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 14th
"FUNNY VALENTINE"
An evening with
EFFT
&
THE BEEHAVERS
http://www.myspace.com/weareefft
http://thebeehavers.com/
8pm
Thursday 16th
DAVID JAMES' GPS
8pm
Friday 17th
JOHN HEART JACKIE
plus SPECTRE SPECTRE
http://johnheartjackie.wordpress.com
8pm
Saturday 18th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
HOWELLDEVINE
THE PANHANDLERS
http://www.facebook.com/
howelldevine http://www.facebook.com/panhandlers
8pm
Sunday 19th
During The Day...
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
In The Evening...
ANGER MANAGEMENT (reading series)
7:30pm
Monday 20th
THE SCHOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 21st
WORD PARTY Poetry Open Mic w/ Nova Jazz
http://thewordparty.com
http://novajazzonline.com
8pm
Thursday 23rd
THE NEW POETRY MISSION
7pm to 9pm
Friday 24th
BELLS EP Release
http://www.facebook.com/hearbellsmusic
8pm
Saturday 25th
During The Day...
CLASSES presented by the FOOL'S SCHOOL
Noon - 2PM - Performance Art with Stan Kaplan
2pm - 4pm - The Political Shakespeare with Jesse Brownstein
In The Evening...
PRIVATE EVENT
Sunday 26th
THE FREE UNIVERSITY
10am - Noon: Political Economy with Claudia Chaufan
12:30pm - 2:15pm: Outlaw Literature with Alan Kaufman
2:30pm - 5pm: Occupy Art with Chuck Sperry
Monday 27th
THE SCOOL OF SHIMMY
with Dottie Lux
http://www.redhotsburlesque.com
7pm
Tuesday 28th
OURSHELVES Presents EXCERPTS (Reading Series)
http://ourshelves.net
8PM
National Chalk the Police Day
Sat, October 1, 12pm – Sun, October 2, 12pm
Anywhere and Everywhere (any public space that is) (map)
Get out your chalk and tell the cops whats on your mind. Did you know that while teachers are getting laid off, the Santa Cruz County sheriffs are building a new $44 million facility, money is allotted to countless surveillance endeavors, and eight new police officers have been hired? Well I'm sure most people in Santa Cruz don't know that either! Chalk up the streets and let them know on October 1st.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/15/18690442.php
Sat, October 1, 12pm – Sun, October 2, 12pm
Anywhere and Everywhere (any public space that is) (map)
Get out your chalk and tell the cops whats on your mind. Did you know that while teachers are getting laid off, the Santa Cruz County sheriffs are building a new $44 million facility, money is allotted to countless surveillance endeavors, and eight new police officers have been hired? Well I'm sure most people in Santa Cruz don't know that either! Chalk up the streets and let them know on October 1st.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/09/15/18690442.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
