Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Barack Obama delivers an address on jobs and the economy to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol September 8, 2011

President Barack Obama wants to shore up the sagging economy by putting “… more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.” Last night, in an address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, the president presented the American Jobs Act, which he claims will achieve those goals.

THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, and fellow Americans:

Tonight we meet at an urgent time for our country.  We continue to face an economic crisis that has left millions of our neighbors jobless, and a political crisis that’s made things worse.

This past week, reporters have been asking, “What will this speech mean for the President?  What will it mean for Congress?  How will it affect their polls, and the next election?”

But the millions of Americans who are watching right now, they don’t care about politics.  They have real-life concerns.  Many have spent months looking for work.  Others are doing their best just to scrape by — giving up nights out with the family to save on gas or make the mortgage; postponing retirement to send a kid to college. 

These men and women grew up with faith in an America where hard work and responsibility paid off.  They believed in a country where everyone gets a fair shake and does their fair share — where if you stepped up, did your job, and were loyal to your company, that loyalty would be rewarded with a decent salary and good benefits; maybe a raise once in a while.  If you did the right thing, you could make it.  Anybody could make it in America.

For decades now, Americans have watched that compact erode.  They have seen the decks too often stacked against them.  And they know that Washington has not always put their interests first. 

The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities.  The question tonight is whether we’ll meet ours.  The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy.  (Applause.)  The question is — the question is whether we can restore some of the fairness and security that has defined this nation since our beginning.

Those of us here tonight can’t solve all our nation’s woes.  Ultimately, our recovery will be driven not by Washington, but by our businesses and our workers.  But we can help.  We can make a difference.  There are steps we can take right now to improve people’s lives. 

I am sending this Congress a plan that you should pass right away.  It’s called the American Jobs Act.  There should be nothing controversial about this piece of legislation.  Everything in here is the kind of proposal that’s been supported by both Democrats and Republicans — including many who sit here tonight.  And everything in this bill will be paid for.  Everything.  (Applause.)

The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple:  to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.  It will create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for long-term unemployed.  (Applause.)  It will provide — it will provide a tax break for companies who hire new workers, and it will cut payroll taxes in half for every working American and every small business.  (Applause.)  It will provide a jolt to an economy that has stalled, and give companies confidence that if they invest and if they hire, there will be customers for their products and services.  You should pass this jobs plan right away.  (Applause.)  

Everyone here knows that small businesses are where most new jobs begin.  And you know that while corporate profits have come roaring back, smaller companies haven’t.  So for everyone who speaks so passionately about making life easier for “job creators,” this plan is for you.  (Applause.)

Pass this jobs bill — pass this jobs bill, and starting tomorrow, small businesses will get a tax cut if they hire new workers or if they raise workers’ wages.  Pass this jobs bill, and all small business owners will also see their payroll taxes cut in half next year.  (Applause.)  If you have 50 employees — if you have 50 employees making an average salary, that’s an $80,000 tax cut.  And all businesses will be able to continue writing off the investments they make in 2012. 

It’s not just Democrats who have supported this kind of proposal.  Fifty House Republicans have proposed the same payroll tax cut that’s in this plan.  You should pass it right away.  (Applause.)

Click here for the full text of the president’s address on the White House.gov website.

Photo courtesy Guest Blogger Jean Youn

It is now September and it is Labor Day weekend.

It’s just about the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

Labor Day was meant for people who work. It is a way for people to be grateful for and find joy in their work by having a well deserved break from work.

You hear about a lot of people who are without and can’t find work these days. You also hear about self-employed people and/or small business owners like myself who get little to no business for periods of time. I have heard this about others and I have also personally experienced it myself.

On Labor Day weekend, I find myself thinking about work a lot.

It really isn’t just a means to put food on the table to survive.

In the book, “The Gospel of the Redman: A Way of Life,” Ernest Thompson Seton says that we should love our lives and that we should find all things in our life beautiful. The book also says to be happy in your personal strength and beauty.

Work certainly takes up a large portion of our daily lives. Don’t get me wrong, family and loved ones always come first, but it’s important to love what you do, especially when it takes up so much of your time. Also, it is the very fact that we work that allows us to enjoy a nice day off of work like Labor Day.

For me, if cleaning and pressing your clothing can help you find beauty and happiness in your life, I will be a happy this Labor Day.

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Jean Youn is the owner of Value Village Cleaners at 912 West Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale 91202. For details on services, coupons and more, check out the Value Village Cleaners website  here.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Chevron GM Food Mart at Buena Vista Street and Olive Avenue September 1, 2011

Okay, we’re not seeing self-serve regular for $2 a gallon — but under $4 a gallon is still a good buy. A short while ago, regular gasoline at the pump appeared to be headed for the $5 a gallon mark.

The national average for regular today is $3.6, according to triple A.  However, on Labor Day weekend last year the average price was $2.6 a gallon for regular.

