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DeSaulnier Profiled in Capitol Weekly

Capitolweeklylogo Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier is profiled in this article in Capitol Weekly.  It’s a nice introductory kind of profile covering a little background, election year stats and his issue priorities for the coming legislative session.

The one part that I found curious…

"… After experiencing the steering-wheel-gripping tension of countless Bay Area commutes, DeSaulnier said he wants to see local governments reduce total vehicle-miles traveled during their planning processes. This would mean "fewer and shorter trips" to work, school and play for the state’s residents, and would improve air quality."

Now commuting and traffic are no doubt an important issue for the 11th Assembly District, but besides getting to regional meetings – Mark’s daily commute as a Supervisor/Restauranteur was several miles down Clayton Road into downtown Concord.  Hardly a commute I would describe as "steering-wheel-gripping tension" but that is a nice turn-of-phrase.  Maybe after Mark deals with regulations ultimately affecting drivers’ licenses he’ll investigate abuses of literary license.

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Link Love From TechSmith

Gbsnagitmention This blog has seen a slight increase in traffic over the past week or so and in looking at the visitor stats I’ve found out why:  TechSmith is linking to my SnagIt entry from their monthly e-newsletter.

My posting has slowed of late – but not from lack of material.  About two weeks ago the hard drive in my tablet started making the dreaded funny noises.  I’ve spent my spare time recently backing up data and, ultimately, installing and reloading a new drive.  Luckily I didn’t lose much, if anything in the process.

An update version of SnagIt has just been released with additional useful features.  I haven’t tried it yet – but the company’s video tutorials explain everything so well I feel like I have.  If you do any writing or design work at all – I highly recommend you try it.

 

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links for 2006-11-29

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John Muir Story – Misleading Good News?

Cctjohnmuir11282006 Page 3 of today’s Contra Costa Times has this headline:

John Muir expansion gains approval

As a member of the Concord Planning Commission that has yet to formally consider the project that caught my attention. (The online version uses a different but still misleading headline.)

"Although there are still a few lingering details to work out, John Muir Medical Center officials have approved a long-awaited expansion at the Concord campus that will cost $50 million less than expected."

What?  "…a few lingering details…"  Nothings been approved.  The John Muir Board has decided to move forward with the project and seek city approval.  Cost $50 million less than expected?  Let’s see…what’s that second paragraph say?

"Last month, hospital officials said plans to expand the Grant Street facility had become too expensive, having skyrocketed to $200 million from $100 million just two years earlier, because of rising construction costs. Plans approved unanimously by the John Muir board of directors last week came in around $149 million."

Is it just me or doesn’t that say that the project is now $49 million more than expected?  Or does it depend on when you’re doing the expecting?  Two years ago or last month.

Probably good news for Concord  – just a strange way to write it up.