California News Roundup- December 31, 2008

Judges rule three-strikes sentence unconstitutional -- The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals says a 28-years-to-life penalty for a sex offender who failed to register at the proper time is cruel and unusual punishment. Carol J. Williams in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

Booze tax taken out of mix -- California's long-running effort to crack down on sugary alcoholic beverages popular among young drinkers apparently has fizzled. Dan Smith in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/31/08

George Skelton: Majority-rule plan could break GOP budget blockade -- State Senate leader and Assembly speaker devise a deficit reduction plan that needs only majority approval, not the two-thirds rule now crippling state government. George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

No Budget: Day 56 -- It’s been 56 days since the governor called the first special session of the Legislature to address the state’s projected $42 billion budget shortfall. Every day the state goes without an approved revised budget, it loses $40 million and every hour, $1.7 million, the Office of the Governor says. Kim Lamb in the Ventura Star -- 12/31/08

California lawmakers would top list of state IOUs -- Controller John Chiang sends a letter to government agencies advising them who will not be paid if the state's cash runs out. Also on the list? Californians expecting tax refunds. Evan Halper in the Los Angeles Times Matthew Yi in the San Francisco Chronicle Steve Wiegand in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/31/08

Dan Walters: California got a wake-up call in 2008 -- This has been a year that most Californians – and especially those in elected office – would wish never happened, a year of severe economic decline that pushed hundreds of thousands onto unemployment rolls, and a year of monumental, ever-growing and intransigent budget deficits. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/31/08

Spending to fight California wildfires tops $1 billion -- About 1.4 million acres burned in 2008 in one of the worst fire seasons in the state's history. But no meaningful reforms are enacted at the state or federal level. Bettina Boxall in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

Many California health workers not checked for criminal pasts -- The Department of Consumer Affairs estimates that nearly a third of the state's 937,100 licensed healthcare workers have not been screened through fingerprinting. Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

A year of triumphs and scandals for SEIU -- Union members and President Andy Stern helped put Obama in the White House. But a former top California leader is under federal investigation and a Bay Area local is feuding with the top brass. Paul Pringle in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

San Francisco to fight bias in health insurance costs -- The city of San Francisco is challenging state legislation that allows insurance companies to charge women more than men for health coverage. Erin Allday in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/08

Texting in the fast lane becomes illegal on Thursday -- When California becomes the seventh state in the nation to ban text messaging Thursday, dispatches from the fast lane will become a violation of the state vehicle code, subjecting drivers caught writing them or reading them to a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for repeat offenses. Bruce Newman in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/31/08

Drivers ignoring stop sign on cell phones -- It looks like California drivers are having a tough time loosening their grips on their cell phones. Six months after the state ordered the use of only hands-free devices while talking on the phone, law enforcement officials and others say many motorists appear to be ignoring the edict. Steve Schmidt in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/31/08

Creative borrowing catches up with California cities -- Financing schemes that sidestepped voter approval have put local governments deeper in hock. William Heisel in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

As unemployment grows, more low income residents qualify for free health care -- The number of low income residents qualifying for free health care through the Inland Empire Health Plan has nearly doubled since September and should continue to grow through 2009, officials say. Joe Nelson in the San Bernardino Sun -- 12/31/08

Firm says it can't pay money it collected for Little Leagues -- About 220 sports organizations, including more than half a dozen in California, are facing substantial losses. Some have sued the online payment company. Alexandra Zavis and Kate Linthicum in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

California newsmakers in 2008 -- From Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his ongoing attempt to reform state government and solve California's financial woes to Ed Jew and his forgettable run as a San Francisco supervisor, there were memorable folk behind this year's headlines. Here's a sampling of some of the best-known people making news in 2008. John Wildermuth in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/08

Jim Boren: Announcing this year's Jimbo recipients -- For those of us who believe strongly in the role of government, this past year made our optimism seem downright foolish. The arrogance of the political leadership in California made government bashing easy. Jim Boren in the Fresno Bee -- 12/31/08

Gaza Strip airstrikes trigger three protests in L.A. -- About 600 people on both sides of the conflict demonstrate on Wilshire Boulevard. Police form lines to separate rivals. Raja Abdulrahim in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

Sierra snowpack below normal, surveyors find -- Despite recent storms, state surveyors reported Tuesday that snow levels in the Sierra Nevada are below average for this time of year, making water rationing almost certain in 2009 with California's water supply in crisis. Kelly Zito in the San Francisco Chronicle Mike Taugher in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/31/08