The same trend can be seen on the state and local levels. The Auto Club reports the state average for regular today $3.9 a gallon — a year ago at this time, $3 a gallon. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area (which includes Burbank) the average price for regular is $3.9 — a year ago it was $3 a gallon. Those numbers are the same for Orange County as well.

In these tough economic times, which seem to be getting tougher, consumers could really use a serious break on fuel prices. Perhaps $3 a gallon regular gas will make a comeback soon. I hope so. Drive safely and enjoy the holiday weekend.

The stock market took a beating again today. Some dramatic swings in the market over the past few days. Worries about the country tumbling into another recession reportedly caused the market to plunge more than 500 points today. When the market closed stocks had gained some ground — ending the day down 419 points.

More on the stocks and the economic fears, which have investors jittery and scrambling for cover here on Reuters.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/White House -- President Obama spoke to the nation from the White House about the 11th hour budget deal April 8, 2011

After weeks of haggling and last minute wheeling-and-dealing, the powerful Democratic and Republican leaders in Washington , D.C. have reached a historic agreement. It happened last night, shortly before the government would have had to shut down for lack of a budget.

The deal include a one-week funding extension, which quickly passed the Senate and the House. President Obama is expected to sign it today.The president spoke to the nation from the White House about the bipartisan deal Friday night. Here is the full text of his statement from the White House blog.

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Behind me, through the window, you can see the Washington Monument, visited each year by hundreds of thousands from around the world.  The people who travel here come to learn about our history and to be inspired by the example of our democracy — a place where citizens of different backgrounds and beliefs can still come together as one nation.

 Tomorrow, I’m pleased to announce that the Washington Monument, as well as the entire federal government, will be open for business.  And that’s because today Americans of different beliefs came together again.

In the final hours before our government would have been forced to shut down, leaders in both parties reached an agreement that will allow our small businesses to get the loans they need, our families to get the mortgages they applied for, and hundreds of thousands of Americans to show up at work and take home their paychecks on time, including our brave men and women in uniform.

This agreement between Democrats and Republicans, on behalf of all Americans, is on a budget that invests in our future while making the largest annual spending cut in our history.  Like any worthwhile compromise, both sides had to make tough decisions and give ground on issues that were important to them.  And I certainly did that.

Some of the cuts we agreed to will be painful. Programs people rely on will be cut back.  Needed infrastructure projects will be delayed.  And I would not have made these cuts in better circumstances. 

But beginning to live within our means is the only way to protect those investments that will help America compete for new jobs — investments in our kids’ education and student loans; in clean energy and life-saving medical research.  We protected the investments we need to win the future.

At the same time, we also made sure that at the end of the day, this was a debate about spending cuts, not social issues like women’s health and the protection of our air and water.  These are important issues that deserve discussion, just not during a debate about our budget.

I want to thank Speaker Boehnerand Senator Reid for their leadership and their dedication during this process.  A few months ago, I was able to sign a tax cut for American families because both parties worked through their differences and found common ground.  Now the same cooperation will make possible the biggest annual spending cut in history, and it’s my sincere hope that we can continue to come together as we face the many difficult challenges that lie ahead, from creating jobs and growing our economy to educating our children and reducing our deficit.  That’s what the American people expect us to do.  That’s why they sent us here.

A few days ago, I received a letter from a mother in Longmont, Colorado.  Over the year, her son’s eighthgrade class saved up money and worked on projects so that next week they could take a class trip to Washington, D.C.  They even have an appointment to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The mother wrote that for the last few days the kids in her son’s class had been worried and upset that they might have to cancel their trip because of a shutdown.  She asked those of us in Washington to get past our petty grievances and make things right.  And she said, “Remember, the future of this country is not for us.  It’s for our children.”

Today we acted on behalf of our children’s future.  And next week, when 50 eighth graders from Colorado arrive in our nation’s capital, I hope they get a chance to look up at the Washington Monument and feel the sense of pride and possibility that defines America — a land of many that has always found a way to move forward as one.

Thank you

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Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Chevron station at Glenoaks Boulevard and Olive Avenue in Burbank selling self-serve regular for $4.01 per gallon on March 18, 2011

The price of regular gasoline has been hovering very close to that dreaded $4 a gallon mark for several days here in B-town. Today, for the first time, I saw stations with posted prices for regular at a little over $4 a gallon. I began reporting on the appearance of $4 a gallon gas in Burbank about two weeks ago.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Chevron station at Main Street and Alameda Avenue in Burbank selling self-serve regular for $4.05 March 18, 2011

There are still gas stations in Burbank selling regular a bit cheaper: $3.91, $3.93, and $3.95. I gassed up my ride today for $3.93 gallon. That was bargain when you consider the average price for regular gas today in California is $3.96, according  to the  AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report. 

The national average for regular is $3.54 right now. Again, we’re getting slammed by jacked up gas prices here. The state with the dubious honor of  having the highest average price for regular gas? Not the Golden State, but Hawaii, at $4.07 per gallon.

Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama holds news conference today to discuss yesterday's midterm election, November 3, 2010

Reflecting on the returns from yesterday’s mid-term election, President Barack Obama admitted today that he received a  ”shellacking” from the voters.

At a White House news conference, the president blamed the sluggish economy for voter dissatisfaction and frustration, which resulted in the Republicans gaining a majority in the House and whittling down the Democratic majority in the Senate.

Also, the president says he takes responsibility for Tuesday’s disappointing election results:

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke to reporters during a news conference at the White House November 3, 2010

“After what I’m sure was a long night for a lot of you — and needless to say it was for me — I can tell you that some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating; some are humbling. But every election, regardless of who wins and who loses, is a reminder that in our democracy, power rests not with those of us in elected office, but with the people we have the privilege to serve.

Over the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the country and meet people where they live and where they work, from backyards to factory floors. I did some talking, but mostly I did a lot of listening. And yesterday’s vote confirmed what I’ve heard from folks all across America: People are frustrated — they’re deeply frustrated — with the pace of our economic recovery and the opportunities that they hope for their children and their grandchildren. They want jobs to come back faster, they want paychecks to go further, and they want the ability to give their children the same chances and opportunities as they’ve had in life.

The men and women who sent us here don’t expect Washington to solve all their problems.  But they do expect Washington to work for them, not against them.  They want to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, not wasted, and that we’re not going to leave our children a legacy of debt.  They want to know that their voices aren’t being drowned out by a sea of lobbyists and special interests and partisan bickering.  They want business to be done here openly and honestly.

Now, I ran for this office to tackle these challenges and give voice to the concerns of everyday people.  Over the last two years, we’ve made progress.  But, clearly, too many Americans haven’t felt that progress yet, and they told us that yesterday. And as President, I take responsibility for that.

What yesterday also told us is that no one party will be able to dictate where we go from here, that we must find common ground in order to set — in order to make progress on some uncommonly difficult challenges.  And I told John Boehner and Mitch McConnell last night I am very eager to sit down with members of both parties and figure out how we can move forward together.

I’m not suggesting this will be easy.  I won’t pretend that we will be able to bridge every difference or solve every disagreement.  There’s a reason we have two parties in this country, and both Democrats and Republicans have certain beliefs and certain principles that each feels cannot be compromised.  But what I think the American people are expecting, and what we owe them, is to focus on those issues that affect their jobs, their security, and their future:  reducing our deficit, promoting a clean energy economy, making sure that our children are the best educated in the world, making sure that we’re making the investments in technology that will allow us to keep our competitive edge in the global economy.

Because the most important contest we face is not the contest between Democrats and Republicans.  In this century, the most important competition we face is between America and our economic competitors around the world.  To win that competition, and to continue our economic leadership, we’re going to need to be strong and we’re going to need to be united.

None of the challenges we face lend themselves to simple solutions or bumper-sticker slogans.  Nor are the answers found in any one particular philosophy or ideology.  As I’ve said before, no person, no party, has a monopoly on wisdom.  And that’s why I’m eager to hear good ideas wherever they come from, whoever proposes them. And that’s why I believe it’s important to have an honest and civil debate about the choices that we face.  That’s why I want to engage both Democrats and Republicans in serious conversations about where we’re going as a nation.”

More of President Obama’s comments and a Q&A with reporters on the White House website here.

The sluggish economy is still a fright, but thrill seekers are throwing down a lot of bucks at Halloween haunted house attractions this season.  Across the country, haunt houses are doing a bang-up business. In Pennsylvania, the haunted house “PennHurst Asylum” reportedly caused a traffic jam when it opened  a short while ago.

The number of Americans planning a scary visit to a haunted attraction jumped to 20.8 percent this year –up more than three percent from 2009, according to the National Research Federation.

In a PRNewswire release, Haunted House Association President, Randy Bates, credits aggressive marketing campaigns and bad economic times for the uptick in business : “In addition to this marketing investment, haunted houses traditionally see more visitors in a down economy,” said Bates. “People need to find a release; an unrealistic fantasy place to take their minds away from problems. And that’s precisely what we work so hard all year to provide.” Bates operates a successful Philadelphia haunt called “Bates Motel.” A real-life connection to the classic fright movie, “Psycho”.

Dan McCullough, who runs at least two haunted attractions in Texas, gives props to Tinseltown and game developers: “”Hollywood and video games are helping drive the phenomenon that has spiked interest in the horror genre,” said McCullough. “In turn, the haunts are becoming more Hollywood-like with more spectacular effects with CGI, and creative illusions that create a buzz on social networks and generate more demand.”

Also, haunted house owners from Philly to Atlanta to Kansas City and beyond say website traffic and online ticket sales are higher than ever before. Meanwhile the best is probably yet to come for these attractions. Typically, the busiest time for haunted houses are the days right before Halloween.

