A Look at Websites Owned...and Not Owned...by the 2016 U.S. Presidential Candidates

/

Back in the early days of the Internet when folks were using dial up connections and AOL, some said that if you were smart, you would buy website domain names associated with your name. I never did, but I'm thinking some folks running for the office of President of the United States wish they had. Let's take a look at the shenanigans.

Jeb, you blew it! JebBush.com redirects to Donald Trump's Presidential candidacy website DonaldJTrump.com. Sneaky, sneaky, Mr. Trump. Bush's election website is Jeb2016.com. JebBush.org and JebBush.net both are just ads.

So DonaldJTrump.com works fine and DonaldTrump.com and Trump2016.com redirect to it. DonaldTrump.net is not currently functioning. DonaldJTrump.org is owned by someone that espouses immigration reform.

Navigate to TedCruz.com and you'll see a large black box with the statement "Support President Obama. Immigration Reform Now!" Ted, ya blew it! Cruz's actual election website is www.tedcruz.org. TedCruz.net is just ads.

ChrisChristie.com is Christie's candidacy page; he ended his campaign on February 10th. ChrisChristie.net belongs to Chris L. Christie, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist from what appears to be New York. ChrisChristie.org redirects to ChrisChristie.com.

CarlyFiorina.com redirects to CarlyforPresident.com, which is, or I should now say was, indeed Fiorina's candidacy website (she also withdrew on February 10th). But someone else grabbed CarlyFiorina.org, which indicates: "Carly Fiorina failed to register this domain. So I'm using it to tell you how many people she laid off at Hewlett-Packard. It was this many:" Then proceeds to display 30,000 :( frowny faces, ending with "That's 30,000 people she laid off. People with families." CarlyFiorina.net is under construction.

Former candidate (he withdrew February 3rd) RandPaul.com is indeed Paul's candidacy page, with both RandPaul2016.com and Paul2016 redirecting to it.  RandPaul.org redirects to the website of the "American Solidarity Party," the "only active Christian Democratic party in the United States."  His name is not mentioned on the site. RandPaul.net just has ads.

MarcoRubio.com is Rubio's site and he is the only candidate who owns and redirects both the .net and .org domains to his .com site. Nicely played, Marco! Someone named Amber Butler owns Rubio2016.com as a speculative play.

BenCarson.com, MikeHuckabee.com, JohnKasich.com and BernieSanders.com are the candidates' sites, whereas the .net and .org domains are not connected to them. Carson2016.com, Huckabee2016.com, Kasich2016.com and Sanders2016.com are all owned by domain squatters.

HillaryClinton.com is indeed Clinton's campaign website. In December 2015, HillaryClinton.net brought up a full screen image of Trump, Hillary, Bill and Melania, all smiles, with a text overlay of "$ Special Interest Group." As of February 2016, however, HillaryClinton.net redirects to donaldjtrump.com. HillaryClinton.org is a bunch of ads...don't click it. Hillary2016.com is a commentary website not associated with Clinton.

California Minimum Wage Increased from $9 to $10 Per Hour on January 1st

/

Since July 1, 2014, the minimum wage in California has been $9 per hour (up from $8 per hour effective January 1, 2008). But effective last Friday, January 1, 2016, the minimum wage increased to $10 per hour, an 11.1% increase for those earning the minimum wage.

The 2014 and 2016 increases were driven by legislation enacted on September 25, 2013.

The Federal minimum wage has stood at $7.25 since July 24, 2009. $7.25 in 2016 dollars equates to about $6.55 in 2009 dollars.

To learn more about California minimum wages, visit www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm. Federal minimum wage laws are at www.dol.gov/dol/topic/wages/minimumwage.htm.

SheepFlock.JPG

However, if you are a California sheepherder (there must be one or two in Ventura County, right?), you have your own minimum monthly salary that increased from $1,600.34 effective July 1, 2014 to $1,777.98 effective January 1, 2016.

Why is there a separate minimum wage law for sheepherders in California? Well back in 2000 hearings were held by the Industrial Welfare Commission in which sheep ranchers lobbied for an exemption for general minimum wage rules for sheepherders. 

There are not many commercial sheep producers in California and it was estimated that only 300 to 400 sheepherders, mostly foreign nationals, existed in 2000 in an occupation that "remained largely unchanged over many centuries." Flocks range generally from 800 to 1000 sheep (that's way more than I need to count myself to sleep).

