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** There's something about Gavin
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Dear John,

Gov. Gavin Newsom was sworn in as governor last week and his January 6 second inaugural was quite a show.

Newsom’s staff organized a triumphal march to the capitol, one intended to mirror the historic 1965 civil rights march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Recalling that day, Newsom’s marchers linked arms and walked just shy of one mile across Sacramento’s Tower Bridge and toward the state capitol.

But several blocks short of their destination, Newsom clambered into the backseat of an up-armored SUV and sped to the capitol park where he was ushered onto a beflagged stage.

From that lofty promontory, he celebrated the arrival of the parade he created for himself.

There’s something metaphorical about a healthy, vibrant guy who calls for a “March for Democracy” — and then bails about halfway through.

Even the capitol reporters covering the march weren't buying Newsom’s political stunt.

“@GavinNewsom leading a march for ‘freedom’ and ‘Democracy’ ahead of his inauguration, however the Governor and his team have restricted press access to the March after the photo opp, were not allowed to follow the march and do our jobs.,” Tweeted seasoned capitol reporter Angela Hart.

CalMatters reporter Alexei Koseff wrote: “In an ironic twist, Newsom’s march down Capitol Mall — billed as an ‘observance of the California spirit of opportunity and inclusion’ — also largely happened out of the public eye. After a brief photo stop with no questions taken, journalists were shuffled out of the way for the ticketed marchers to continue their route.”

In his inaugural address and adjacent social media blitz, Newsom cast himself as the champion of freedom against — yawn — those evil red states.

“California is the true freedom state. Protecting liberty from a rising tide of oppression taking root in state houses... Freedom is who we are — anyone from anywhere can accomplish anything here,” Newsom’s office Tweeted.

Few were buying what Newsom was selling. Even Koseff's headline ([link removed]) quipped "Gavin Newsom, the sequel: Governor starts second term as leader of liberal America."

And in a blistering article, Commentary associate editor Noah Rothman does a wonderful job cataloging the innumerable way ([link removed]) s in which Newsom has promised freedom and delivered a smothering tyranny.

“California is the fifth largest economy on the planet. It is blessed with one of the world’s most amiable climates, vast stores of human capital, and abundant natural resources. It is also plagued by a crippling inferiority complex — a condition best exemplified by the state’s governor. Gavin Newsom has developed an unhealthy obsession with Republican-led states like Texas and Florida, and he cannot help but define his state’s identity almost solely in opposition to how other states do business,” Rothman explains.

It’s always — what’s the word? “Embarrassing”? — comforting to know that astute observers outside of California can confirm our assessment of our weirdly theatrical governor.
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** Newsom unveils January budget
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Gov. Newsom unveiled his January budget this week and Californians want to know, “What happened to the nearly $100 billion dollar surplus ([link removed]) Newsom was touting last May?”

Today, California is facing a $24 billion deficit ([link removed]) . How did Newsom oversee an approximately $124 billion swing in state revenue?

For starters, there never really was a surplus. Newsom used smoke and mirrors to paint a rosy picture of California’s economy before the November election, while conveniently ignoring the hundreds of billions of California’s unfunded pension liabilities that are not going away anytime soon.

Now, Newsom is faced with the reality that state tax revenues have plummeted, but he can’t just blame “the economy.” It’s Newsom’s policies on everything from COVID lockdowns of schools and businesses to anti-business laws like AB 5 (destroying independent contracting work) and AB 257 (creating a state board to dictate wages and work rules for fast food franchises) that have driven tens of thousands of employers, businesses and taxpayers out of the Golden State.

“As the people leave the state in record numbers and as businesses either shut down or decide to relocate elsewhere, you would think that the governor would want to actually step back and reevaluate what kind of budget he’s putting forward,” said Lance Christensen, CPC’s Vice President of Education Policy and Government Affairs, on Sacramento’s Afternoon News with Kitty O’Neal on KFBK news radio.

