Aaron Klein's Corner

AaronKlein.com Has Moved!

Make sure your bookmark doesn't take you to this page, but to www.AaronKlein.com instead. Hope you enjoy the new all-in-one site!

Local bloggers

Two new local bloggers of note.

My friend Ben Mavy recently got elected to the PCWA Board of Directors and just started blogging. I have a feeling this will be a great way to learn more about water policy, and the going-ons of state and local water policy. Certainly important to our property values! Check out his blog here.

My friend Jeff Pelline, formerly of The Union in Nevada County, brings new meaning to well-written citizen journalism, and is covering a variety of thoughts about media, politics and local (Nevada County) events. Check out his blog here.

Incidentally, both of them are on the basic WordPress blog theme. You realize you can change it up for free, right guys? :)

One Trillion Dollars

I had to blog this quickly.

Ever wondered what $1 trillion dollars looks like?

Wonder no more.

Busy week

Busy week, but I'm twittering here and there. www.twitter.com/aaronklein

The Union: College seeks local bid for 2nd phase of expansion

As I've posted before, I've been working for the last year plus to lay the groundwork for a better contractor selection process for Phase 2 of the NCC Expansion Project.

Yesterday, The Union published a story implying that a contractor had already been selected for Phase 2, which was incorrect (an honest misunderstanding). Ironically, in the same newspaper, our ad appeared requesting submittals from local contractors seeking qualification to bid on the project.

The Union was kind enough to print an updated story this morning correcting the issue (rather than one of those 3-point-type Page 2 corrections that nobody reads).

“There wasn’t enough Nevada County involvement in phase one,” Klein said. “It’s the local community’s money and we want to keep it there,” he said, referring to the $47 million bond that county voters approved in 2004 for the project.

» Read the Article

Two New Shows Added for Brian Jagger's Play Starring Kirk Uhler...

As you know, Brian Jagger, Chief of Staff to Supervisor Kirk Uhler, wrote a play called The Interviews, which stars his boss, the Supervisor.

After selling out some six shows, they've added two more...get your tickets at www.PlacerTheater.com!

Microsoft Finally Learns How to Make an Ad

I installed Windows 7 about a week ago. It really does rock...I've been very impressed.

Now, it appears Microsoft has learned how to make an engaging ad. If they keep this up, and even learn how to move beyond "adorable" to "hip, funny and irreverent"...they may be back.

One example: the old Microsoft would have told her to say "I plug this USB cable into the correct port." The new Microsoft lets her say "I plug this thingie in here." :)

Sierra's John Volek Elected to National Board for Athletics

Congratulations to Sierra College Dean of Athletics John Volek on his election to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics board!

John Volek, Sierra College’s dean of physical education and athletics, will be contributing his expertise on a national level.

Volek has been elected by his peers to serve on the executive committee of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics for the next four years. He’ll represent California and 11 other western states.

» Read the Article

A Note to Clients (The Ones with a Sense of Humor)

A local investment advisor penned the following "note to clients", and I have to assume he limited the distribution list to the ones with a sense of humor.

As the invisible hand of our free market is replaced by the strong and inflexible arm of government, investment strategies must be reevaluated.

I have to apologize to my clients.  Though I have been vigilant in teaching sound principles of asset allocation and the importance of a well diversified portfolio, I completely failed to include in my portfolios the element of irresponsibility.  By not instructing you to buy a house you could not possibly afford I caused you to miss out on perhaps the most profitable investment of the last 6 years, a government bailout.  My sincerest apologies, I hope this oversight is not sufficient to lose your trust as I watch over your investments.  Please know that for the future I have adopted a policy of having at least a small portion of every portfolio I manage in the most irresponsible investment available; this hedge will ensure your position to take advantage of future government handouts and bailouts.

KNCO: Sierra College Budget in Great Shape

I did an interview with KNCO's Dixie Redfearn the other day...

Sierra College's $100 million budget is balanced and College Trustee Aaron Klein says that's because four years ago the 7-member Board of Trustees made a concerted effort to not overspend...Klein described the Board of Trustees and college president as "all rowing in the same direction." He says community colleges are even more vital in this economy because they can provide inexpensive retraining so people can get jobs.

To the dissenters, it should be noted that the complete quote was "all rowing in the same direction, for the most part." So don't worry, I didn't forget about you. :)

This is part two of a three part series that Dixie did. You can follow her on Twitter by clicking here.

» Read the Article