Fighting Back on Retirement Benefits


Reports & Links

CalPERS Costs Governor Brown's Hybrid Plan

Fact Check: Public Employees are Already Giving at the Office for Their Pensions

Misunderstandings Regarding State Dept, Pensions, and Retiree Health Costs Create Unnecessary Alarm - 1/20/11 Report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Public Employee Facts & Figures #7
February 2011

Please visit www.LetsTalkPensions.com

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Recent News Stories:

Steve Maviglio in Fox and Hounds: What Really Went Wrong with GOP’s Pension “Reform”
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2012/02/what-really-went-wrong-with-gops-pension-reform/

Los Angeles Times: California city and county pensions in trouble, report says
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/california-pension-trouble-report.html

Sacramento Bee: Study on Sacramento County's pension debt sparks debate
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/22/4281218/study-on-sacramento-countys-pension.html

Sacramento Bee: Stanford: California's local public pensions $135.7 billion short
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/stanford-california-local-pension-unfunded-obligations-approach-136-billion.html

CBS News: Calif. Study: $135.7B in local pension liabilities
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57382078/calif-study-$135.7b-in-local-pension-liabilities/

Contra Costa Times: San Jose softens pension proposal
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_20014642

Los Angeles Times: San Diego judge refuses to keep pension reform off ballot
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/02/san-diego-judge-refuses-to-keep-pension-reform-off-ballot.html

San Diego Union Tribune: BID TO HALT VOTE ON PENSION ITEM DENIED
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/22/tp-bid-to-halt-vote-on-pension-item-denied/

Bakersfield.com: Pension Deal was a Long Time Coming
http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/x238702512/Pension-deal-was-a-long-time-coming

Santa Monica Daily Press: Convicted child molester will still receive pension
http://www.smdp.com/hc.e.73509.lasso

Calpensions.com: Proposed budget shows lower CalPERS payment
http://calpensions.com/2012/02/21/proposed-budget-shows-lower-calpers-payment/

Sacramento Bee: Bill puts $250000 limit on compensation to calculate CA pensions
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/hold-bill-would-cap-state-and-local-pensions-at-200000.html

CarsonNow.org (Carson City News): National Group Calls On Nation’s Governors To Freeze Defined Benefit Pension Plans For Public Workers
http://carsonnow.org/xfeed/02/20/2012/national-group-calls-nation-s-governors-freeze-defined-benefit-pension-plans-public

California Majority Report: What Really Went Wrong with the GOP's Pension "Reform" Effort
http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=4776&ptid=9

Contra Costa Times: For boomers, it's a new era of 'work til you drop'
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_20004187

San Francisco Chronicle: Retirement optimism stifled by economic realities
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/18/BUC21N8AFF.DTL

San Diego Union Tribune: No ruling on SD pension suit
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/17/judge-dismissesallows-challenge-sd-pension-initiat/

New York Times: Budget Woes Prompt Erosion of Public Jobs, With a Heavy Toll in Silicon Valley
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/us/in-san-jose-budget-woes-take-a-toll.html

Los Angeles Times: San Diego tackles municipal pensions
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/19/local/la-me-pension-20120220

Orange County Register: Steven Greenhut: Harris distorts democracy to aid unions
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/pension-340811-harris-reform.html

Orange County Register: Brown's pension reform would help schools, cities, more than state
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/02/18/browns-pension-reform-would-help-schools-cities-more-than-state/149076/

San Bernardino Sun: Cancel corrupt officials' pensions
http://www.sbsun.com/editorial/ci_20006311

North County Times: REGION: Riverside County attorneys cut deal to avoid reducing pensions
http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/swcounty/region-riverside-county-attorneys-cut-deal-to-avoid-reducing-pensions/article_84ed1eb5-760d-5bde-b1f5-1a377c03c0b4.html

KRNVL Only on 4: Some public employees are paid for time they never worked
http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/Pension-Fund-Money/yNDvtwN0DUeTx1jER8kmGA.cspx

League of Cities: Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions to Hold Fourth Meeting on Feb. 28
http://www.cacities.org/index.jsp?zone=locc&previewStory=28800

Long Beach Press Telegram: Editorial: Gov. Jerry Brown must curb big pension paydays for management
http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_20000737

North County Times: ANOTHER VIEW: Pensions, and perverts, and cash, oh my!
http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/perspective/another-view-pensions-and-perverts-and-cash-oh-my/article_297b4640-699f-53af-a3d6-92477168c06d.html

Ventura County Star: Ventura County pensions: best or worst?
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/feb/18/ventura-county-pensions-best-or-worst/

Sacramento Bee: New analysis suggests public pension changes; reform spokesman looks ahead
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/new-analysis-suggests-public-pension-changes-reform-spokesman-looks-ahead.html

California Healthline: CalPERS: Brown's Pension Plan Would Not Aid Budget, Workers
http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/2/16/calpers-browns-pension-plan-would-not-aid-budget-workers.aspx

KPBS: Will The San Diego Pension Reform Initiative Make It To Ballot?
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/feb/16/sd-pension-reform-plan-city-workers-challenged/

Merced Sun-Star: Our View: Pension reform takes another hit
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/02/16/2232753/our-view-pension-reform-takes.html

George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times: Little initiative for change
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/16/local/la-me-cap-initiatives-20120216

Pacific Business Times: Op/ed: An open letter to Ventura County — True pension reform is long overdue
http://pacbiztimes.com/2012/02/17/oped-an-open-letter-to-ventura-county-%E2%80%94-true-pension-reform-is-long-overdue/

San Diego Union Tribune: 'Public employee bill of rights'? Really?
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/16/public-employee-bill-of-rights-really/

BusinessWeek: Federal Workers Face 'Unprecedented Assault' in US Budget War
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-17/federal-workers-face-unprecedented-assault-in-u-s-budget-war.html

Forbes: Public Pension Suckers For Private Equity
http://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsiedle/2012/02/16/public-pension-suckers-for-private-equity/

**Sacramento Bee State Worker Blog: The State Worker: Pension measure autopsy shows multiple causes of death
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/16/4267755/the-state-worker-pension-measure.html

**Pensions & Investments: CalPERS: California hybrid proposal would save little, increase risk
http://www.pionline.com/article/20120215/DAILYREG/120219927/calpers-california-hybrid-proposal-would-save-little-increase-risk

**NBC San Diego Blog: The Perils of Pension Reform
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/blogs/prop-zero/California-Pension-Reform-Budget-Assemblyman-Donald-Wagner-139317413.html

**Vallejo Times Herald Letter: Pension investigation sought
http://www.timesheraldonline.com/opinion/ci_19968459

Los Angeles Times: CalPERS report undermines Gov. Jerry Brown's pension overhaul plan
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/california-public-pension-brown-plan.html

Sacramento Bee: CalPERS: Jerry Brown's hybrid pension plan won't significantly cut state's costs
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/calpers-jerry-brown-hybrid-pension-plan-will-not-cut-california-costs.html

San Diego Union Tribune: Top city pensioner pulls down $307,000
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/15/top-city-pensioner-paid-307000/

Capitol Weekly: Accentuate the positive: Cities target aftermath of Bell
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?xid=10cx9vkobvvx5tt

Monterey County Herald: Editorial: Time for the public to make own noise
http://www.montereyherald.com/editorials/ci_19975672/editorial-time-public-make-own-noise

**CRS' Tim Burke in the Riverside Press Enterprise: STATE: Pensions benefit our local economy
http://www.pe.com/opinion/local-views-headlines/20120212-state-pensions-benefit-our-local-economy.ece

**Los Angeles Times: CalPERS report undermines Gov. Jerry Brown’s pension overhaul plan
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/california-public-pension-brown-plan.html

**KQED: The Costs of Brown's Pension Plan... In Money and Politics
http://blogs.kqed.org/capitalnotes/2012/02/15/the-costs-of-browns-pension-plan-in-money-and-politics/

Sacramento Bee: CalPERS will look again at adjusting forecast
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/15/4264587/calpers-will-look-again-at-adjusting.html

San Francisco Chronicle: Calpers Actuary Proposes Changing 7.75% Investment Return
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/02/14/bloomberg_articlesLZE77A1A74E801-LZEEA.DTL

Santa Cruz Sentinel: As We See It: Pension Deflation
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_19968050

Los Angeles Times: California lawmaker proposes tougher sanctions in corruption cases
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/california-lawmaker-proposes-tougher-penalties-in-public-corruption-cases.html

NBC Prop Zero Blog: The Perils of Pension Reform
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/blogs/prop-zero/California-Pension-Reform-Budget-Assemblyman-Donald-Wagner-139317413.html

Los Angeles Times: San Diego mayor takes pension battle to Washington
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/02/san-diego-mayor-jerry-sanders-pension-washington.html

San Diego Union-Tribune Op-Ed: A NEW OBSTACLE TO PENSION REFORM
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/14/tp-a-new-obstacle-to-pension-reform/

San Diego Union-Tribune: MAYOR TELLS S.D.'S STORY IN D.C.
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/14/tp-mayor-tells-sds-story-in-dc/

San Diego Union-Tribune: STATE BOARD SEEKS TO PUT BRAKES ON CITY PENSION MEASURE
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/14/tp-state-board-seeks-to-put-brakes-on-city/

Patch.com: Unfair Labor Complaint Seeks to Halt Pension Reform Vote
http://ranchobernardo.patch.com/articles/unfair-labor-complaint-seeks-to-halt-pension-reform-measure

KGTV San Diego: State Agency Challenges City Pension Reform Plan
http://www.10news.com/news/30448488/detail.html

Los Angeles Times: California lawmaker: Cap public pensions at $100,000
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/donald-wagner-pension-cap.html

Sacramento Bee: Bill puts $100000 cap on future state and local pensions
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/bill-would-cap-state-and-local-pensions-at-100000.html

NBC Los Angeles: LAUSD's Sex Abuse Scandal and the Governor's Tax Hike Plan
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/prop-zero/Miramonte-Elementary-School-Sex-Abuse-Scandal-Gov-Jerry-Brown-Supertendent-John-Deasy139259933.html

Washington Post: How the Romney-Bain flap could change public pensions
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/how-the-romney-bain-controversy-could-shake-up-public-pensions/2012/02/13/gIQAU1zsAR_blog.html

BusinessWeek: Calpers's Dear Calls Private Equity Tax Break 'Indefensible'
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-14/calpers-s-dear-calls-private-equity-tax-break-indefensible-.html

CalPensions.com: State pension initiative fails, local votes in June
http://calpensions.com/2012/02/13/state-pension-initiative-fails-local-votes-in-june/

Los Angeles Times: L.A. Coliseum Commission officials cash in on unused sick leave
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-coliseum-20120213,0,2808712.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Flocal+%28L.A.+Times+-+California+|+Local+News%29

Los Angeles Times: Skelton: Commit a crime, collect a pension
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cap-pensions-20120213,0,2131610.column?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Flocal+%28L.A.+Times+-+California+|+Local+News%29

Sacramento Bee: Editorial: Pension reform teeters, so Brown needs a 'Plan B'
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/13/4258735/pension-reform-teeters-so-brown.html

Sacramento Bee: State employee unions aren't counting on generous contracts from Democrat Jerry Brown
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/13/4259296/state-employee-unions-arent-counting.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories

Press-Enterprise: STATE: Pension mop-up?
http://www.pe.com/opinion/editorials-headlines/20120213-state-pension-mop-up.ece

San Diego Union Tribune: Kamala Harris' dirty trick on California
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/12/kamala-harris-dirty-trick-on-california/

NBC LoS Angeles: Is Pension Legislation Dead?
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/prop-zero/Pension-Ballot-Initiative-Jerry-Brown-138993434.html

CBSLocal: Right On: What's Next For Pension Reform?
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/02/10/whats-next-for-pension-reform/

Governing: CBO: Pension bill would save government billions
http://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2012/02/cbo-pension-bill-would-save-government-billions/41167/

NBC Bay Area: Unions Call for Pension Investigation
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Unions-Call-for-Pension-Investigation-139064789.html

San Jose Mercury News
‎: San Jose employee unions filed ethics complaint against Mayor Reed, other city officials
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19932710

San Jose Mercury News
‎: Amid pension-cut fury, San Jose mayor sounds hopeful
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19933106

CBS Local: Unions Accuse San Jose Mayor Of Exaggerating Pension Costs
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/02/09/unions-accuse-san-jose-mayor-of-exaggerating-pension-costs/

California Majority Report: TV Report Exposes San Jose Mayor Reed's "Pension Crisis" as Manufactured
http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=4773&ptid=9

Mercury News: Are Democrats in Sacramento off the hook on pension reform?
http://www.mercurynews.com/california-budget/ci_19933020

Sacramento Bee: The Buzz: California Senate leader Darrell Steinberg 'committed' to passing pension reform before budget
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/10/4253097/the-buzz-california-senate-leader.html

Fox and Hounds: Will Pension Reform Come from the Legislature?
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2012/02/will-pension-reform-come-from-the-legislature/

News10: Calif. lawmakers workout deals with pension reform, which most likely will not be on ballot
http://www.news10.net/news/article/177817/2/Calif-pension-reform-might-not-be-on-ballot

Daily Pilot: Council OKs workers' pension changes
http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-02-09/news/tn-dpt-0210-tier-20120209_1_president-tim-vasin-city-workers-retirement-plans

Santa Ynez Valley Journal: Pension Opinion
http://www.santaynezvalleyjournal.com/archive/10/6/9631/

Sacramento Bee: California pension reform group suspends initiative campaign
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/california-pension-reform-group-suspends-ballot-initiative-campaign.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#mi_rss=Latest%20News

AP: Pension-reform group suspends initiative campaign
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19921531

Bloomberg: California Group Drops Bid for Public Pension Cuts on Ballot
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-09/california-group-drops-bid-for-public-pension-cuts-on-ballot.html

Capital Public Radio News: Contentious Pension Initiative Not Heading to November Ballot
http://www.capradio.org/articles/2012/02/08/contentious-pension-initiative-not-heading-to-november-ballot

Los Angeles Times: GOP-led drive for California pension initiative dead for this year
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/02/gop-led-drive-for-california-pension-initiative-dead.html

**NBC Bay Area Investigation: San Jose's Fuzzy Pension Math:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZcks2mGhes&feature=youtu.be

HealthyCal.Org: Women most vulnerable to poverty in retirement
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/7216

Governing: New Pensions for New Times
http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-state-public-pension-unsustainable-defined-benefit-contribution.html

San Juan Capistrano Patch.com: City May Rein in Pension Costs
http://sanjuancapistrano.patch.com/topics/public+employee+pensions

**HealthyCal.Org: Fewer employer retirement benefits lead to high retirement insecurity in California
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/7044

**HealthyCal.org: Visualizing California’s retirement problem
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/7376

**San Luis Obispo Tribune: SLO firefighters agree to give up pay raises for four years; Union says contract provides stability and protects public interest; city cites big savings
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2012/02/07/1938513/slo-firefighters-pay-pensions.html

Daily Sound: Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider calls for more taxes as part of reform package
http://thedailysound.com/2012/02/santa-barbara-mayor-helene-schneider-calls-for-more-taxes-as-part-of-reform-package/

Sacramento Bee: California teachers' retirement fund commits $500 million to infrastructure
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/08/4247025/california-teachers-retirement.html#mi_rss=Business

Los Angeles Times: California pension fund complains about Facebook's all-male board
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-calstrs-facebook-20120208,0,4657703.story

CNN Money: Facebook needn't care about CalSTRS
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/02/07/facebook-neednt-care-about-calstrs/

Public Sector Inc.: New numbers show California teachers' pension fund facing crisis
http://www.publicsectorinc.com/forum/2012/02/new-numbers-show-california-teacher-pension-fund-facing-crisis.html

Appeal Democrat: Our View: Lean times for state pension funds
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/billion-113624-calpers-pension.html

MSNBC: Parents fume over accused LA teachers' pensions
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/08/10350982-parents-fume-over-accused-la-teachers-pensions

NBC Los Angeles: Unions Launch Pension Fight
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Unions-Launch-Pension-Fight--138819949.html

Calpensions.com: CalSTRS funding gap widens, so does solution
http://calpensions.com/2012/02/07/calstrs-funding-gap-widens-so-does-solution/

Orange County Register: Editorial: Lean times for California pension funds
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/billion-339161-percent-calpers.html

Daily Bruin: Gov. Jerry Brown’s 12-point pension plan to affect UC employees if approved
http://www.dailybruin.com/index.php/article/2012/02/gov._jerry_browns_12point_pension_plan_to_affect_uc_employees_if_approved

Bloomberg: California Pension Fund to Engage With Facebook on Governance
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-07/california-pension-fund-to-engage-with-facebook-on-governance.html

Bloomberg: California Pension Makes $500 Million Infrastructure Deal
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-07/california-pension-makes-500-million-infrastructure-deal.html

Huffington Post: Far From Wall Street, Banks Are Being Punished For Misdeeds
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/07/banks-punished-misdeeds_n_1259413.html?ref=mostpopular

San Juan Capistrano Patch.com: City May Rein in Pension Costs
http://sanjuancapistrano.patch.com/articles/council-may-rein-in-pension-costs

Press-Enterprise: STATE: Pension danger
http://www.pe.com/opinion/editorials-headlines/20120206-state-pension-danger.ece 

San Gabriel Valley Tribune: California public employees among highest paid in country, firefighters at the top
http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_19898614?source=rss

Contra Costa Times: Daniel Borenstein: With $2.4 billion Contra Costa retirement debt, no one should pop champagne corks
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_19889562

Ventura County Star: Oak View water district accused of pension spiking
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/feb/04/oak-view-water-district-accused-of-pension/

Los Angeles Daily News: Editorial: Labor unions facing fight over pensions
http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_19897491

AP: Judge overturns Arizona pension law change
http://ktar.com/6/1497573/Judge-overturns-Arizona-pension-law-change

News10: Critics say Cal-STRS needs to be lower
http://www.news10.net/news/california/article/176802/430/Critics-say-Cal-STRS-needs-to-be-lower

Redding Searchlight: Editorial: Teachers' ailing pension fund chooses reality
http://www.redding.com/news/2012/feb/04/editorial-teachers-ailing-pension-fund-chooses/

ABC Local: Pension reform may prevent unions from supporting Brown's tax hike
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/politics&id=8531143

San Francisco CBS Local: State Lawmakers Get A Look At Brown’s Pension Reform Plan
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/02/03/state-lawmakers-receive-governors-wide-ranging-proposal-for-pension-reform/

Sacramento Bee: Unions howl at details of Jerry Brown's pension overhaul
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/03/4235853/unions-howl-at-details-of-jerry.html#storylink=cpy

Associated Press: Calif. teacher fund lowers investment projections (includes CRS reaction to Gov. Brown's plan)
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/02/494365usteacherpensions_ap.html

**LAPPL Blog: Why are we surprised by good news?
http://lapd.com/blog/why_are_we_surprised_by_good_news/

Sacramento Bee: Jerry Brown delivers pension reform language to legislators
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/02/jerry-brown-delivers-pension-reform-language-to-legislators.html

Sacramento Bee:CalSTRS' gap rises as return forecast falls
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/03/4235828/calstrs-gap-rises-as-return-forecast.html#mi_rss=Business#storylink=cpy

Sacramento Bee: Bee exclusive: Former CSBA exec's pension slashed after audit
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/03/4236062/bee-exclusive-former-csba-execs.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories#storylink=cpy

San Diego Union Tribune: Time running out for pension alternative
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/02/time-running-out-pension-alternative/

