Recently on California Money:
The Obama administration is demanding an
explanation from Anthem Blue Cross about its plans to
hike some Californians' rates by as much as 39 percent.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
sent a letter to the health insurer today, calling the
proposed premium increases "extraordinary." Also,
truckers at the Port of Oakland have only a few days
left to find money to retrofit their vehicles.
Host: Stephanie Martin
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When it comes to purchasing new vehicles for
its fleet, the California Assembly has decided to
reinstate a 'buy American' policy. Lawmakers abandoned
it in 2003 so they could purchase foreign-made hybrids
such as the Toyota Prius. Also, worried about the loss
of biotech jobs, peninsula Assemblyman Jerry Hill today
announced a bill he hopes will keep those jobs in California.
Host: Stephanie Martin
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Concerns about the H1N1 flu virus boosted
Clorox earnings for the second straight quarter in a
row. Higher sales of disinfecting products helped push
the Oakland-based company's profits up 28 percent over a
year ago. Also, some 18,0000 California homes sold for
$1 million or more last year. That may sound like a
lot, but it's a steep decline since 2005 when the number
peaked at just under 55,000.
Host: Stephanie Martin
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Governor Schwarzenneger was in San Jose today
to call for a National Infrastructure Bank to fund
projects that would create jobs and maintain the state's
global competitiveness. President Obama has proposed
directing $30 billion dollars to spur lending to small
business, but smaller companies have a tough time
offering health insurance to their workers.
Host: Stephanie Martin
Reporters:
- Oanh Ha
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As painful as the recession has been, Silicon
Valley fared much better than it did during the dot-com
bust -- and is poised for a faster turnaround. That's
according to two separate studies presented today.
Host: Peter Jon Shuler
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Worldwide computer chip sales fell 9% in 2009
according to figures released today by the San
Jose-based Semiconductor Industry Association. But the
trade group says the drop in sales was less than had
been forecast. Also, with just two months to go before
the New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Fremont
shuts down, workers are getting anxious about the lack
of a severance package between management and the United
Auto Workers local.
Host: Peter Jon Shuler
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