Even In San Francisco, People Don’t Want to Pay to Drive Downtown -- Are environmental initiatives too important to be left to voters? That’s the issue raised by the squabble over congestion pricing in San Francisco. Keith Johnson in the Wall Street Journal -- 12/31/08

California sues federal government over changes in Endangered Species Act -- The state attorney general's office says new rules put California's threatened and endangered wildlife in greater danger and could cost the state more to protect the plants and animals on the list. Julie Cart in the Los Angeles Times Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/08

Advocacy group criticizes California transportation wish list -- California officials are counting on Washington to inject billions of dollars in transportation money to help revive the state economy. But a public advocacy group said the state's wish list of projects would undermine efforts to repair and modernize the state's crumbling infrastructure and reduce U.S. dependence on oil. Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/31/08

Deal reached to unload bridge parts from ship -- A tense union labor standoff at the Port of Oakland was brought to a quiet end Tuesday, putting aside fears of potential clashes between workers or larger work stoppages at the docks. Demian Bulwa in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/08

PG&E to trim rates slightly as of Jan. 1 -- Come Thursday, your electricity will cost a little less. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will cut its electricity rates by an average of 0.6 percent on the first day of the new year, the utility reported Tuesday. David R. Baker in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/08

Feinstein in letter: Air safety is at risk -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein this week reiterated her safety concerns involving a San Diego air traffic control hub, but this time to what may be more receptive ears. In a letter to the incoming Obama administration, Feinstein wrote that a controller shortage at the San Diego facility and Los Angeles International Airport pose an alarming risk to air safety. Steve Schmidt in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/31/08

Carpoolers want to put the brakes on bridge toll plan -- News that Bay Area car-pool drivers could have to pay a bridge toll set off a storm of indignation among car-pool riders near the North Berkeley BART station this week. Janis Mara in the Oakland Tribune -- 12/31/08

Journalist killing still unraveling -- As 2008 ends, more questions than answers remain about the brazen slaying of journalist Chauncey Bailey 17 months ago, and they raise increasing concerns about this city's beleaguered police force — questions that some officers say are now being asked within their own ranks. Thomas Peele, Bob Butler and Mary Fricker in the Oakland Tribune -- 12/31/08

DUI checkpoints ineffective, group says -- A roving police officer swooped down on Bradford, who registered at more than the legal limit, police say. By the time the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum-based patrol called it a night five hours later Dec. 21, 14 suspected drunken drivers had been apprehended. In a similar time period, an estimated zero to four offenders might get caught in a DUI checkpoint. Janis Mara in the Contra Costa Times -- 12/31/08

Cops accused of wrongful search in second suit -- San Francisco police are facing a second $1 million federal civil rights lawsuit over an allegedly unwarranted and invasive search of two men in the South of Market neighborhood. Henry K. Lee in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/31/

PG&E records still sought in Rancho Cordova blast -- One week after a deadly natural gas explosion rocked Rancho Cordova, a federal accident investigator is still waiting for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to provide records that will help determine whether the utility responded adequately to complaints of leaking gas. Chris Bowman and Robert Lewis in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/31/08

San Jose task force wins credit in cops' fight against gang crime -- When police in the spring busted "Shorty" Sanchez and other men they identified as leaders and soldiers of one of San Jose's most powerful and violent street gangs, law enforcement felt they had taken off the street major players in the city's troubling trend of rising gang violence. Sean Webby and Mark Gomez in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/31/08

California News Roundup- December 30, 2008

Freshman in GOP cross hairs after tax vote abstention -- Freshman Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, D-Alamo, has barely dipped her toes into the roiled waters of the Legislature but is already facing heat from Republicans — for a vote she didn't take. Steven Harmon in the Contra Costa Times -- 12/30/08

Dan Walters: Schwarzenegger again takes on unions -- Arnold Schwarzenegger has uttered a gazillion words since becoming California's governor five years ago, but none has achieved the fame – or infamy – of a two-word epithet he hurled at Democratic legislators eight months into his governorship. "I call them girlie men," Schwarzenegger told a rally at an Ontario shopping center. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/30/08