Orange County Register:H.B. mayor wants to erase $4 million pension tax
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-338603-tax-hansen.html 

**Center for American Progress Action: In Defense of Defined-Benefit Pensions
Modest Reforms to State Plans Are Best Option for Taxpayers

Sacramento Bee: Marcia Fritz bashes Cal State professor's pension idea


Sacramento Bee: California government payroll grew by $500 million in 2011 as furloughs ease

Press-Democrat: PD Editorial: A holding pattern on pension reform

PR Newswire: National Press Club to Host "NEWSMAKER" Media Briefing: San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders to Discuss Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Reform

Orange County Register: Rich Danker: Let California voters enact pension reform

Auburn Journal: Lawmakers talk pensions, lawsuits at CNPA day  

Ventura County Star: Herdt: The seed of a pension compromise?
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jan/31/herdt-the-seed-of-a-pension-compromise/

Los Angeles Times: Monterey County hospital group to award more large retirement packages
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-high-pensions-20120201,0,2481165.story

TopEd.com: Brown renews call for pension reform
http://toped.svefoundation.org/2012/02/01/brown-renews-call-for-pension-reform/

Bloomberg: California Teachers’ Pension May Be Fully Funded in 52 Years, Report Says
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-01/california-teachers-pension-may-be-fully-funded-in-52-years-report-says.html

Pleasanton Weekly: Council, public weigh in on new police contract
http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/show_story.php?id=8622

Salinas Californian: Union VP blasts SVMH pensions as 'outrageous'
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20120131/NEWS01/120131016

KESQ: Union Workers Disrupt Riverside County Supervisors' Meeting
http://www.kesq.com/news/30343396/detail.html

**Sacramento Bee: Viewpoints: Cal State Stanislaus Accounting Professor: Pension-cutting plans on ballot promise savings but don't deliver
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/31/4226511/pension-cutting-plans-on-ballot.html

**Bakersfield Californian: MARC HAIUNGS: Don't balance budgets at expense of public servants' pensions
http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/community/x1827696922/Dont-balance-budgets-at-expense-of-public-servants-pensions

Bloomberg: Calstrs Should Cut Assumed Return to 7.5%, Actuary Recommends
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-31/calstrs-should-cut-assumed-return-to-7-5-actuary-recommends.html

Orange County Register: City leaders offer to increase pension contributions
http://www.ocregister.com/news/city-338039-pension-percent.html

Los Angeles Times: Salinas hospital district discloses more executive pensions
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/salinas-hospital-district-dislcosure-more-executive-pensions.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+%28L.A.+Now%29

San Jose Mercury News: Hospital discloses more lucrative pensions
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_19858423

ABC07 Eyewitness Newsmakers: Jerry Brown on Pensions
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=8522023

Gov. Brown Press release: Governor Brown to Deliver “Call to Action” (on pensions) in Los Angeles
http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17391

Los Angeles Times: Clamor grows to rein in California pension benefits
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pensions-20120128,0,440233.story

CalPensions.com: Pension earnings dip amid gloomy forecasts
http://calpensions.com/2012/01/30/pension-earnings-dip-amid-gloomy-forecasts/

Sacramento Bee: Dan Walters: California politicans use power to fix the ballot game
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/30/4224246/dan-walters-california-politicans.html#mi_rss=Dan%20Walters

San Jose Mercury News: High-stakes labor battle coming to California
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19848968

San Bernardino Sun: Ratcheting up a contract tussle
http://www.sbsun.com/pointofview/ci_19842167

Daniel Borenstein: Pension funds should stop siphoning off investment returns
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_19838470

Marin Independent Journal: Marin pension payroll shines on top brass
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_19836875

Palm springs Desert Herald: Palm Springs area city manager pay down, still high
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20120129/NEWS01/201290322/Palm-Springs-area-city-manager-pay-down-still-high

San Diego Union Tribune: Union contests pension initiative
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/28/tp-union-contests-pension-initiative/

Ventura County Star: County exec defends pension record but says adjustments needed
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jan/27/county-ceo-defends-pension-record-but-says/

Herald and News: Debate over California pensions rages
http://www.heraldandnews.com/breaking/article_2392cd1e-4a18-11e1-a976-0019bb2963f4.html

**Reuters: State pension assets, earnings grew in 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/26/us-usa-states-pensions-idUSTRE80P1X920120126

**Los Angeles Times: L.A. pension funds' earnings reduce burden on city budget
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-city-pensions-20120127,0,1938505.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Flocal+%28L.A.+Times+-+California+|+Local+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

**Modesto Bee: Our Views: Pension reform will take years
http://www.modbee.com/2012/01/26/2043304/pension-reform-will-take-years.html

Los Angeles Times: Jerry Brown talks taxes, pensions at L.A. Chamber of Commerce
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/01/jerry-brown-taxes-pensions-los-angeles-chamber-of-commerce.html

KPBS: Brown: Both Political Parties Face “Climate of Fear”
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/jan/26/brown-both-political-parties-face-climate-fear/