Long story short: Due to the unique nature of the job of sheepherder, it was deemed appropriate to apply a different minimum wage law for this particular profession.  Based on a 2,080 hour work year, a sheepherder's wage in 2016 translates to $10.26 per hour, slightly more than the average minimum wage worker. Not baa'd.

Looking for a job that perhaps earns more than the minimum wage? Don't be a sheep! Check out THIS LIST of over 300 employers in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Thousand Oaks 2015 Community Attitude Survey Results Just Released

/
CityofTOseal.jpg

Since 1969, the City of Thousand Oaks has conducted a communitywide attitude survey to sample city residents' views on planning and other issues. Prior to 2013, the survey was conducted every five years; the survey is now performed every two years.

True North Research of Escondido conducted the 2015 survey as in years past.  They phone surveyed a "statistically representative" sample of 400 Thousand Oaks residents out of close to 100,000 adults (there are about 129,000 total residents).

True North is also doing a supplemental web survey, sending postcards to residents today to complete the survey at www.toaks.org/survey by July 1, 2015.

Photo courtesy of local darts promoter L. David Irete

Photo courtesy of local darts promoter L. David Irete

Thousand Oaks residents continue to rate the quality of life highly here, with 96% rating it good or excellent (97% in 2013). 65% rate it excellent (61% in 2013 and 66% in 2009) and 31% rate it as good (36% in 2013 and 31% in 2009. This is consistent with previous surveys, where 96% to 98% of residents have rated quality of life as good to excellent - an outstanding statistic.

If You Could Change One Thing?

One survey question asked if City Government could change one thing, what would it be. Topping the list at 14% of responses this year was to reduce traffic congestion, up from just 5% in 2013.

Local Shopping

Another question asked what percentage of your household's retail shopping (excluding groceries) dollars are spent in the City of Thousand Oaks...less than 10%, 10% to 19%, 20% to 29% and so on. My first response is, who the heck would actually know to this level of precision? I certainly don't. In any case, 34% of respondents indicate they spend less than half of their retail dollars in the City, up from 30% in 2013.

Half of the survey takers said they'd like to see additional retail establishments in Thousand Oaks. Of these, 21% would like a large discount store like Costco.

Respondents were then asked which of six specific businesses they'd like to see in the City, some of which have expressed an interest in coming to (or expanding in) Thousand Oaks, including Sam's Club, Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot, Costco and IKEA. Again, Costco was the overall top choice at 22%, but IKEA received the largest combined tally of 1st/2nd choice selections at 42% vs 39% for Costco.

Information Sources for News, Events, Programs

True North asked a series of questions regarding sources for City of Thousand Oaks news, services, programs and events. The Acorn weekly newspaper was noted by 42% of responses (up from 36% in 2013 and 41% in 2009). The Internet (not City's site) was the 2nd highest response at 29%, followed by the City's website at 23%. Ventura County Star was mentioned by 12% of respondents (down from 24% in 2013). Social Media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter) was noted by 7%,  up from just 1% in 2013.

Other options given were Ventura County Reporter, LA Daily News and other sources. True North did not list Conejo Valley Guide, with its base of 50,000 monthly unique visitors, in its survey. Give them a piece of your mind when you complete your supplemental survey at at www.toaks.org/survey!

47 THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS

FREE AND NEARLY FREE SUMMER MOVIES IN VENTURA COUNTY

FREE LIVE MUSIC AND SUMMER CONCERTS AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

CDC Highlights What You Need to Know About the Ebola Virus

/

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history. The following information about Ebola is courtesy of the CDC.

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are five identified Ebolavirus species, four of which have caused disease in humans: Zaire ebolavirus; Sudan ebolavirus; Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus; and Bundibugyo ebolavirus. The fifth, Reston ebolavirus, has caused disease in nonhuman primates but not in humans.

Ebola is found in several African countries. The first Ebola species was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.

The natural reservoir host of Ebola remains unknown. However, on the basis of available evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne, with bats being the most likely reservoir. Four of the five subtypes occur in an animal host native to Africa.

When an infection does occur in humans, there are several ways the virus can be spread to others. These include: direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or contact with objects that have been contaminated with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or with infected animals

The virus in the blood and body fluids can enter another person’s body through broken skin or unprotected mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth.

During outbreaks of Ebola, the disease can spread qu

Read More

California State Water Board Emergency Conservation Regulations Effective 7/28/14

/

In response to the ongoing severe drought, last month the State Water Resources Control Board approved an emergency regulation to ensure water agencies, their customers and state residents increase water conservation in urban settings or face possible fines or other enforcement.

