Today's Top Story - Archive LA Mayor Joins CGA In Urging State Senate To Pass Bag Ban Legislation (8.29.2010) - The California Grocers Association on Sunday called on California state senators to “cut through the rhetoric and misinformation” being pushed by opponents of legislation that would create a uniform, statewide standard for regulating single-use carryout bags. The Senate will vote this week on Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley) which will ban single-use plastic bags, require stores selling groceries to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution, and allow the sale of recycled paper bags at cost. The bill has passed the Assembly and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has indicated he will sign it. Photo: L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at press conference as Assembly Member Julia Brownley listens. More... Los Angeles Times Editorial No Evidence Tainted Eggs Go Beyond 2 Farms (8.24.2010) - Food and Drug Administration officials said Monday that there is no evidence a massive outbreak of salmonella in eggs has spread beyond two Iowa farms, though a team of investigators is still trying to figure out what caused it. FDA officials said they do not expect the number of eggs recalled — 550 million — to grow. Dr. Jeff Farrar, FDA's associate commissioner for food protection, said 20 FDA investigators are at the two farms, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms, and could be there until next week. He said preliminary findings of the investigation should be available later this week. Fox News FDA Website H1N1 Public Health Emergency Over, WHO Says (8.10.2010) - The public health emergency triggered by the emergence of the H1N1 virus "should be considered over," an emergency committee of the World Health Organization said Tuesday. The committee advised the WHO's director-general "that the world was no longer experiencing an influenza pandemic," the organization said in a statement. "We are moving out of the pandemic into the post-pandemic period," said Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO. More... Schwarzenegger Orders More Furloughs For State Workers (7.28.2010) - Less than one month after ending furloughs for about 200,000 state workers, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this morning brought back a scaled-down version of the policy, effective Sunday. The governor made the decision this week after Controller John Chiang said that unless lawmakers enacted a budget soon, the state's cash would go into the red by October. Chiang said he'll start issuing IOUs in August or September to conserve funds as long as possible. Sacramento Bee Pro-Union Law Struck Down by Appeals Court (7.21.2010) - A state appeals court struck down a union-backed California law Monday that allows labor picketing on a store's parking lots and private sidewalks, saying it unconstitutionally requires property owners to host speakers with whom they disagree. California courts since 1979 have allowed peaceful picketing, leafleting and other political activity outside large multistore shopping malls, likening them to town squares where private citizens can exercise freedom of speech. But the courts have not extended the same protections to speakers on private property outside stand-alone stores, like the one in Monday's ruling. San Francisco Chronicle Campaign Funds Pour Into Race For 15th Senate District Seat (7.20.2010) - Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee's campaign for Senate received a big boost with an additional $150,000 contribution from the California Republican Party, state records show. The GOP previously had donated $200,000 to Blakeslee's bid to win the Senate seat vacated by Abel Maldonado's selection for lieutenant governor. The coastal district stretches from Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties south to Santa Barbara. Sacramento Bee Congress Passes Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (7.15.2010) - The Congress completed action on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act when the United States Senate passed the measure today, reports the National Grocers Association. The legislation was passed in response to the financial collapse and regulatory failures that occurred in 2008. More... Doug Scholz Named CGA Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnership (7.6.2010) - The California Grocers Association has named Doug Scholz Senior Director of the newly created position of Business Development and Strategic Partnership, effective July 9.  In this new position, Scholz is responsible for maintaining and expanding CGA’s current revenue stream while developing new business opportunities. His responsibilities include managing the Association’s annual conference, membership, industry events, sponsorships and fundraising efforts. More... California Budget Deadline Passes Without A Budget (7.1.2010) - California begins a new budget year Thursday without a spending plan in place and with no agreement imminent between state legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on how to close a $19.1-billion deficit. And California's top finance officials warned of further reductions in the state's already woeful credit ratings on Wall Street. With the budget deadline looming, the governor and top Democrats huddled late Wednesday to discuss ways to break the impasse in negotiations. Los Angeles Times Senate Environmental Quality Committee Approves Plastic Ban Bill (6.28.2010) - A bill in the California Legislature that would establish a uniform, statewide standard regarding regulation of single-use carryout bags moved one step closer to resolution after passing out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on a 5-2 vote. Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley) would require affected stores to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution and would pre-empt local ordinances that regulate bags at those retailers subject to the state law. More... Blakeslee tops Laird, but runoff likely in Senate race (6.23.2010) - Republican Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee appears to have beaten Democrat John Laird in a hotly contested Senate primary election but narrowly failed to secure the majority vote necessary to capture the seat outright. With all precincts counted, Blakeslee led Laird by a margin of 49.7 percent to 41.2 percent, with independent candidate Jim Fitzgerald garnering 6.1 percent and Libertarian Mark Hinkle about 3 percent. Sacramento Bee Voters to Decide on California Global Warming Law (6.23.2010) - An initiative that seeks to suspend California's landmark global warming law until unemployment drops will appear on the November election ballot. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified the initiative on Tuesday. The California Jobs Initiative seeks to delay the state's global warming law until the unemployment rate falls from its current rate of 12.4 percent to 5.5 percent or lower and stays there for a year. Sacramento Bee Sen. Durbin, House Conferees Reach Agreement on Interchange Fees (6.22.2010) - Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that an agreement has been reached with key conferees on the Wall Street reform bill regarding his amendment regulating interchange fees. The agreement makes minor, clarifying changes to the language, which passed the Senate 64 to 33 on May 13, and responds to concerns raised by state governments regarding their use of prepaid and debit cards distribution of government benefits. NACSOnline Lawmakers Set to Miss Budget Deadline Again (6.15.2010) California lawmakers' constitutional deadline to pass a state budget by June 15 will be ignored today – again. Only once in the past two decades has the deadline been met, last year, but that spending plan was quickly unraveled by the economy and needed more than $20 billion in fixes. Sacramento Bee California Election Wrap-Up: Whitman, Fiorina Win (6.9.2010) Republicans choose wealthy businesswomen to oppose Democrats Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer for governor and U.S. Senator. Voters also approved Proposition 14, the California open primary initiative. Here's the news from around the state. L.A. Times Sacramento Bee S.F. Chronicle San Diego Union-Tribune Photo: Meg Whitman addressed the CGA Board of Directors at its December 2009 Board Meeting. (l to r) Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc.; Meg Whitman; George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets. California Assembly Passes Legislation to Ban Free Distribution of Single-Use Carryout Bags; Bill Now Moves To The Senate (6.2.2010) The California Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday that would ban the free distribution of single-use carryout bags and require the sale of specified single-use recycled paper carryout bags to customers at the point-of-sale. Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley), supported by business, lawmakers and environmentalists, now moves to the Senate for approval. The bill would require affected stores to provide reusable bags for sale or free distribution and would pre-empt local ordinances that regulate bags at those retailers subject to the state law. If signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, it would create a statewide standard for single-use carryout bags at supermarkets, chain pharmacies and other large grocery retailers beginning January 1, 2012, and at convenience stores, neighborhood markets and liquor stores beginning July 1, 2013. More Photo: CGA staff and members met with legislative staff on Wednesday to explain the merits of AB 1998. CGA Lauds Historic Proposed Legislation Creating Uniform Standard For Single-Use Carryout Bags (6.1.2010) The California Grocers Association lauded the announcement of historic proposed legislation that would ban the free distribution of single-use carryout bags and require the sale of specified single-use recycled paper carryout bags to customers at the point-of-sale. Assembly Bill 1998 (D-Brownley), supported by business, lawmakers and environmentalists, would create a statewide standard for single-use carryout bags at supermarkets, chain pharmacies and other large grocery retailers beginning January 1, 2012 and at convenience stores, neighborhood markets and liquor stores beginning July 1, 2013. More Photo: Assembly Member Julia Brownley and CGA President Ron Fong participated in the press conference announcing AB 1998. Miguel Gonzalez, Jerry Whitmore Inducted Into CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement (5.27.2010) Miguel Gonzalez, President, Northgate Gonzalez Markets, and Jerry Whitmore, Sales Manager for Southern California, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, were inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement on May 27, 2010. The Foundation’s Hall of Achievement was created in 1992, and recognizes California grocery retailers and suppliers who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the grocery industry. More Senate Passes Credit and Debit Card Interchange Reforms (5.13.2010) The United States Senate by a bipartisan vote of 64 to 33 on May 10, passed a major amendment to reform the excessive debit card interchange fees and restrictive practices imposed on retail grocers and other merchants nationwide by the credit card networks and their largest banks that have assets of $10 billion dollars or more. More ACTION CALL: Contact Your U.S. Senator Regarding Interchange Fees (5.3.2010) The U.S. Senate will begin debate on financial regulatory reform legislation this week. Senator Durbin has filed two amendments 1) to promote competition and limit anti-competitive payment card network restrictions ; and 2) to ensure that fees charged for electronic debit transactions are reasonable and proportional to the costs incurred. Please encourage your Senators to support both amendments. To learn more, and write a letter to your U.S. Senator, click here. Paper or plastic? State High Court to Weigh In (4.22.2010) The state Supreme Court jumped into the grocery bagging wars Thursday and agreed to decide whether a city can ban plastic bags at retail stores without studying the environmental effects of the increased use of paper. The court's unanimous vote to review a case from Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles County) will not affect San Francisco, which enacted the nation's first citywide ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags at supermarkets and chain drugstores in 2007. S.F. Chronicle Baja California Earthquake Victims Need Urgent Help (4.20.2010) The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that rocked Mexico's Baja California peninsula on April 4, has left more than 25,000 displaced individuals in need of basic food, water, medical and hygiene products, according to the American Red Cross and the California Emergency Management Agency. Due to minimal media coverage, little relief has reached those impacted by the quake. The California Grocers Association is working with both agencies to coordinate company donations. For more information on how and where to donate, contact CGA at (916) 448-3545. Senate, Gubernatorial Candidates Address CGA Board (3.24.2010) U.S. Senate hopeful Tom Campbell and gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown both addressed the CGA Board of Directors at its March 24 meeting in Sacramento. Campbell hopes to be the Republican challenger to unseating Sen. Barbara Boxer who is up for re-election this November. Brown is seeking to return to the position he held more than three decades ago. Grocers Rally In Sacramento (3.24.2010) More than 70 grocery retailers and suppliers were in Sacramento on Tuesday for CGA's annual Grocers Day at the Capitol. The Association's one-day lobbying event gave CGA members the opportunity to meet their state lawmakers one on one in the State Capitol and discuss key issues facing the industry. In addition, attendees heard from Assembly Minority Leader Martin Garrick (R-Carlsbad), Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster); and Jason Marshall, Director, CalRecycle. Photo: (l to r) Michael Read, WinCo Foods; Jim Amen, Super A Foods; Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Temecula); Ronald Fong, CGA; George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets. The Grocers Are Coming, The Grocers Are Coming! (3.23.2010) Grocery retailers and suppliers are in Sacramento today for CGA;s annual Grocers Day at the Capitol. The Association's one-day lobbying event includes presentations by top lawmakers and industry issue briefings by CGA's government relations team. Later in the day, attendees will meet with key legislators in prescheduled meetings at the Capitol to discuss legislation impacting the industry. The day concludes with the President's Reception. Simple-Majority Budget Anchors Democrats' Reform Package (3.12.2010) Targeting California's bitter budget fights, Democratic legislative leaders proposed a wide-ranging overhaul Thursday that would allow lawmakers to pass budgets by a simple-majority vote and would require them to forfeit pay if they are late in passing a spending plan. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez hailed the package as a way to restore public confidence by making the budget process more efficient and ensuring that costly new programs are not approved without a way of paying for them. Sacramento Bee Governor Signs Beverage Recycling Relief Measure (3.9.2010) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed CGA- ‐backed legislation designed to restore the state's beleaguered Beverage Container Recycling Program and Fund to solvency through June. Additionally, the bill helps to lay the groundwork for a long- ‐term solution by temporarily implementing many of the issues grocers will seek in a long- ‐term fix. The measure, AB 8x 7 (Evans et. al.) was approved by the Legislature more than a week ago after a heavy lobbying effort by CGA and beverage manufacturers. More... More... Brown Throws His Hat Into Gubernatorial Ring (3.2.2010) Attorney General Jerry Brown made it official this morning that he's running for California governor, putting to rest months of speculation about his political intentions. Brown, who served two terms as governor from 1975 to 1983, said in an online video posted on his Web site, "At this stage of my life, I'm prepared to focus on nothing else but fixing this state I love." Sacramento Bee New California Speaker Says Jobs Are No. 1 Priority (3.1.2010) At his swearing-in as California's 68th Assembly Speaker at the State Capitol, Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) said his top priority is to get Californians back to work. In his speech, which was delivered before several hundred community and business leaders, working men and women and elected officials, Pérez said he would work to implement innovative ideas around job creation and government reform and he also pledged to work across both sides of the aisle to deliver results for Californians. More... California Assembly Passes Short-Term Beverage Recycling Fix (2.25.2010) The California Legislature moved one step closer on Thursday to providing a short-term solution to the State’s Beverage Container Recycling Program crisis, thanks in large part to the California Grocers Association. The key provisions of the bill include a temporary acceleration of distributor payments into the fund, temporary reductions in non-core expenditures. a requirement that program participants be given at least 90-days' notice of future proportionate reductions, language intended to prohibit future borrowing from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund (BCRF), and retroactive restoration of proportionate reductions between Jan. 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010. More... CGA Hosts Successful San Jose/Santa Clara County Local Government Days (2.25.2010) On Wednesday, CGA hosted its first-ever San Jose/Santa Clara County Local Government Day featured presentations by top local elected officials including the mayors of San Jose and Campbell. In addition, attendees heard from Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss and four San Jose councilmembers. The event is part of the Association’s expanding grassroots outreach program. Similar meetings are being developed throughout California. CGA wishes to thank event sponsors: PW Supermarkets, Safeway Inc., Save Mart Supermarkets, and Coca-Cola Enterprises Bottling Company of California. Photo: (l to r) San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and CGA President Ronald Fong. South L.A. Gets A New Supermarket (2.25.2010) With the opening Wednesday of a Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the area around Central Avenue and Adams Boulevard in South Los Angeles has two new supermarkets. The Fresh & Easy joins a Superior just a couple of blocks away. L.A. City Councilwoman Jan Perry said she was "overjoyed" at the opening of the store along "an emotional historic corridor," the center of blues and jazz in the first half of the last century. Perry's office worked with the grocery company to develop the corner site, which has apartments above the grocery store. Read more: Los Angeles Times Photo: (l to r) Mary Kasper, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Stores; City Councilwoman Jan Perry. Legislature Takes $2 billion Bite Out of California's Deficit (2.23.2010) Up against a deadline to close at least part of the state's $19.9 billion deficit, the California Legislature sent more than $2 billion in cuts to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday. But they held off on approving the rest of a package that punts most of the state's budget pain until later this year. In low-key votes, lawmakers slashed nearly $1 billion from the state's prison system, chiefly from inmates' medical care, and approved a $540 million reduction in state workers' paychecks. The state Senate had approved those measures last week, and on Monday they passed the Assembly on party-line votes. Read more: San Jose Mercury News Has the Golden State Gone Bust? (2.22.2010) California's dire and ongoing budget predicament is raising a tough - and touchy - question about the state's finances, one that some at the Capitol do not want discussed: Is California bankrupt? Leaders and would-be leaders from both major parties have raised the b-word in the past weeks, and the Golden State is frequently labeled as bankrupt by people nationwide. Read more: San Francisco Chronicle California Lawmakers Bonsider $5 billion in Budget Cuts (2.21.2010) In the midst of an economic free fall one year ago, state lawmakers scrambled to pass a $40 billion deficit solution in an emergency session. Democratic leaders locked down the Capitol for days at a time. A handful of Republicans believed the situation was so desperate that they voted for tax hikes. Sacramento Bee 'Columbo' Fights Gas Emissions Law (2.10.2010) As mismatches go, "Columbo" vs. