Some of the strategies Ford is using to reduce petroleum dependence and integrate sustainable materials into designs, are downright creative. Ford was one of the few American car manufacturers not to take auto bailout money,  but the company well-known for gas guzzlers like the Explorer may have other uses for unwanted government dollars: going green.

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoi

California lost another 2,200 manufacturing jobs in March, according to today's Labor Market Information Department (LMID) report. After a 33 percent loss of the state's industrial base over the last decade, the larger concern is an emerging trend in the country's manufacturing growth numbers. Over the last two years, California has increasingly lagged the U.S. in terms of new industrial jobs.

Yesterday in Sacramento, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and the California Fair Political Practices Commission hosted a symposium on campaign finance reform and disclosure.

I am neither wealthy nor influential.  All I have is intelligence and integrity.  Neither of these appear to be in demand at this time.  As I look at all of the candidates running for President -- without exception -- I see stunted human beings who are self-centered and not at all able to play well with others.

Sponsored by IVN and hosted by the University of San Diego School of Law Independent Voter Club, yesterday marked our first Independent Forum, where independents from across California gathered to explain the importance of the new open primary system in California.

To kick off the press conference, IVN president Chad Peace welcomed the guests, reminding the audience that this year, because of the open primary system, independent voters will now have the opportunity to vote in the June 5th primary for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation.