California SMARTER plan forecasts $7.5 million yearly to county
Controller Kathleen Connell announces the SMARTER report proposing intra county sales tax reallocations, capped property tax diversions, and unfunded mandate relief to boost local funding without tax increases. The plan, backed by the Controller's Office and city and county groups, estimates up to $4.5 billion in added local revenue over a decade and details allocations for Kern County cities including Wasco, Shafter, McFarland, Delano, Bakersfield, and Taft.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Connell
Kern
Wasco
Shafter
McFarland
Delano
Bakersfield
Taft
C. Kathleen "Connell
Tobacco settlement funds diverted from anti smoking aims
A column recalls the 206 billion tobacco settlement and argues it was meant to curb teen smoking. It cites a recent study showing states using the money for sidewalks and larger jail systems, not just health programs, highlighting a shift from original aims.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tobacco Companies
Much Ado About Nothing Ends, Century Hoax Revealed
A playful note suggests the late 20th century hoopla proved to be mostly as the Bard warned with much ado about nothing. The piece critiques hype around the Millennium end and calls the fuss overblown.
Patrick’s Profiles on the New Year and 1999 Hype
Roy Patrick recalls New Year doomsayers, stockpiling ammo, and a quiet final night of 1999. He reflects on Clinton, Billy Graham, the millennial moment, and aging as the clock ticks into 2000, ending with Peggy Lee’s line Is That All There Is.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Billy Graham
Billy
Billy Bob Clinton
White House
Billy G
Centennial Garden
Peggy Lee
Shafter’s Agricultural Paradise and Community Heritage
Ben Grundy secretary of the Shafter Chamber of Commerce presents Shafter as a diversified farming hub in Kern County. The piece highlights the United States Agriculture Research Station, California Cotton Seed Planting Association, Minter Field Industrial Park, and a climate with six inches of annual rainfall. It notes festivals, cultural groups, education districts, recreation facilities, and a legacy from Dust Bowl era settlers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ronni Carroll
Shafter
Kern County
San Joaquin Valley
Santa Fe Railway
Lerdo
United States Agriculture Research Station
California Cotton Seed Planting Association
California
Shafter Airport
Minter Field
Lerdo Highway
Highway 99
Minter
Southern Railway
Shafter Parks
Bakersfield College
Cal State College
Shafter Chamber of Commerce
Ben Grundy
R.C
Is Something Missing Letters to the Editor Notice
Readers are reminded letters to the editor must include a signature and a phone number. The Press will verify numbers and may not publish unsigned submissions. If a phone number is missing the editor cannot reach the writer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aspen
Ee Shafter Press
Also Mentioned on This Page
Kathleen Connel
By Fred Davis
Patrick’s
Roy Patrick
Reed Print Inc
Shafter Press
East Lerdo Highway
Reed Print, Inc
Aldrin Ct
Congress
P.O
Frank W. Reed
Diane Givens
Margaret Baker
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