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	<title>SacForums Recent Topics</title>
	<description></description>
	<link>http://sacforums.com/index.php</link>
	<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:48:35 +0000</pubDate>
	<ttl>1440</ttl>
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		<title>California Legislature approves money for state jobs website</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63860-california-legislature-approves-money-for-state-jobs-website/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/130620-jobs-header.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/130620-jobs-header-thumb-640x172-44371.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>Despite a slight procedural speed bump, lawmakers signed off on giving <strong class='bbc'>$821,000</strong> to the <strong class='bbc'>Department of Human Resources</strong> to upgrade <a href='http://jobs.ca.gov/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>the state's jobs website</a>.<br />
<br />
Funding for the <strong class='bbc'>Examination and Certification Online System</strong> overhaul was included in<strong class='bbc'> Assembly Bill 110</strong>, <a href='http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_110&sess=CUR&house=B&author=blumenfield' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>the main budget bill</a>, with the provision that the department make quarterly progress reports to the Legislature.<br />
<br />
The department plans to absorb most of the <strong class='bbc'>$10 million</strong> project's cost by using in-house tech staff who will finish the work by<strong class='bbc'> mid-2017</strong>. Some lawmakers <a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2013/05/senate-subcommittee-rejects-calhr-request-for-tech-funding.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>expressed skepticism</a> at a May budget subcommittee hearing and voted against funding the program because it would come in at twice the cost and two years later than its original <strong class='bbc'> $4.7 million</strong> estimate with completion by August 2015.<br />
<br />
<span class='bbc_underline'><strong class='bbc'>RELATED:</strong></span><br />
<a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/09/5406453/the-state-worker-small-project.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>The State Worker: Small project a big test for California's government tech skills</a><br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>IMAGE: </strong>www.jobs.ca.gov. California Department of Human Resources/June 20, 2013</em><br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/QC1gqjilTeg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/QC1gqjilTeg</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/QC1gqjilTeg/california-legislature-approves-money-for-state-jobs-website.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:48:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63860-california-legislature-approves-money-for-state-jobs-website/</guid>
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		<title>CalPERS committee unveils health premium rates for 2014</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63855-calpers-committee-unveils-health-premium-rates-for-2014/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/CALPERS_COURTYARD_JAY_MATHER_2005.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/03/CALPERS_COURTYARD_JAY_MATHER_2005-thumb-200x132-30287.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>A CalPERS committee today recommended 2014 health insurance rates that collectively increase premiums by 3.03 percent, the lowest benefit increase since 1998. <br />
<br />
The Pension and Health Benefits Committee's recommendations include an average increase of nearly <strong class='bbc'>6 percent </strong>for some plans while lowering prices for some Medicare coverages by almost<strong class='bbc'> 9 percent</strong>.<br />
<br />
Premiums for the fund's <a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6a-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Basic HMO coverage</a> will increase by a combined average 3.81 percent next year while<a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6a-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'> Medicare HMO plans</a> will see a 5.76 percent hike.<br />
<br />
The cost of CalPERS' Basic <a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6b-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>preferred provider organization plans</a> will increase by an average 2.51 percent next year. <a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6b-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Medicare PPO</a>rates will fall an average <strong class='bbc'>8.7 percent</strong>. <br />
<br />
Premiums for health plans covering Highway Patrol officers, correctional officers and other law enforcement personnel are set to increase by an average 5.98 percent for the basic plans and 2.22 percent for Medicare coverages.<br />
<br />
The fund's full Board of Administration will vote on the 2014 premium schedules on Wednesday. If approved, the new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2014<br />
<br />
The system spends $7 billion annually on health care and its 2013 premiums rose an average of 9.6 percent over last year, the biggest rate hike in years.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year in an effort to hold down costs, CalPERS ended Blue Shield of California's virtual monopoly of the fund's HMO business. Next year, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net, Sharp and United Health Care will get some of the 400,000 or so members who have HMO coverage through the fund.<br />
<br />
These links provide more details about today's news:<br />
<br />
        <a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/index.jsp?bc=/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/home.xml' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Pension and Health Benefits Committee agenda</a> (scroll down to<strong class='bbc'> item 6</strong>)<br />
<a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6a-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>2014 HMO premiums</a><br />
<a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6b-attach-1a.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>2014 PPO premiums</a><br />
<a href='http://www.calpers.ca.gov/eip-docs/about/committee-meetings/agendas/pension/201306/item-6c-attach-1.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Law enforcement association plans</a><br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO:</strong> A courtyard at CalPERS' Sacramento headquarters. The Sacramento Bee/Jay Mather</em><br />