Riverside Press-Enterprise: STATE: Pension pipe-dream.
http://www.pe.com/opinion/editorials-headlines/20120126-state-pension-pipe-dream..ece

San Mateo Daily Journal: OP-ED: A pension tsunami in San Mateo County
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=227386&title=OP-ED:%20A%20pension%20tsunami%20in%20San%20Mateo%20County

Lompoc Record: Big ape, big debt are present
http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/opinion/editorial/big-ape-big-debt-are-present/article_bab42e3e-48b2-11e1-adf6-001871e3ce6c.html

San Jose Mercury News: EDITORIAL: An intriguing idea from San Jose: shouldn't council members also sacrifice?
http://www.mercurynews.com/milpitas/ci_19819659

The Salinas Californian: SVMH to announce executive retirement payouts by paid ad
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20120127/NEWS01/201270324/SVMH-announce-executive-retirement-payouts-by-paid-ad

ABC: State looks at hybrid retirement plans (Includes CRS' Terry Brennand)
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/politics&id=8519280

Ventura County Star: Lawmakers urge Brown to provide details on pension proposals
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jan/25/lawmakers-urge-brown-to-provide-details-on/

Wall Street Journal: Public Pensions Increase Private-Equity Investments

San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Our View: Council pensions should go away
http://www.sgvtribune.com/opinions/ci_19819201

PublicCEO.com: San Jose Council Moves to Cut Their Own Pensions
http://www.publicceo.com/2012/01/san-jose-council-moves-to-cut-their-own-pensions/

Sacramento Bee: Promotions unpopular for California firefighters earning overtime
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/26/4215759/promotions-unpopular-for-california.html

Sacramento Bee: Issue of the Week Letters to the Editor:
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4206903/issue-of-the-week-pensions.html

George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times: The pension clock is ticking
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cap-pensions-20120123,0,2066074.column

Dan Walters in the Bees: WALTERS: Unions ignore that pension fund shortfalls hit workers
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4207097/dan-walters-california-civil-service.html

CalPensions.com: New pension forecasts: what if earnings falter?
http://calpensions.com/2012/01/23/new-pension-forecasts-what-if-earnings-falter-3/

California Watch: 3 Calif. municipalities sidestep pension debate
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/3-calif-municipalities-sidestep-pension-debate-14568

Monterey County Herald: Neil Shapiro: A train wreck coming
http://www.montereyherald.com/opinion/ci_19794274

AFT News: Experts Correct Myths about Public Employee Pensions
http://www.aft.org/newspubs/news/2012/012012pensions.cfm

Desert Sun: Rancho Mirage City Manager Patrick Pratt in line for generous pension
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20120123/NEWS01/201230334/City-manager-line-generous-pension

Modesto Bee: Hot-button issues before Modesto City Council
http://www.modbee.com/2012/01/22/2036703/hot-button-issues-before-city.html

Gov Exec: Pension tensions continue to mount
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=49815&dcn=e_wfw

Mercury News: Walnut Creek to offer lower retirement benefits for new workers

**Auburn Journal: Retirees with CalPERS pensions lose part-time
government jobs

**Reuters: Public employees hit back in pension fight
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-states-pensionstre80i1uc-20120119,0,2887110.story

**Arizona Republic: Arizona may undo fix to pension system

Reuters: New York state comptroller blasts gov's 401(k) plan
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/20/us-newyork-pensions-idUSTRE80J06V20120120

Los Angeles Times: Bell police got undeserved disability pensions, investigation finds


San Diego Union Tribune Watchdog Letters: Public employee salaries are higher than reported

Tracy Press: Your Voice: A victory for transparency

**Lets Talk Pensions: California's Bain Capital Connection: "Vulture Capitalists" Funding
http://www.letstalkpensions.com/newsroom/press-releases/147-californias-bain-capital-connection-qvulture-capitalistsq-funding

Wall Street Journal: California's Brown to Make Case for Higher Taxes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204468004577168744039836420.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Fountain Valley Patch: Residents Speak Out Against Pension Proposal, ACC Membership at Council Meeting
http://fountainvalley.patch.com/articles/residents-speak-out-against-pension-proposal-acc-membership-at-council-meeting

Wall Street Journal: Calpers Downsizes Housing Portfolio
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203735304577167273567069942.html

aiCIO: CalPERS Highlights Hybrid Pension Plans
http://www.ai-cio.com/channel/NEWSMAKERS/CalPERS_Highlights_Hybrid_Pension_Plans.html

Wall Street Journal: Cuomo Pushes 401(k) Option for NY Employees
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204555904577167451143661094.html

** Steve Maviglio in the Capitol Weekly: Opinion: "Vulture capitalists" pension-reform measure poised for failure
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=10ae90zcyc45299&1=1&xid=10actox4iyklhkg&done=.10acudd7ax1vqc7&_credir=1326775160&_c=10ae90zcyc45299

Capitol Weekly: Pension funds' big earner becomes political issue
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=10ae90zcyc45299&1=1&xid=10adtk11z0mthk7&done=.10aduliksdt3s9h&_credir=1326775063&_c=10ae90zcyc45299