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may not rank with David vs. Goliath, but California's environmental and energy policy would be dramatically altered if the little guy wins this fight. "Columbo" is the nickname of freshman Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Linda, who is battling to suspend a landmark greenhouse gas emissions law pushed by Democrats and touted as part of Schwarzenegger's environmental legacy.Sacramento Bee Oil, Trucking Interests Sue Over 2011 Fuel Law (2.3.2010) A coalition of oil companies, the trucking industry and others have filed a lawsuit in federal court in an attempt to block the implementation of a first-in-the-world limit on the amount of carbon allowed in fuel approved by California regulators last year. The suit, filed in federal court in Fresno, seeks an injunction to stop the implementation of the regulation, which is set to take effect next year. The so-called low-carbon fuel standard requires fuel manufacturers to cut the carbon intensity of fuels sold in the state 10 percent by 2020 - lowering the amount of greenhouse gases released for every unit of energy produced. S.F. Chronicle U.S. Government Trims Food Inflation Forecast The U.S. Agriculture Department trimmed its food inflation forecast for 2010, projecting prices at grocery stores and restaurants will rise at the same rate. The USDA lowered the consumer price index for all food to gain 2.5% to 3.5% from its December forecast of 3% to 4%. The outlook changed because government forecasters don't expect food prices at restaurants to advance as much as expected.WSJ MarketWatch Industry Testifies on Interchange Fees State lawmakers on Monday, January 25, took testimony on the issue of interchanges fees in an Assembly Banking & Finance Committee informational hearing entitled "The Evolution of Interchange Fees." Witnesses include Liz Garner, Food Marketing Institute, and local 7-Eleven franchisees along with consumer advocates, small business advocates and financial institutions themselves. While no specific proposals were debated or voted upon, the hearing provided a forum for retailers to outline concerns with the hidden fees that cost consumers millions of dollars annually. CGA lobbied committee members in preparation for the hearing, including meetings in the Capitol attended by several member companies. No decision has been made as to whether a resolution supporting Federal action will be considered, but we will continue to raise the issue of interchange on behalf of our member companies as opportunities arise. More... Another Long California Budget Battle Expected Brace yourself for another long year of budget talks. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a fiscal emergency and demanded swift action to eliminate nearly half of the state's $19.9 billion deficit by March. But the Legislature, divided as ever along partisan lines in an election year, doesn't inspire much confidence that it will solve the budget anytime soon. Sacramento Bee Governor to Call Emergency Session For Current Session Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger intends to call the Legislature into emergency session to confront a nearly $6.3 billion budget gap in the current fiscal year. The governor is expected to outline his proposed solutions by Friday – when he will unveil his new budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that begins July 1. The emergency declaration, authorized under voter-approved Proposition 58, requires lawmakers to act within 45 days on his proposals or pass their own combination of cuts and revenue increases. There is no penalty if the Legislature fails to perform, although lawmakers are barred from adjourning or considering other issues until they act on the governor's plan. Sacramento Bee Courts Play Referee Role in California Budget Cutting During his first year in office, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger railed against state lawmakers, calling them "girlie men" and "obstructionists." As he enters his final year, Schwarzenegger is targeting a different branch of government: judges who "are going absolutely crazy." The Republican governor openly complains about the judiciary these days for blocking budget decisions and forcing California to find billions of dollars elsewhere. Recent judgments have contributed to the state's $20.7 billion projected deficit. Sacramento Bee CGA Hires Government Relations Manager The California Grocers Association has hired Kara Bush as Manager of Government Relations, effective immediately. Bush will aggressively represent the Association as a second "in-house" lobbyist and focus on State regulatory issues in addition to other government relations department responsibilities. "While continuing to build our government relations program, it made sense to have further representation in the regulatory arena." said CGA President and CEO Ronald Fong. Bush will also serve as a second lobbyist for what is anticipated to be an aggressive 2010 CGA legislative agenda. More... California Grocers Donate 266,000 Pounds of Food To Governor and First Lady's WE Can Food Drive California grocers answered Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver's holiday season request for food by donating 266,203 pounds to the statewide WE Can Food Drive. Truckloads of donated food from throughout California rolled into California Emergency Foodlink Distribution Centers in Sacramento and Southern California the week of December 7 to deliver the much-needed donations. Participating grocers included Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets, Inc., Raley's, Ralphs Grocery Co., Safeway Inc., Save Mart Supermarkets and Vons Companies Inc. More... Photo: (l to r) Dan Conway, Safeway Inc.; Wendy Kennedy, Save Mart Supermarkets; First Lady Maria Schriver; Alicia Rockwell, Save Mart Supermarkets; Jennifer Teel-Wolter, Raley's Gubernatorial Candidate Poizner To Inject $15 Million Into Campaign Trailing both in the polls and the race to raise campaign cash, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner will inject $15 million of his personal wealth into his effort to become California's next Republican governor, his campaign spokesman said Sunday. The contribution by the Silicon Valley entrepreneur, to be completed this month, will mean Poizner will have spent $19.2 million this year on his campaign, spokesman Jarrod Agen said. Poizner, in poll after poll, has found himself mired in third place, behind front-runner Meg Whitman, the billionaire former eBay CEO and Tom Campbell, a former Silicon Valley congressman. San Jose Mercury News California Assembly To Elect Perez Speaker Assembly Democrats this afternoon chose Assemblyman John A. Perez as their new speaker, making the first-term Democrat the first openly gay man to hold the post. Members emerged from a closed-door caucus at the historic Stanford Mansion to announce that Democrats had chosen Perez, of Los Angeles, on an unanimous vote. The move came after Assemblyman Kevin de Leon agreed to bow out. A public vote on the Assembly floor is expected later this afternoon. It followed a morning of smaller private meetings in which Perez, de Leon and a core group of the latter's supporters discussed how to go forward after a bitter speakership fight. Sacramento Bee Food Safety Tips During Power Outages With potential electricity shortages facing California due to colder than normal weather, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health offers food safety tips to prevent food-borne illness in the event of power outages. When the power comes back on, all potentially hazardous foods must be evaluated for proper temperatures. More... Gubernatorial Hopeful Meg Whitman Addresses CGA Board of Directors California gubernatorial candidate and former President/CEO of eBay, Meg Whitman, addressed the CGA Board of Directors on Dec. 3. Whitman said her campaign focuses on three key areas: increasing employment, reducing government spending and improving education. Photo: (l to r) Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc.; Meg Whitman; George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets. CGA Elects New Chairman of the Board George Frahm, Executive Vice President, Retail Operations & Administration for Stater Bros. Markets, San Bernardino, CA, was elected California Grocers Association’s 2009-2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on Dec. 3, 2009. As Chairman, Frahm will oversee the Association’s numerous programs. The chair serves for one year. He succeeds Immediate Past Chair Bob Ling, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Unified Grocers, Inc. For a complete list of new board members, click here. Steinberg's Comments Cast Doubt Over Lt. Gov. Pick The leader of the state Senate said he had "grave doubts" over confirming Abel Maldonado as lieutenant governor, just minutes after Gov. Schwarzenegger formally tapped Maldonado to fill the vacancy. "Confirming Senator Maldonado will necessitate a special election to fill his Senate seat," Steinberg said in a statement Tuesday. Capitol Weekly California Recycling Program Is On The Rocks For years California has courted a reputation as an eco-friendly, green-minded leader, but the state now finds its most basic program of recycling beverage bottles and cans mired in debt and litigation. Dozens of supermarket recycling sites have shut down recently as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislators spar over how to close a massive gap in the program's budget. Sacramento Bee Poor California: No Money and No Leadership In the new movie "2012," whose video trailers were bombarding television airwaves last week, the world as we know it gives way three years hence under a siege of floods, eruptions, undulating continents and earthquakes. In other words, it's not much different from what is happening in California, fiscally speaking, except that the state will be lucky to hang on that long. Los Angeles Times Major Recycler Sues Over Beverage Container Fund Insolvency California's largest single recycling services provider sued the state November 9 claiming $416 million in so-called loans made to the cash-starved general fund from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund are illegal and must be repaid. More... Schwarzenegger: This Year's Budget Gap May Hit $7 Billion Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger estimated Monday that California's budget will fall out of balance by $5 billion to $7 billion this fiscal year, on top of a $7.4 billion gap already projected for 2010-11. If true, state leaders would confront at least a $12.4 billion to $14.4 billion problem when Schwarzenegger releases his budget in January. California currently has an $84.6 billion general fund budget. Sacramento Bee Poll: Voters Skeptical of State Reform Proposals Of those surveyed, 54% want to keep the two-thirds majority required to pass a budget, 65% reject a new sales tax for service providers and 62% oppose changing Prop. 13's property-tax restrictions. Backers of an overhaul of California's government, who hope to leverage disgust with Sacramento into support for changing how the state raises taxes and spends money, have a difficult path ahead, according to a new