]]>SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s AB 2358, legislation that would authorize a memorial statue of President Ronald Reagan in California’s State Capitol, is set to be heard before the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee tomorrow.
John Herrington, former United States Secretary of Energy during the Reagan Administration and Doug Ose, former California Congressman and Sacramento businessman will testify in support of AB 2358 at Tuesday’s committee hearing.
President Reagan spent his formative political years in California, serving as the 33rd governor of California before being elected as the 40th president of the United States.
“AB 2358 is a necessary step towards honoring the only governor of California to become president of the United States,” said Hagman. “President Reagan remains one of the most influential leaders in this nation’s history and should be recognized for his significant political presence in California’s Capitol.”
At no cost to taxpayers, AB 2358 would be entirely funded through private donations. AB 2358 is supported by the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Library, an organization that is responsible for placing several bronze statues of President Reagan throughout the world.
“In state capitols throughout the country, memorials stand in tribute to our past presidents,” said Doug Elmets, former White House staffer and sponsor of AB 2358. “President Reagan was a transformative figure in our nation’s history and deserves to be memorialized in the state capitol where he served as governor.”
For more information on Assemblyman Hagman, visit www.assembly.ca.gov/hagman.
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Read Doug's letter of support to Assemblyman Curt Hagman, lead author of AB2358, below.
Let's win one more for the Gipper!
The Hon. Curt Hagman
California State Assembly
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
Dear Assemblyman Hagman,
I am pleased to sponsor Assembly Bill 2358 (Hagman), which would authorize the construction of a memorial statue honoring President Ronald Reagan in the California State Capitol.
During the Reagan Administration I served as White House spokesman for domestic issues, speechwriter in the White House Office of Political Affairs and executive assistant to President Reagan’s director of communications. During President Reagan’s second term, I served as the deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy.
AB 2358 is an important step toward honoring the only governor of California to become president of the United States. President Reagan was a transformative figure in our nation’s history and deserves to be memorialized in the state capitol where he once served as governor.
Assuming that the legislation is passed, Elmets Communications will work with the Ronald Reagan Centennial Capitol Foundation to privately fund the memorial.
I look forward to our partnership in this notable effort.
Best Regards,
Doug Elmets
President
Elmets Communications
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“We are proud to recognize Assemblyman Perea this year,” said VFW, Dept. of California State Commander Bobby Price, “Assemblyman Perea has been instrumental in advancing veterans’ programs in California and we are pleased to recognize his hard work and achievements on behalf of the veterans of our state.”
Assemblyman Perea is being recognized for his authorship of AB 1422, Veterans Home Savings Act, which would allow the California Department of Veterans Affairs to use savings found in the operations of the Veterans Home of California System to expedite the delays in the opening of the Redding and Fresno Veterans Homes.
“The VFW has been advocating for veterans rights since WWI and having strong, reliable allies in the legislature is a key aspect of our mission,” said VFW, Dept. of California Legislative Chairman Bill Manes. “One of the highest priority legislative goals of the VFW Department of California is to obtain the necessary funds for staffing of the new State Veterans Homes in Redding and Fresno so that veterans can be admitted as residents – and Assemblyman Perea is working to make that goal a reality.”
Assemblyman Henry Perea was nominated for the VFW 2012 Legislator of the Year Award by District 11, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of California. The nomination was approved by the Department Legislative Committee. District 11 includes members of the VFW residing in the Counties of Fresno, Madera and Mariposa.
The VFW “Legislator of the Year” Award has been presented over the years to those members of the California State Legislature who have provided significant leadership roles on those issues involving benefits and services to the veterans of the nation’s military services.
Current members of the Legislature who are previous recipients of the VFW Legislator of the Year Award include Assemblymen Paul Cook, Nathan Fletcher and William Monning, and Senators Lou Correa, Bob Dutton, Doug La Malfa, and Gloria Negrete McLeod.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,700 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs. Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 11 million hours of community service to the nation.
"You see that the Republican party is beginning to coalesce around Romney," Elmets said. "It is mathematically very, very difficult for Santorum and Gingrich really to pull this off."
To watch Doug's interview, click on the link below!
]]>Listen to Doug's interview by clicking the link below!
KFBK 1530 - February 29, 2012 - "What's Next for GOP Primary"
]]>“What’s being told here is dissension within the ranks. It is a love hate relationship on the city council, no question about it,” said Sacramento political strategist Doug Elmets.
