as of Wednesday, March 18 2009. Click here for a current list.
Saturday Mar 21
Sunday Mar 22
Monday Apr 6
I'm looking for good news around the Bay. If you find some, please Comment and link. - Thanks; Leo
Creative Entrepreneurship in a DownturnHarvard Business Review, February 23, 2009by Martha LagaceEntrepreneurs, take heart. True, the global economic malaise removes opportunities and precious resources—but also adds them in new and interesting ways, argues HBS senior lecturer Bhaskar Chakravorti. In this Q&A he identifies reasons for optimism, and shows how entrepreneurs can think differently about bad news. Key concepts include:
Obama's plan to stem foreclosures is key to economic recoveryContra Costa TimesPosted: 02/22/2009 12:01:00 AM PST
THE OBAMA administration has launched a promising $275 billion effort to substantially slow down the rate of housing foreclosures. It is designed to keep more families in their homes by helping them and lenders with restructured mortgages and to stem the decline in housing prices
President Barack Obama correctly emphasized that using taxpayer money to stem foreclosures is not just in the interest of those who are struggling and failing to make mortgage payments.
The massive number of foreclosures and plummeting real estate values affects everyone. It is the folding of the housing market that is at the root of the current economic crisis and what makes this recession different from previous ones.
Housing plan must help the undeservingSunday, February 22, 2009, San Francisco Chronicle
President Obama's new housing plan is as elegant a solution as we're going to see to end the foreclosure crisis. That doesn't mean it's perfect.
It will help some people who don't "deserve" to be helped, just as the bank bailouts have helped Wall Street executives - none of whom deserved to be helped. But no effective solution to the economic crisis facing this country is going to feel fair to the vast majority of Americans who played by the rules. What would be even less fair would be for Americans to refuse to support this quite good solution out of spite. Stopping the cycle of foreclosures is the only thing that will slow our country's downward economic spiral.
Some residents see opportunity as gold spikes upBy Jondi Gumz, Santa Cruz SentinelPosted: 02/21/2009 01:30:26 AM PST
Some were curious, some were downsizing and some had bills to pay.
That's why they brought gold rings, lockets and necklaces to the Capitola Mall Friday to be evaluated by Gold Buyers. The company, based in Appleton, Wis., visits malls across the country offering to turn gold into cash.
As the line formed a few minutes before 10 a.m., the spot price for gold topped $1,000 an ounce in New York trading before dropping back. Analysts said investors sought a safe haven from a wild ride in the global markets.
Funding for Sacramento region road rehabilitation authorizedBy Bill Lindelof, Sacramento BeePublished: Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 - 8:23 am
Even before the federal stimulus money is in hand, the transportation board responsible for funding projects in the Sacramento region has authorized $32 million for road rehabilitation.
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments authorized release of the money Thursday for projects in Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties. Transportation funds from the Economic Recovery Act first pass through the state Department of Transportation with a portion based on a formula going to SACOG.
Will Obama's mortgage plan help Silicon Valley homeowners?By Pete Carey and Sue McAllister, Mercury NewsPosted: 02/19/2009 12:25:46 AM PST
The Obama administration unveiled a three-pronged plan to stop the nationwide slide in real estate values, saying it offers potential relief for struggling homeowners and a possible shot in the arm for an ailing economy.
The package could help up to 9 million homeowners, many of whom could face foreclosure, the administration said.
But it's unclear how many in Silicon Valley will benefit since so many homeowners have big mortgages that may not qualify for one of the programs announced Wednesday.
Overall, the plan was greeted warmly by the housing industry and economists, who said it provides a way for homeowners to reduce their loan payments while helping ease the gridlock in the nation's home lending sector.
Foreclosure wave, stocks' slide sink Silicon Valley home pricesBy Sue McAllister, Mercury NewsPosted: 02/19/2009 10:50:21 AM PST
Bargain-minded buyers snapped up deals on foreclosed properties in Santa Clara County in January, even as some high-priced Silicon Valley cities saw a record-low number of sales during the same period.
The number of homes sold in the county rose by more than one-third last month compared with January 2008. But with home values still generally sliding and foreclosure properties accounting for about half of all sales, the median price fell precipitously from last year.
