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Twitter moves to Utah (Job Loss: up to 500) - Twitter, the booming San Francisco-based social networking company, announced in July that it would move its data center to Salt Lake City. Thus far, they have raised $9 million in capital to construct a facility and expand three existing ones. "We have seen these facilities look to our service area because our prices are low -- we're in the lower fifth nationwide for electricity prices," said utility spokesman Dave Eskelsen.
EBay moves from San Jose to Utah (Job Loss: 450) - EBay, the online auction website with deep roots in San Jose, recently announced it will be creating 450 new jobs at a $334 million complex in Utah, in return for $30 million in tax breaks from the state.
What's up with Utah? How about a better business climate, a reasonable cost of living and a stronger school system from which to fill the workforce. Jobs and providing a high quality education should be among the top priories of the legislature... but no, we are worried about banning plastic grocery bags, the state regulation of tattoo parlors and the spaying and neutering of pets.
For more news on California's lagging job market, please go to The Red Line, a publication of the Senate Republican Caucus.
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Cash for Appliances Rebate
Don't miss out on the opportunity to participate
Are you thinking of replacing an old refrigerator or other appliance? If so, be sure to check out California's Cash for Appliance rebate program to see if you would be eligible for a rebate. As of yesterday, more than $16 million dollars is still available in the rebate fund. But don't delay because the money is going quick since the California Energy Commission expanded the list of qualifying appliances on July 28.
The Sacramento Bee reported that "Since April 22, the state has been processing rebates of $200 for qualifying refrigerators, $100 for clothes washers and up to $50 for room air conditioners. On July 29, the program was expanded to include rebates of $50 for freezers, $100 for dishwashers, $300 to $750 for water heaters and $500 to $1,000 for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems." (read more)
For more details, visit cash4appliances.org or call (888) 390-4034.
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Salary Reform Proposals Not A Cure All
Last week Democrat legislators proposed legislation to address salary and benefit abuses by public employees such as those we have recently learned of in the city of Bell. In my opinion, these bills do not offer full transparency. They pick and choose whose salaries should be public knowledge. I believe the public has a right to know all public employee salaries and benefits - after all the taxpayer is footing the bill.
There was an interesting editorial in the Oakland Tribune on August 22 on this topic. The following are excerpts from that editorial.
Alleged salary reform bills wouldn't change much, Oakland Tribune, August 22, 2010.
...There are some very good ideas embedded in the bills. But it's clear that the lawmakers are unwilling to cross the politically powerful labor unions. The bills are aimed at top officials. Organized labor wants to shine an embarrassing light on the people in charge, but they don't want anyone looking at the salary and benefits of the rank and file…
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...For starters, the bill only applies to local government, and only to elected officials, top appointed officials and public employees who manage public investments. What's needed is disclosure that applies to all public agencies, from the sanitary district to the governor's office, and to all public employees.
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...Lawmakers in Sacramento realize that the public is tired of being kept in the dark. But if they want to fix the system, they should do so in an informed and thoughtful way. It should start with total transparency... (read more)
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In and Around the District
School Supplies Needed
Donations of new school supplies, backpacks, clothes, and canned or packaged food are needed for a back to school party planned Friday, Aug. 27, for low income children who attend Laguna Beach schools, according to organizers Sande St. John and Marsha Bode.
Suggested supplies include new backpacks, ballpoint pens, highlighters, whiteout, spiral notebooks, Sharpies, three ring binders, fine tip Sharpies and dry erase markers.
Donations can be dropped o f anytime at Legion Hall, 348 Legion Street, or the Chamber of Commerce under the library on Glenneyre Street.
The 2 to 5 p.m. party includes refreshments and is sponsored by No Square Theater, Women's Club Resource Center, Exchange Club, Susie Q's Seniors Inc. and Laguna Beach Police Association.
Questions: call St. John or Bode at (949) 633-9429 or (949) 244-2010, respectively.
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 26th, is the 2nd Annual "Green & Health Expo" organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. Admission is free when you RSVP at www.FACCOC.org. The Expo is from 8:00am - 4:00pm at the Sheraton Park Hotel at 1855 South Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim.
Taste & Tour of Little Saigon
At one of the most colorful events in the 35th Senate District is the Annual "Taste & Tour of Little Saigon" sponsored by the Westminster Chamber of Commerce. The Taste & Tour is Thursday, September 16th from 5:00pm - 9:30pm beginning at the Asian Garden Mall at 9200 Bolsa Avenue in Westminster. Log onto www.westminsterchamber.org or call (714) 898-9648 for more information.
Race for the Cure
The Susan G. Komen Center for the Cure is hosting its annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach! Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with nearly $1.5 billion invested to date. Fore more information on the 5K run/walk or 1 mile fun walk, log onto www.komenoc.org
Crime Survivors Annual Walk
Save the date! Saturday, October 9th is Crime Survivors 7th Annual Survive & Thrive Run/Walk and Health & Safety Expo! This year's run expo will be hosted by the Orange County Regional Training Academy at 15991 Armstrong Avenue in Tustin. Crime Survivors empowers victims of crime to survive and thrive through access to support and protection from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community. To register, or for more information check out www.surviveandthriverunwalk.org.
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The Arts in Orange County
The summer is winding down but there is still time to enjoy all that Orange County has to offer. Orange County is host to many top notch art events. Sparkoc.com is a great source for Orange County arts information. Whether you are searching for something specific, or just browsing for a fun weekend activity, Sparkoc.com, a project of the Arts of Orange County and Orange County Community Foundation, is the place to find it.
Life Could Be a Dream, currently playing at The Moulton Theatre in beautiful Laguna Beach, is a musical people of all ages can enjoy. Families and couples can experience the refreshing beach, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant and head into the theatre for a perfect night out.
If you are interested in a walking art gallery, We Live in Public at The Box Gallery in Costa Mesa, features artwork by Southern California artist Aaron Kraten. The different styles Kraten uses, including finger paint and photography, make this a perfect event for art buffs and casual viewers alike.
These are just some of the events in Orange County. If you are interested in finding out more about local art events in Orange County Sparkoc.com is an excellent resource.
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