poll of California voters. Los Angeles Times California Grocery Industry Attends CGA Strategic Conference Retailers, suppliers and wholesalers from throughout California gathered in Las Vegas on Nov. 1-3 for the 2009 CGA Strategic Conference. Attendees heard from California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, political consultant Pete Mitchell and industry experts Michael Sansolo and Kevin Coupe. For a photo wrap-up of the Conference, click here. California Legislators Strike a Final Water Deal Lawmakers capped months of discussions, weeks of tedious negotiations and years of chasing a water deal with approval of major legislation in a marathon session that ended Wednesday as the sun rose. More... Obama Declares H1N1 Emergency President Obama has declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the H1N1 influenza virus. Obama's action allows Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements" to help health care facilities enact emergency plans to deal with the pandemic. CNN CDC Launches H1N1 Flu Mobile Texting Pilot Sign up now to have important CDC information about H1N1 flu and other topics delivered directly to your mobile phone! In September 2009, CDC launched a three-month text messaging campaign pilot to share important, timely health information directly to users. To subscribe to the pilot, text HEALTH to 87000. Subscribers can expect to receive about three health messages a week during the three-month pilot. Standard text messaging rates will apply. For more information about the pilot, visit http://www.cdc.gov/mobile. H1N1 Virus Confirmed in Minnesota Pig The H1N1 virus has been confirmed in a sample taken from a pig that was displayed at the Minnesota State Fair, the first time the virus has been found in a U.S. pig, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday. The Department of Agriculture quickly issued a statement saying the food supply is safe. "We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them that several international organizations, including the World Organization for Animal Health, have advised that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and pork products," the U.S. Agriculture Secretary said in the statement. "People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products. Pork is safe to eat." The announcement came three days after health officials announced that three pigs that were displayed during the fair had tested positive in a preliminary test for the H1N1 flu virus. Final results on the other two pigs have not been announced. "This, of course, may be the first indication that it is present in some swine here in the United States," the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture told reporters in a conference call on Friday. More.... Governor Signs, Vetoes Bills; Plans New Water Special Session Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers failed to reach final agreement on ways to solve the state's water problems Sunday, but the governor nevertheless released scores of bills after concluding some progress had been made. Sacramento Bee Candidate Debate Highlights Local Government Day Grocers attending Wednesday's CGA Los Angeles Local Government Day heard from both candidates vying to fill the vacant District 2 seat on L.A.'s City Council. Entertainment executive Christine Essel and Assembly Member Paul Krekorian each presented their position on key issues and answered attendee questions. Other presenters included L.A. Controller Wendy Greuel, Assembly Member Mike Feuer and a panel group who discussed L.A.'s current economic climate. Attendees also toured the Coca-Cola bottling plant. CGA wishes to thank Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southern California for hosting the event. Photo: (l to r) Bob Phillips, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Southern California; CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc.; L.A. Controller Wendy Greuel; Ron Fong, CGA CGA Meets With Governor's Office To Discuss Recycling Bill On Sept. 30, representatives from Food 4 Less (Stockton), Holiday/Sav-Mor Foods, Raley’s and Safeway Inc. joined CGA’s advocacy team in a meeting with the Senior Advisor to Gov. Schwarzenegger, urging a signature on SB 402. The bill would make changes to California's beverage container recycling law, helping to avoid a collapse of the existing recycling infrastructure. Should the Governor veto the bill, grocers would be forced to either take used beverage cans and bottles back into their stores and refund deposits to consumers or pay daily fines to the State. Photo: (l to r) Kevin Konkel, Raley's; John Quinn, Food 4 Less (Stockton); Brad Askeland, Holiday/Sav-Mor Foods; Ron Fong, CGA; Dan Conway, Karl Schroeder, Safeway Inc.; Richie Morgan, Holiday/Sav-More Foods. L.A.'s Central Ave. Is Dreaming Again Superior Grocers opened the first full-scale supermarket along Los Angeles' Central Ave. in at least five years. The store, which will cater largely to the area's dominant Latino community, is the 33rd Superior in Southern California. It will serve as the anchor of a $27.5-million mixed-use development called Central Village: 45,000 square feet of retail space and 85 affordable-housing apartments. Los Angeles Times San Jose Joins Regional Effort to Promote Reusable Bags San Jose Vice Mayor Judy Chirco (photo) joined Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition, PW Markets and Keep California Beautiful at a press event Wednesday to launch the regional "Bring Your Own Bag" campaign to encourage consumers to use resuable bags and to recycle and reuse their plastic carryout bags. Hundreds of reusable bags were given away to PW customers. More... Two Scanner Bills Fail To Pass Two scanner bills opposed by CGA will not reach the governor's desk this Legislative Session. AB 1060 (D-De La Torre) which would have prohibited alcoholic beverage sales via self-checkout was pulled by the author before the last day of session. SB 550 (D-Florez) failed to pass on the Assembly floor last week and the author opted to not bring it back for reconsideration. Both bills may resurface in the next session. CGA Moves Closer to Defeating Scanner Bill CGA moved closer to defeating SB 550 (Florez) on Thursday when the bill failed to pass on the Assembly Floor. The final vote was 31-29 with 41 votes required for passage. The bill would require grocers to implement scanner system technology to notify checkers if a recalled item were scanned and to block the item's sale. It was recently amended to exempt chain pharmacies. CGA has argued that, among other things, technology allowing stores to comply with the bill is not available, that the bill is overly broad in its application to non-food items, and that the chain pharmacy exemption is inappropriate. The author has until September 11, to seek reconsideration. CGA Monitoring Major California Fires CGA has established ongoing communication with the California Emergency Management Agency and is monitoring California's major fires. Updates... Registered Warrants Can Be Redeemed Friday State of California registered warrants issued by the State Controller commencing July 2, 2009 will be payable beginning Friday, September 4, 2009 (the "Redemption Date"), upon presentation to the State Treasurer. More... Swine Flu: 10 Things You Need To Know A White House report from an expert panel suggests that from 30 percent to half the population could catch swine flu during the course of this pandemic and that from 30,000 to 90,000 could die. So how worried should you be and how do you prepare? The Associated Press has tried to boil down the mass of information into 10 things you should know to be flu-savvy. More... CGA, Santa Barbara Unveil Reusable Bag Education Program The California Grocers Association joined forces with the City of Santa Barbara, local retailers and environmental groups on August 28, to rollout "Where's Your Bag" - an education program designed to teach about the advantages of using reusable carryout bags through a coordinated effort to educate grocery store staff, customers and the general public about the advantages of using reusable carryout bags. To learn more, visit CGA, or City of Santa Barbara Foundation Co-Sponsors Sustainability Summit The CGA Educational Foundation recently partnered with the Food Marketing Institute to present the Food Industry Sustainability Summit in San Francisco. More than 350 top grocery retailers, suppliers and wholesalers, along with government officials, NGOs and academia participated. For more informaton on the event visit FMI's website. GROPAC Hosts Event For Assembly Minority Leader Calfiornia's retail food industry went "out to the ball game" on August 10 at Raley Field in Sacramento to support Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo). Blakeslee was elevated to the post of Minority Leader in May and most recently represented his caucus in contentious budget negotiations that successfully avoided a second round of tax increases while closing nearly all of a $26 billion deficit. In informal remarks to the group, Blakeslee noted the importance of the upcoming 2010 elections, and the need to increase the number of Republicans in the statehouse. The event was part of CGA's effort to increase the industry's profile in California's electoral process. Photo: Sacha Monpere, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of California; Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee; Ron Fong, CGA President GROPAC Hosts Fundraiser for Assembly Candidate Steven Bradford Local Los Angeles grocery retailers and suppliers came together at a fundraising lunch on August 6 to support candidate Steven Bradford (D - Gardena). The event was jointly hosted by Unified G, rocers, Inc. and the Association's GROPAC. Bradford is running for the vacant 51st Assembly District seat. A special primary election is scheduled for September 1, with the general election on November 3 if necessary. CGA recently announced its endorsement of Bradford, who outperformed other candidates in CGA's interview process. Photo: Steve Bradford (left) with CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc. Court Rejects Worker Retention Ordinance In an Opinion issued July 30, the Second District Court of Appeal "affirmed in full" the ruling of the trial court on CGA's challenge to the Los Angeles Grocery Worker Retention Ordinance that required new grocery store operators to retain workers hired under the previous owner. The trial court had ruled the ordinance unconstitutional. More... House Passes Far-Reaching Food Safety Bill The House has passed a far-reaching food safety bill requiring more government inspections, , , and imposing new penalties on those who violate the law, reacting strongly to an outbreak of