Sacramento Bee: Viewpoints: LAO fails to give group's pension reform proposals a fair reading
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/14/4186884/lao-fails-to-give-groups-pension.htmlhttp://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/14/4186884/lao-fails-to-give-groups-pension.html

CapRadio.Org: Senate GOP Leader on Gov. Brown, Budget, Pensions and More
http://www.capradio.org/articles/2012/01/12/senate-gop-leader-on-gov-brown,-budget,-pensions-and-more

Marin Independent Journal: Marin not likely to follow San Jose lead in pension reform
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_19737441

KPCC: California 'State of the State': Jerry Brown to push for higher taxes, big investments
http://www.scpr.org/news/2012/01/16/30811/gov-jerry-brown-push-state-state-higher-taxes-big-/

Almanac News: Menlo Park OKs changes to pension benefit 
http://www.almanacnews.com/news/show_story.php?id=10444

Appeal Democrat: Our View: Brown: 'We're broke, but must spend more'
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/billion-112965-brown-state.html

San Francisco Chronicle: CalPERS suit against credit-rating firms advances
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/14/BURG1MPAI7.DTL

San Diego Union-Tribune: Mayoral debate includes pension humor
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/13/mayoral-candidates-spar-over-pensions-redevelopmen/

Huffington Post: Scott Walker Collective Bargaining Law: Government Workers Retired In Record Numbers In 2011
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/13/scott-walker-collective-bargaining-law_n_1204887.html

Los Angeles Times: Tenured UC Riverside professor faces rare firing discussions
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-uc-prof-20120116,0,5155277.story

The American.Com: Public Pension ‘Air Time’ Is an Absurdly Generous Perk
http://www.american.com/archive/2012/january/public-pension-air-time-is-an-absurdly-generous-perk

**Huffington Post: Killing Pensions to Benefit the 1 Percent
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-a-saunders/wall-street-journal-pensions_b_1200101.html

Sacramento Bee: From the notebook: Pension reform backer explains rationale

http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/01/tench-coxe-a-managing-partner.html

Sacramento Bee: Editorial: Double-dipping in pensions needs to sunset

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/13/4184249/double-dipping-in-pensions-needs.html

Fox and Hounds: Ignoring Public Sector Retirement Costs … and History
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2012/01/ignoring-public-sector-retirement-costs-and-history/

Patch.com: Hagman's Public Employee Retirement Pension Bill Killed

http://diamondbar.patch.com/articles/local-assemblyman-s-public-employee-retirement-pension-bill-killed

Reuters: Special report: Jerry Brown's California budget nightmare
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/12/us-usa-politics-brown-idUSTRE80B0P320120112

**California Progress Report: GOP's California Pension Reform Initiative Gets the One, Two Punch
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/site/gops-california-pension-reform-initiative-gets-one-two-punch

**HealthyCal.Org: California ranks low in number of government workers
http://www.healthycal.org/archives/7088

Sacramento Bee: Sacramento looks to cut its payment for employee pensions
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/12/4181841/sacramento-looks-to-cut-its-payment.html

Sacramento Bee: Judge refuses to dismiss CalPERS suit against Moody's, S&P
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/12/4183064/judge-refuses-to-dismiss-calpers.html

Dan Pellissier in the Capitol Weekly: Opinion: A resolution for 2012: Fixing California’s public pension problems
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=10a0lhq5b9c92ne&1=1&xid=109yczgz62dxzgj&done=.109z4dex7y1z367&_credir=1326389876&_c=10a0lhq5b9c92ne

Fox and Hounds: Can California Voters Recoup Excessive Pay, Benefits and Pensions from Current Public Employees?
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2012/01/can-california-voters-recoup-excessive-pay-benefits-and-pensions-from-current-public-employees/

Sacramento Bee: Local cities pick up $35 million of employees' pension tab
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/09/4174986/local-cities-pick-up-35-million.html

Modesto Bee: City employees to fund pensions?
http://www.modbee.com/2012/01/09/2018806/city-employees-to-fund-pensions.html

Los Angeles Times: Brown tax hike plan may bring in less than estimated
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-state-budget-20120110,0,418461.story

Dan Walters: California's 'wall of debt' is really a mountain
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/10/4175279/dan-walters-californias-wall-of.html

Huffington Post: David Cay Johnston: The Dangers Of Low-Interest Rates
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/10/column-hidden-dangers-low-interest-rates_n_1196080.html

Long Beach Press Telegram: Mayor Foster addresses RDA issue in State of the City speech (Pension mention)
http://www.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_19707450

Cal Watchdog: NEW: Berkeley Mgr. Grabs $266K Pension
http://www.calwatchdog.com/2012/01/09/berkele-manager-grabs/

Los Angeles Times: Retiring L.A. County workers get $48 million for unused time off
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-county-pay-20120108,0,5607077.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews+%28L.A.+Times+-+Top+News%29