The median price of resale, single-family homes sold last month in the county was $420,000, down 39 percent from January 2008 and down 8 percent from December 2008, according to a report MDA DataQuick released Thursday. The last time the county's median price was lower was in February 2000, when the figure was $417,500. The median price of condos sold in January was $262,000, down 43 percent from a year earlier, and 13 percent from December.
Obama's mortgage relief not designed for high-cost areas February 19, by Broderick Perkins, Examiner
Struggling homeowners in California and other high-cost housing markets will benefit less from the Obama administration's "Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP)" than those in lower-cost housing markets.
The $275 Billion Plan, with a planned March 4 rollout, includes a refinancing program for "responsible" borrowers who haven't missed payments and whose loans are larger than the value of their homes, and a loan modification provision with incentives for lenders to modify certain mortgages.
Many Californians and others in high cost areas may not see much immediate relief but federal aid earmarked for those areas could follow.
Questions and answers about Obama's plan to avert foreclosuresBy the Mercury NewsPosted: 02/18/2009 09:00:00 PM PST
Who will be helped? Those who may be at risk of foreclosure as well as some homeowners who are "underwater" on their loans.
What are the broad outlines of the plan? A refinancing option for those who are making payments but are paying high interest rates and would otherwise not be able to refinance, either because they do not have enough equity or because their houses are worth less than they borrowed.
Groups back remedy for Silicon Valley downturnSan Jose Business JournalTuesday, February 17, 2009
More green energy development and better job training are being called for in a report that details the sudden drop in the Silicon Valley economy last fall.
The annual Silicon Valley Index from Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation show a region that abruptly shifted from its long recovery from the tech bust at the turn of the century.
The report compiles many previously released statistics from 2008 that show three quarters of growth and a sudden downturn that began in the fourth quarter and continues this year.
Terra Bella Solar is now serving the San Jose Area! It's so exciting to see that even though the economy is suffering in so many areas that solar electric panel installation is on the rise. This is thanks in large part to the sweet Federal Tax Credit added to the bail out plan. This is more proof that President Obama means what he says we talks about "green collar jobs". This is so very important to Terra Bella Solar one of a handful of woman-owned solar companies in the United States. Terra Bella Solar is also very proud to offer the best American-made solar panels on the planet! Terra Bella Solar serves the Greater Bay Area! Free Estimates and Site Evaluations (877) 977-2755
I've been counting the days on my facebook status and 10 days into it ... I feel extremely excited about what's to come in the next 4 years (possibly 8) with Obama as president. It appears that Obama has worked harder and has been more active then GWB's last 8... but I'm so partial toward Obama, that I've already deemed him GOAT (Greatest of All Time) not even 1 month in office yet ... LOL.
I do find it very interesting that I'd even say that.
My reasoning would have to be because of the intelligence and composure of the whole presidential campaign. if I were to ever run for President, which I'm not, but if I were to ever run for President, I now have blue print of how to do it.
His focus to stay on the RELEVANT topics, the way his team passed information to the masses from the simple grassroot gatherings to the highest forms of technology (Did any of you happen to download the Obama iPhone app? AWESOME), the orchestrating and publishing of the his book, the debates were spectacular vs Hilary & McCain and the combo of his personality and intellect were far above any candidate that I've ever met/heard/seen.
I related with Obama, as did nearly 70 million voters...
And what's really weird is that it feels as if I could actually call Obama and talk with him like a friend? I'm talking about the having a President who I feel can understand me and my point of view so much so we'd could have a conversation. Wow!
As an Black American/Native Indian mix and ex Army soldier... I finally feel included.
Spread Love!
- Alonzo -
www.apowerhouse.com
Free Shipping- Just type in "FreeShip" in the coupon code box when checking out
SAN FRANCISCO — California officials will investigate accusations that the Mormon Church neglected to report a battery of nonmonetary contributions — including phone banks, a Web site and commercials — on behalf of a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/us/politics/26marriage.html?_r=1&nl=pol&emc=pola1&oref=slogin
Here’s a great idea to spread the holiday spirit! When doing your Holiday/Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to the following address.
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001
If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
Former GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin will make four campaign stops in Georgia just one day before the state’s voters head to the polls in a runoff election that could determine whether Democrats win unfettered control of Congress.
The campaign of GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss announced Tuesday morning that Alaska Gov. Palin and Chambliss will hit the campaign trail together on Dec. 1.
