“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.

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Sacramento City Council Vote Allows Arena To Move Forward

To read the full CBS news story, visit our "News" section by clicking here.

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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.

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KCRA: Behind the Curtains: The GOP Campaign Trail

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.

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

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KCRA Channel 3, Jan. 3 - Iowa Caucuses & California

News 10, Jan. 3 - Former GOP Campaign Strategist Doug Elmets on Iowa Caucuses 

KFBK News Talk 1530, Jan. 3 - Doug Elmets Iowa Caucus

Sacramento’s top restaurants gathered at Beatnik Studios to compete for the title of “Best Turkey Recipe” while helping to feed the homeless and hungry.

Doug and a panel of four judges sampled small portions of each restaurant’s turkey to critique the tenderness and overall flavor.

Mulvaney’s B&L was awarded first place, Jaime’s Bar & Grill second and Aioli Bodega Espanola third.  

This year’s cook-off will help feed more than 1,000 men, women and children who are unable to afford a Thanksgiving meal. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

• Although Paterno has announced that he will retire at the end of the season, it remains to be seen whether Paterno will actually make it that far
• The focus here really needs to be on the victims, this week is senior week at Penn State, the last home game for senior students, but all of this football should be overshadowed by what happened to the victims
• There will always be diehards that vouch for Paterno at the final home game, but the important thing is to never forget the victims and the victims are the ones who have sadly been forgotten about and he had responsibility as head coach and athletic director
  

Thoughts on conduct

• Clearly buried his head in the sand, he may have fulfilled his minimal legal obligation by reporting it to his superior, he has failed in the court of public opinion
• He hoped it would go away, but a fish rots from the head and anything having to do with the molestation of children is rottenest fish head out there
• As great as a career as he has had, it is a tragedy when someone has done so much for football and had so much positive influence on players, that he could have been so blind to this 
• This is the perfect example of why it is best to come clean and the consequences of a cover up. 
• Everyone involved hoped it would go away. They should have dealt with it in 2002 when everyone first became aware, cut off the rotten appendage that was molesting children before the infection spread to the rest of the body. Because right now, the infection has spread and it did not have to be this way
  

What to do now

• At this point, everyone involved has to be let go. Damage control is not pretty, and what happens next is going to get ugly.
• This goes all the way up to the president of the university, whether he knew or not, he set the tone for the university and the tone he set allowed this to happen. They have to rebuild from scratch.
• While the victims are important, when you are in the business of damage control and your job is to protect the university’s reputation the choice is clear - Paterno is gone, president is gone, athletic director is gone, they are all gone by the end of the today so the message is sent that Penn State is starting a new chapter
• If they do not, and anyone is allowed to remain, who could take the university seriously? Which players would want to go here? Who would donate money? 
  

The Sacramento Bee reported yesterday that Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1319, a bill that will ban BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups made or sold in California.

Despite the absence of a single credible study linking BPA directly to any harm whatsoever, beginning July 1, 2013 bottles and cups made for children under age 3 may not contain bisphenol A, a common chemical in clear plastic containers.

Supporters of the bill including its author Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, D-Marina Del Rey, along with environmental groups, labor unions and consumer groups argued that BPA harms babies when it leaches from containers into their milk and food.

AB 1319 was opposed by chemical makers, employers and industry groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and the American Chemistry Council.

What supporters miss in their zeal to ban BPA are two things: one is that the legislature is the wrong forum for this decision, and two is that BPA might as well already be banned on baby bottles in California.

There are regulatory measures in place whose purpose for existing is to address the concerns raised by the supporters of this bill. But instead of politicians who are vulnerable to the influence of interest groups on both sides of aisle, it is chemists, doctors and other experts who should be making the decisions. These are the people who should have final authority to determine the regulation of BPA, not a bunch of politicians looking to curry favor with special interests.

Even if it was within the legislature’s scope of authority to tell people what they can and cannot purchase, this legislation is practically pointless in light of the market for baby products in California. If you go into the baby aisle of any store in California, I challenge anyone to find a product meant for a child that does not expressly say BPA FREE on it. The free market has a way of correcting itself like that; the public decides what does and does not constitute a desirable product and the manufacturers respond. If there was a demand for BPA you might see it, but there clearly is much more of demand for BPA FREE and the market reflects that. And this all happened BEFORE the legislature stepped in to decide what was best for California.

The only reason the politicians would take the time to move such a bill is so they can boast about it during campaigns and payback special interests. Betsy Butler wants to return to Marina Del Rey and tell constituents that she is responsible for protecting the lives of children in California, but it is not her, it is the free market that accomplished this. The market dictated that manufacturers needed to provide a product the public wanted to buy, and that is exactly what happened.

The need simply does not exist. There are even numerous recent studies stating that that there is no link between BPA and harmful effects the supporters of this bill proclaimed. You only start to see these harmful side effects in the test subject animals when you load them up with so much BPA they are about to pop. You can see the actual evidence for this claim in the studies below:

• study finding “no clear evidence” of a link to diabetes risk from BPA exposure.
• study showing that the male offspring of pregnant mice exposed to high levels of BPA had no effects on the male offspring.
• study showing no risk to children exposed to house dust that contains BPA.
• CDC, EPA Clinical Exposure Study Finds BPA Exposure Unlikely to Cause Health Effects.
  

For more information on the effort to protect the free market and stop politicians from dictating the public’s conduct related to BPA go to www.handsoffplastics.com.