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    <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/2JLyoTBqokw' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/2JLyoTBqokw</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/2JLyoTBqokw/calpers-approves-2014-health-insurance-premiums.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:08:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63855-calpers-committee-unveils-health-premium-rates-for-2014/</guid>
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		<title>California bill adds fine for child porn on public computers</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63854-california-bill-adds-fine-for-child-porn-on-public-computers/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/130618-students-computers-kitagaki.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/130618-students-computers-kitagaki-thumb-200x124-43991.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>State workers convicted of possessing or transmitting child pornography would have to pay an extra <strong class='bbc'>$2,000 fine</strong> if they used work computers to commit the crime, under terms of a bill breezing through the Legislature.<br />
<br />
Assemblywoman <strong class='bbc'>Marie Waldron's </strong>measure is aimed at curbing criminal use of public computers in libraries and at colleges, but the measure would also apply to public employees' workstations. The bill cleared the Assembly on a <strong class='bbc'>74-0 vote</strong> and now is set for a floor vote in the Senate.<br />
<br />
Current law makes possessing, transporting or producing child pornography punishable by imprisonment county jail for a year or state prison for up to three years plus a fine of up to <strong class='bbc'>$10,000</strong>. Possession for sale is punishable by up to six years in state prison and a fine of up to <strong class='bbc'>$100,000</strong>.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/ab_20_bill_20130611_amended_sen_v96.htm' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Assembly Bill 20</a> mandates that revenue from the $2,000 government computer-use fine be shared equally to fund sexual assault investigator training, to fund public agencies and nonprofits serving victims of human trafficking;and to fund teams that fight child abuse by bringing together law enforcement, child protection groups, medical and mental health providers and victim and child advocacy organizations.<br />
<br />
   <a href='http://www.scribd.com/doc/148441430/California-Assembly-Bill-20' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>California Assembly Bill 20</a><br />
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<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO:</strong> Students work on computers in the library media area at THE Yuba College Sutter County Center in 2012. The Sacramento Bee/Paul Kitagaki Jr.</em><br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/JZRu9d_M64o' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/JZRu9d_M64o</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/JZRu9d_M64o/bill-adds-fine-to-using-government-computers-for-child-porn.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:29:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63854-california-bill-adds-fine-for-child-porn-on-public-computers/</guid>
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		<title>California finance director will decide when state raises kick in</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63848-california-finance-director-will-decide-when-state-raises-kick-in/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/matosantos.jpg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/matosantos-thumb-280x186-43731.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>State workers, welcome to the back of the line.<br />
<br />
The <a href='http://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/bu01-20130702-20160701-ta.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>tentative agreement</a> covering 95,000 state employees represented by SEIU Local 1000 includes a 4.5 percent raise spread over two years starting in mid-2014. <br />
<br />
But the deal includes a contingency that puts employee pay raises below the state's other obligations and leaves it to the finance director, currently <strong class='bbc'>Ana Matosantos</strong>, to make the decision. <br />
<br />
Here's the caveat in the Local 1000 tentative agreement posted online last week:<br />
<br />
        <div class='bbc_indent'>The increases specified ... are contingent on projected revenues at the 2014-15 May Revision to the Governor's Budget being sufficient to fully fund existing statutory and constitutional obligations, existing fiscal policy and the costs of providing the aforementioned pay increases to all eligible employees. If funding is determined to be insufficient to fund the pay increase ... for all eligible employees, no employees or bargaining units will receive the increase. Determination of funding availability relative to this section shall be at the sole discretion of the Director of the Department of Finance.</div><br />
<br />
Should the finance director decide the state can't afford the partial raise next year, then the whole 4.5 percent gets pushed to <strong class='bbc'>July 1, 2015</strong>. <br />
<br />
If bargaining history is a guide, the SEIU deal sets a template for the other 10 bargaining units in contract talks with Brown. We expect several will reach tentative agreements with Brown soon.Those with deferred raises will likely include similar contingency clauses.<br />
<br />
Giving the finance director, a gubernatorial appointee, authority to make the decision removes it from legislative politics and puts the responsibility squarely on the Brown administration. When the decision is made next spring, Brown likely will be in the middle of his re-election campaign.<br />
<br />
Previous finance chiefs have had their fingers on other triggers.<br />
<br />
In 2003, for example, Finance Director <strong class='bbc'>Steve Peace</strong> said that the state's coffers had met the legal definition of "insufficient monies" required by law to triple California's car tax. <strong class='bbc'>Arnold Schwarzenegger</strong> hammered then-Gov. <strong class='bbc'>Gray Davis</strong> for the tax hike.<br />
<br />
Voters recalled Democrat Davis later that year and elected Schwarzenegger, who reversed the car tax increase on his first day in office.<br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'>PHOTO: Finance Director Ana Matosantos talks about Gov. Jerry Brown's  budget proposal in Sacramento on Monday, May 14, 2012. The Sacramento Bee/Hector Amezcua</em><br />
<br />
    <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/n5Dr5fgP-Dk' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/n5Dr5fgP-Dk</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/n5Dr5fgP-Dk/california-state-employees-new-best-buddy.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:46:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63848-california-finance-director-will-decide-when-state-raises-kick-in/</guid>