“I was thrilled when I got the call that Governor Palin would be able to make the trip to Georgia to campaign with me the day before the runoff election,” Sen. Chambliss stated in a news release. “Julianne and I are honored that she would take the time to travel to Georgia to tell everyone how important this election is, and I know that she will receive an enthusiastic welcome everywhere we go.”
The campaign tells Newsmax that Palin and Chambliss will embark on a clockwise tour through the heart of central Georgia, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Augusta, with later campaign stops that in Savannah, Perry (near Macon) and concluding with a rally scheduled for 4 p.m. in north Atlanta. Chambliss is hoping a last-minute boost from Palin will build the momentum he needs to win the runoff.
JOIN THE IMPACT RALLY THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 IN FRONT OF THE COUNTY BUILDINGS, 701 OCEAN STREET, SANTA CRUZ!
The struggle for equal rights continues in earnest on Saturday, November 15, 2008, with anti-Proposition 8 and pro-Marriage Equality rallies slated for every state across the country including California. According to Join the Impact, at least 34 citiies in California will hold rallies at 10:30 a.m. (PST) to conincide with rallies across the country.
Cities in California holding anti-Prop 8 rallies including Bakersfield, Chico, Colton, Costa Mesa, Delano, Escondido, Eureka, Fairfield, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Moreno Valley, Napa, Oakland, Palm Springs, Pasadena, Pomona, Redlands, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Ventura, and Walnut Creek.
Check your local listing:
http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Today, Begich campaign staff around the state monitored Division of Election (DOE) sites as the first 50,000 early and absentee ballots were counted. This evening the DOE is reporting that we have closed the gap between Mark and Ted Stevens and now lead by 814 votes - a 4000 swing in one day! We're excited about the latest count, but know with 40,000 absentee and question ballots out, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure every vote is counted.Mark released this statement on these preliminary results:
"I've always said that this would be a close race. After watching the votes today, I remain cautiously optimistic. As I have said before, we ran an aggressive campaign, especially when it came to early voting and absentee. From what we're seeing, thousands of Alaskans, like me, did come out and vote early. I'm confident that Alaskans, like the rest of the country, want a new direction in Washington, and ultimately that will be reflected in the results."
Please donate!
https://donate.begich.com/page/contribute/inthelead
Please remember to help support Jim Martin in Georgia for this very important Senate seat. Not only is Jim Martin the best man for the job, his election to the Senate will help the President-elect, Barack Obama, to enact the positive, pragmatic change that America needs at this crucial time. Please help me in contributing to Jim Martin's campaign by spreading the word and by making whatever modest donation you can to his fundraising effort.
http://www.martinforsenate.com/home.html
Thank you,
Julia of Irish Musicians for Obama
Dear Obama supporters and fellow Democrats:
While we bask in the glow from this beautiful win for President-elect Obama and for our political party as a whole, I wanted to remind you to keep an eye on three Senate races that are in need of our collective positive energy, if not our monetary contributions. The following three Democratic hopefuls could use a quick note of encouragement on their blogsites or a small contribution of money to boost enthusiasm. As we all know, a little bit of collective energy goes a long way in 2008!!
Thanks for your continued support!
-Mark Begich, running against convicted felon Ted Stevens in Alaska:
"This race is far from over!"
http://www.begich.com/home
-Al Franken, running in a tight race in Minnesota that is "too close to call:"
http://www.alfranken.com/
-Jim Martin, "headed to a runoff" against good ol' boy Saxby Chambliss in Georgia:
http://www.martinforsenate.com/
Much love and thanks to all who've participated as brothers and sisters united in this beautiful event!
http://blip.tv/file/1338283
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you. Thank you, Barack
NEW YORK - I was sitting in David Plouffe’s spartan office at Barack Obama’s campaign headquarters in Chicago.
This horserace has been an interesting one, but that’s not what I wanted to talk about. Instead, I asked the campaign manager about decision-making.
A lot of the campaign's choices have been better than good.
Female registered voters favor Obama over McCain by 16 points.
The economic crisis has been stretching the voting gender gap in favor of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.
Polls from mid-October show women, already more inclined to vote Democratic, embracing Obama with growing vigor, a trend that political analysts attribute to an economic crisis that is leaving women feeling acutely vulnerable to threats to their jobs, health care and financial stability.
A Gallup poll from Sept. 7, the day the federal government took over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, found female registered voters favoring Obama by 49 percent compared to 42 percent for his rival, Republican Sen. John McCain.