Governor signs new budget with deep cuts for the needy

Photo: http://gov.ca.gov website -- California Governor Schwarzenegger holds news conference to discuss the passing of the budget in Sacramento 10/08/10

Finally, following weeks no months of haggling, the state has a new budget. My relief  over the passage of the budget is tempered by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s last minute act of cruelty and elitism.

After a hard fought compromise in the legislature, the governor used his line veto to slash more than $960 million from the budget before signing it yesterday. All of the governor’s cuts were directed at social programs including aid to families moving off of welfare and mental health services for children with special needs. More about the cuts  on the Los Angeles Times website.

Yesterday, the governor held news conferences in Fresno and Sacramento — never admitting his plan to gut these social programs. Oh, the governor did talk about his upcoming trip to Russia and plans to go on a ski vacation in January. Nice.

Mike Gatto’s reform amendment included in the new budget

A constitutional amendment, aimed at improving the state’s financial situation, is part of the new budget. The measure would require the state to increase the amount it puts aside in a “Rainy Day Fund.”

Local Assemblyman Mike Gatto of the 43rd District co-authored the amendment: ““This legislation would force Sacramento decision makers to follow the sound practices that every family in this state understands. You put away some money when times are good, so that we have some money left over when times are bad.”

The amendment will go before the voters in 2012 for a final decision. More about this on Assemblyman Gatto’s website.

New Field Poll on state economy

Californians are really bummed by the state’s economy. The latest Field Poll reports 93 percent of those questioned “…described the state as being in bad economic times.” Only a slim 23 percent expected the situation to “improve in the coming year.”

This latest survey of registered voters was conducted last month and released on October 5. During the past 18 months, 9 out of 10 voters, Republicans, Democrats, and Non-Partisans, have given grim views of the state of the state.  

The Field Poll has been surveying the mood of Californians on the state economy since 1978. In a press release, Pollsters Mervin Field and Mark Di Camillo said:”… never before has the negative assessment of economic conditions been so deep and prolonged as it is now.”

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Investor Warren Buffett meets with President Obama on July 14, 2010

A heavy discussion in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, July 14, when Billionaire Investor, Warren Buffett, dropped by for a chat with President Barack Obama. Main topics: the struggling economy and jobs.  

The Caucus blog on The New York Times website reported on the meeting and mentioned a funny incident with Buffett’s tie.  The President reportedly noticed Buffett’s tie was a bit worn — offered one of his own– and the offer was accepted.

Buffett is consider one of the most successful investors in the world. Last March, this smart guy from Omaha placed third on Forbes’ list of the riches billionaires.  Buffett’s net worth — $47 Billion. Also, Buffett is a well known philanthropist who donates generously to charities including around $30 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Business is booming at one little shop in Burbank

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Customers waiting in line at Yogurtland in Downtown Burbank

While many local businesses are struggling in this tough economy, Yogurtland is packing in the customers and making serious money!  ”Business is very good.” Jamileth Mendoza, a shift leader, told me with a broad smile as she worked behind the counter last Saturday, June 26. I was out in Downtown Burbank when I noticed this crowded little pink shop near North San Fernando Boulevard and East Palm Avenue.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Yogurtland employee, Jamileth Mendoza, counts change for a customer

Mendoza, a mother of three and writer, has been employed at this Yogurtland since it opened 10 months ago. She says she really gets a kick out of watching the kids and the adults pump their own frozen yogurt into hefty cups and then load on toppings like fruit, nuts, cookies, cereal, candy, …etc  You pay according to the weight of your cup. Basic price: 30 cents per ounce.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Part of the Yogurtland experience is pumping your own frozen yogurt from a series of dispensers — offering an assortment of flavors including pistachio, Irish mint creme, Butterfinger, and pumpkin pie

I had to give Yogurtland my personal taste test. I grabbed a yogurt cup, pumped in Dutch chocolate, chocolate coconut truffle, and pecan praline, then topped it off with blueberries, nuts, cookies, candies, and, well, a lot of stuff. While the Pussycat Dolls played on the sound system, I sat down at a corner table and dug into my creation. After a while, Mendoza looked over at me, grinned, and said: “Delicious?” My mouth was so full, I could only nod. Mendoza laughed and went back to ringing up orders. Apparently my non-verbal response is quite common in this little yummy shop.

For more on Yogurtland, check out the company website.

Burbank City Council makes a controversial decision

A public hearing on a redevelopment project drew a crowd at last night’s Burbank City Council meeting. Actually, the public hearing began last April, but was postponed to allow more time for input from local businesses. The project centers on a proposal by Westwind Properties to create a “campus-like environment” in a Burbank industrial area by closing off parts of Spazier Avenue and Varney Street — between Flower Street and Elm Court. As part of the deal, Westwind gets to purchase the vacated city property for $67,000.

Many of Westwind’s neighbors, small business owners, fought the deal bitterly, but lost. Last night, the council voted 4-to-1 to approve the project with the dissenting vote coming from City Councilman Dave Golonski. This time around, the city council just didn’t rubber stamp the staff’s recommendation of approval.  For that, the council members should be applauded.

Mayor Anja Reinke insisted and got support from other council members to add a condition, which would require Westwind to open the proposed gate at Spazier Street should there be a need for large trucks to use that exit. It was a compromise. A way to move forward on the development of an area city officials consider “blighted” and to give some concession to nearby businesses. 

Burbank Leader reporter heading south

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Reporter Christopher Cadelago outside the Burbank City Council chambers where he covered many issues, debates, and controversies over the past 16 months

Reporter Christopher Cadelago has handed in his resignation at The Burbank Leader and is going to work for the San Diego Union-Tribune starting July 12. Cadelago began his newspaper career as an intern at the San Francisco Chronicle in 2007. The U-C Berkeley graduate arrived at the Leader in March of 2009 and quickly made his mark as a talented hard working journalist.

Cadelago, 25, has covered all sorts of stories for the Leader as well as the nearby Glendale News-Press: from the Burbank Police scandal, to city hall politics, the crime beat, and an occasional feature like that cute story, back in May, about a family of ducks delighting visitors and staff at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Oh, and I gotta mention that really good report a few weeks ago Cadelago did on the 500-plus Burbank city employees who are earning six-figure salaries. Folks are still talking about that article.

 ”I really enjoyed my time here. Burbank politics –public safety –never boring. I think we were able to get a lot of people, through both the Leader and your blog, talking about the issues.” Cadelago told me last week, when I congratulated him on his new gig as a beat reporter on the Union-Tribune’s metro desk. Definitely a plus for the Union-Tribune and, sadly, another minus for the Burbank Leader/News-Press. Happy Trails, Chris!

Kicking off the long July 4th holiday weekend with a warning

Go ahead, wave the flag, fire-up the BBQ grill, but don’t include fireworks in your personal celebration for the 4th of July holiday weekend. It’s illegal to manufacture, sell, possess, or shoot-off fireworks in B-Town and the cops will be out to enforce the law.

Here’s the word from a Burbank PD press release:

“Beginning Friday, July 2^nd, 2010, and through the weekend, the police department will have active patrols specifically assigned to the enforcement of firework violations.  The police department’s number one priority is to protect the safety of our citizens.  

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) estimates that fireworks are responsible for 30,000 fires totaling over $34,000,000 damage.  At this time of year nationwide, fireworks are causing 7000 injuries and 7 deaths.  The injuries sustained are fairly evenly divided between “safe and sane” (legal in certain municipalities) and illegal fireworks (illegal statewide). 

The police department is asking the public to report any violations by calling the police desk at 818-238-3000.” 

Burbank has not escaped the bumps and bruises of the brutal recession, but yesterday it got some good news from one of the top financial agencies. Standard and Poor’s upgraded Burbank’s credit rating to “AAA,” the highest grade possible.  

S&P credited the Media City with a strong local economy, steady tax base, low debt, high reserve balance, and attractive location in the Southland as reasons for the rate hike, according to a press release on the city’s website.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — East Olive Avenue in Burbank

“The City is pleased that the strength of Burbank’s finances has been recognized at a time when all cities and businesses are struggling with the consequences of a severe recession,” says City Manager Mike Flad in that press release. “Burbank has been more resilient due to the foresight of the current and previous City Councils who have built a strong and diversified economic base and adhered to sound financial policies.”

The higher the bond rating the lower the cost of borrowing for the city, which means “savings of taxpayer dollars,” and that is truly good news for residents.

Nevertheless on other fronts, things are not as glowing for Burbank. At last night’s city council meeting, the list of closed session issues before council members included several legal cases such as, Christopher Lee Dunn vs Burbank Police Department alleging wrongful termination due to discrimination, Omar Rodriguez vs Burbank Police Department, an alleged case of employment discrimination, infliction of emotional distress, and other related causes of action, William Taylor vs City of Burbank, alleged employment discrimination, and Angelo Dahlia vs City of Burbank, a case of alleged civil rights violations.

The entire list of closed session items appeared in Tuesday night’s city council agenda. Clearly, some problems that plagued Burbank in 2009 are not solved, and still deserve serious and transparent attention from city officials.

White House photo: Pete Souza — President Obama delivers the State of the Union Address 01/27/10

More jobs and pumping up the weak economy were major themes in President Obama’s first State of the Union speech delivered before a joint session of Congress last night. And that’s the way it should be. The country, and especially the backbone of the our society — middle class folks — are still struggling under the weight of this recession. “ For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough.  Some are frustrated; some are angry.  They don’t understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main Street isn’t; or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems.  They’re tired of the partisanship and the shouting and the pettiness.  They know we can’t afford it.  Not now. ” President Obama said.

Interestingly a  New York Times’  piece today, points out that even when the president rightly boasted of tax cuts generated by his administration, Republicans in the audience, who almost always cheer anything or anyone that produces tax cuts, well, last night, they refused to applaud. This demonstrated to the country why gridlock in congress is hampering a national health plan and other legislation that would benefit average Americans. That kind of attitude and partisanship by Republicans are responsible for much of the mess our country is in now. I don’t vote along a party line. I vote issues and candidates and therefore, I find the partisanship battles extremely frustrating.

During eight years of a Republican President, you didn’t hear Republicans screaming loudly about the rapidly growing deficit, the ill-conceived and expensive war in Iraq, or even the major financial melt-down and the much hated Bush Adminstration plan to bailout the rich cats at the banks and on Wall Street. Republicians were in charge of Congress during those eight years and it’s ridiculous to expect a Democratic President to clean-up that mess in one year. Republicans and Democrats need to work together to get the country and the economy back on track.

I must say, I thought new Republican Governor Robert. F. McDonnell, who gave the rebuttal to the State of the Union, showed more class than many of his more senior Republican leaders. Virginia Governor McDonnell complimented the president on some points and criticized him on others. Overall, McDonnell faulted the federal government for “trying to do too much.”

I gotta point out, President Obama was left with a full plate of problems to deal with and many demand urgent attention. The President realizes this and made it clear in his speech he plans to push forward on a health care plan, a bipartisan commission to work on reducing the federal debt, a jobs creation bill, $30 billion of the repaid bailout money to go to small businesses and so on.

I agree with the president when he wrapped up the spirit and goals of his speech by saying, “… a new year has come.  A new decade stretches before us.  We don’t quit.  I don’t quit.   Let’s seize this moment — to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more. ”  

For the full text of President Obama’s State of the Union speech click here.

New stats show holiday shoppers spent more this season than last

Some Christmas cheer for retailers and good news for the economy today. Consumer spending during the period of November first through Christmas Eve rose 3.6 percent. That’s a heck of a lot better than what happened last year, when fears of economic disaster had shoppers holding tight to their money and thus sales plunged 2.3 percent, according to a report on Reuters.

For more on those earlier figures, analysts’ reaction to them, and a look at some of the retail winners and losers click here for the full story.

 The money just keeps rolling in for the Hollywood Studios

Is there a recession in Tinseltown? You wouldn’t know it by the way the big studios are making the green at the Box Office. The Christmas weekend turned out to be the best ever, bringing in $270 million, up 34 percent over last year, according to Box Office Mojo. Thanks to a slew of crowd pleasing flicks like “Avatar,” “Sherlock Holmes,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” and “It’s Complicated.”

The previous record for the most profitable weekend was July 18-20, 2008, when “The Dark Knight” and “Mamma Mia!” opened.

 Meanwhile, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced today that it reached a ninth consecutive $1 billion-plus year for the distribution of domestic and international films. Warner is projecting a domestic Box Office of $2.13 billion and foreign returns of $1.86 billion, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A whole lot of local folks are hoping see some of that studio cash get pumped into new film productions right here in the Southland, real soon, like in 2010.

Federal employees come up with thousands of ways to save money

It was a simple idea, but boy did it pay-off big time. At the end of September, President Obama’s SAVE Award contest was launched by the Office of Management and Budget. Federal workers were asked to come up with ways to save taxpayer money by making the government perform more effectively and efficiently.

In three weeks, they got 38,484 entries! Some of the plans were so good that the Obama administration is already working on putting them into practice.

The President’s SAVE Award will go to the best of the best. You can help pick the winner by casting your vote.  More details on The White House Blog.

Holiday shoppers waiting for last minute bargains

The uncertain job market has many shoppers spending less or holding out for those pre-Christmas deals this holiday season, that according to a new survey. This is bad news for retailers and the weak economy. The story is on the Reuters website.

Photo: Pete Souza/The White House 12/03/09

President Barack Obama gets it. The economic recovery will not really hit home for many until the sluggish job market is revitalized. Yesterday, the Labor Department reported the national unemployment rate took a surprising dip to 10 percent in November— the best it’s been since December of 2007. Companies laid off 11,000 workers last month, compared to 111,000 in October. A significant improvement.  Still, millions of unemployed Americans searched but did not find work last month.  

Meanwhile, the nation’s tally of 2009 bank failures hit 130 on Friday when regulators shut down six banks: one in Ohio, another in Illinois, another in Virginia, and three small Georgia banks. Customers of those banks have their accounts protected up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

The tally is nearly five times the number that failed in 2008, and the highest number since 1992 when 181 banks went under.

In his weekly address today, President Obama focused on the economic recovery and the importance of getting millions of unemployed Americans back to work. Here’s the full text of the president’s address from The White House website.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, December 5, 2009

Every month since January, when I became your President, I’ve spoken to you about the periodic reports of the Labor Department on the number of jobs created or lost during the previous month; numbers that tell a story about how America’s economy is faring overall.  