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		<title>California bill requires reports on moonlighting state workers</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63849-california-bill-requires-reports-on-moonlighting-state-workers/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/130620-RB-Super-Moon.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/130620-RB-Super-Moon-thumb-200x133-42821.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>Among the mountain of budget-related measures lawmakers approved last week, two paragraphs in the voluminous <a href='http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140AB76&search_keywords=' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Assembly Bill 76</a> call for greater scrutiny of "additional appointments" and the policy that fueled them.<br />
<br />
The measure requires the <strong class='bbc'>Department of Human Resources </strong>make regular reports to the Legislature on employees who hold two or more jobs in state government. The <strong class='bbc'>State Personnel Board </strong>would also have to make a report to the Legislature about the obscure, loosely-written policy manual departments leaned on to justify the practice.<br />
<br />
The measure, now awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown's signature, is the latest turn in a series of events triggered by <a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2013/01/hundreds-of-salaried-state-workers-have-second-in-house-jobs.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Bee reports</a> that showed how the once-obscure policy allowed California state employees -- including salaried managers -- to take a second hourly-wage job within their same department.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2013/05/california-state-worker-moonlighting-bill-held-up-in-committee.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>A measure died in committee last month</a> that would have prohibited salaried state employees from taking a second hourly-wage position within their same department or agency. The bill's Republican author, Assemblyman <strong class='bbc'>Jeff Gorell</strong>, said at the time he hoped lawmakers would enact similar legislation as part of the budget.<br />
<br />
Gov. <strong class='bbc'>Jerry Brown's</strong> administration has banned the practice for salaried employees. Here's the budget trailer bill language:<br />
<br />
        <div class='bbc_indent'>(12) Existing law establishes the Department of Human Resources in state government to operate the state civil service system in accordance with Article VII of the California Constitution, the Government Code, the merit principle, and applicable rules duly adopted by the State Personnel Board. Existing law requires that civil service positions be filled by appointment, except as provided.<br />
<br />
This bill would require the <strong class='bbc'>Department of Human Resources</strong> to submit reports to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and certain fiscal committees of the Legislature, by November 30, 2013, and November 30, 2014, regarding additional appointments held by state employees, as specified. The bill would also require, by November 30, 2013, the State Personnel Board to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and certain fiscal committees of the Legislature regarding the policies and practices included in the Personnel Management Policy and Procedures Manual, as specified.</div><br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO:</strong> Moon over Sacramento. The Sacramento Bee/Randall Benton</em><br />
<br />
    <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/HWEoEt-IIjk' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/HWEoEt-IIjk</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/HWEoEt-IIjk/california-bill-requires-reports-on-moonlighting-state-workers.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:10:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63849-california-bill-requires-reports-on-moonlighting-state-workers/</guid>
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		<title>Healing Arts Festival</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63844-healing-arts-festival/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Join the crowds on June 30, 2013 for Sacramento's largest metaphysical festival.  The Healing Arts Festival is celebrating our 15th year of bringing the top healers, psychics, mediums, teachers,  speakers, crystals, jewelry,  etc. to the Sacramento area!!  Experience the "Best of the Best" of everything  metaphysical at the Healing Arts Festival!<br />
<br />
Hours:  10:00 AM to 5:00 PM<br />
Admission $6.00 (Children 12 and under free)<br />
<br />
Hilton Sacramento Arden West <br />
2200 Harvard Street<br />
Sacramento, CA 95815<br />
<br />
website:  <a href='http://www.healingartsfestival.com' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.healingartsfestival.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
 6/30/2013<br />
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<a href='http://sacforums.com/index.php?app=calendar&module=calendar&do=showevent&cal_id=1&event_id=157' class='bbc_url' title=''>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:03:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63844-healing-arts-festival/</guid>
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		<title>6th Annual Swedish Day at IKEA, West Sacramento</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63842-6th-annual-swedish-day-at-ikea-west-sacramento/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello Everyone!<br />
<br />
The Sac Volvo Club is pleased to invite you to join us for the 6th Annual Swedish Day at IKEA on June 29th at 10:00A.<br />
<br />
All Swedes and their Volvos, Saabs, and families are welcome!<br />
(Our events are open to the public-- club membership / Volvo ownership is  not required to participate)<br />
Even if you do not own a Volvo or a Saab, we would love to have you stop    by and check out the car show! Bring the family and enjoy a day at    IKEA!<br />
<br />
If you have yet to have the pleasure of attending this event, it is a  very informal friendly event where Swedish cars (no matter what the  condition or  model/year) and their owners (who may or may not be  Swedish) gather in the parking lot of IKEA, near the entrance door  (around row D, see the map below) and we mingle and chat the morning  away until we feel the pangs of hunger and head upstairs to the second  floor to purchase our lunches from the IKEA restaurant and move into the  reserved conference room for a leisurely lunch.<br />
<br />
