Phyllis Cheng, Director of California’s Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH), the nation’s largest state civil rights agency, will be named the “2012 Public Lawyer of the Year” by the State Bar of California at a reception this fall in Monterey.

Through education, litigation and legislation, Director Cheng has made great strides in protecting the rights of California’s consumers and has also helped the state save millions of dollars by:

· Using technology and a cost-effective, soon-to-be launched cloud-based case management system;

· Streamlining voluminous directives into succinct procedural regulations;

· Prosecuting systemic discrimination in class and group actions, including a $6 million family leave settlement;

· Launching clinics at University of California, Irvine and Davis Schools of Law and other colleges to train a new generation of civil rights lawyers and investigators;

· Establishing an effective in-house, free attorney-staffed mediation division that is secured behind a firewall to encourage out-of-court settlements;

· Providing extensive educational outreach using social media to train the public about civil rights compliance; and

· Reducing the Department’s overhead by 50 percent and returning more than $2.5 million to the State to date.

“I am extremely honored to be chosen by the State Bar as 2012 Public Lawyer of the Year,” said Director Cheng. “I am optimistic that if my Department and its hardworking staff can use the State’s fiscal crisis as an engine for effective innovation in civil rights enforcement, so too can others.”

Prior to being appointed Director, Cheng served as an associate attorney at plaintiffs’ firm Hadsell & Stormer; private appellate and alternative dispute resolution practitioner; commissioner and vice chair of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (where she ruled on nearly 80 administrative decisions and issued four sets of regulations); deputy attorney general on civil rights enforcement; research attorney at Division Seven of the Second District California Court of Appeal; and of counsel at defense firm Littler Mendelson.

Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Cheng founded a citizens’ commission to address sex discrimination and was Title IX coordinator at the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she monitored a Title VII consent decree promoting women into administration. She was responsible for the passage of California’s version of the Title IX law in 1982. (Ed. Code, § 200 et seq.)

Director Cheng also worked as a researcher at RAND Corporation and other think tanks; was an adjunct faculty member at the UCLA Graduate School of Education; and directed a mentoring project for at-risk minority girls at the University of Southern California.

Director Cheng received her B.A. and M.Ed. from UCLA, her Ph.D. from USC, and her J.D. from Southwestern Law School. Born on the 4th of July, she is an immigrant from Hong Kong and a native speaker of Chinese in three dialects.

“Director Cheng’s dedication to consumer protection is evident throughout her work,” said State and Consumer Services Secretary Anna Caballero. “She’s a true leader within our agency and throughout the state of California.”

The Public Lawyer of the Year Award is given annually by the Public Law Section of the State Bar of California at its Annual Meeting. The award is given to a public lawyer, who deserves special recognition because of outstanding public service. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will present the Public Lawyer of the Year Award to Director Cheng at this year’s State Bar 85th Annual Meeting at a reception on Friday, October 12, in Monterey.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) approved 26 contracts, worth over $8M in job training funds at today’s panel meeting.

The money goes to 49 companies and colleges across the state, in amounts farying between $10,000 and almost $750,000. The largest amount is for the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, for the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego amd Ventura areas.

Panel Chair, Barry Broad, and Executive Director, Brian McMahon, also approved more than $1M for 23 small businesses and fast track projects through the Panel’s delegation order process since the last meeting on March 23.

As part of ETP’s mission to support job creation and retention through training, the Panel is dedicated to providing critical job skills training to hard-to-serve populations, including individuals with multiple barriers to employment and those living in high unemployment areas. Today’s Panel meeting included a proposal that addresses both –- A New Hire training proposal approved for The Parents of Watts Working with Youths and Adults Inc., a community sponsored, social service program, which focuses on the fundamental needs of economically disadvantaged communities in the South Central section of Los Angeles.

Among its many services, Parents of Watts provides job training and placement assistance. The proposal brought before the Panel today will focus on the development of well-trained, licensed, fire extinguisher technicians, and includes training designed to prepare trainees for the Fire Extinguisher Technician Certification Exam, and ultimately for permanent, full-time jobs in the fire protection equipment maintenance and protection industry. The Parents of Watts and its program partners have established industry contacts with several fire protection service companies and general contractors who work in the areas of installation and design/build of fire protection systems. These companies have contributed to program design and will support the project’s job placement goals.

ETP is a business and labor supported state agency that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to partially off-set the costs of job skills training that is necessary to maintain high-performance workplaces. California’s ETP is a performance-based program, providing funds for trainees who successfully complete approved training programs and are retained in well-paying jobs for a specific period of time.

