Bay Area Issues, Links for July 10th, 2008
Health care campaign launches in front of City Hall
The Health Care for America Now coalition sponsored a gathering in front of San Francisco City Hall to announce the beginning of a national campaign for affordable universal healthcare.
“Presenting a set of guiding principles that address issues ranging from fair risk sharing to preventative services and racial disparities in coverage, the coalition is demanding health care legislation that promotes choice for patients and regulation of health insurance companies.”
The campaign aims to push healthcare to the top of the priority list for the President and Congress in 2009.
Democratic party helps Perata with legal bill
The California Democratic Party has donated a quarter-million dollars to Don Perata to help him fend off the FBI corruption investigation.
“The money comes just in time for Perata, who, according to a May disclosure, had only $273 cash on hand in his legal defense fund and $250,000 in unpaid bills.”
The investigation has reached no new developments as of late.
- Comments from David Dayen
High speed rail to pass through Pacheco
The California High Speed Rail Authority voted unanimously to allow the high speed Bay Area rail line to pass through the Pacheco Pass.
“The action ends a three-year controversy over whether to bring the proposed high-speed rail line over Pacheco Pass, a cheaper and easier option favored by most Bay Area politicians and government agencies, or over the Altamont Pass…”
Environmental opponents of the decision, such as the Planning and Conservation League and California Rail Foundation, are threatening a lawsuit.
Budget Committee Chair Jake McGoldrick approved a proposal to take $5 million out of the public campaign fund and went back on his promise to stop privatizing SF General Hospital security guards.
“Beyond Chron has long warned progressives that McGoldrick can’t be trusted when the rubber hits the road – but with five months left in his term, he continues to do damage.”
McGoldrick promises the money will be returned after he leaves office.
- Robert Haaland gives his opinion.
After agreeing to use sterile moths to combat the crop-threatening light brown apple moth infestation, The California Departmnet of Food and Agriculture insisted the use of pheromone sprays is safe and will continue in rural areas.
“CDFA’s strategic shift also fueled fears that the state is simply exchanging one ineffective tool for another in an effort to appear to be doing something to combat the moth.”
- John Russo has more background information
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