CalPensions.com: CalPERS role in preventing Vallejo pension cuts
http://calpensions.com/2012/01/09/calpers-role-in-preventing-vallejo-pension-cuts/

David Crane in the Sacramento Bee: Viewpoints: State finance officials should face the truth on pension promises
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/08/4168919/state-finance-officials-should.html

Mercury News: Daniel Borenstein: Berkeley city manager not unique retiring with bigger pension than salary
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_19691117

Letter in Ventura County Star: Barker: No need to reform public pension system for teachers
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jan/07/barker-no-need-to-reform-public-pension-system/

NBC's Prop Zero: The Curious Case of David Crane
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/blogs/prop-zero/David-Crane-Pensions-Regents-University-California-Schwarzenegger-State-Legislature-136663983.html

Los Angeles Times: Former Beverly Hills schools chief unlikely to lose pension
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hubbard-pension-20120108,0,7571180.story

Daily Pilot: Trial's outcome unlikely to affect Hubbard's pension
http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-01-06/news/tn-dpt-0107-hubbard-20120106_1_karen-anne-christiansen-jeffrey-hubbard-calstrs

Daily Bruin: If approved, proposed budget would increase state funding to UC system by $90 million
http://www.dailybruin.com/index.php/article/2012/01/if_approved_proposed_budget_would_increase_state_funding_to_uc_system_by_90_million

**California Majority Report: The GOP's California Pension "Reform" Plan Continues to Get Bad Reviews
http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=4764&ptid=9

Sacramento Bee The State Worker: Pension reform debate is about to heat up
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/05/4163837/state-worker-pension-reform-debate.html

KQED: Speaker Perez: Fix Water Bond. And More.(Includes Pensions)
http://blogs.kqed.org/capitalnotes/2012/01/04/speaker-perez-fix-water-bond-and-more/

**Los Angeles Times: In Gold Rush country, golden years lose their luster
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-poor-seniors-20120104,0,7744732.story

**The Guardian: Revealed: huge increase in executive pay for America's top bosses/Exclusive survey shows America's CEOs enjoyed pay hikes of up to 40% last year – with one chief executive earning $145m
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/dec/14/executive-pay-increase-america-ceos

Mercury News: San Jose City Council members issue a call to cut their own pensions
http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19675143?source=rss

Orange County Register: Agencies picked up $2 billion pension bill for workers
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/01/04/agencies-picked-up-2-billion-pension-bill-for-workers/145869/

Santa Barbara Independent: Warning: Thorny Road Ahead
http://independent.com/news/2012/jan/05/warning-thorny-road-ahead/

(Please log on and comment on this piece) RonKayeLA.com Blog: How to Fix the Public Employee Pension System: Elect People Who Will Serve You -- Not Them
http://ronkayela.com/2012/01/the-british-call-it-pension.html

AP in the Mercury News: Lawmakers face budget strife, election challenges
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_19674749

Washington Post: Investment funds post modest gains in federal workers’ retirement plan
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/investments-funds-post-modest-gains-in-federal-workers-retirement-plan/2012/01/03/gIQALhp5YP_story.html?wpisrc=nl_fedinsider

**Orange County Register: Pension reform: More expensive than doing nothing?
http://taxdollars.ocregister.com/2012/01/03/pension-reform-more-expensive-than-doing-nothing/145828/

**Sacramento Bee: California and Sacramento-area teachers took pay hits last year
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/04/4161097/california-and-sacramento-area.html

Riverside Press Enterprise: RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Elected officials, 2,000 others get extra benefit
http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/duane-gang-headlines/20120103-riverside-county-elected-officials-2000-others-get-extra-benefit.ece

Orange Country Register: Laguna Niguel lowers benefits for new hires
http://www.ocregister.com/news/retirement-334101-city-employees.html

Daily Pilot: Costa Mesa Leaders agree to pay more into CalPERS
http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-01-03/news/tn-dpt-0104-council-20120103_1_state-pensions-calpers-city-employees

Press Enterprise: INLAND: Fewer government workers earned $100,000 in 2010
http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/duane-gang-headlines/20111231-inland-fewer-government-workers-earned-100000-in-2010.ece

Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee: Dan Walters: California Legislature has a new opportunity ... but only if it mends its ways
http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/01/04/2669609/dan-walters-california-legislature.html

Wall Street Journal: Why Public Pensions Are So Rich
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204464404577118440980974530.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Modesto Bee; Lockyer, Chiang Must Nail Down Pension Data (editorial)
http://www.modbee.com/2011/12/29/2004912/lockyer-chang-must-nail-down-pension.html

Sacramento Bee: The State Worker: The State Worker's Top 10 of 2011, the GOP Pension Plan
http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2011/12/the-state-workers-top-10-of-2011-no-5.html

NBC/LA TV Blog: 5 California Things That Died in 2011, and One That Didn't (pensions mentioned as #3)
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/blogs/prop-zero/Death-Schwarzenegger-Shriver-High-Speed-Rail-Pensions-Republicans-Jerry-Brown-136204423.html