The program is funded by the Employment Training Tax paid by California employers and helps businesses threatened by out-of-state and international competition. Since its inception in 1983, the ETP program has provided close to $1.25 billion to train approximately 800,000 workers for more than 78,000 California companies. Employers match training funds awarded by ETP, making these projects true public-private partnerships. For more information about the program, please visit www.etp.ca.gov, or call 916-327-5368.

Popularity: 4% [?]

California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s Employment Training Panel this week approved 29 contracts, worth over $10M in job training funds.

Since the last meeting on January 27,  they also approved more than $1M for 20 small businesses and fast track projects using their delegation order process.

Training proposals the Panel looked at today, included a project by French photovoltaic manufacturer, Soitec Solar Industries, a producer of concentrated photovoltaic modules for large-scale utility power plants.

Soitec’s worker training project was approved and will train new workers as the company expands its presence in California.

French company, Soitec gets funds to train California workers

A Training Panel press release says “Over the next year the facility expects to create approximately 250 high-skill, local manufacturing, construction, and long-term operations jobs, and plans to return to the Panel for the second phase of its project next fiscal year. Once fully operational, Soitec’s San Diego headquarters will directly create 450 jobs, while supporting an additional estimated 1,000 jobs in the region. Funding approved today will assist Soitec in training its current and projected workforce.”

The company’s name is a play on their flagship material, SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator), which they developed and manufacture.

Soitec was founded in 1992, when they started to develop and commercialize the revolutionary Smart Cut™ “atomic scalpel” technology. Since then, the company has continued to innovate and grow. The company website says “Today we are leading technological advances that will shape the performance of tomorrow’s products on markets like computing, telecommunications, automotive electronics, and lighting. Our Concentrix™ technology has also enabled us to become a global leader in the manufacture of systems used by the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar energy industry.”

“With the hiring of 27 employees in the last 5 months and an additional 236 planned by the end of 2012, Soitec is excited to create new, green energy jobs in California. ETP funds will help our company to train and prepare employees for high-skilled jobs at our newly established factory in San Diego. Additionally, ETP funds will allow Soitec to reach the 33 percent renewables portfolio standard by 2020”
- Clark Crawford, VP Sales and Business Development USA Soitec Solar

The Panel also approved guidelines for an Apprentice Training Pilot Program for classroom and simulated laboratory training. Under the pilot, funding will allow a Joint Apprentice Training Committee or other program sponsor to supplement limited state Montoya Funds for the Related and Supplemental Instruction portion of apprentice training. Detailed program guidelines will be available on the Employment Training Panel website.

The Training Panel will coordinate with the California Labor Federation and the State Building and Construction Trades Council to implement the Apprentice Training Pilot Program. The Labor Federation and the Council will help to build awareness of the program, and advise on evaluation measures and potential program refinements.

The program is funded by the Employment Training Tax paid by California employers and helps businesses threatened by out-of-state and international competition. Since its inception in 1983, the ETP program has provided close to $1.25 billion to train approximately 800,000 workers for more than 78,000 California companies. Employers match training funds awarded by ETP, making these projects true public-private partnerships. See www.etp.ca.gov or more information about the program, or call 916-327-5368.

Popularity: 20% [?]

With cybersecurity becoming more important, the Security Innovation Network (SINET) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced a community program that aims to drive cybersecurity application development. The inaugural event, Apps for Security, kicked off Thursday, March 22, at the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley.

Apps for Security aims to energize the privacy and security community to collaborate and create innovative new cybersecurity applications, based on open source principles. Apps can be developed and deployed immediately for everyone’s benefit in the mission to make the nation safer and more secure in cyberspace.

The program is good for students, beginners and experts, because it encourages participation by anyone interested in cybersecurity, regardless of skill.

Developers, data scientists, designers, policy makers, elected officials, students, and privacy and security practitioners are encouraged to bring prototypes or proofs of concept, to share code, and invite others to work together on it.

See the press release at SAIC and SINET Launch National Apps For Security Development Day

The Apps for Security concept was inspired by events such as The Congressional Facebook Developer Hackathon, Apps for Democracy, and Code for America.

The inaugural Apps for Security day was held in conjunction with the SINET 6^th Annual IT Security Entrepreneurs’ Forum (ITSEF) 2012, March 20-21 at Stanford University.

Popularity: 8% [?]

California is home to the world’s eighth-largest economy. The Golden State has an unmatched combination of forward-thinking green policy, technological innovation, natural resources, and public commitment to sustainability.