salmonella in peanuts that killed at least nine people. The Associated Press Schwarzenegger Signs Budget, Vetoes Hundreds of Millions In State Spending Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in state spending on Tuesday as he signed a budget package aimed at bringing California's deficit-riddled books into balance. "This has been a very tough budget, probably the toughest since I have been in office here in Sacramento," the governor said, adding his vetoes would affect parks, child welfare services, and AIDS prevention and treatment. Los Angeles Times The Associated Press <, , , br> California Budget Update: A Done Deal - For Now The California Legislature on Friday finally passed a package of nearly eo bills intended to close a $26 billion-plus budget shortfall that had developed in the 2009-10 budget. The shortfall is a result of, among other things, continuing deterioration of the State's economy and voters' rejection of several budget measures placed before them in May (Propositions 1A - 1E). Debate began Thursday evening, with the Senate concluding business close to 6:30 Friday morning. The Assembly took a bit longer, working until just after 3 pm o, n Friday. More... Good Morning America Highlights Safeway Healthcare Program Safeway Inc. CEO Steve Burd shared his company's unique healthcare program on Thursday's Good Morning America. Safeway's innovative plan utilizes market-based solutions focused on rewarding healthy behavior. The California-based grocery company designed the plan in 2005 and in the past four years has kept per capita healthcare costs flat while most American companies' costs have increased nearly 40%. Good Morning America Interview , Administration Moves to Bolster Food Safety Net The Obama administration took a step toward modernizing the nation's faltering system for protecting the food supply on Tuesday, announcing new regulations to curb the spread of salmonella in eggs and naming a new food watchdog at the Food and Drug Administration. L.A. Times California's Budget Crisis Updates CGA will provide continual California budget crisis updates as this drama in the State capitol unfolds. (7.10) Q&A: - IOUs & FurloughsSacramento Bee (7.7) Speaker Boycotts California Budget Session - L.A. Times Balance The Budget! Try your hand at closing California's budget shortfall, estimated at $24 billion. It's not easy, but it can be done. Budget Balancer Colorado Firm Expands Recall of Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination JBS Swift Beef Company, a Greeley, Colo., establishment is voluntarily expanding its June 24 recall to include approximately 380,000 pounds of assorted beef primal products t, hat may be contam, inated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of , Agricultur, , e's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. More... Multistate E. coli Outbreak Linked to Cookie Dough The Centers for Disease Controls is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FS, IS) to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. As of Monday, June 22, 2009, 70 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particula, r DNA fingerprint have been reported from 30 states. More... How Would You Balance California's Budget? (6.24.2009) - What would you do to balance the state's budget? Lawmakers are set today to vote on a plan to plug California's $24-billion budget deficit, despite predictions from leaders of both parties that it won't pass. The Los Angeles Times has posted an interactive budget balancer on its website. It's your turn to play legislator! Balance the budget. California Assemblyman Juan Arambula Re-Registers As An Independent (6.23.2009) - A California assemblyman has split from the Democratic Party as both houses of the Legislature head toward a contentious vote this week on a plan to bridge the state's $24 billion budget gap. Juan Arambula confirmed today that he has re-registered as an independent. Sacramento Bee Refrigerated Cookie Dough Recalled (6.19.2009) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness). The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces. More... Paper Food Stamp Coupons Expire June 17 After June 17, 2009, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to use paper food stamp coupons and stores will no longer be required to accept them. Paper food stamp coupon received through June 17 must be redeemed at your bank, or a claim must be made at your local Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Field Office.Paper food stamp coupons are redeemable until July 17, , 2009, but after that date they will no longer have value. More... Troubled Economy Increases Shoplifting Rates Survey Finds As retailers struggle with a pullback in consumer spending, the economy continues to present new challenges for companies bottom lines. Preliminary results of the latest National Retail Security Survey released today at the National Retail Federation's Loss Prevention Conference show that retail shrinkage* averaged 1.52 percent of retail sales in 2008, up from 1.44 percent in 2007. More... Safeway CEO Delivers Healthcare Message Safeway President, Chairman, and CEO Steve Burd outlined how his company is leading health care reform by example with an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal titled “How Safeway Is Cutting Health-Care Costs.â€� More... CDA, CDFA Join Safeway to Promote Locally Grown CGA President Ron Fong and Will Brown, undersecretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture joined Safeway Inc. and local farmers at a press conference on Thursday t, , o urge consumers to buy local and support the local and state economy. Safeway recently launched a company-wide "Locally Grown" initiative in which the company will buy first from key local growers and California growers. More... WHO Declares H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic The World Health Organization raised the flu alert Thursday to its highest level, saying H1N1 has spread to enough countries to be considered a global pandemic. This is the first global pandemic in 41 years. Increasing the alert to Level 6 does not mean that the disease is deadlier or more dangerous, just that it has spread to more countries, the WHO said. The , virus had spread to 72 countries, the health agency said. There were 25,288 confirmed cases and 139 deaths. The United States had 13,217 cases and 27 deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday of last week. Ray Fager Named New CGA Educational Foundation Chair Ray Fager, Regional VP, West for CROSSMARK Sales Agency, has been named Chairman of the CGA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees. Other recently elected Foundation officers include Pam Poggi, Safeway Inc., elected Vice-Chair; and Chris Clark, Raley's, elected Secretary/Treasurer. Fager replaces Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc., who currently serves as CGA Chai, rman of the Board. Ling served as Foundation Chair for four years. For more information on how your company can benefit from the Foundation's programs, click here. Food Safety Bill Imposes New Regulations, Fees on Food Industry (5.28.2009) - A food safety bill making its way through the House of Representatives will result in higher costs for consumers, says a food industry group. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has scheduled a June 3 hearing on the bill, which, according to Democrats, gives the Food and Drug Administration the authority and money it needs to better ensure the safety of the nation's food supply. The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 would create a registry of all food facilities serving American consumers. All food facilities operating in the U.S. or importing food into the U.S. would be required to register annually with the Food , , and Drug Administration. An annual $1,000 registration fee would "generate revenue for food safety activities at the FDA," according to a summary of the bill. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) says it agrees with the "broad goals" of the bill, but it also expressed concern about imposing significant new fees on food companies, which will be passed on to consumers -- "at a time when they can least afford it," GMA said. CNSNews.com Schwarzenegger Details $5.5B More Cuts to Budget (5.26.2009) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday proposed eliminating welfare for 500,000 families and terminating health coverage for nearly 1 million children to help close the state's ballooning budget deficit. The Republican governor's administration released details of $5.5 billion in cuts, a week after state voters defeated special election ballot measures. The new proposals are on top of those previously announced by Schwarzenegger. The Associated Press Voters Just Say No to Propo, , sitions (5.20.2009) - On Tuesday, California voters soundly rejected five budget measures proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger and the state Legislature. What this means to California depends on who you talk to. Saying California voters delivered a message to "go all out" in cutting government spending, the Governor promised to make severe state budget reductions in education, health care and law enforcement. Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee Strong Sales Increase Offset by Inflation, Study Finds (5.15.2009) - Supermarket industry sales increased 5.2 percent in 2008, and identical-store sales rose 4.5 percent, but these gains were offset by the 5.7 percent food-at-home inflation rate last year, according to the 2009 Food Retailing Industry Speaks: Annual State of the Industry Review released by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). Adjusted for inflation, sales declined 0.5 percent, and identical-store sales 1.2 percent. Industry net profits decreased to 1.43 percent, from 1.82 percent, as companies competed more intensely for fewer consumer dollars in a recessionary economy. Contributing to this decline were increases in the cost of goods, health insurance and credit card interchange fees, among other expenses.Independent retailers (companies with 1-10 stores) posted the highest net profits and identical-store sales increases at 1.90 percent and 5.11 percent, respectively. More... SUPERVALU Exec. Named WAFC President (5.12.2009) - Pete Van Helden, Executive Vice President/President, Retail West for SUPERVALU, Inc. was elected president of the Western Ass, o, ciation of Food Chains for 2009-2010 at the Association's 88th Annual Convention recently. Others elected included: Vice President, Mike Proulx, Bashas Markets; Treasurer, Karl Schroeder, Safeway Inc.; and Secretary, Lynn Gust, Fred Meyer, Inc. More... Jesusita (Santa Barbara) Fire Update: 8,700 Acres Burned (5.11.2009) - Aided by foggy, humid weather, the size of the Jesusita fire remains unchanged at 8,700 acres and no more homes have been destroyed other than the 70 structures already reported. The fire is now about 70 percent contained. Twenty-two residences have been damaged and 77 destroyed. The price tag for fighting the fire, whic, h started last Tuesday, is up to $10.8 million. More... The Western Food Industry Expo is Now The CGA Strategic Conference (5.4.2009) - The Western Food Industry Exposition (WFIE) Presented by California Grocers Association has a new name, but the convention's successful meeting format remains the same. WFIE is now the CGA Strategic Conference. "The Association's Convention Committee determined it was time for the convention's name to better reflect who it was representing," said Committee Chair George Frahm, Stater Bros. Markets. "The convention draws attendees nationwide, but the lion's share are from California." More... WHO Renames Swine Flu - Influenza A(H1N1) (5.1.2009) - H1N1 Update: The World Health Organization announced Thursday it will now refer to the Swine Flu as influenza A(H1N1). CGA is providing three new resources for grocery retailers and suppliers, including an industry only H1N1 website to exchange information related to the new virus, a resource paper prepared in 2008 for the grocery and food service industry, and a consumer brochure from the Food Marketing Institute. CGA has created a member-only H1N1 information website and includes a Forum to allow CGA and members to exchange operation information. To learn more, click here. Raw Alfalfa Sprouts Linke, d to Salmonella Contamination (4.27.2009) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella serotype Saintpaul contamination. Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time. For updat, ed information click here. 10-Cents A Drink Tax Poised For Defeat (4.21.2009) - The latest attempt to impose a pe, r-drink tax on alcoholic beverages sold in California appeared poised to go down in defeat after an initial hearing of the bill produced only three affirmative votes in the Assembly Health Committee. While an official roll call will not be available for many hours, the bill would require at least 10 votes for approval. AB 1019 (Beall) was a top target of CGA and California's beer, wine and liquor companies. Specifically, the bill sought to impose a 10 cents-per-drink surtax on all quantities of beer, wine and spirits sold in California. Industry representatives persuaded a majority of Assembly Health Committee members that the estimated loss to jobs and retail sales in California did not outweigh the need to generate additional revenue during the current budget cri, , sis. 2009 Earth Day, April 22, 2009 Grocers Urge Greater Reusable Bag Use (4.22.2009) - Grocers throughout California are joining the worldwide Earth Day celebration on April 22 by promoting reusable shopping bags. “Using reusable bags is one of the easiest and most effective ways to have a positive impact on our environment, said Ronald Fong, President and CEO, California Grocers Association. “On Earth Day 2009, we intend to increase reusable bag awareness and educate consumers to the benefits of their use.' More... Interchange Fee Increase Draws Industry's Ire (4.17.2009) - Food , , Marketing Institute President Leslie Sarasin called Visa's decision to increase the interchange fees on payments using Visa rewards cards "deplorable", labeling it a "hidden tax on every plastic transaction, fixed by the credit card companies and banks in an anti-competitive market." Credit card companies and banks extract an interchange fee averaging about 2 percent on every credit card transaction. The total cost of interchange fees tripled since the beginning of this decade, from $16.6 billion in 2001 to a $48.8 billion in 2008, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition and data from The Nilson Report. In the end, all consumers pay for the fees, whether they pay by plastic, cash or check,, , because card company rules effectiv, ely force retailers to build them into the price of all goods and services. Unified Grocers Named Second 'Most Admired' Company in California (4.15.2009) - CGA member Unified Grocers, Inc. has once again been named to Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies for 2009, behind Walt Disney, Inc., and fourth on the list of Most Admired in the Wholesale Food and Grocery Industry. Companies were rated on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. FISMC Honors CGA Board Member (4.14.200, 9) - CGA Board Member Jerry Whitmore, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, recently received the Legends of the Industry award from the Food Industry Sales Managers Club (FISMC). Whitmore was recognized for his 43 years of service to the California food industry. FISMC is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2009. Five CGA Member Companies Ranked in Top 10 (4.9.2009) - Consumer Reports has released its list of Top 10 supermarkets and five are CGA members. Making the list were Trader Joe's (No. 2), Raley's (4), Costco Wholesale (7), Whole Foods (8) and Winco Foods Co. (10). New York-based Wegmans was named No. 1 The magazine surveyed more than 32,000 customers about their supermarket experiences. FDA Warns Consumers Not To Eat Any Pistachios (4.3.2009) - FDA is advising consumers not to eat any brand of shelled or unshelled pistachios, or any food products containing pistachios, such as baked goods, trail mix, and other snack foods, until FDA determines which pistachios and pistachio products are affected by the recall being conducted by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. ("Setton"), also called Setton Farms. More... GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful Addresses CGA Board (4.2.2009) Sacramento - California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner outlined part of the platform he plans to run on during his race for the California governorship next year during a presentation to the California Grocers Association Board of Directors on April 1. Poizner said California's government must modernize its operations. He is calling for education reform, saying the state has gone from first to worst in 40 years. He also intends to push for rebuilding California's aging infrastructure. Pictured from left to right - CGA President Ron Fong, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc. Grocers Day Was A "Capitol" Affair (4.1.2009) Sacramento - More than 70 grocery retailers and suppliers gathered in Sacramento on March 31 to participate in CGA's annual one-day member lobbying event - Grocers Day at the Capitol. Attendees heard from top legislative leaders including Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth and State Controller John Chiang, and met individually with the majority of state Legislators in the State Capitol. Legislators and staff were treated to ice cream and cookies as part of CGA's annual Ice Cream Social, courtesy of Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream and Kellogg Co. CGA also hosted a Legislative Reception following the event. Pictured from left to right - CGA President Ron Fong, Speaker Karen Bass, CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, Inc. More... FDA Alerts Consumers to Recall of Certain Pistachios (3.31.2009) The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. More... Sacramento Grocers Donate Toiletries to "Tent City" Homeless (3.25.2009) The California Grocers Association and member companies Safeway Inc. and Save Mart Supermarkets are partnering with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to provide toiletry kits for approximately 200 homeless individuals living in an encampment near the American River Parkway that has become known internationally as “Tent City." More... Legislative Leaders To Address Grocers Day at the Capitol (3.24.2009) Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (R- Murietta) are the featured speakers at this year's California Grocers Association Grocers Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in Sacramento. In addition to hearing from top legislative leaders, attendees will also meet their elected officials in pre-sche, duled meetings in the state Capitol. More... Khaledi, Detherage Inducted into CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement (3.19.2009) Darioush Khaledi, Chairman and CEO of K.V. Mart Co., and Doug Detherage, Director of Customer Relations for Bimbo Bakeries USA, were inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. To view photographs from the Awards Dinner, click here. More... CGA Chairman Meets With Governor (3.17.2009) CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers, and Executive Board Members Karl Schroeder, Safeway Inc., John Quinn, Food 4 Less (Stockton) and CGA President Ronald Fong met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday, March 17, to discuss the seven propositions to be voted on in a statewide special election on May 19 . Six of the seven propositions are a result of the recent California Budget approval and are intended to close an approximately $42 billion budget gap. President Obama Labels Food Safety, , System a Health "Hazard" (3.15.2009) The nation's food safety system is a "hazard to public health" and overdue for an overhaul, President Barack Obama said this weekend. The president also is creating a special advisory group to coordinate food safety laws and recommend how to update them. More... Meanwhile in Massachusetts..... (3.11.2009) Environmental officials and the owners of hundreds of supermarkets throughout the state are expected to sign an agreement today to reduce by a third the plastic and paper bags the grocers distribute in Massachusetts. The five-year plan, devised as state lawmakers and municipalities have proposed bans or charges for the disposable bags, aims to cut the number of bags provided at supermarkets and grocery stores from the estimated 1.5 billion a year today to 1 billion a year in 2013. Supermarket Shrink Increases (3.11.2009) According to the Food Marketing Institute's, 2008 Loss Prevention and Security Report, shrink in supermarkets is up from 1.54% of sales to 2.3%. According to FMI data, the biggest source of shrink is associate theft - accounting for 38% of all shrink. Other sources of shrink include shoplifting and vendor theft. A majority of employee theft takes place at the front end of a store, with 64% of employee theft involving a POS terminal. "Card Check" Legislation To Be Introduced Today (3.10.2009) "Card Check" legislation is scheduled to be introduced in both the Senate and House today. The "Employee Free Choice Act" or '“Card Check", replaces the current private ballot election process that permits employees to