LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS NOW IN APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES

Most of the Committee actions on legislation are now in the Appropriations Committees. And, as certainly was the case last year, any bill that would commit funds from the State Budget, or would reduce tax income, is going to the Suspense File. The Committees have until Friday, May 23, to take bills off the Suspense File and pass them, but I would not expect to seen many such actions.

The Governor’s May Revise of the Budget for the next fiscal year, and the estimates of income/expenditures for this year, should be released very soon. Again, as was the case last year, the state’s overall fiscal condition is expected to be a very high deficit.

Here are some of the bills that have been held by the Assembly Appropriations Committee: (more…)

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HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN SALUTES THE TROOPS

LOS ANGELES May 5, 2008

Jon Voight, James Caan and other celebrities are scheduled to serve lunch and camaraderie to 1200 veterans and their families, at the Hollywood Canteen Veterans Barbecue, on Sunday, May 18, at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration.

Hollywood Canteen is an innovation of The Beverly Hills Creative Arts Temple, which is working with the VA to bring in families from across Southern California for a memorable day of fun. Andrea Michaels’ Extraordinary Events is producing the affair, with a barbecue by Joann Roth-Oseary’s Someone’s In The Kitchen. Both companies have won multiple awards for their one-of-a-kind events.

“The veterans have unselfishly given of themselves — it’s about time we give something back,” remarked Rabbi Jerry Cutler, head of Creative Arts Temple, known as “an unorthodox congregation” with social service as part of its backbone. “The Canteen is not a political statement, it is a heartfelt, patriotic thing we do,” he added. (more…)

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CALIFORNIA TROOP SUPPORT GROUPS OUTPACE THE NATION

LOS ANGELES - The numbers tell the story. More non-profit groups dedicated to assisting the troops and their families are joining America Supports You from California than from any other state in the country. The America Supports You (ASY) program is a Department of Defense
initiative dedicated to showcasing Americans’ support of the troops.

Currently there are over 50 America Supports You homefront groups in California, and nearly half of these groups have become part of ASY within the past year, evidence of the strong and growing support of Californians for the nation’s military men and women and their families.
Across California and around the nation, these homefront groups are supporting the military through stuffing care packages, helping returning veterans find civilian jobs, giving toys to military children who have a parent deployed, coordinating the adoption of deployed units by cities across the country, and more. The more than 50 California-based America Supports You groups include: (more…)

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ANNUAL UPPER RESERVATION MASTER TOUR

May 09, 2008/ June 7th marks the return of our highly popular historic waling tour of the former
upper reservation of Fort MacArthur. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and inside some of the “off limits” areas of the former fort turned city park.

The tour starts at 9am this year and lasts about four hours. Participants are asked to ware comfortable closed toe walking shoes, bring a flashlight, and a willingness to explore. Ticket prices are $10 each and include refreshments along the way. Ticket sales support the restoration of the Battery Osgood-Farley historic site There are a maximum of 150 tickets available for this tour, so reserve early at http://www.ftmac.org.

The Fort MacArthur Museum is located in Angels Gate Park, 3601 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, Ca 90731. For questions about the tour, please call the museum at 310-241-0846. (more…)

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CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY LUNCHEON OVER-SUBSCRIBED

It was a bright, sunny Wednesday morning May 7th in Sacramento for the start of a very special veterans recognition event hosted by The Honorable Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), Chair, Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, and assisted by the affiliated members of the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), of which CAL-MOAA is an active member.

The downtown streets were filled with pedestrians, ultra-modern light rail cars were passing by, tourists were enjoying coffee at the outdoor cafes, there was a farmers market underway in the park, and at the capitol a large group known as “Parent Voices” was about to begin what later would be a loud and spirited demonstration about the need for more child care.

The CAL-MOAA president attended the day-long events and activities and represented all affiliated chapters.

CSCVC members gathered in the capitol basement restaurant for breakfast and last minute planning and coordination. The morning was set aside for “storming the hill” followed by a formal luncheon just before noon and then afternoon visits to hearing rooms.

About mid-morning Pete Conaty was seen guiding a client through the halls of the capitol, probably on his way to an important meeting or hearing. Pete is a faithful friend who does so much for all California veterans. (more…)

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A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America’s Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband’s troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country’s founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership. (more…)

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AUXILIARIES ASK FOR MORE MILITARY OFFICER MAGAZINE COVERAGE

I would like to suggest you add an “In Memoriam” page for Auxiliary members, and perhaps the same for wives who predecease their husbands.

In California alone there are 9741 auxiliary members who belong to MOAA, according to your records. There are 1366 belonging to chapters, and 280 who belong to chapters but not to National.
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Mary Kalinyak
CAL-MOAA Auxiliary Liaison (more…)

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CALIFORNIA DISABLED VETERANS FACE OPPORTUNITIES

More than 1000 one-to-one Œbusiness matchmaking¹ sessions were accomplished during the 17th Annual ³Keeping the Promise 2008² business expo. From across California, the non-profit Disabled Veterans Business Alliance (DVBE) brought disabled veteran entrepreneurs face-to-face with corporate and government business leaders in Irvine. For two days, April 15-16, hundreds of veteran-owned, and certified DVBE vendor companies met with procurement and supplier diversity professionals seeking contract opportunities for a wide range of goods and services.

DVBE Alliance exists to help veterans become certified, create businesses and secure opportunity. Alliance President Robert Brown, says, ³Our motto is, Šserving together again. The creativity, skills and discipline veterans bring to the workplace are key to realizing their opportunity.² Certified disabled veteran businesses are guaranteed by law contract participation
goals for service to their country. (more…)

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