State fees for divorces, parking fines other services rise Jan.1 -- Psst, here's a secret for avoiding higher state fees after New Year's Day: Drive carefully, park right, wear seat belts, don't get divorced and stay out of jail. Jim Sanders in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/30/08

New year means new laws take effect in California -- The new year will bring a host of new laws to California, including another crackdown on drunken drivers and new rules for wave pool operators. The list is in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/30/08

Texting in the fast lane becomes illegal on Thursday -- When California becomes the seventh state in the nation to ban text messaging Thursday, dispatches from the fast lane will become a violation of the state vehicle code, subjecting drivers caught writing them or reading them to a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for repeat offenses. Bruce Newman in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/30/08

Hands-free cell phone not always safe -- Think you're safer using that hands-free cell phone instead of driving one-handed? Think again. Whether it's hands-free or hand-held, drivers yakking on phones are four times as likely to crash, according to a report released this month from a national traffic safety group. Sue Doyle in the Inland Daily Bulletin -- 12/30/08

State controller in hospital after chest pains -- State Controller John Chiang, who oversees California's dwindling cash reserves with the state in fiscal crisis, has been hospitalized after having chest pains, his spokeswoman said Monday. Matthew Yi in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/30/08

Many California health workers not checked for criminal pasts -- The Department of Consumer Affairs estimates that nearly a third of the state's 937,100 licensed healthcare workers have not been screened through fingerprinting. Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/30/08

Some nonprofits pleasantly surprised by donations in tough economy -- Nonprofit groups that serve needy people in the Sacramento area got an unexpected dose of good cheer this holiday season. Braced for lean times in a woeful economy, many are reporting holiday campaigns that matched or even exceeded donations of previous years. Cynthia Hubert in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/30/08

Mortgage loans rise at credit unions -- California's credit unions, bucking the lending squeeze in commercial banks, saw their mortgage loan portfolios grow to nearly $54 billion in the third quarter of the year as they shifted to making more fixed-rate loans to new home buyers. Roger Showley in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/30/08

Overqualified, Underemployed: Job seekers find wealth of experience can lead to poverty -- As Mike Wilczewski pulls a heavy file of job applications from his briefcase, a piece of paper slips out. He looks at it, smiles and slips it back into his briefcase. Eve Hightower in the Modesto Bee -- 12/30/08

Inland Empire officials await stimulus details -- Inland Empire officials are getting ready to lobby for a share of a potentially large sum of federal stimulus money, but important details have yet to be resolved. The biggest detail, of course, is whether any money will be available. Andrew Edwards in the San Bernardino Sun -- 12/30/08

Sale of IndyMac to partnership likely -- Well-known investors are expected to strike a deal with FDIC for the lender by Wednesday. E. Scott Reckard in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/30/08

Calpers, Pursuing Best Prices, to Broaden Its Broker Roster -- The California Public Employees' Retirement System is set to deploy a new stock-trading model as it seeks to promote competitive prices and seek out firms that are often overlooked. JOHN KELL in the Wall Street Journal -- 12/30/08

LAUSD's $400 million crisis -- Kindergarten classes could grow to nearly 40 children. Some 45 million meals for poor students might not be served. Art classes will likely be history. And hundreds of teachers could lose their jobs. George B. Sánchez in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 12/30/08

Some schools refuse to write off cursive -- About five years ago, San Juan High School teacher Shirley Bowers realized that half her students had no idea what she was writing on the board. Melissa Nix in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/30/08

Gasoline prices fall in U.S. but edge up in California, raising concern -- The U.S. average drops 4 cents in the last week to $1.613 a gallon. California's average climbs 0.4 cent to $1.810. Some groups blame refiners for a reduction in stockpiles. Ronald D. White in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/30/08

Bay Area commutes: Not as bad as you think -- Patent attorney George Leavell spends a lot more time getting to work than some Bay Area commuters. But don't cry for Leavell. Mike Swift in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/30/08

In San Francisco, 'congestion pricing' is something they're sneezing at -- The plan could charge motorists $3 to drive into downtown during peak commute hours and another $3 to leave. The reaction has ranged from lukewarm to downright hostile. Maria L. La Ganga in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/30/08

Oil spills prompt temporary closure of Santa Barbara County plant -- Fire officials say a Greka Oil & Gas Co. facility near Santa Maria had three releases in as many days. It will be allowed to resume operations when deemed safe. AP -- 12/30/08

