Politically Correct With Koula Gianulias

UCD Student Comedian

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:24:59 GMT

As a UC Davis graduate, I love any chance to get back to campus. But I was especially excited about my story on Kevin Wu. Before meeting him, I watched his You Tube clips in the newsroom and laughed out loud. He’s so popular that he was labeled a “Top You Tuber” and companies started paying to advertise on his video clips. So Kevin’s now making enough money to pay for college….and he’s also donating thousands of dollars to charity. To watch his videos click on http://www.kevjumba.com/ and for more information on Kevin’s comedy event at UCD Wednesday night to raise awareness about Hepatitis B, go to http://www.willyoubhere.com/.

Link to full story on CBS13.com: http://cbs13.com/local/ucd.youtube.2.1274765.html

Governor Heckled

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:21:07 GMT

If you haven't seen the video, check it out below. It makes President Obama's "YOU LIED!!" attack seem subtle. On Wednesday, Governor Schwarzenegger dropped by a democratic fundraiser in San Francisco to say hi to Willie Brown, and ended up getting booed and yelled at. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco can be heard shouting "kiss my gay a**" and other choice words I can't include in this blog. Ammiano's refusing to say sorry...do you think he crossed the line? Or, did the Governor have it coming for crashing the Dems party? Post your comments below.

Education Cuts: Reality Sets In

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:45:09 GMT

oday I found myself asking the same questions over and over again, because I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You might cut all sports? You mean football too? Really, all the athletics programs?" The spokeswoman for Elk Grove Schools patiently confirmed the dire details for me. The district has to slash another $40 million dollars from next year's budget because of state education cuts. Hard to imagine schools losing libraries, new text books and saying goodbye to another 250 teachers. But the thought of these students losing all sports programs really struck me. So many students are motivated to stay in school because of sports...and the games are a big part of American high school culture. As one sad student put it: "There goes our spirit. There goes everything." Let's hope they put their heads together and figure out a way to save those programs. The district will host a total of 8 parent meetings to talk it out and come up with solutions.

Bribes and Favors

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:33:51 GMT

As I sat down to read the 46-page federal indictment linking local Congressman John Doolittle to lobbyist Jack Abramoff…I thought I’d need some caffeine to get through it. But sadly there are so many juicy details about alleged corruption between a lawmaker and lobbyist that I decided to share it with all of you. Check out pages 14 to 27. Gifts include concert tickets to Faith Hill…posh dinners….even a cushy job for Doolittle’s wife allegedly set up by Abramoff: “I don’t want her to have to do too much, though, since she has responsibilities at home as a mother and wife.” She was allegedly paid more than $90,000 for that “job” at a non-profit. At this point, Doolittle has not been indicted. But after chatting with Roseville residents today, they want the investigation to continue even though he no longer represents them.

Federal Indictment (.pdf)
Exhibit List (.pdf)

State Parks Stay Open 9/25/09

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:05:47 GMT

Watch my video blog to find out how much money the Governor and Department of Parks managed to find to avoid shutting down state parks. Also…hope you’ve noticed our segment on CBS 13 called “On The Money”…we need your questions and ideas! Click here for details.

Another Sex Scandal...

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:16:40 GMT

By now you've probably heard the "spanky" jokes and seen the clever cartoons in the papers poking fun at the family-values Republican given a gold star by conservative groups. Assemblyman Mike Duvall's scandal was shocking - since he was caught on tape crudely bragging about sex with a lobbyist - but not surprising. He's just the latest lawmaker taking a tumble that will inevitably destroy his career and family life. Covering the story at the Capitol was an unusual experience for me. There was something in the air....nervous energy...maybe a mix of guilt and fear? I know legislators and staffers were busier than usual that week as they tried to push bills through before their looming deadline. But some lawmakers looked more preoccupied than usual....their spokespeople seemed to be sweating . Friendly hallway hellos were far and few between as soon as someone my CBS 13 microphone. And no one really wanted to "sound off" on the scandal. Were they trying to be polite? Too busy? Reluctant to turn on a friend? Or do others have skeletons they want to keep in the closet? As one political insider put it, the Duvall incident just scratches the surface. I've received a number of emails, text messages and calls from contacts who claim Duvall's not the only one, and there's a lot more to this story.

Outrageous Overtime? 09/08/09

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:30:51 GMT

Imagine making more than your boss in OT…I wish! According to an audit, seven employees with the California Department of Corrections took home more than Corrections Secretary Matt Cate, who earns $225,000/year. The seven sergeants and lieutenants made $1 million in one year – just in overtime pay – combined. That was the most extreme example, but an estimated 8,000 correctional officers earned $20,000 in overtime per year, also according to the audit. The report will undoubtedly add to the corrections controversy that’s been brewing all summer at the Capitol. Legislators are trying to figure out how to cut and reform corrections spending, since California spends $50,000 per prisoner…a minimum of $80,000 grand if the inmate is ill. The out-of-state average is $30,000. On the flip side, the Department of Corrections was slashed more than any agency in the last round of cuts. And if you’ve every talked to a correctional officer, you know how risky their jobs can be. There’s also a major concern about safety and security if officers are working so much overtime. Tonight at 6 we’re covering the story…asking Corrections why spending increased 32% over a 3-year period, when the inmate population decreased by 1%.

I’m Baaaack….. 09/08/09

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:22:59 GMT

After blogging about the Swine Flu and criticizing the media for sensationalizing the story, I end up getting it! At least I think I had it. My doctor didn’t test for it and sent me home. Five miserable days later I end up in urgent care where another doctor told me I had it, and gave me the proper meds. I missed two weeks of work, watched way too much reality TV and really missed my family, friends and life in general. I’m grateful that I’m okay and I’ll never take my health for granted again. Even though the illness changed my perspective, I still believe the media must strike a balance between keeping our viewers informed without freaking them out. So we’ll do our best as we continue reporting on the virus. Please stay healthy and be aggressive with your healthcare if needed. This was a helpful resource for me: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Second Saturday - August 10, 2009-

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:20:52 GMT

I moved back to Sacramento nearly three years ago and finally experienced Second Saturday this weekend. For those of you who haven’t checked it out, midtown shops, art galleries and restaurants open their doors hoping to lure you inside. They tempt you with beautiful art work, music, free wine and food (Buckhorn’s little slabs of tri trip were my fave…I took two). My friend and fellow reporter Elyce Kirchner came along for the walk that probably spanned more than 30 blocks. Our feet were sore but we loved it! The weather was perfect and Sacramento felt like a vibrant city. There were so many people on the streets…from babies in strollers to rowdy partiers. But from what we witnessed, the crowds were controlled and easy to deal with. It looked like everyone was having a good time, and I’m sure it’s helping local businesses that have taken a hit in this economy. I spotted a few new places I want to check out, and of course, I’m now craving tri tip. If you missed it, mark your calendar for the next one on Sept 12th.

IOUs

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:17:05 GMT

You may have thought California would stop sending IOUs when the budget was signed. Think again.