vote, in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) supervised election when deciding whether or not to have a union with a “card check" system that only requires a union to get more than 50 percent of employees to sign a card. Click here to learn more. CGA Testifies at Senate Hearing on Peanut Product Recall (3.5.2009) CGA Vice President of Government Relations Keri Bailey on Thursday testified before a Senate Food & Agriculture Committee examining the ongoing PCA peanut product recall and whether government and industry were doing enough to protect consumers. Bailey stressed the importance grocers place on food safety and emphasized that the best possible solution to assuring a safe food supply is for product to arrive at the grocery store untainted. She urged the panel to explore ways to help address the issue on the front end with manufacturers. Governor Declares Drought State of Emergency (3.2.2009) To combat California's third consecutive year of drought, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered immediate action to manage the crisis. In the proclamation, the Governor uses his authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide assistance for people, communities and businesses impacted by the drought. More... Legislature Reaches Budget Compromise - What Does It Mean? (2.23.2009) California's Legislature finally reached agreement on a series of measures designed to close the state's yawning $40 billion-plus deficit. CGA scored major victories working with other stakeholders to block a proposed nickel-a-drink alcohol tax and helping t, o see a proposed 12-cents per gallon fuel tax removed from the package. Lawmakers sent more than two dozen bills to the Governor, several of which will need ratification by voters in a special election scheduled for March. Click here. California's Meltdown Misery Has Long Reach (2.20.2009) California may still seem to be the dreamy land of movie stars and swimming pools, beautiful beaches and endless summer. It often set standards for economic activit, y in good times; now it is setting them in bad times reports USA Today. California Budget Deadlock Broken (2.19.2009) Voting at dawn to end a three-month impasse, the California Legislature approved a deal that Democrats and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reached with a GOP holdout to resolve the state's fiscal emergency. L.A. Times - Sacramento Bee - CNN New Ag Secretary Calls For Stricter Food Labels (2.18.2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is throwing out food labeling rules proposed by the Agriculture Department just before George W. Bush left office, saying it wants labels for fresh meat and other foods that w, ould show more clearly where an animal or food came from, according to consumer groups who've been briefed on the issue. More... Stater Bros. Markets Opens Carlsbad Store (2.19.2009) Stater Bros. Markets opened its newest and most modern full-service supermarket today, Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Carlsbad, Calif. The Carlsbad store is located at 2687 Gateway Road in the Bressi Village Shopping Center and is the 11th Stater Bros. store in San Diego County. Former CGA Chair Receives Prestigious Award (2.16.2009) Former CGA Chair Michael Provenzano, Pro's Ranch Markets, was awarded the first ever Kraft Foods Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the recent 2009 National Grocers Association Convention. Provenzano was recognized for his company's "evolving business model founded upon the principles of a good old fashioned work ethic." Texas Recalls All Peanut Butter Products From PCA Plant (2.13.2009) Texas has ordered a recall of all products ever shipped from a now-closed Peanut Corp. of American plant in Plainview amid a nationwide salmonella outbreak. The order came Thursday evening from the Department of State Health Services. The agency says "dead rodents, rodent excrement and bird feathers" were disc, overed Wednesday in a crawl space above a production area. More... Keri Bailey Named CGA Vice President, Government Relations (1.16.2009) Keri Bailey has been hired as CGA's new Vice President, Government Relations, effective January 16, 2009. She will be responsible for managing CGA's government relations program at both the state and local level, including CGA's two local governement representatives and Sacramento Staff. She will be the Association's chief lobbyist and direct CGA's contract lobbyists. To read the press release click here. <, font color="#FF0000"> Salmonella Outbreak in 43 states linked to contaminated peanut butter; Kellogg to halts sales of peanut butter crackers (1.15.2009) Lab tests on a tainted tub of peanut butter produced a genetic match to the strain of salmonella that has struck nationwide, according to the Washinton Post article. As of January 14, 2009, 434 people have been infected by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. Kellogg took the action as a "precautionary measure" after one of its peanut paste suppliers, Peanut Corp. of America, announced a nationwide recall of peanut butter made in a Georgia plant, according to the FDA and The Washington Post. To learn more about the outbreak and what states are affected visit the CDC webpage For additional information view the following articles: San Francisco Chronicle Salmonella Outbreak in 42 states (1.08.09) ) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and with public health officials in many states to investigate an ongoing multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella stereotype Typhimurium. As of January 7, there have been 388 people in 42 states infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella. CDC and its public health partners are vigorously working to identify the specific contaminated product, probably a food or foods, that is causing the outbreak. CGA Staff Helps Spread Christmas Cheer (12.17.08) CGA staff joined the ranks of Santa's helpers recently at the Sacramento Children's Home and helped brighten the lives of those less fortunate during this holiday season. Each year area residents donate thousands of gifts to the Sacramento Children's Home's Holiday Program which in turn distributes the presents to those in need. CGA Grocers Donate 120 Pallets to Governor's Food Drive (12.9.08) Sacramento area grocers brought their holiday gift giving spirit to the steps of the California Capitol on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, by donating more than 60 pallets of food to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's WE Can Food Drive. An additional 60 pallets were delivered directly to the drive's distribution center in South Sacramento. More... Bob Ling Elected 2008-09 CGA Chairman of the Board (12.4.08) Bob Ling, Executive Vice President of Unified Grocers, Inc., Commerce, CA, was elected 2008-2009 Chairman of the California Grocers Assoc, iat, ion at its Annual Meeting on Dec. 4, 2008. For a complete list of newly elected CGA Board members, click here. State Budget Crisis Brings Legislature Back To Work Early (12.2.08) The California Legislature, which normally does not begin until Jan. 1, was ordered into special session on December 1, by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to deal with the state's budget crisis. Twenty eight new Assembly members and 11 Senate members were sworn in during opening session ceremonies. State EDD Director Addresses CGA Government Relations Annual Meeting (11.18.08) Patrick Henning, Director, California Employment Development Department, was the featured speaker at this year's CGA Government Relations annual meeting on November 18. Grocery retailers and suppliers from around the state attended the one-day event designed to review the 2007-2008 Legislative Session and look ahead to 2009. Pictured are: (left to right): Ron Fong, CGA; Patrick Henning, EDD; Incoming CGA Chair Bob Ling, Unified Grocers. Grocers/Suppliers Respond In Wake of Southern California Fires (11.17.08) CGA is working hand-in-hand with the Governor's Office of, Emergency Services (OES) to provide food, water and other necessities to the tho, usands of Californians displaced by the wildfires burning in the Southland. Two major fires are still not 100% contained. CGA Participates in Statewide Emergency Response Exercise (11.14.08) CGA is currently participating in the largest ever statewide emergency response exercise - the 2008 Golden Guardian. Nearly 5,000 emergency response personnel from the federal, state and local level, along with key private sector entities are involved. The exercise is designed to evaluate emergency response activities following a mock 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Los Angeles area. Former CGA Chair Re-Elected to Villa Park City Council (11.11.08) Former CGA Chairman of the Board Bill MacAloney, , Jax Markets, has been re-elected to the City of Villa Park City Council. He was originally elected to the city council in 2000 and served as its mayor until 2004. Gov. Schwarzenegger appointed him to the State Board of Accountancy in 2005. Prop. 2 Passes, Redistricting Initiative Survives Narrow Vote (11.7.08) Proposition 2, Standards for Confining Farm Animals, was overwhelming approved by Cal, ifornia voters despite broad opposition, while Proposition 11, the Legislature redistricting initiative strongly supported by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed by a narrow margin. For complete California election results, click here. Governor Schwarzenegger Opposes Proposition 2 (10.30.08) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has released his position on the 12 ballot measures Californians will vote on Nov. 4. The governor opposes Proposition 2 - Standards for Confining Farm Animals. CGA also opposes this measure. For more information regarding Prop. 2, click on the "Californians For Safe Food" icon to the right. To read the governor's position on the 12 propositions, click here. 2008 Western Food Industry Expo A Success! (10.8.08) CGA's Western Food Industry Expo is history and one of the most successful ever. More than 800 retailers and suppliers from throughout California participated during the Oct. 5-7 event in Las Vegas. Mark your calendar for the 2009 show on Nov. 1-3 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. See this year's show in pictures. Click here. CGA Joins Governor At MOU Signing Ceremony (10.3.08) CGA President Ronald Fong joined Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger at, a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that makes the private sector part of the state's disaster response team, allowing business to respond more quickly during an emergency. During the 2007 Southern California wildfires, the governor frequently singled out the grocery industry for its rapid response in providing needed suppliers to residents impacted by the fires and the emergency services battling the blazes. To read more, click here. CGA Completes Successful Legislative Session (10.2.08) The California Grocers Association had a very successful 2007-2008 legislative session. CGA requested vetoes on 13 measures and all 13 were vetoed. In addition, CGA requested signatures on eight measures. Of the eight, seven were signed by the Governor. Country of Origin Labeling Begins (9.30.08) Country of origin labeling (COOL) for beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, goat meat, perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, ginseng, pecans and macadamia nuts began Tuesday, Sept. 30. For more information, including links to federal websites, click here. , Governor Deflates Metallic Balloon Bill (9.29.08) Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger vetoed a bill Sunday night that would have required anyone selling metallic balloons to provide the purchaser with a separate warning notice, and would have specified the type of weight that must be attached to such balloons. The bill had originally sought to ban the sale of metallic balloons because proponents said if released outside the balloon posed a threat to overhead po, , wer lin, es. Stater Bros. Markets Presents $1.1 Million Check to MDA (9.25.08) Stater Bros. Markets presented a $1,143,000 check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the recent Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. Stater Bros. has raised funds for MDA for 23 consecutive years. To read more, click here. Superior Grocers Receives National Human Resource Program Award (9.23.08) The Food Marketing Institute presented the 2008 Maximizing People Potential Award (MAXX Award) to CGA member Superior Grocers, recognizing its superior training and human resource programs. Superior , earned , the award in the smaller company category (up to 4,000 employees) for its New Employee Career Development program. To learn more about this innovative program, click here. FDA Updates Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination in Infant Formula (9.22.08) In light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA has issued a Health Information Advisory to proactively reassure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States.To read FDA's statement click here. USDA Releases Updated Country of Origin La, beling Information (9.12.08) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted an updated question and answer document for country of origin labeling. The document memorializes many of the Agency's recent interpretations of the interim final rule. To learn more, and download a document copy, click here. California's “Wet Tare" Testing Pre-empted by New Federal Rule (9.09.08) The Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) promulgated a rule** related to “wet tare" and “dry tare" testing which becomes effective on October 9, 2008. Tare is the weight of the packaging material (container, wrappers, soakers, etc). The final rule (9 CFR Parts 317, 381, and 442), Determining Net Weight Compliance for Meat and Poultry Products, effectively prohibits “wet tare" testing. “FSIS regards any solutions that are added to meat or poultry, or into which the meat or poultry , is placed for flavoring, seasoning, or tenderizing, to be part of the product." The final rule goes further to say, “Therefore, when FSIS inspectors determine net weight compliance in official establishments, inspectors include any free flowing liquid contained in the packaging. This method of determining net weight is called a "…dry tare method." The rule contains federal preemption language which effectively prohibits California from requiring “Under 21 U.S.C. 678 and 476e, marking, labeling, packaging, or ingredient requirements in addition to, or different than, those made under the FMIA or PPIA may not be imposed by any State or Territory or the District of Columbia with respect to articles prepared at any establishment under inspection. To be consistent with this final rule, State and local officials must determine net weight compliance for meat and poultry products, including single-ingredient, raw poultry, in a manner that includes the free flowing liquids as part of the product and not part of the tare weight." Award-Winning Political Correspondent To Address WFIE (9.02.08) One of the most respected voices in political journalism, former CNN Correspondent Bob Franken, will share his insights regarding the 2008 Elections on Monday, October 6, at the Western Food Industry Expo in Las Vegas. To register for WFIE, click here. Cal/OSHA Targets Areas for Compliance with Heat Illness Prevention Rules as Temperatures Soar (8.29.08) With triple-digit heat consuming much of California this week, Cal/OSHA inves, tigators are targeting Fresno, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Santa Clara counties for heat illness prevention inspections of outdoor workplaces. For more information, click here. FDA Approves Spinach, Lettuce Irradiation (8.22.08) Washington, DC - The federal government will allow producers of fresh iceberg lettuce and spinach to use irradiation to control food borne pathogens and extend product shelf life. The FDA approved the practice in the wake of the major E. coli in spinach outbreak in 2006 and other similar problems with food safety and recalls. For more information, click here. Take Me Out To The Ball Game... (8.19.0, 8) Sacramento - GROPAC, CGA's political action committee, held a fundraising event for Assembly Member Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton) at Raley Field during a Sacramento Rivercats game on August 19. The Assembly Member is running for the State Senate District 15 seat this November . Photo: (l to r) Assembly Member Aghazarian; Ron Fong, CGA; Dan Conway, Safeway Inc. 2008-09 CGAEF College Scholarship Recipients (8.13.08) The CGA Educational Foundation has released its annual College Scholarship Recipient brochure. The booklet includes photos and brief descriptions of this year's 2, , 60 scholarship recipients. The Foundation congratulates these deserving college students and the CGA member companies and individuals providing these important scholarships. Click here to download the brochure. And The Winner Is... (8.08.08) Supermarkets continue to rank highest in consumer satisfaction acc, , ording to "The Harris Poll," which measures public attitudes regarding 20 different industries. The poll revealed that fully 90 percent of all adults think supermarkets do a good job and only 6 percent think they do a poor job. For more information, click here. Feds Publish Long-Awaited Rule on Meat and Produce Country of Origin Labeling (7.30.08) The USDA has published its long-awaited interim final rules for country of origin labeling for whole muscle cut and ground beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and goat meat; fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; and peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and ginseng. The Food Marketing Institute has assembled a men, u of educational choices to help understand w, hat will be required of retailers and wholesalers in terms of labeling, recordkeeping and more. FMI along with the American Meat Institute and United Fresh Produce Association will host three workshops including one in San Jose, CA on August 14. Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Nation-Leading Trans Fat Bill (7.25.08) Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 97 by Assembly Member Tony Mendoza (D-Norwalk), which will phase out the use of, trans fats in all California restaurants in 2010 and from all baked goods by 2011. "California is a leader in promoting health and nutrition, and I am pleased to continue that tradition by being the first state in the nation to phase out trans fats," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "Consuming trans fat is linked to coronary heart disease, and today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California." FDA Issues Jalapeno Peppers Warning (7.22.08) WASHINGTON DC - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that one jalapeno pepper sample is a positive genetic match with the Salmonella Saintpaul strain causing the current Salmonella outbreak. The produce distribution center, Agricola Zaragoza, is working with FDA to voluntarily recall jalapeno peppers the company distributed since June 30, 2008. Since a recall will not immediately remove all potentially contaminated peppers from the food supply, FDA is also asking consumers to avoid eating raw jalapeno peppers or foods made from raw jalapeno pe, , p, pers until further notice in order to prevent additional cases of illness. This recommendation does not include cooked or pickled jalapeno peppers. FDA Lifts Tomato Ban (7.18.08) WASHINGTON DC - Af, te, r , a lengthy investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current outbreak. As a result, the agency is removing its June 7 warning against eating certain types of red raw tomatoes. Click here for more information. CGA Lauds Favorable Interchange Fee Vote (7.18.08) WASHINGTON DC - CGA applauded the House Judiciary Committee today on voting in favor of H.R. 5546 the Credit Card , Fair Fee Act of 2008 that would require Visa and MasterCard to negotiate over hidden credit card fees. CGA members played their part in helping the bill pass through an extensive letter writing campaign to key congressional members. The bill would require credit card systems possessing "substantial market power' to negotiate with merchants to reach a voluntary agreement on credit card terms and conditions under the supervision of the Department of Justice's Anti-Trust Division. CGA Opposes Proposition 2 (7.16.08) SACRAMENTO - The California Grocers Association Board of Directors has voted to oppose Proposition 2, the un-SAFE Food Initiative, which endangers, food safety and public health, wipes out Californians' access to locally-grown, safe, fresh eggs, harms consumers by driving up prices at grocery stores and restaurants and creates a dependency on eggs shipped from other states and Mexico. CGAEF Golf Classic Draws Over 240 (7.16.08) COTO DE CAZA, CA - More than 240 grocery retailers and suppliers participated in this year's CGA Educational Foundation's Southern California Golf Classic at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club on July 14. For more on the tournament, click here. Photo: Bob Stiles, Gelson's Markets; Mike Stamper, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream; Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms; Jerry Whitmore, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream.

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