Mediator joins talks over unloading ship -- A third day of work on a key part of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge was lost Monday as state transportation officials, their project contractor and longshore workers tried to negotiate an end to a thorny union labor squabble. Demian Bulwa in the San Francisco Chronicle Sean Maher in the Oakland Tribune -- 12/30/08

Sacramento adds ball drop to New Year's Eve fireworks -- There's never anything to do in Sacramento, eh? That can't be said this New Year's Eve, when our local cowtown goes hog wild – with not one, but two free outdoor celebrations. Ed Fletcher in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/30/08

Paint makeover spruces up aging Mount Soledad cross -- Professional painter Jim Codde would say a prayer whenever he drove past the aging Mount Soledad Cross in La Jolla – that one day he would be able to restore the landmark to its original glory. Someone listened – to his pro bono pitch, if not his prayer. Matthew T. Hall in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/30/08

California News Roundup- December 29, 2008

California warns companies they may owe use tax -- Over the last six months, California tax officials have quietly mailed thousands of official letters to doctors, beauty salons, insurance agents and other service providers looking for some badly needed state tax revenue. Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

Californians Shape Up as Force on Environmental Policy -- California Democrats will assume pivotal roles in the new Congress and White House, giving the state an outsize influence over federal policy and increasing the likelihood that its culture of activist regulation will be imported to Washington. Lyndsey Layton in the Washington Post -- 12/29/08

Dan Walters: California congressional seats are coveted -- There was a time when California's state legislators believed that they were better off – personally, politically and even financially – than members of Congress. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/29/08

Ban on driver texting among new California laws -- When the clock strikes midnight New Year's Eve, Californians will welcome 2009 and several new laws, including a ban on text messaging while driving, more-detailed labeling on bottled water, and rules to speed responses to oil spills. Wyatt Buchanan in the San Francisco Chronicle Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/29/08

The details about drivers' text-messaging ban -- Legislation signed into law in September by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger amends the handheld cell phone law that took effect July 1 so that it also "prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication." Michael Cabanatuan in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/29/08

Conservative sees reasons for hope in season of gloom -- John McCain's poor showing in California highlights the dismal health of the GOP. But Mike Spence says it's too soon to write off the party's prospects for the future. Michael Finnegan in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

Willie Brown explains it all to you -- The former Assembly speaker's recent defense of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, arrested for allegedly trying to sell Barack Obama's now vacant Senate seat, is vintage Brown, say Willie watchers. Maria L. La Ganga in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

Foreclosure is best option for some owners, analysts say -- Deeply in debt and struggling with rising mortgage payments, many homeowners in slumping markets such as San Diego County are choosing foreclosure as a business decision despite the serious damage it can do to their credit scores. Emmet Pierce in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/29/08

Is 2009 the time to buy a home in the Inland Empire? I-- Interest rates are the lowest on record, making it cheaper than ever to get a 30-year fixed mortgage. But is 2009 the time to buy a home in the Inland Empire? That depends on how you look at it. Matt Wrye in the Inland Daily Bulletin -- 12/29/08

College-prep courses urged for all students -- A coalition of business and civil rights groups is pushing for all local high school students to enroll in college-prep classes – even if they don't plan to attend college. Chris Moran in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/29/08

Latino groups weather increasing college obstacles -- With budget cuts straining California's public colleges and universities, some are worried about the effects on Latinos, who are particularly difficult to recruit to higher education in the best of times. Matt Krupnick in the Contra Costa Times -- 12/29/08

Rough ride for Fresno's Roosevelt High -- Officials strive to keep the school from losing its accreditation this spring. Kerri Ginis in the Fresno Bee -- 12/29/08

Drillers eye oil reserves off California coast -- The federal government is taking steps that may open California's fabled coast to oil drilling in as few as three years, an action that could place dozens of platforms off the Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt coasts, and raises the specter of spills, air pollution and increased ship traffic into San Francisco Bay. Jane Kay in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/29/08

Yolo County ranch's sale of water prompts lawsuit threat -- The owners of the vast Conaway Ranch in Yolo County this year sold much of its annual allotment of water to an irrigation district in Central California – prompting the threat of a lawsuit by environmental groups. Mary Lynne Vellinga in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/29/08

Campers prepare for rise in park fees -- The new year won't bring any cheer for Shawn Finney. His “rent” is going up 20 percent on Jan. 1, as county officials increase park and recreation fees to meet rising expenses. Craig Gustafson in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/29/

