Search

This article examines the attributes of California Treasurer Kathleen Brown that will make her suitable to run for the gubernatorial seat in 1994. Brown deflects all questions on what she actually would do as a governor. She sees California reinventing itself with such industries as high-speed trains and environmental-cleanup technology. By all accounts, Brown has done competent work borrowing the funds California needs to operate its government. And as a trustee of the state's pension funds, Brown has vocally criticized corporations whose policies she is at odds with. To sustain the state's credit rating and help narrow the $9 billion budget gap, Brown proposed to extend a state sales tax.

The article profiles E*Trade Group Inc., a Palo Alto, California-based electronic stockbrokerage in 1999. Key issues discussed in the article include background information on the firm, its growth target and strategies and the legal problems faced by the firm as a result of the past failures in its computer systems.

Comments on the legal dispute between Merrill Lynch and Co. and Orange County, California, which filed for bankruptcy in 1994 due to losses from risky derivatives investments. Lawsuit filed by Orange County seeking restitution from Merrill Lynch for transactions the firm allegedly knew exceeded the county's authority; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications for investments.