Lunch will be followed by our mid-year planning session to discuss the  events of the last half of the year-- come and join us if you have an  idea or would like to participate!<br />
<br />
Meeting location:<br />
<a href='http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/west_sacramento' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ikea.com/...west_sacramento</a><br />
IKEA<br />
700 IKEA Court<br />
West Sacramento, CA 95605<br />
<br />
Google Map (will open in new tab/window):<br />
<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=215264337018101684740.0004878c22eb23e67c31d&ll=38.582023,-121.549902&spn=0.018049,0.042272&t=h&z=15' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://maps.google.c...042272&t=h&z=15</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Meeting Time:<br />
10:00A<br />
<br />
Lunch Time: ~12:30P - 1:30P<br />
(but, feel free to enjoy lunch whenever you wish)<br />
<br />
Planning Meeting Time: During or shortly after lunch<br />
<br />
Conference Room is reserved until 3:30P.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cost:<br />
Free, except you must cover the cost of your own lunch at the IKEA restaurant<br />
<a href='http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/IKEA_Food/restaurant.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ikea.com/...restaurant.html</a><br />
<br />
To RSVP, please see our Event Flyer page:<br />
<a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/event-flyer' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...nts/event-flyer</a><br />
(An interactive map, driving direction gadgets, and weather gadgets can also be found on the Event Flyer page.)<br />
<br />
<br />
The history of the Swedish Day at IKEA event (our Past Event / Photo pages):<br />
2008 (second event of the year): <a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/2008-past-events' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...008-past-events</a><br />
2009: <a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/2009-past-events#M6' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...-past-events#M6</a><br />
2010: <a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/2010-past-events#M6a' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...past-events#M6a</a><br />
2011: <a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/2011-past-events#M6a' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...past-events#M6a</a><br />
2012: <a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org/Home/events/2012-past-events#M6b' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoc...past-events#M6b</a><br />
<br />
<br />
We hope to see you there.<br />
<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
SacVolvoClub / Elizabeth<br />
Sac Volvo Club Webmaster<br />
<a href='http://www.sacvolvoclub.org' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.sacvolvoclub.org</a><br />
<br />
<br />
 6/29/2013<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href='http://sacforums.com/index.php?app=calendar&module=calendar&do=showevent&cal_id=1&event_id=159' class='bbc_url' title=''>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:36:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63842-6th-annual-swedish-day-at-ikea-west-sacramento/</guid>
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		<title>SEIU deal increases state worker costs by nearly $735 million</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63847-seiu-deal-increases-state-worker-costs-by-nearly-735-million/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The tentative agreement hammered out between Gov. <strong class='bbc'>Jerry Brown</strong> and <strong class='bbc'>SEIU Local 1000</strong> will add roughly <strong class='bbc'>$734.8 million </strong>over three years to California's compensation costs for the 95,000 employees the deal covers.<br />
<br />
Put another way, the state's average cost per employee would increase under the proposal by roughly $7,700 -- $210 per month from July 2013 through June 2016. Union members must ratify the pact before it can take effect.<br />
<br />
Raises phased in over the last two years of the deal account for the bulk of the money, according to estimates released last week by Brown's <strong class='bbc'>Department of Human Resources</strong>. <br />
<br />
A planned 2 percent raise in fiscal 2014-15 would add a total of <strong class='bbc'>$262.5 million</strong> over two years. A second 2.5 percent pay increase anticipated in fiscal 2015-16 adds another <strong class='bbc'>$167.4 million</strong> for that year.<br />
<br />
Higher health benefits costs will add  another <strong class='bbc'>$271 million</strong>. Raises for seasonal clerks, employee pay differentials and a few other relatively minor items make up the balance.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the state will save <strong class='bbc'>$2.79 million</strong> over the contract's three years because new <strong class='bbc'>CalPERS </strong>members will be under the lower-benefits, higher pension-contribution formulas mandated by the 2012 pension-change law.<br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'><span class='bbc_underline'>The documents:</span></strong><br />
<a href='http://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/bu01-03-04-11-14-15-17-20-21-seiu-ta-legislative-summary-dated-06132013.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>CalHR's summary of the contract</a><br />
<a href='http://www.calhr.ca.gov/Documents/bu01-03-04-11-14-15-17-20-21-seiu-ta-legislative-costing-summary-dated-06132013.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>The summary of the contract's cost</a> (total costs are in the "total budgetary" column on the right)<br />
<br />
The <strong class='bbc'>Bargaining Unit 1</strong> tentative agreement is posted below. <a href='http://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/bargaining-contracts.aspx' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Click here</a> for links to tentative agreements covering all nine state bargaining units under SEIU.<br />
<br />
           <a href='http://www.scribd.com/doc/147906741/SEIU-Local-1000-BU-1-memorandum-of-understanding-July-2-2013-to-July-1-2014' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>SEIU Local 1000 BU 1  memorandum of understanding, July 2, 2013 to July 1, 2014</a><br />
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    <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/mBhoIxoiF-8' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/mBhoIxoiF-8</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/mBhoIxoiF-8/seiu-deal-increases-california-state-worker-costs-by-nearly-735-million.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:33:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63847-seiu-deal-increases-state-worker-costs-by-nearly-735-million/</guid>