Spanos' revealing letter -- Alex G. Spanos, a Stockton native and billionaire land developer, philanthropist and longtime owner of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers, made a shocking yet poignant admission Sunday. Bob Highfill in the Stockton Record -- 12/29/08

Living near alcohol sellers may affect youth drinking -- Researchers from the Pardee Rand Graduate School in Santa Monica researched the relationship between proximity to alcohol retailers in zones around homes in California and drinking in children ages 12 to 17. They found an association among homes within walking distance (about half a mile) of places selling alcohol and evidence of binge drinking and driving after drinking. Jeannine Stein in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

San Jose's pension fund loss worse than similar funds -- The nearly $1 billion in losses San Jose's employee pension funds have suffered in the recent market crash were worse than those of similar funds, the city's retirement director says in a report that urges a more experienced board of trustees. John Woolfolk in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/29/08

Inglewood police have repeatedly resorted to deadly force -- A Times investigation shows that the problem of Inglewood police officers shooting unarmed suspects isn't new. Jack Leonard and Victoria Kim in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

The Army wants more recruits from L.A. -- Staff Sgt. Don Jung sized up the young immigrant shifting nervously before him in a busy office, tucked inside a shopping mall near the USC campus. Alexandra Zavis in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/29/08

At midterm, Dellums faces growing criticism -- Halfway into his tenure as mayor, Ron Dellums' vision for making Oakland a model city - by reducing crime, reforming city government and improving the health and economic well-being of its residents - remains a distant dream. Christopher Heredia in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/29/08

Fewer cops die in line of duty in 2008 -- Fewer police officers died in the line of duty in 2008 compared with last year, reflecting better training and tactics, two law enforcement support groups reported Sunday. Larry Margasak AP -- 12/29/08

Talks today on dispute over unloading ship -- State transportation officials and the contractor hired to build the Bay Bridge's new eastern span called a meeting for this morning with picketing longshore workers, hoping to resolve a tense standoff over a Chinese cargo ship full of steel parts for the bridge. Demian Bulwa in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/29/08

Review probes rescue effort -- When a casino-bound bus rolled over on an isolated Colusa County road in October, rescue workers, ambulances and helicopters from throughout Northern California streamed in to aid dozens of badly injured gamblers. Some helicopters leaving the scene had troubled transits, including one that hovered over UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, low on fuel. The copter was unable to land because the helipad was full. Carrie Peyton Dahlberg in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/29/08

San Jose judge runs unique courts for drug-addicted and mentally ill -- In Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Stephen Manley's chaotic courtroom, the bulletin board tells the story. The thank-you notes. The crayon drawings from grateful children. The Polaroids of former defendants who've regained the ability to smile. Howard Mintz in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/29/08

10 years after shooting death of Tyisha Miller, call for change endures -- Civic and religious leaders marking the 10-year anniversary of the shooting death of Tyisha Miller by Riverside police urged the public Sunday to reignite the fight for law enforcement oversight and independent citizen review of all officer-involved deaths. JANET ZIMMERMAN in the Riverside Press -- 12/29/08

Capitol News Roundup- December 26, 2008

Schwarzenegger's lost year -- For all the A-list democrats Hollywood big shots who packed the 3,332-seat Kodak Theatre early this year to witness presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in their final pre-California-primary debate, only one received a long and loud ovation. That was former Gov. Gray Davis, spotted taking a balcony seat just before the debate, and for an instant upstaging the main event. TIM CAVANAUGH in L.A. Weekly -- 12/26/08

State's budget crisis: Answers to pressing questions -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he wanted a state budget deal by Christmas. Well, it's Christmas. Where's my budget deal? The item is in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

George Skelton: Lavish spending is not the culprit in California budget crisis -- There's a giant Christmas tree all lit up outside California's Capitol. But inside, the place is hardly filled with tidings of joy. This has not been a season to be jolly. George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/26/08

Dan Walters: Capitol posts tend to be family affairs -- Pete Knight, a retired Air Force test pilot who set a speed record in the X-15 rocket plane, was elected to the state Assembly in 1992 and later shifted into the state Senate. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