The new conservation regulation is intended to reduce outdoor urban water use. The regulation mandates minimum actions to conserve water supplies for 2014-2015. Most Californians use more water outdoors than indoors. In some areas, 505 or more of daily water use is for lawns and outdoor landscaping.

Many communities and water suppliers have taken bold steps over the years and in this year to reduce water use; however, many have not and much more can and should be done statewide to extend diminishing water supplies.

With this regulation, all Californians will be expected to stop: washing down driveways and sidewalks; watering of outdoor landscapes that cause excess runoff; using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle, and using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated. The regulation makes an exception for health and safety circumstances.

Larger water suppliers will be required to activate their Water Shortage Contingency Plan to a level where outdoor irrigation restrictions are mandatory. In communities where no water shortage contingency plan exists, the regulation requires that water suppliers either limit outdoor irrigation to twice a week or implement other comparable conservatio

Read More

California Minimum Wage Earners to Receive 12.5% Raise on July 1, 2014

/

Since January 1, 2008, the minimum wage in California has been $8 per hour. Effective July 1, 2014, the minimum wage will be $9 per hour, increasing to $10 per hour on January 1, 2016.

The coming increase on July 1st represents a 12.5% increase. Wow, sounds pretty good, doesn't it!? But wait. If the minimum wage was tied to inflation, $8 in 2008 equates to $8.81 in 2014, which is pretty darn close to where it will be next month.1

If you are a California sheepherder, however, since January 1, 2008, your minimum monthly salary has been $1,422.52. This will be raised on July 1, 2014 to $1600.34 also a 12.5% increase) and to $1777.98 effective January 1, 2016. Based on a standard 2080 work year, sheepherders' miniumum wage will be $9.23 on July 1st, or 23 cents more than non-sheepherding professions. Gotta love our California laws.

The Federal minimum wage has stood at $7.25 since July 24, 2009. $7.25 in 2014 dollars equates to about $6.56 in 2009 dollars.

To learn more about California minimum wages, visit www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm. Federal minimum wage laws are at www.dol.gov/dol/topic/wages/minimumwage.htm.

Looking for a job that perhaps earns more than the minimum wage? Check out THIS LIST of nearly 300 employers in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

1. Calculated using Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator at www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm.

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Minimum Wage Rates in California and U.S.

/

On September 25th, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB10, providing for an increase in the California minimum hourly wage from the current $8 per hour established January 1, 2008 to $9 on July 1, 2014 and $10 on January 1, 2016.

California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement provides the following history of minimum wage rates going back to 1916, when it was 16 cents per hour:

In California, there is an exception for "learners,"who may be paid not less than 85% of the minimum wage during their first 160 hours in a job where they have no previous similar or related experience. So if you are a learner, technically you can be paid as little as $6.80 at the current $8 minimum wage level for your first four weeks of full-time employment.

And if you are a sheepherder in California, and I know most California sheepherders are CVG fans, you have your own minimum monthly salary of $1,422.52 that was set in 2008.

The current $7.25 per hour Federal minimum wage was set on July 24, 2009. There are currently 19 states with minimum wages higher than the Federal minimum wage.  California is currently tied with Massachusetts as the 7th highest minimum wage state in the country.

The top three minimum wage paying states as of 2013 are Washington ($9.19), Oregon ($8.95) and Vermont ($8.60). These states all peg their annual rate increases to inflation, which to me is kind of a no brainer. Only 10 states do so.

There are currently four states, Georgia ($5.15), Wyoming ($5.15), Minnesota ($5.25) and Arkansas ($6.25), with minimum wages lower than the Federal minimum. However, the higher of the state or Federal rate applies...unless you work at a business with under $500,000 in annual revenue that is not involved in interstate commerce.

The City of San Francisco has the highest minimum wage rate in the country, at $10.55 per hour, fully 15% higher than in the state of Washington. And San Francisco increases its minimum wage rate for inflation each year. The city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is on SF's heels with its "Living Wage" rate of $10.51 that was established March 1, 2013 and is also adjusted for inflation each year.

I think that's probably about all you could ever want to know at this point about minimum wages. If your goal is to find a job in and around Ventura County that earns MORE than minimum wage, then perhaps you should check out the Local Jobs section of CVG and review these resume submission tips.