Greetings
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. "Mimi's Message" is designed to keep you informed on the most current events and issues facing our community and State. As always, please feel free to contact me with feedback or questions.
-MIMI WALTERS
Senator, 33rd District
www.senate.ca.gov/walters
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Impending Regulations
New Commission on State Taxes Nearing Completion
While not a regulation per se, we should be aware that a commission that has been evaluating a revamp of the State’s tax system since January is quickly nearing its completion.
Named the “Commission on the 21st Century Economy,” a group of 14 leaders from across California have been meeting regularly to discuss how to create a tax structure that fits–in with the new economy. Specifically, the Commission was tasked with the job of creating a tax system that will:
- Stabilize State revenues and reduce volatility
- Promote the long-term economic prosperity of California;
- Improve California’s ability to compete for jobs and investment
The Commission was created with the realization that the current tax structure in California is outdated and has been a significant contributing factor to the current budget crisis. Since its first meeting in January, the Commission has examined how other states operate; entertained various proposals for fundamental changes to the tax structure; and sought to identify ways to expand the tax base and lower the tax burden on individuals.
When the Commission finishes its business, it will provide a series of recommendations to the Legislature on how to best change our tax system in order to foster economic growth. Our hope is that the final recommendations will include a system that makes our tax structure simpler, fairer, and lower for the vast majority of working Californians.
The next Commission meeting will be held on July 16th in San Francisco. To learn more about the Commission and its work, please visit www.COTCE.ca.gov.
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Regulations to Repeal
California Regulatory Environment Blamed for Weak Economy
Normally, this section of our newsletter is dedicated to a specific regulation that needs to be repealed in order to help get California’s economy back on track.
Instead of focusing on one regulation, however, we decided to inform people about a new study released by the Milken Institute that documents how California’s regulatory environment is largely responsible for the lack of job creation in the State.
The study points out that manufacturing is still a driving force behind California’s economy, but that we continue to lose ground because of our “regulatory climate, tax burden, and reputation as a difficult and costly place to do business.”
The report contains numerous specific proposals to help fix California’s economic climate, but the solutions generally fall into three categories:
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Streamlining the regulatory approval process, increasing transparency, and demanding accountability from regulators;
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Increasing public incentives for the creation of manufacturing jobs and developing more public-private partnerships that lead to economic growth;
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Encouraging more Californians to pursue careers in manufacturing (both traditional as well as high technology)
The Milken Institute does an outstanding job of pointing out that for every manufacturing job created, there are 2.5 more jobs created in other sectors. Additionally, it points out that for electronic computer manufacturing, every job created means another 15 jobs can be created. It doesn’t take long to realize that if we enhance the number of manufacturing jobs in California, we will be able to quickly grow our way out of the current budget crisis by bringing more people into the workforce, thereby increasing the number of tax PAYERS and reducing the number of tax RECEIVERS.
To read a copy of the entire Milken Institute study, please visit www.MilkenInstitute.org.
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Tustin Annual Black Tie Awards
On Friday, June 26, the Tustin Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Black Tie Awards Dinner to recognize its Top Businesses in 2009. The Tustin Chamber acknowledges businesses for outstanding community involvement, volunteerism, commitment to ethics, and environmentally conscious actions. The categories from which businesses are chosen are Large Business, Small Business, and Rookie of the Year. In spite of the economic downturn, three businesses continued to support the community of Tustin throughout these difficult times.
CR&R Incorporated, a waste management and recycling service founded in 1963, is the 2009 recipient of the Large Business of the Year award. Through partnerships with local schools, churches, the Boys and Girls Club of Tustin and other organizations, CR&R helps to educate Tustin residents on how to recycle and reduce waste. Additionally, they are an active member of the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and have a staff member, Rosalie Morris, who sits on the Chamber Board of Directors.
The 2009 Small Business of the Year award was given to Extreme Boot Camp, an intense, military inspired fitness program focused on burning fat, improving muscle tone, and increasing endurance. Since 2007, Extreme Boot Camp has been improving the lives of Tustin residents through the promotion of health and fitness. They have also been generous in giving back to the community through organizing an American Red Cross fundraiser for victims of the fires, food drives, recycling drives, and collecting Toys for Tots. Furthermore, Extreme Boot Camp plays an active role in the Tustin Chamber of Commerce with the owner, Tracy Zimmerman, serving on the Chamber Board of Directors.
BarrHomes Real Estate earned the 2009 Rookie of the Year title, an award presented to an outstanding business of any size that has received a new business license within the prior year. Judy Barr, owner of BarrHomes, and her staff maintain a perfect balance between work and involvement in the community. In addition to joining the Chamber of Commerce, BarrHomes has been quick to volunteer for crucial roles in events such as Chili Cookoff, Tustin Tiller Days Parade, Concerts in the Park, and the Miss Tustin Scholarship Pageant.