To view Doug's interview, click on the link below:
Sacramento City Council Vote Allows Arena To Move Forward
To read the full CBS news story, visit our "News" section by clicking here.
]]>Watch Doug's interview with Fox 40 by clicking the link below:
Despite Progress, Arena Not a Done Deal - February 13, 2012
To read the full FOX40 news story, visit Elmets Communications' "News" section by clicking here.
]]>Click the link below to see Doug's interview!
]]>The California initiative reflects a national VFW goal: to attract younger veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who are returning home and considering their higher education options. Under the new agreement California VFW members, their spouses and domestic partners are eligible for reduced tuition and fees for degree programs in Excelsior’s schools of Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Business and Technology and Nursing.
In addition to extensive online programming, Excelsior is also home to Excelsior College® Examinations, an extensive credit-by-examination program that provides an additional option for degree completion.
Among the estimated 2 million veterans living in California, approximately 95,000 are members of the California VFW and its 360 posts around the state. An estimated 30,000 veterans are between the ages of 25 and 55, similar to the age of Excelsior’s adult students who are pursuing degree completion.
“We need to welcome our younger members, and this is another way of providing a truly valuable membership benefit,” said James R. Rowoldt, state adjutant/quartermaster of the VFW, Department of California.
"Excelsior College is pleased and excited about its new relationship with the California VFW,” said Excelsior President John F. Ebersole. “As a long-time former resident of California while on active duty and later, I have observed the positive role that veterans play in the life of the state. We are honored to partner with the California VFW to assist these men and women in continuing their education."
Similar partnerships are in place between Excelsior and VFW departments in New York, Vermont and Nevada. In New York, the partnership has already begun to pay off for VFW members.
Excelsior College, established in 1971, has a long and successful history of providing education to veterans and service members. The College has an extensive range of support services tailored to veterans, including financial counseling on veteran benefits and other financial aid and academic advisors who are veterans themselves. The College offers a range of academic support programs and career counseling services tailored to veterans.
The College accepts prior military training in the form of academic transfer credit based on recommendations from the American Council on Education’s Military Evaluations Program. Each year, Excelsior accepts approximately 50,000 military training program credits per year toward completion of undergraduate degree programs.
In November 2011, the College was named by Military Times Edge magazine as a top school for veterans, and has been repeatedly named a top “military friendly” school by GIJobs magazine.
Excelsior College’s education credentials include:
• Excelsior’s course, “Success Strategies for Military and Veterans” earned the 2010-2011 Innovation Award from the Center for Transforming Student Services (CENTSS). The course provides college orientation to veterans and military members and teaches transition strategies for those entering the civilian workforce after a military career.
• Excelsior is a recipient of the Council of College and Military Educators’ (CCME) Institutional Award.
• Excelsior’s military academic advising team includes veterans who are uniquely attuned to the unique needs of military students, veterans, and their spouses.
• Susan Dewan, executive director of Excelsior’s Center for Military Education is the recipient of the 2011 William E. Kennedy Award from the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), which recognizes leadership in providing higher education programs to personnel at U.S. military installations.
• Excelsior President Ebersole is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award in 2010 for his leadership in contributing to the Army’s educational mission.
For information on joining the VFW in California, visit http://www.vfwca.org/membertools/membershipinformation.html .
For information about the California VFW education partnership with Excelsior College, email veterans@excelsior.edu or call 888-647-2388 ext. 1352.
About the VFW, Department of California
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and those who currently serve on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and is one of its oldest veterans' organizations. With 2.1 million members located in 7,700 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans service, legislative initiatives, youth scholarships, Buddy Poppy and national military service programs. Annually, the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 11 million hours of community service to the nation. For more information or to join, visit the organization's Web site at www.vfwca.org.
About Excelsior College
Excelsior College http://www.excelsior.edu is an accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution that focuses on removing obstacles to the educational goals of adult learners. Founded in 1971 and located in Albany, NY, Excelsior is a proven leader in the assessment and validation of student knowledge. It offers more efficient and affordable access to degree completion through multiple avenues: its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance in transfer of credit from other colleges and universities as well as recognized corporate and military training programs. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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FULL INTERVIEW Political Analyst says Romney won Florida debate
Make sure to tune in to News 10 this evening as Doug discusses President Obama's State of the Union address.
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Jan. 10, News 10 - 2012 New Hampshire primary results analysis
]]>What began as gold mining camps in 1848 are today charming small towns blending the ambiance of gold rush-era downtown districts and Victorian era neighborhoods with modern shopping centers. Church spires and oak tree covered hillsides add to the rural charm, and numerous local restaurants offer fine ethnic dining.