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		<title>Read Delaware court ruling ordering CalPERS to pay $52 million</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63838-read-delaware-court-ruling-ordering-calpers-to-pay-52-million/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[CalPERS has lost a lawsuit over fees it owes a former real estate investment partner. A Delware court, The Bee's <strong class='bbc'>Dale Kasler</strong> reports, has <a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/13/5492770/calpers-loses-lawsuit-must-pay.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>ordered the fund pay <strong class='bbc'>$52 million</strong>.</a><br />
<br />
Here's the court ruling for State Worker blog users who want to delve into the<strong class='bbc'> technical details</strong>. (We know who you are, Bargaining Unit 2 people!)<br />
<br />
   <a href='http://www.scribd.com/doc/147651277/Senior-Housing-Capital-LLC-v-SHP-Senior-Housing-Fund-LLC-5-13-13' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>Senior Housing Capital, LLC v. SHP Senior Housing Fund, LLC 5 13 13</a><br />
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            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/9SFy7sJs9Cs' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/9SFy7sJs9Cs</a><br />
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<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/9SFy7sJs9Cs/read-delaware-court-ruling-ordering-calpers-to-pay-52-million.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:41:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63838-read-delaware-court-ruling-ordering-calpers-to-pay-52-million/</guid>
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		<title>The Roundup: SEIU labor deal; CalPERS loses $52 million lawsuit</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63837-the-roundup-seiu-labor-deal-calpers-loses-52-million-lawsuit/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/HA_newspapers3808.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/03/HA_newspapers3808-thumb-300x199-30430.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/12/5492352/the-state-worker-heres-the-case.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>The State Worker: Here's the case for SEIU pay raises</strong></a><br />
Now that SEIU Local 1000 has negotiated an across-the-board pay bump for the 95,000 employees it represents, the inevitable question follows: Is it a sensible agreement?<em class='bbc'> - The Sacramento Bee</em> <br />
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<a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/13/5492770/calpers-loses-lawsuit-must-pay.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>CalPERS loses lawsuit, must pay $52 million</strong></a><br />
CalPERS was ordered to pay about $52 million to a former business partner in a dispute over fees generated by an investment in a string of Florida nursing homes. <em class='bbc'>-The Sacramento Bee</em><br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=33223951' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>Florida Prison officers win $603,000 settlement</strong></a><br />
The state has worked out a $603,000 settlement with the federal government to settle a long-running dispute with the union representing prison guards, compensating them for time spent preparing for going to and from their duty stations.<em class='bbc'> - The Current</em> <br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Want more?</strong> For stories of interest to state employees, check out the State Worker's new and  constantly updated <strong class='bbc'>News & Views feed</strong> by <a href='http://individurls.com/myfeeds/TheStateWorker/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>clicking here.</a><br />
<br />
Follow <a href='http://twitter.com/#!/TheStateWorker' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>@TheStateWorker </a>on Twitter and check out our <a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-State-Worker/174087795950002' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>community page on Facebook</a> for links, comments and insights into our reports, blog posts and columns.<br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/CX8JVafNXO4' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/CX8JVafNXO4</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/CX8JVafNXO4/the-roundup-seiu-labor-deal-calpers-loses-52-million-lawsuit.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:04:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63837-the-roundup-seiu-labor-deal-calpers-loses-52-million-lawsuit/</guid>
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		<title>VIDEO: Assemblyman Brian Jones criticizes union rallies</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63832-video-assemblyman-brian-jones-criticizes-union-rallies/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Assemblyman <strong class='bbc'>Brian Jones</strong> has released the latest in his 'Are you kidding me?' video series, this time aiming his criticism at public employee union rallies. <br />
<br />
Although he is careful to note that he supports the right to demonstrate, he argues that government unions' rallies are "more of a big party" than a legitimate protest. <br />
<br />
This video comes after an announcement by SEIU Local 1000 that they have reached a <a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2013/06/seiu-local-1000-says-it-has-tentative-labor-agreement.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>tentative labor agreement </a>with the governor. <br />
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The timing, Jones said during a Tuesday afternoon interview at his office, was purely coincidental.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
See the State Worker's Blog coverage of the recent protests at the Capitol <a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/06/5475121/seiu-local-1000-criticizes-jerry.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/dT_bcRLwLR0' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/dT_bcRLwLR0</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/dT_bcRLwLR0/assemblymember-brian-jones-criticizes-union-rallies-in-new-video.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:54:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63832-video-assemblyman-brian-jones-criticizes-union-rallies/</guid>
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		<title>What triggers raises in CA state worker union contract?</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63830-what-triggers-raises-in-ca-state-worker-union-contract/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[First there were<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/06/california-budget-includes-harsher-school-year-trigger-cut.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'> "trigger cuts."</a> Now, <strong class='bbc'>trigger raises</strong>.<br />
