Jeff Solsby

OC/DC: WSJ Highlights OCWD's Groundwater Replenishment

By Jeff Solsby | 05/15/08

The Wall Street Journal profiles several regional groundwater replenishment programs including a look at OC's program.  The coverage is on the front page of the "personal journal" section and includes a prominent picture of Rep. Sanchez (D-Anaheim) referred to as only a "local official."Nonetheless, the story is interesting and well written, and the coverage is very positive for the OCWD.  Assemblyman Mike Duvall (R-Yorba Linda) has a... read more »

OC/DC: Rep. Royce -- On the Right Side

By Jeff Solsby | 04/16/08

Rep. Royce one of the hardest-working policy wonks in Congress shows why he has built a reputation as an earnest and thoughtful bipartisan expert with a great op ed in today's Wall Street Journal (subscription may be required).  It's available online here.Royce outlines a proposal that has been weaving through Congress for a long while: regulatory overhaul of the insurance industry.  It's a good piece and the legislation seems to make... read more »

OC/DC: Open Mouth Insert Expensive Italian (or English)-shod Foot

By Jeff Solsby | 04/08/08

Nothing in politics is more dangerous than misdirected vitriol.  Witness the recent hullabaloo from Sen. Rockefeller (D-W.V.) who made some snide comments about Senate colleague and presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain.Rockefeller's comments show not only a lack of tact but a real absence of common sense for a Senator whose legislative committee jurisdiction includes veterans and aviation-related issues.  Because he's... read more »

OC/DC: Fighting for Freedom, and Tanker Contracts

By Jeff Solsby | 04/02/08

Congressman Rohrabacher is all over the net and political coverage for his effort, along with 14 other House members, to call attention to human rights in China. IHT covers it here and VOA has more here.In other news, the biggest battle in Washington right now isn't over financial services reform legislation or mortgage bailouts but over an Air Force decision to award a new multi-billion tanker contract to EADS; the European Aerospace... read more »

OC/DC: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

By Jeff Solsby | 03/27/08

Upon reading the Washington Post this morning, I couldn't decide which was the better rap metaphor to describe the sitch' at the Times: checking oneself before wrecking oneself, being an Original Groveler, or being the New Jack Hustlers hocking fake news.  Regardless the gig is up and the Washington Post takes a peak inside the Times/Smoking Gun scandal here.  Good grief.  Apologies to D-Nice and Ice T for cribbing their... read more »

OC/DC: The Supremes Wade into Gun Debate with a Bang

By Jeff Solsby | 03/18/08

The Supreme Court today heard oral arguments in a district court case ultimately testing the constitutionality of the District of Columbia gun ban. The Washington Post does a day-end recap here, and the Times has a good piece (great headline!) here.Chief Justice Roberts makes a brilliant and compelling point in his exchange with Justice Breyer, noted in the Post piece.  I lived in the District for nearly six years and during that time kept... read more »

Placentia in Vegas

By Jeff Solsby | 03/18/08

I was in Vegas last week for a work event.  One night we found ourselves eating at this old Italian joint called Battistas.  Amidst the celebrity photos that look like a section of circa 1987 KCAL and KTLA afternoon schedules (look, there's Mr. T and Michael Landon!) was a nice reminder of home: the Placentia city limit sign.  It did seem to be the only piece of OC memorabilia in the place. A word to the wise: the food at... read more »

OC/DC: Quicksilver's New Move Takes a Left Break to a Mall Near You

By Jeff Solsby | 03/06/08

The Wall Street Journal appears to be riding in a secret "Jeff Clark" spot today with an exclusive on Quicksilver's new offerings.  The Orange County born-and-bred surfwear and lifestyle company carves a new market by broadening its product line into upscale fashion for the gals.  The move earned them nice front page coverage in the Wall Street Journal's "Marketplace" section, here. (Subscription may be required).  The article... read more »

May the Boards Be With You

By Jeff Solsby | 02/29/08

The Force (that Force, as well as the force of caffeine are flowing today).A wonderful look inside George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, from the LA Times, here.  Just when you thought I couldn't "relate" it to OC: much of the main building's timber came from salvaged timber once used for a bridge/walkway in Newport Bay.More fun:  I received this video via email earlier in the week--Star Wars plot analysis from a... read more »

OC/DC: Earmark Reform Hits Home

By Jeff Solsby | 02/28/08

Two interesting stories today regarding Rep. John Campbell and the issue of earmark reform. Roll Call reports on the story here; The Hill covers it here. read more »