In those first months, the numbers were nothing short of devastating. The worst recession since the 1930s had wreaked havoc on the lives of so many of our fellow Americans. Yesterday, the numbers released by the Labor Department reflected a continuing positive trend of diminishing job loss.

But for those who were laid off last month and the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs in this recession, a good trend isn’t good enough. Trends don’t buy the groceries. Trends don’t pay the rent or a college tuition. Trends don’t fulfill the need within each of us to be productive, to provide for our families, to make the most of our lives, to reach for our dreams.

So, it is true that we, as a country, are in a very different place than we were when 2009 began. Because of the Recovery Act and a number of other steps we’ve taken, we’re no longer facing the potential collapse of our financial system or a second Great Depression. We’re no longer losing jobs at a rate of 700,000 a month. And our economy’s growing for the first time in a year.

But too many of our neighbors are still out of work because the growth we’ve seen hasn’t yet translated into all the jobs we need. Stung by this brutal recession, businesses that have kept their doors open are still wary about adding workers.  Instead of hiring, many are simply asking their employees to work more hours, or they’re adding temporary help. 

History tells us this is usually what happens with recessions – even as the economy grows, it takes time for jobs to follow. But the folks who have been looking for work without any luck for months and, in some cases, years, can’t wait any longer. For them, I’m determined to do everything I can to accelerate our progress so we’re actually adding jobs again.

That’s why, this week, I invited a group of business owners from across the country to the White House to talk about additional steps we can take to help jumpstart hiring. We brought together unions and universities to talk about what we can do to support our workers today and prepare our students to outcompete workers around the world tomorrow. We brought together mayors and community leaders to talk about how we can open up new opportunities in our cities and towns.

On Friday, I spent the day in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and met with workers and small business owners there. I stopped by a steel company called Allentown Metal Works, and spoke at Lehigh Community College. I visited folks at a job placement center, and stopped by a shift change at Alpo.  The stories and concerns I heard mirrored the countless letters I receive every single day. And they speak louder than any statistic or government report. The folks in Allentown – and in all the Allentowns across our country – are the most dedicated, productive workers in the world. All they’re asking for is a chance, and a fair shake.

And that’s exactly what I’m working to give them. In the coming days, I’ll be unveiling additional ideas aimed at accelerating job growth and hiring as we emerge from this economic storm.

And so that we don’t face another crisis like this again, I’m determined to meet our responsibility to do what we know will strengthen our economy in the long-run. That’s why I’m not going to let up in my efforts to reform our health care system; to give our children the best education in the world; to promote the jobs of tomorrow and energy independence by investing in a clean energy economy; and to deal with the mounting federal debt.

From the moment I was sworn into office, we have taken a number of difficult steps to end this economic crisis. We didn’t take them because they were popular or gratifying. They weren’t. We took these steps because they were necessary.

But I didn’t run for President to pass emergency recovery programs, or to bail out banks or to shore up auto companies. I didn’t run for President simply to manage the crisis of the moment, while kicking our most pressing problems down the road. I ran for President to help hardworking families succeed and to stand up for the embattled middle class. I ran to fight for a country where responsibility is still rewarded, and hard-working people can get ahead.  I ran to keep faith with the sacred American principle that we will deliver to our children a future of even greater possibility.

And my commitment to you, the American people, is that I will focus every single day on how we can get people back to work, and how we can build an economy that continues to make real the promise of America for generations to come.

 Cyber Monday Sales Up

The keyboards were clicking and online shoppers were buying on Cyber Monday. Early data indicates sales were up 14 percent over last year. On the average 4.3 million consumers per minute reportedly visited shopping web sites yesterday. More on the cyber shopping bonanza here.  

Black Friday Sales Tumble

Big crowds turned out on Black Friday and over the Thanksgiving weekend, but apparently those shoppers were more lookie-loos than serious buyers. Early figures show those shoppers spent 8 percent less than last year — which is really bad news all around. Consumer spending reportedly fuels the U.S. economy by as much as 70 percent.  Reuters has more on the 2009 holiday shopping season.  

IRS Holding $123.5 Million in Unclaimed Tax Refunds

Over a 100,000 refund checks were returned to the Internal Revenue Service this year, because of problems with the addresses. The average tax refund is over a thousand bucks! Now that would help add a little cheer to the holiday season. Here’s the story and details on how to claim some of that dough.

Official White House Photo/Peter Souza — Yesterday President Obama, First Lady Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha helped distribute food for Thanksgiving to the needy at Martha’s Table, a food pantry in Washington, D.C.

Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Thursday, November 26, 2009

For centuries, in peace and in war, in prosperity and in adversity, Americans have paused at this time of year to gather with loved ones and give thanks for life’s blessings. This week, we carry on this distinctly American tradition.  All across our country, folks are coming together to spend time with family, to catch up with old friends, to cook and enjoy a big dinner – and maybe to watch a little football in between.