We are happy to congratulate these businesses on their achievements in 2009 and wish them continued success in the future.
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Fire Chief Charles W. Prather, Jr. Retires
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) recently announced the July 2nd retirement of thirty–nine year veteran, Chief Charles (Chip) W. Prather. Since he began his public service in fire protection in 1970, Chief Prather has held numerous positions, from Paramedic and Firefighter to Captain and Chief. As Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority in October of 1997, he has led Orange County through numerous wildfire seasons, including the disastrous firestorms of 2007.
Chief Prather has overseen one of the largest fire operations in the State of California, the Orange County Fire Authority. OCFA employs 1,500 firefighters, reserves, and professional staff and serves over 1.3 million people in twenty-two cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County with an annual budget of $260 million. Chief Prather is also a member of numerous professional groups such as the California Fire Chiefs Association, the California State Firefighters Association, and the National Fire Protection Association.
In addition to his role in the OCFA, Chief Prather is an active member of our community. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Raise Foundation (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Orange County), the Salvation Army, and the Trauma Intervention Program. He is also a member of the Lupus Foundation of America, the State Strategic Committee on Terrorism, and the South Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years, Chief Prather has earned various awards and accolades including the Boy Scouts Spurgeon Award in 2000 and the California Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year in 2002. He was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to a position on the State Emergency Council, a select group that advises the Governor on policy issues during a state emergency. In 2003, he served on the California Blue Ribbon Fire Commission.
Although Chief Charles W. Prather will be retiring on July 2, he will remain with the OCFA until August 7 to assist the new Chief, Keith Richter, as he transitions into the position. Chief Prather will soon be able to spend his newfound free time at his home in San Clemente with his wife, Katie, and their two children. We want to thank Chief Prather for his many years of service to Orange County, and we wish him the best in his retirement.
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July Events
July 8 – August 31 – Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Presented in July and August since the early 1930’s, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is an exhibit of fine, strictly original works by gifted artists, and the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art recreations. For information call (949) 494-1145.
July 8 – August 26 – City of Orange Concerts in the Park, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Pack your picnic baskets, relax and enjoy fantastic free entertainment for all ages under the summer starry sky! Bring your blankets or low lawn chairs and get ready for a great time! Food will be available for purchase courtesy of Kiwanis of Orange. For more information call (714) 744-5599 or go to www.cityoforange.org.
July 10 – August 9 –The Orange County Fair at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Wednesday through Friday, noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. through midnight, closed Monday and Tuesday. General admission (13–59) $10.00, Seniors (60+) $7.00, Children (6–12) $5.00, and kids 5 and under are free. The OC Fair offers a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides, and hands–on summer activities. There is something for everybody at the Fair including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games. For more information call (714) 708–3247 or go to www.ocfair.com.
July 11 – 3 – Annual Mardi Gras in July at the Fullerton Museum Plaza in downtown Fullerton, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Cost is $25.00 per person, kids under 12 are free. Fun, food and music! For more information call (714) 871–3100.
July 11 – Night Hikes at Rancho Sonado, 8755 Santiago Canyon Road in Silverado. Inside the Outdoors invites you and your family to a night hike at Rancho Sonado. Hike through wilderness areas bordering the Cleveland National Forest. Hear legends and lore from Orange County’s colorful wild west history! For more information call (714) 708–3885.
July 15 – August 19 – The Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Fullerton Sports Complex – 560 E. Silver Pine (off Bastanchury between Brea Blvd. and Harbor Blvd.) Admission is free. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a night of music under the stars! Bring a picnic dinner, chairs, and blankets to this casual evening of entertainment. The Fullerton Museum Center leads a free family arts & crafts booth featuring a different craft each week. Food is available for purchase. Call (714) 738–6545 for more information.
July 24 – The "Staying Alive" Regional Cities Ball, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, Irvine, celebrating the commitment to keep local businesses alive in South Orange County. This event allows the SOC Chambers of Commerce to acknowledge the twelve city mayors from Irvine to San Clemente and also enables our guests the opportunity to mingle with the business leaders, and elected and public officials in a very elegant social setting. The cost is $175.00 per person, and the event is black tie. For more information call Barbara Thomas at (949) 635–1638 or e–mail Barbara@socchambers.com.
July 26 – Shakespeare by the Sea “Love’s Labour Lost”, 6:30 p.m. pre show, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. main show at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway in Laguna Niguel. There is no cost. Bring a picnic and a blanket and settle in under the stars for this classic comedy. For more information call (949) 425–5100 or go to www.shakespearebythesea.org.
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