<br />
The tentative agreement reached between Gov. Jerry Brown and SEIU Local 1000 features a deferred raise of 4.5 percent over three years, but it's timing depends on the state's financial health. The agreement requires approval by the union's members before it takes effect.<br />
<br />
"Revenues have to be consistent with meeting the state's obligations," said Pat McConahay, spokeswoman for Brown's Department of Human Resources, "and that's determined by the Department of Finance."<br />
<br />
Brown, speaking to reporters this afternoon about the <strong class='bbc'>state budget deal</strong> reached with Democrats in the Legislature, said the SEIU agreement is "a fair proposal and I hope it will be ratified." <br />
<br />
By linking pay raises to higher revenue, the agreement reflects the same sort of trigger thinking that characterized the 2012-13 state budget. That deal would have automatically cut spending for a wide variety of programs last December if state voters had not approved tax increases. <br />
<br />
The governor and public employee unions leveraged the threat of trigger cuts when they pushed for Proposition 30 and voters approved the measure by a wide margin.<br />
<br />
SEIU Local 1000 hasn't returned phone messages and texts seeking comment on the deal announced early this morning. <br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Bruce Blanning</strong>, the long-time executive director of the state engineers' union, said that he has seen state labor proposals contingent on certain economic factors in the past, but that they weren't put into contracts.<br />
<br />
"They were too difficult to measure," Blanning said.<br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/3pSSn5y9JNw' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/3pSSn5y9JNw</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/3pSSn5y9JNw/what-triggers-raises-in-ca-state-worker-union-contract.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:07:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63830-what-triggers-raises-in-ca-state-worker-union-contract/</guid>
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		<title>SEIU Local 1000 says tentative labor agreement includes raises</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63828-seiu-local-1000-says-tentative-labor-agreement-includes-raises/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/20120620_HA_WALKER0083.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/20120620_HA_WALKER0083-thumb-200x133-40041.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>The state's largest public employees union says it bargained a new contract with Gov. Jerry Brown that includes an across-the-board pay raise of 4.5 percent over 3 years.<br />
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The contract, which must be ratified by voting members of the 95,000-employee of SEIU Local 1000, provides either a 2 percent raise July 1, 2014 and a 2.5 percent raise a year later if the state "achieves certain revenue targets," according to an early-morning union email announcing the deal.<br />
<br />
If the state misses the revenue targets, the entire 4.5 percent increase would be effective July 1, 2015.<br />
<br />
The announcement, emailed this morning around 5 a.m., doesn't detail the revenue thresholds for the pay increases. A spokeswoman for Brown's Department of Human Resources could not be immediately reached for comment.<br />
<br />
The agreement falls short of the pay increases that local negotiators wanted: an across-the-board $2,500 bonus this year for all 95,000 state employees covered by Local 1000, followed by a 7 percent salary increase in 2014 and 9 percent boost the following year.<br />
<br />
After talks stalled last week, Local 1000 President <strong class='bbc'>Yvonne Walker</strong> said "the fight is on" over money. <br />
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<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO:</strong> SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker. Sacramento Bee/Hector Amezcua</em><br />
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            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/TQ_BHMryRKQ' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/TQ_BHMryRKQ</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/TQ_BHMryRKQ/seiu-local-1000-says-it-has-tentative-labor-agreement.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:24:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63828-seiu-local-1000-says-tentative-labor-agreement-includes-raises/</guid>
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		<title>Veteran Trying To Open A Patriotic Bar</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63826-veteran-trying-to-open-a-patriotic-bar/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[My name is Mike Lapacka and I am a Marine Corps Veteran. Ever since I got out of the Marines in 2004, it is been my dream to open a bar with a Patriotic theme. Please visit my website and help me spread the word about the project. Thanks in advance for your support.<br />
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<a href='http://supportmilitarydreams.com/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://supportmilitarydreams.com/</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:40:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63826-veteran-trying-to-open-a-patriotic-bar/</guid>
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		<title>Sacramento’s 22nd Annual June HIREvent</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63825-sacramento%e2%80%99s-22nd-annual-june-hirevent/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Sacramento’s 22nd Annual June HIREvent<br />
Tuesday, June 25th, from <strong class='bbc'>noon to 4pm</strong><br />
Crowne Plaza hotel, 5321 Date Avenue (off Madison at I-80)<br />
<br />
Sacramento’s 22nd Annual June HIREvent will bring together a team of representatives from the public and private sectors eager to fill immediate openings. Meet face-to-face with recruiters, so dress professionally and be prepared to impress prospective employers. Employment experts will be on hand for free consultations with those who would like to ensure a winning resume.	 <br />
Admission is free to this exceptional event. For more information, please visit JobJournal.com or call 888-THE-JOBS (843-5627).<br />
<br />
<br />
 6/25/2013<br />
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<a href='http://sacforums.com/index.php?app=calendar&module=calendar&do=showevent&cal_id=1&event_id=158' class='bbc_url' title=''>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:18:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63825-sacramento%e2%80%99s-22nd-annual-june-hirevent/</guid>