Villaraigosa tested in 2008 -- This was a year in which Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa found himself tested on almost every skill he has learned in his years in public life: Devastation with the Metrolink crash and wildfires and having to provide comfort to those who have lost everything - families, homes, possessions; Balancing budgets and facing the prospect of layoffs while continuing to fund the Los Angeles Police Department; Rick Orlov in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 12/26/08

Inland cities lining up for their share of federal funds -- In spite of the dour economy, some Inland cities are going to spend thousands of dollars for lobbyists to take advantage of President-elect Barack Obama's plan to spend up to $750 billion on infrastructure. AARON BURGIN in the Riverside Press -- 12/26/08

Lender alliance Hope Now says it helped 2.2 million keep homes -- The figure, however, does not account for those who may have re-defaulted. More than 50% of loans modified this year were delinquent again within six months, regulators report. Renae Merle in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/26/08

There'll be a dip in the avocado supply -- Too-hot weather at the wrong time this year has caused a shortfall in the California crop. Prices are expected to creep up around late spring. Jerry Hirsch in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/26/08

San Francisco minimum wage rises to $9.79 in 2009 -- San Francisco's labor force will get a small dose of good cheer in the New Year when the city's minimum wage climbs 43 cents to $9.79 an hour. An ordinance approved by city voters in 2003 ties the annual wage increase to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index, a measure of the average price of goods and services. Robert Selna in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/26/08

Home Front: Advice to walk away from loan draws fire -- No apologies, says Ruben Ramos, owner of a Marysville real estate office. "If people don't think it's a reality, they better wake up." Ramos got attention in real estate circles this week after explaining in Sunday's Bee how he encourages troubled borrowers to walk away from their homes. Jim Wasserman in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

Stores hope day after is the answer -- Retailers from Nordstrom to Sears, Macy's to JCPenney are opening their doors early today, hoping to salvage sales in a woeful holiday shopping season. Early store openings and extended hours are nothing new for Dec. 26, typically one of the busiest shopping – and return – days of the year. Darrell Smith in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

Layoff crimps Natomas family's holidays -- A home. That's what a secretarial job at a small nonprofit company meant for 33-year-old Thu Nguyen. Nine months after leaving a bad relationship and ending up living in a car with her two young daughters, Nguyen was finally employed last spring and able to rent an apartment. Robert Lewis in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

Day laborer jobs dry up in wilting economy -- It had been four days since Francisco Castillo last worked, earning $10 an hour helping a San Jose family move. And the 35-year-old Mexican immigrant wasn't sure when his next job was going to come in at St. Joseph the Worker Center. Jessie Mangaliman in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/26/08

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Teacher raises classroom funds selling ad space on exams -- After his classroom budget was slashed by 30 percent, Rancho Bernardo High School teacher Tom Farber saw an untapped opportunity on the bottom of his calculus tests. GARY WARTH in the North County Times -- 12/26/08

A funny thing happened on the way to the SAT -- Comedy writer publishes a humorous book to help students prepare for college entrance exams. Mitchell Landsberg in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/26/

Refinery woes push state gas prices up -- After tumbling for months, gas prices are rising again in California, jumping about 8 cents per gallon in the last week. And this time, you can't blame oil-market speculators or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. David R. Baker in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/26/08

Sierra Warming: Later snow, earlier melt: High anxiety -- Finally, snow. After weeks of waiting, mountain residents awoke to their first glimpse of winter on Dec. 13, a few fluffy inches of powder that clung to the tops of boulders like chefs' hats. Tom Knudson in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

High-speed rail optimistic about more funding -- With the economy in recession, California's plan to ask the federal government for billions of dollars to help build the nation's first high-speed rail system might seem like wishful thinking rather than a feasible financial strategy. Michael Cabanatuan in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/26/08

Transit agencies look to Obama for more funds -- Transit agencies whose perpetual scramble for funding has taken on a new urgency in this economic downturn are hopeful that President-elect Barack Obama's administration will provide the political and financial support needed to shore up and expand the nation's struggling mass transportation systems. Rachel Gordon in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/26/08

Old chemicals found years later in marine mammals -- A new Cal State Long Beach study finds high levels of DDT and PCB in seals and sea lions that died between 1994 and 2006, suggesting possible danger for humans. Andrew Blankstein in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/26/08Firewood sales drop dramatically as Spare the Air law takes hold -- A new law that bans burning wood in fireplaces, stoves and outdoor pits during Spare the Air alerts is dramatically chopping into firewood sales. Ken McLaughlin in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/26/08