The Shenandoah Valley is just a short drive for lovers of premium wines. The area is well known for its Zinfandel, many grown from vines over 50 years old. With over 30 wineries to visit, it’s easy to make a full day of wine tasting.
Visit sites of some of the richest gold producing mines in California and experience the serenity and friendliness of small town charm while enjoying the wide open spaces.
Walking down each town’s quaint downtown Main Street you can almost see the days of dirt roads and gun fights. Amador is known for it affordable antiques and friendly merchants, perfect for a day of shopping, antiquing, and leisurely dining.
Amador is also home to Jackson Rancheria Casino, the place for great gaming, excellent service, and comfortable dining, all presented Rancheria Style®.
You’re sure to find your favorite slot and video machines among the over 1,500 available, from penny machines to $100 slots, plus all the top progressive games.
There are over 50 tables and the 24 hour Poker Room features 9 tables with variations of Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha and Stud. Enjoy low-limit, high-limit or no-limit games, dedicated beverage service, and a real-time tournament board.
Visit the High Limit Room for slots from $5 to $100, video poker from $5 to $10, and tables from $25 to $100 with limits up to $3,000.
When it comes to lodging, you can’t beat one of Northern America’s highest rated RV Parks, Jackson Rancheria RV Park.
Stop by the 24 hour General Store & Gas Station on the corner of Highway 88 and Dalton Road for snacks, drinks, tobacco products, fresh hot prepared foods, plus touchless car and RV washes, and the best gas station food around.
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]]>Six other attorneys and staff from Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley will join Thomas at the Thomas Law Group. The new law firm will allow Thomas to better serve her clients’ needs by providing more focused attention and support. The Thomas Law Group will continue to concentrate on land use issues and assisting clients navigate the challenges of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
“Tina Thomas has been instrumental in making the Sacramento Region a better place to live and do business,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna. “She has the experience to solve any problem that may arise with her clients and the talent joining her at the Thomas Law Group will bring the best of the best all under one roof.”
Thomas co-authored “Guide to the California Environmental Quality Act” which is in its 11th edition and is currently working with the California Legislature to reform CEQA. She has argued successfully before the California Supreme Court, California Appellate Courts and Federal District Court with many of her cases establishing new case law to guide future decisions in environmental law.
“For decades Thomas has been the chief authority on land use issues in the Sacramento area,” said Mark Friedman President of Fulcrum Property. “My company has looked to Thomas for our most difficult CEQA and land-use issues and she consistently delivers results. The formation of the Thomas Law Group will be a great benefit to the region.”
Service to the community will continue to be at the foundation for Thomas and her new law firm. Thomas serves on a number of nonprofit boards – including John Burton Foundation, Camellia Network, The California Museum, Faith in Families, Hemispheres Arts Academy, Sacramento Food Bank Services, Valley Vision and Works in New Directions (WIND Center for Homeless Teens) – and provides pro-bono representation to social-service organizations such as Francis House, Loaves & Fishes, Cottage Housing, Union Gospel Mission and The Moral Values Program.
Thomas received her BA from Stephens College and her law degree from the University of San Diego.
Attorneys and staff who will be part of the Thomas Law Group:
Ashle Crocker. Formerly a partner at Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, Ashle has practiced environmental and land use law for ten years, with a focus on CEQA/NEPA and land use permitting and entitlements.
Chris Butcher. Formerly an associate with Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, Chris will continue to practice in the areas of land use and environmental law, in both administrative and judicial arenas.
Amy Higuera. Formerly an associate with Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, Amy augments the firm’s land use and CEQA practice with a strong knowledge of real estate law.
Michele Tong. Formerly an associate with Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, Michele is well versed in CEQA and contract law and will join Thomas Law Group as a paralegal.
Stephanie Richburg. Stephanie has served as office manager for Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley for 25 years. Stephanie will join Thomas Law Group as the office manager.
Ara Jauregui. Ara has been Tina’s legal assistant for 20 years and will continue in such capacity with Thomas Law Group.
Tina and her associates at Thomas Law Group are available to provide high quality legal services for clients seeking expertise in land use and environmental issues including NEPA, CEQA, AB 32 and Climate Change, Permitting and Entitlements, SB 375 and Municipal Law.
The contact information for Thomas Law Group is:
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 801
Sacramento, CA 95814