By JON ORTIZ, Sacramento Bee

Add this to the list of issues vexing California's state government: It's getting a reputation as a lousy boss.

Certainly the pay and benefits are pretty good if you can stick with it long enough. Civil service can be a noble calling. Where would we be without state-employed firefighters this summer?

Out with the old, in with the new. As holiday gift cards prod more shoppers into stores this week, retailers are clearing shelves with their traditional deep discounts.