Environmental concerns halt state's trout stocking -- The foot-long rainbow trout tumble out of the truck through a translucent tube, flying momentarily through the air before falling into the Lafayette Reservoir. Paul Thissen in the Contra Costa Times -- 12/26/

Sacramento County sales tax funds appear to decline -- Sales tax receipts from July 1 through Sept. 30 are in – and it looks like more bad news for Sacramento County. Sales taxes are a key revenue generator, and along with other funds, localities base their budgets on them. Robert Lewis in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/26/08

MAD Moments:Merry Christmas

California News Roundup- December 24, 2008

No budget solution likely before Christmas -- Democratic legislative leaders, following an hourlong meeting with the governor on Tuesday afternoon, said they plan to continue talking through the week with hopes of meeting again on Friday. Matthew Yi in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/24/08

Schwarzenegger, Dems try to find budget compromise -- With Republicans on the sidelines, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders met Tuesday to fashion a midyear fix for California's swelling budget deficit. JUDY LIN AP -- 12/24/08

Governor presses to expedite transportation projects -- Whether California can avert a major cash shortage next year hinges partly upon whether the state can build Highway 50 carpool lanes without further environmental review and eliminate two state worker holidays. Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/24/08

Funding crisis threatens park, levee, science projects -- Near Placerville, long-sought park land might fall out of escrow. In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, vital ecosystem research has been halted. And in West Sacramento, officials fear a delay in rebuilding levees. These problems and more are piling up in the Sacramento region as California's budget crisis worsens. Matt Weiser in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/24/08

Walters: Lack of trust colors budget deficit talks -- The network television drama "Slattery's People" lasted a couple of seasons in the mid-1960s, but won wide critical acclaim for its writing, its acting and its thematic originality – the hero, played by Richard Crenna, was a state legislator who battled for his constituents' interests and against political corruption. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/24/08

Steve Lopez: Assembly leader sees opportunity in the state's crisis -- "California is on a track to a disaster," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday, and I was wondering just one thing: What else is new? Steve Lopez in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/24/08

State budget crisis is everyone's concern -- Californians have a lot on their minds. The recession, the credit crunch, home foreclosures, joblessness. Do we have room in our worried heads for the state budget stalemate? Should we care about what's happening, or rather not happening, in Sacramento? Definitely, says Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto. John Weeks in the San Bernardino Sun -- 12/24/08

Brown first in decades to go against voters -- Attorney General Jerry Brown's legal challenge to California's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage marks the first time that the state's top lawyer has refused to defend a newly enacted ballot measure since 1964 - another epic discrimination case that eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/24/08

Brown's stand on Prop. 8 raises new questions -- But far less attention has been paid to Brown's long written rejection of some of the principal legal theories put forth by same-sex marriage advocates in their bid to roll back Proposition 8. Indeed, a large chunk of Brown's 111-page legal filing was devoted to shooting down a more technical legal argument used by supporters of same-sex marriage. Victoria Kim and Jack Leonard in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/24/08

Large California contingent could boost state's clout in D.C. -- California will regain some of its political mojo next year, on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. On Capitol Hill, California lawmakers will chair the committees that manage health, education, energy and more. One California senator will oversee the nation's spies. The other will write global warming legislation. A willful San Franciscan will run the House of Representatives. Michael Doyle and Rob Hotakainen in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/24/08

California News Roundup- December 23, 2008

Governor, Dems negotiating in private on budget -- It was a day of mixed messages on California's ever-worsening fiscal mess Monday, with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders slamming each other in public but still raising the possibility that a budget deal could be done within days. John Wildermuth in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/23/08

Schwarzenegger, lawmakers mired in budget impasse -- California's chief financial officer warned Monday that the state will run out of money in about two months as hopes of a Christmas budget compromise melted into political finger-pointing by the end of the day. JUDY LIN AP -- 12/23/08

Unions sue Schwarzenegger over mandatory days off -- The lawsuit challenges the governor's authority to require all state employees to take two unpaid furloughs each month starting in February. Jordan Rau in the Los Angeles Times Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/23/08

Furlough talk is familiar -- and scary -- to state workers -- Elnora Fretwell, a state employee for two decades, has lived it before: furloughs, layoffs and IOUs. Bobby Caina Calvan and Robert Lewis in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/23/08

