Though far below the requested $4.7 billion, the state's high-speed rail project will receive $2.25 billion in federal stimulus funds to move ahead with construction.  While the project is projected to be a boon for job creation and infrastructure development, key questions remain.

Given California’s ongoing border crisis and swift descent toward systemic failure, it is only natural that a number of unique and, in some cases, truly odd ideas will surface as desperation begins to set in. Moreover, such odd ideas are especially likely to come from politicians who hanker after a salvageable legacy.

Sacramento real estate appears to be ready for a recovery, and a return to more positive days, according an article in the  Sacramento Bee.  The article notes that area prices have fallen to near 2001 levels, thus making housing more competitive with higher cost markets such as the Bay Area and Los Angeles.  The lower prices are once again attracting well-educated and highly skilled workers into the area, according to the Bee.

Are you or anyone you know a ruralpolitan? This new fangled term describes a demographic of “urbanist/suburbanists” who are disillusioned with the drudgery of the nine-till-five world and are packing up and heading for the country. They do this spurred on by fiscal uncertainties in a depressed economy, and for some, to provide a better and more fulfilling life for their children.

Like George W. Bush, President Obama promised to unite a nation deeply divided by partisan politics.  However, a year into Obama's first term, America is more polarized than ever according to a Gallup Poll. 

While President Obama proposes a three-year spending freeze on domestic spending, he churns out a record military budget.  Here are the pertinent highlights from the campaign's latest press release*:

California regulators recently approved a $350 million plan to subsidize costs of replacing natural gas and electric hot water heaters with solar thermal power, which generally works by preheating the water before it gets to the tank. Solar heaters cut down on carbon emissions, save money and preserve natural resources.

Widespread political discontent with the powers in charge is nothing unique these days, being an almost hip, countrywide trend.

According to the most recent Gallup Poll, the country as a whole holds a subpar 48% job approval rating of President Obama.

California lawmakers continue to offer their opinions of the upcoming Top Two Open Primary initiative in June. Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez briefly presented his views in a recent Q&A session with The Desert Sun.  Perez stated, "I am not convinced this proposal will support the type of reform so many of us desire...This might mean fewer choices for voters on the general election ballot."