Over the past few years, the Green California Summit has brought businesses, government and people together, to encourage and show off innovation. The private and public sectors really can work together to harness resources to create a prosperous future, on what the Green California Summit calls “the green path.”

The Green California Summit Advisory Board includes leaders from government and industry, that aims to bring sustainability to life through education sessions, keynote presentations, an Expo featuring green products and services and the annual Leadership Awards.

Contractors should be interested in the new regulations that cover their work, seen in the new mandatory green building code, CALGreen, and energy monitoring requirements for commercial buildings.

There are new incentive programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green job development.

The Expo showcases hundreds of different green products and services, provided by companies, all gathered in one place for easy access.

For green product creators, the Expo is a great place to meet buyers in the Buyer/Vendor Lounge. Events include a comprehensive program of classes and seminars that cover a wide range of critical issues, ranging from energy efficiency, green economic development and alternative vehicles, plus water management, renewable energy and green building.

Organizers say the summit is a great way to find experts to talk to, and to get a hands-on education.

In recent years, the California government says it has enacted environmental policies that set the stage for a future in which economic growth and resource conservation go hand in hand.

Manufacturers will be very interested in the sessions on special financing for green manufacturers of equipment and machinery, through the State Treasurer’s Office and other state financing opportunities for green businesses.

The Green California Summit and Exposition runs over two days, 26-27 April, 2012, at the Sacramento Convention Center.

NewsinSacramento readers get a 20% discount on registration, by using the promo code NEWS (all caps).

You can register online here:

www.green-technology.org/gcsummit  If you have more questions, call +1 626-577-5700

Popularity: 6% [?]

New Look-Up Table

By now, you should have received your tax materials and you are getting ready to file your 2011 personal income tax returns. The Board of Equalization  reminds you not to forget to include the “use tax” owed on purchases made from out-of-state online and mail order retailers, or purchased from an out-of-state retailer and brought back into California.

To help make the reporting process more convenient, the BOE, working with the California Franchise Tax Board, has made available an easy-to-read reference guide, the Use Tax Lookup Table (PDF).

The table is also included in the instructions accompanying tax Forms 540, 540A, and 540 2EZ. It provides a simple way to estimate use tax, based on California Adjusted Gross Income, on any number of non-business purchases less than $1,000 each.

What is “use tax”?
In its simplest form, it is tax due on any item bought from an out-of-state retailer that will be “used” in California that if purchased in the state would have been subject to sales tax. Generally, the use tax rate is equal to your local sales tax rate.

While all Californians have an obligation to pay use tax, the revenue it generates for the state and local communities helps to fund important services all Californians enjoy, such as public safety, education, and transportation.

Use tax is not an “internet tax”. It has been on the books since 1935 to protect in-state retailers from the competitive price disadvantage held by out-of-state retailers who do not collect California tax.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Of 110 arrests, none successfully prosecuted

The Sacramento District Attorney Office Friday said it will not file charges against 18 Occupy Sacramento supporters arrested December 8 at Cesar Chavez Park – the Sacramento City Police had arrested people on alleged misdemeanor curfew and resisting arrest violations during a “First Amendment” demonstration.

In October, the DA also refused to file charges against Occupy activists. The City of Sacramento has attempted to prosecute some cases – after dismissing scores of cases – but has failed to obtain a conviction of any kind. There have been 110 arrests since Oct. 6, 2011. None of those arrested have accepted any kind of plea deal, and insisted on a trial.

Twenty-one people – many of them military veterans – were arrested December 8 on misdemeanor counts of curfew violation because the City maintains free speech ends in Sacramento in the Parks at 11 p.m. on a weeknight.

Volunteer civil rights lawyer Jeff Kravitz called the City’s continued arrests of peaceful citizens an assault on the 1st Amendment.

“The City continues to violate the basic rights of Occupy Sacramento supporters, and it needs to stop.” said Kravitz, a former constitutional law professor, and one of the nearly three dozen pro bono lawyers for Occupy Sacramento.

“One of my clients in the case is an Iraq War veteran who fought for this country only to come back home and discover his First Amendment rights have been abridged by a local ordinance. He was arrested and jailed because he believes we truly live in a free country, and that free speech ought not to be unreasonably limited by Sacramento politicians,” said Kravitz.

The City ordinance limits free speech in public parks to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 12 midnight on weekends. The law is being challenged in federal courts on constitutional grounds.

Popularity: 6% [?]

California Arbor Week Contests Highlight the Importance of Trees

California Arbor Week is March 7-14, a statewide celebration of trees. Two statewide contests are being held to celebrate Trees. The contests are designed to increase awareness of and appreciation for the trees and forests in the communities where Californians live, work and play. Winners are featured at the State Fair and awarded cash prizes.

Third, fourth, and fifth grade students throughout California are invited to participate in the California Arbor Week Poster Contest. The contest, titled “Growing Happy Communities” is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of the important roles of trees and the many benefits they provide to our communities. In addition to contest rules and entry forms, the contest information packet includes curriculum for three lessons. Entries are due by February 1, 2012. Sponsors include: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Community Forests Foundation, and California ReLeaf.

All Californians are invited to participate in the inaugural year of the California Arbor Week Photography Contest. The contest is designed to highlight the broad diversity of tree species, settings, and landscapes throughout our state, in locations urban and rural, large and small. Photographs may be entered in two categories: My Favorite California Tree or Trees Where I Live. Entries are due by March 31, 2012.

Contest information packets can be downloaded at www.arborweek.org.

California Arbor Week runs March 7-14 every year to mark famed horticulturist Luther Burbank’s birthday. Last year, legislation was passed to define California Arbor Week in statute. California ReLeaf is raising money to fund tree-planting initiatives and support local organization for 2012’s celebration.

Popularity: 34% [?]

Occupy Sacramento lawyers say City of Sacramento ‘grudge vendetta’ violates due process rights

Lawyers for Occupy defendants, who had criminal charges dismissed in December, plan to make public what they call a new, unconstitutional scheme by the City of Sacramento, to penalize the same defendants without a trial and due process rights guaranteed by law.

The group will be at the Sacramento Superior Courthouse to disclose the details of their information.

99% Occupy Sacramento

The City is using “administrative penalties” to “convict” the same defendants whose misdemeanor criminal charges were dismissed “in the interest of justice” by the City the day before criminal trials were set to begin in December. Now the City is finding them guilty without a trial.

Occupy Pro bono lawyers  say it is “double jeopardy” under the U.S. and California Constitutions, and also, the City’s actions to find Occupy defendants guilty by “tribunal.” This effectively denies their 5th Amendment Due Process rights.

Jeff Kravitz, a Sacramento civil rights lawyer, said the City is engaging in a “grudge vendetta.”

“The City is wasting taxpayer money in a grudge vendetta against veterans, single mothers, homeowners and struggling middle class families who are guilty of nothing but expressing their concerns about our nation. First, the City violates the First Amendment rights of these people, and now the City violates their Fifth Amendment rights of due process,” said Kravitz, who represents an Iraq veteran.

There have been 110 arrests since Oct. 6 at Cesar Chavez Park for a misdemeanor violation of a curfew ordinance – free speech ends at 11 p.m. weekdays and 12 midnight, according to city code. The City has failed to convict any of those arrested. About 27 cases remain in the courts.

Popularity: 12% [?]

When a severe wind storm struck Los Angeles County from November 30 through December 4, many homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has now declared a disaster for Los Angeles County.

The declaration, issued by the SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills, helps not only business owners, but also private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. THise people in Los Angeles County and the neighboring counties of Kern, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help cover losses they sustained in the disaster.

The request for assistance made to the SBA was based on a preliminary damage assessment on December 12 and 13. Recovery experts from Cal EMA and the SBA worked with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and several other affected cities.

“We recognize that disasters like the wind storm leave an indelible mark on people’s lives. We’re hopeful the low-interest disaster loans now available through the SBA will help put many homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered losses due to the wind storm on the road to a quick and full recovery.”
- Mike Dayton, CAL EMA Acting Secretary

California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) says the SBA loans can be up to $200,000, and are available to help qualified homeowners repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Personal property can also be covered, up to $40,000, for people who qualify.

Businesses and private nonprofits can apply for loans of up to $2 million to help cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventories or other business assets. Small businesses, most private nonprofit organizations and agriculture-related businesses are also eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet their needs for disaster-related working capital.

The application deadline for loans to help cover property damage is February 17, 2012; the deadline for EIDL applications is September 19, 2012.

The SBA has customer service representatives at a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Pasadena Fire Department’s Headquarters, 199 S. Los Robles Avenue, Suite 550. These reps can assist applicants with loan applications, and explain the SBA loan application process. They are available 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday, December 23, and resume operations on Monday, January 9.

Applications can also be found on the secure SBA Web site, https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, by phone at (800) 659-2955, email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Assistance for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is available at (800) 877-8339.

Popularity: 18% [?]