Washington, DC...Good evening. As the world knows, the Syrian people have suffered terribly under the prolonged brutality of the Assad regime. On April 7th, the regime decided to again defy the norms of civilized people, showing callous disregard for international law by using chemical weapons to murder women, children and other innocents. We and our allies find these atrocities inexcusable.
National Park Service Announces Plan to Moderately Raise Fees to Address Aging Infrastructure Needs
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/12/2018 08:04 PM
Washington, DC...As part of its ongoing efforts to address aging park infrastructure and improve the visitor experience, the National Park Service (NPS) announced today changes to the entrance fees charged at national parks. The changes, which come in response to public comments on a fee proposal released in October 2017, will modestly increase entrance fees to raise additional revenue to address the $11.6 billion in deferred maintenance across the system of 417 parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments.
This Morning's Presidential Tweet Subjects, Russia, Syria, Paul Ryan & More
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/11/2018 08:13 AM
Washington, DC...This morning President Trump started of bright and early with a round of 280 character policy missives. They are verbatim below in reverse chronological order... "Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!
Calaveras County Looking For Poll Workers for June 5, 2018 Primary Election
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/11/2018 02:08 PM
San Andreas, CA...Help is needed for the June 5, 2018 Direct Primary. Election Day is quickly approaching and there is a shortage of volunteers this year. Burson, Jenny Lind, Valley Springs, and West Point are areas of critical need. Help is still needed in Angels Camp, Arnold, Copperopolis, Murphys, and Railroad Flat as well. Please share if you know of someone who may be interested in volunteering.
http://www.elections.calaverasgov.us/Portals/clerk/Docs/Elections/Poll_Officer_Application.pdf
Attorney General Becerra Sues EPA Over “Once In, Always In” Policy Repeal
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/11/2018 03:20 PM
Sacramento, CA...California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its illegal repeal of a longstanding policy that requires major sources of hazardous air pollutants – such as petroleum refineries and chemical plants – to permanently take action to reduce their emissions. Known formally as the “Once In, Always In” policy, this critical guidance has been in effect since 1995. Attorney General Becerra and CARB filed the lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Governor Brown Allows California National Guard Personnel to Border in Limited Role
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/11/2018 04:08 PM
Sacramento, CA...Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today responded to the federal government’s request for additional California National Guard personnel with the following letter. The accompanying agreement, submitted this afternoon for review and approval by the federal government, can be seen by clicking on the image below...
Attorney General Becerra Opposes U.S. Department of Labor's Employer Friendly PAID Program
Posted by: thepinetree on 04/11/2018 04:27 PM
Sacramento, CA...California Attorney General Xavier Becerra joined a coalition of 10 fellow attorneys general today in sending a letter to U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta condemning the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) pilot program. The PAID Program allows employers who violate labor laws to avoid prosecution and penalties in exchange for simply paying the back wages their employees were already owed under federal law. The Program also undercuts state and local labor enforcement agencies, like the California Department of Justice’s Underground Economy Unit, from enforcing state wage and hour laws that serve to protect workers’ rights.