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		<title>California state government selling off Silicon Valley acreage</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63823-california-state-government-selling-off-silicon-valley-acreage/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/130610-3500-Zanker-Agnews-Campus-Slide1-940x360.jpg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/130610-3500-Zanker-Agnews-Campus-Slide1-940x360-thumb-640x245-41891.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>The state has hung the "for sale" sign on an 81-acre parcel in San Jose once occupied by <strong class='bbc'>Agnews Developmental Center</strong>. <br />
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<a href='http://www.3500zanker.com/description-of-property/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>According to the Department of General Services</a>, the 3500 Zanker Rd. property includes approximately <strong class='bbc'>49 structures</strong> and <strong class='bbc'>586 trees</strong> within a short distance of highways <strong class='bbc'>101</strong>, <strong class='bbc'>880</strong> and <strong class='bbc'>237</strong>.<br />
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Agnews opened in the 1888. California's 2003-04 budget called for closing the facility, and in 2009 the last residents moved out. The Agnews campus continued to provide outpatient clinic services until 2011, when it officially closed and was handed over to general services. Over the last few years, the state has sold two other campus parcels totaling nearly 400 acres.<br />
<br />
<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO:</strong> An aerial view outlines the 82-acre parcel of the former Agnews Developmental Center now up for sale at 3500 Zanker Rd. in San Jose.  Department of General Services/www.3500zanker.com</em><br />
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            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/e2_hGSRUvsA' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/e2_hGSRUvsA</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/e2_hGSRUvsA/california-state-government-selling-off-silicon-valley-acreage.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:55:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63823-california-state-government-selling-off-silicon-valley-acreage/</guid>
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		<title>The Roundup: U.S. Senate staff classes teach sleeping, small talk, forgiveness</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63824-the-roundup-us-senate-staff-classes-teach-sleeping-small-talk-forgiveness/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/HA_newspapers3808.JPG' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/03/HA_newspapers3808-thumb-300x199-30430.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a><a href='http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/senate-staffers-offered-classes-on-sleeping-forgiveness-and' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>Senate Staffers Can Take Free Classes On Sleeping, Sitting and Forgiveness</strong></a><br />
The Senate Office of Education and Training offers many classes to workers in the Senate.<em class='bbc'>  - BuzzFeed</em> <br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130530/NEWS/305300029/Bomb-threat-linked-to-sign-misspelling' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>Bomb threat linked to sign misspelling</strong></a><br />
A man brought a pressure cooker that he claimed was a bomb into the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission office Wednesday and told employees he tried to blow up their sign because it was misspelled.<em class='bbc'>  - Statesman Journal</em> <br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10097514/State-workers-spend-three-days-a-year-waiting-for-PCs-to-start.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><strong class='bbc'>State workers spend three days a year waiting for PCs to start</strong></a><br />
Stephen Kelly, the government's chief operating officer, said it took seven minutes for his own PC to spring into life in the morning.<em class='bbc'>  - The Telegraph (UK)</em> <br />
<br />
<strong class='bbc'>Want more?</strong> For stories of interest to state employees, check out the State Worker's new and  constantly updated <strong class='bbc'>News & Views feed</strong> by <a href='http://individurls.com/myfeeds/TheStateWorker/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>clicking here.</a><br />
<br />
Follow <a href='http://twitter.com/#!/TheStateWorker' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>@TheStateWorker </a>on Twitter and check out our <a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-State-Worker/174087795950002' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>community page on Facebook</a> for links, comments and insights into our reports, blog posts and columns.<br />
<br />
            <a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/UlOuqf5JoB4' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~4/UlOuqf5JoB4</a><br />
<br />
<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/UlOuqf5JoB4/the-roundup-state-sign-misspelling-blamed-for-bomb-threat.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:08:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63824-the-roundup-us-senate-staff-classes-teach-sleeping-small-talk-forgiveness/</guid>
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		<title>Event to highlight equal opportunity employment issues</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63819-event-to-highlight-equal-opportunity-employment-issues/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Mark your calendars: The California <strong class='bbc'>Department of Human Resources</strong> and several employee groups are hosting a conference next week to focus on equal employment opportunity issues in state government.<br />
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The California Civil Rights Officers Council, the Statewide Disability Advisory Council in collaboration with the Civil Rights Coalition of the Asian Pacific State Employees Association are co-hosting the event <strong class='bbc'>Thursday</strong> from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1500 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento. Admission is <strong class='bbc'>free</strong>.<br />
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Scheduled speakers include <strong class='bbc'>Yvonne Walker</strong>, president of SEIU Local 1000; CalHR Director <strong class='bbc'>Julie Chapman</strong>; former California Supreme Court Justice <strong class='bbc'>Cruz Reynoso</strong>; California NAACP President <strong class='bbc'>Alice Huffman</strong> and Democratic Assemblyman <strong class='bbc'>Roger Hernandez</strong> of West Covina.<br />