As always, we give thanks for the kindness of loved ones, for the joys of the previous year, and for the pride we feel in our communities and country. We keep in our thoughts and prayers the many families marking this Thanksgiving with an empty seat – saved for a son or daughter, or husband or wife, stationed in harm’s way. And we say a special thanks for the sacrifices those men and women in uniform are making for our safety and freedom, and for all those Americans who enrich the lives of our communities through acts of kindness, generosity and service.

But as much as we all have to be thankful for, we also know that this year millions of Americans are facing very difficult economic times. Many have lost jobs in this recession – the worst in generations. Many more are struggling to afford health care premiums and house payments, let alone to save for an education or retirement. Too many are wondering if the dream of a middle class life – that American Dream – is slipping away.  It’s the worry I hear from folks across the country; good, hard-working people doing the best they can for their families – but fearing that their best just isn’t good enough. These are not strangers.  They are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Their struggles must be our concern.

That’s why we passed the Recovery Act that cut taxes for 95 percent of working people and for small businesses – and that extended unemployment benefits and health coverage for millions of Americans who lost their jobs in this turmoil.  That’s why we are reforming the health care system so that middle-class families have affordable insurance that cannot be denied because of a pre-existing condition or taken away because you happen to get sick. We’ve worked to stem the tide of foreclosures and to stop the decline in home values. We’re making it easier to save for retirement and more affordable to send a son or daughter to college.

The investments we have made and tough steps we have taken have helped break the back of the recession, and now our economy is finally growing again.  But as I said when I took office, job recovery from this crisis would not come easily or quickly. Though the job losses we were experiencing earlier this year have slowed dramatically, we’re still not creating enough new jobs each month to make up for the ones we’re losing.  And no matter what the economists say, for families and communities across the country, this recession will not end until we completely turn that tide.

So we’ve made progress. But we cannot rest – and my administration will not rest – until we have revived this economy and rebuilt it stronger than before; until we are creating jobs and opportunities for middle class families; until we have moved beyond the cycles of boom and bust – of reckless risk and speculation – that led us to so much crisis and pain these past few years.

Next week, I’ll be meeting with owners of large and small businesses, labor leaders, and non-for-profits from across the country, to talk about the additional steps we can take to help spur job creation. I will work with the Congress to enact them quickly. And it is my fervent hope – and my heartfelt expectation – that next Thanksgiving we will be able to celebrate the fact that many of those who have lost their jobs are back at work, and that as a nation we will have come through these difficult storms stronger and wiser and grateful to have reached a brighter day.

Thank you, God bless you, and from my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

Looking for bargains this Thanksgiving week? Head for the malls or shopping centers, but don’t expect to find great deals at the local gasoline pumps.  If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving take along some extra cash or plan on swiping your credit card a few times, because the trip is going to cost ya!

Last night, I bought almost 7 gallons of regular at the Conoco Phillips 76 station at Alameda Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Burbank for about 20 bucks. The price per gallon: $2.89 . A check of the AAA Fuel Gauge Report shows the average price in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area stands at $2.95 today. This time last year, the average here in the Southland was $2.18 per gallon, a bargain considering the pump prices now.

Statewide, the average is $2.93, according to the survey. Nationwide, the average price of regular is hovering around $2.63 a gallon: last year at this time, $1.90!  Makes you want to bail from the Golden State and move to the South or the East Coast? Not really, especially when you look at the kind of weather we’re having and compare it with temperatures in those sections of the country.

Still, I can’t get over how high gas prices are, particularly in California and in the Southland. This time last year, the prices at the pumps along Glenoaks Boulevard near Olive Avenue in Burbank were around $2.55 a gallon. At least 50 cents a gallon more than the national average at the time, but less than what motorists are paying now.

Photos from November 2008:  FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank

It seems that whenever gas prices and the unemployment figures are jacked up, the public’s view of the economy plummets. Right now, grim reminders like fuel prices and jobless rates make it hard for the average person to buy into optimistic reports that say the recession is over.

Yet, I believe when most of us sit down to dinner with family and friends this Thursday, we will find plenty of other things to be grateful for — and for a lot of us that means sending up a prayer of thanks to a higher power.  

Some grim economic news out today from the federal government about the number of Americans out of work. The federal data shows the unemployment rate continues to rise despite reports from some experts that the recovery from this dreaded recession is underway.

The California jobless rate rose from 11.9% to a record high of 12.2% in August, according to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics. The golden state is not so bright for more than 12,000 of its workers who lost their jobs last month and thousands of job seekers who were looking and didn’t find work.

In Michigan unemployment jumped to 15.2%, the highest in the country. Nationally, the unemployment rate creeped up from 9.4% to 9.7%. Here locally, in the Los Angeles/Long Beach/Glendale area, the rate hit 12.3%. A radio announcer reacted to the new stats today by saying, “If you’re unemployed, the rate is 100%.” Grim, but true.