“Instead, he introduces a $224 billion budget that doesn’t reflect the needs or interests of people,” Christensen added. “As prices for basic commodities — food, housing, gas, electricity — continue to rise, it’s almost like the governor isn’t paying attention to what’s important to the people of California.”

The legislature will now take Newsom's proposed budget under consideration.

“At some point, the legislature has to get serious about providing a long-term fiscal plan that pulls the state budget out of perpetual and unpredictable swings,” Christensen explained. “Booms are always followed by busts and it’s no wonder why major employers and taxpayers are fleeing from the state in droves.”
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** Orange County Classical Academy recognized as a California Distinguished School
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The Orange County Classical Academy (OCCA) was recognized ([link removed]) this week as a California Distinguished School, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced. OCCA, a high-performing public charter school, was the only school to receive the prestigious 2023 award in Orange Unified School District.

“Orange County Classical Academy truly deserves to be recognized as a California Distinguished School,” said CPC pesident Will Swaim. “In the short time it’s been open, the charter has exceeded all expectations in student performance and families’ satisfaction.”

“OCCA has rekindled the enthusiasm for learning of students and families who were deeply discouraged by the failures of their neighborhood schools that have been run into the ground by the teachers unions,” Swaim added.

California Policy Center and its supporters helped launch OCCA in 2020, free from teacher union interference. The charter is Orange County’s only tuition-free, K-12 charter school focused on providing a traditional “classical education ([link removed]) ” to a diverse student body. The classical liberal arts curriculum is centered in classics and great mentors, and includes a phonics-based program for literacy. OCCA does not use Common Core.

540 students are currently enrolled at OCCA in TK through eighth grade. The school has had a long waiting list of students eager to attend OCCA since it opened its doors nearly three years ago. Currently, 1,700 students are on OCCA’s waiting list.

“OCCA is a rare school that doesn’t just work for some kids, it works for all kids,” said Rebecca Holz, director of CPC's Parent Union, whose three daughters all attend OCCA. “My daughters are all unique learners and OCCA has helped each of them develop a true love of learning.”

According to the press release ([link removed]) issued by Thurmond’s office:

“…California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts…The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.”

Congratulations to Orange County Classical Academy for this outstanding achievement!

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** RSVP for CPC's Parent Union Legislative Summit
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California parents, parent group leaders, education reform advocates, teachers and school board members! Join us in Sacramento for CPC's second annual Parent Union Legislative Summit —Parents, Not Partisans— Feb. 8-9, 2023, and hear from education experts and education reform leaders on the most important calls to action for 2023, including how to:
* Activate parents in your district to hold new school boards accountable
* Stand up to the teachers unions in defending our K-12 schools
* Advance critical education issues such as literacy and math competencies
* Make an impact in the state legislature in 2023 and much more!

Learn more and register for this free event with PROMO CODE: ParentUnion. ([link removed])
RSVP for CPC's Legislative Summit ([link removed])
New Podcast ()
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** Radio Free California #259: Mr. Walsh Goes to Wilmington
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U.S. Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh, visits the Port of Los Angeles, and declares that California’s disastrous AB 5 should go nationwide. CPC president Will Swaim and CPC board member David Bahnsen explain why California's bad ideas will be catastrophic for the nation on this week's podcast.Listen now. ([link removed])

More from CPC ()


** Want to Improve California Schools? Show Me the Numbers
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We need a better and broader fiscal understanding of our public schools. Lance Christensen lays out the questions every school board trustee, principal, teacher and parent should ask. Read ([link removed]) The Epoch Times article. ([link removed])
The School Choice Battles Ahead

Across the nation, the school choice battle is on and things are moving in a positive direction, but vigilance is a must. The enemy of choice — the teachers unions — will do everything in their power to maintain their monopoly. Larry Sand explains in t ([link removed]) his week's article ([link removed]) . ([link removed])


** Quote of the Week
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ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA POLICY CENTER

The California Policy Center promotes prosperity for all Californians through limited government and individual liberty.

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