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   <a href='http://www.scribd.com/doc/146379966/CalHR-EEO-Conference-Brochure' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>CalHR EEO Conference Brochure</a><br />
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<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/eqVU5c4jtlM/event-to-highlight-equal-opportunity-employment.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:51:44 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>California board will audit executive jobs filled by retirees</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63820-california-board-will-audit-executive-jobs-filled-by-retirees/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/130606-SPB-logo.jpeg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/06/130606-SPB-logo-thumb-200x149-40881.jpeg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>The <strong class='bbc'>State Personnel Board </strong>has decided to begin auditing the practice of retired annuitants getting career executive assignments. <br />
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The decision, announced at the board's meeting this week, falls shy of what the <strong class='bbc'>Coalition of State Advocate Groups and Organizations</strong> wanted, namely a full hearing into the policy<a href='http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/21/5358696/many-retired-california-state.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'> reported in an April investigation</a> by The Bee.<br />
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The coalition says that appointing retired annuitants as CEAs <strong class='bbc'>breaches </strong>state policy, <strong class='bbc'>overpays </strong>the retirees for the work they actually perform and fosters <strong class='bbc'>cronyism</strong>. Since the personnel board exists to watchdog state government's <a href='http://spb.ca.gov/about/executive_officer.cfm' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>civil-service merit system</a>, the group asked the five-member panel to hold a hearing.<br />
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While the personnel board has a part in authorizing new career executive positions, it doesn't control retiree hiring policy. That's the <strong class='bbc'>California Department of Human Resource's</strong> job (and CalHR as of last month had <strong class='bbc'>two retirees appointed to CEA positions</strong>).<br />
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Board chairwoman <strong class='bbc'>Patricia Clarey</strong> read this statement into the record Tuesday:<br />
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        <div class='bbc_indent'>The Board appreciates that the Coalition has asked the Board to consider the issue of filling CEA positions with RAs. The Board certainly understands that it plays an important role in guaranteeing the integrity of the civil service system and assuring that positions are filled based on merit.<br />
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While the concerns raised by the Coalition are shared by the Board, a serious question remains as to what will be achieved with a public hearing on this issue. Furthermore, what actions can the Board actually take following such a hearing. <br />
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Because the concerns identified by the Coalition are shared by the Board, the Board will direct that SPB's Compliance Review Division to include audits of RA appointments in CEA positions as part of its review. <br />
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We believe this is clearly an area where the Board can constructively engage in this issue. We encourage the Coalition to continue to engage the Board and SPB staff on this issue.</div><br />
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<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>IMAGE: www.spb.ca.gov</strong>www.spb.ca.gov</em><br />
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<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/Rj3deV5YTpU/california-personnel-board-to-routinely-audit-executive-positions.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:48:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63820-california-board-will-audit-executive-jobs-filled-by-retirees/</guid>
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		<title>CalPERS report: State, schools pension costs will dip next year</title>
		<link>http://sacforums.com/topic/63815-calpers-report-state-schools-pension-costs-will-dip-next-year/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/03/CALPERS_COURTYARD_JAY_MATHER_2005-thumb-300x198-30287.jpg' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'><img src='http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/assets_c/2013/04/CALPERS_COURTYARD_JAY_MATHER_2005-thumb-300x198-30287-thumb-300x198-30959.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></a>A new CalPERS staff report says that pension costs for California state government and school district employees will fall by a combined<strong class='bbc'> $102.8 million</strong> for the coming fiscal year.<br />
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Overall state contributions will fall<strong class='bbc'> $71.3 million </strong>to approximately <strong class='bbc'>$3.81 billion</strong> in fiscal 2013-14, according to actuarial estimates prepared for CalPERS' June 18 board meeting. School districts will pay <strong class='bbc'>$4.98 billion</strong> for pensions, down <strong class='bbc'>$31.5 million</strong> from this year.<br />
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Actuaries anticipate pension costs will dip next year due to a combination of factors, including slower-than-expected salary and payroll growth and higher out-of-pocket contributions from employees under pension law that took effect Jan. 1.<br />
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The 2013-14 employer rates will kick in <strong class='bbc'>July 1</strong>, assuming the fund's board approves them.<br />
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<em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>PHOTO CREDIT: </strong>CalPERS headquarters. Jay Mather/Sacramento Bee 2005</em><br />
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<a href='http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/sacbeestateworker/~3/kyOMUEafc8s/calpers-report-state-schools-pension-costs-to-drop-next-year.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>View the full article</a>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:56:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid>http://sacforums.com/topic/63815-calpers-report-state-schools-pension-costs-will-dip-next-year/</guid>
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