Dan Walters: California budget crisis shifts by the minute -- The only constant about how politicians are responding to the deepening state budget crisis is that they are constantly changing – especially Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/23/08

State Controller says California could be broke in 2 months -- A California official is warning that the state will run out of money in about two months unless a budget deal is struck. State Controller John Chiang said Monday that his office could be forced to defer billions of dollars in payments or issue IOUs. AP -- 12/23/08

Republicans could sue over new taxes, assemblyman says -- A number of tax hikes and budget cuts that the Democrats passed last week using an obscure state constitutional loophole have yet to be signed by the governor. Lauren McSherry in the Inland Daily Bulletin -- 12/23/08

Board freezes housing funds -- Add down payment assistance, mortgages for moderate- and low-income Californians and other affordable housing programs to items temporarily suspended by the state's budget impasse. Jim Wasserman in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/23/08

Study shows increased reliance on social safety net in California -- A top state think tank Monday put a grim human toll on the financial crisis: As the state and national economies worsen, the number of families needing government help to survive is burgeoning. Karen de Sá in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/23/08

Recession offers bargains for young, employed -- Sarah Krasley, 29, a business management student at the University of San Francisco, is buying small amounts of low-priced stock these days - and advising friends to follow her example. Reyhan Harmanci in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/23/08

The Buzz: Many folks don't mind breaking the rules -- A new survey found that 62 percent of Americans would bribe their state's governor for a high-salaried state job if they knew they wouldn't get caught. The survey, by HCD Research, said 58 percent would pony up to "fix" a serious traffic violation, get health insurance as good as legislators' or obtain a state ruling to make their business profitable. Hmmm. Maybe there's a way to close that budget deficit after all … The item is in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/23/08

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry -- Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate. Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010. Steven Harmon in the Contra Costa Times -- 12/23/08

MAD Moments: Seperation of Church and State

Huber and Buchanan duck for cover during budget battle

Less than a month into the new session, Sacramento's two newest Democrat electeds have refused to take a stand in the most important issue facing the legislature in years.

I don't often agree with the Sacramento Bee. But they hit it on the nose when they exposed these two.

On Tuesday, five Assembly Democrats abstained from votes on tax hikes: Alyson Huber of El Dorado Hills, Joan Buchanan of Alamo, Manuel Perez of Coachella, Marty Block of San Diego and Charles Calderon of Whittier. Huber and Calderon also abstained from votes on spending cuts. On Thursday, Huber and Buchanan abstained again on tax hikes.

Huber's abstentions are especially disappointing. This page endorsed her to tepresent District 10, which includes Lodi, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Stockton and Jackson. She campaigned as a "problem solver" who would "hit the ground running." A news release on her swearing-in said: "Deeply concerned with the state's financial crisis, Assemblymember Huber is prepared to immediately start working toward a solution." Instead, Huber seems to have hit the ground looking for cover.

Voters don't elect legislators to be neutral on the most important issues facing the state. And if legislators don't like the process by which the bills were produced, they should vote "no."

Ladies, it is a little too early in your political tenure to be ducking for cover. You chose to run in battleground districts. So it is time to stand up and fight for what you believe in. Or are you scared that you will be exposed for who you really are?

California News Roundup- December 22, 2008

Welfare faces big hit as demand for services soars -- Welfare benefits in California could be cut to levels of seven or eight years ago, under at least one state budget proposal. Agencies that serve some of society's most vulnerable people are slashing staff and canceling services in anticipation of state budget cuts to welfare programs. Cynthia Hubert in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

Load rising for `safety net' health providers -- Community clinics, already faced with shrinking state and private funding, expect patient loads to expand next year as more unemployed workers lose health insurance. A bottleneck for access to low-cost health care is inevitable, experts say, as more uninsured seek medical attention, and hospital emergency rooms become overloaded. Susan Abram in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 12/22/08

California counties brace for the worst -- Bay Area counties, drowning in deficits, aren't expecting any life preservers when state officials finally agree on a plan to close the state's nearly $15 billion budget gap for the current fiscal year. John Wildermuth in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/22/08

Democrats' budget ploy could shake up balance of power in Sacramento -- One longtime Capitol observer called it the legislative equivalent of the nuclear option. When legislative Democrats last week unveiled a risky gambit to raise billions in new revenue by exploiting a loophole in the state Constitution, it was more than just a bid to prop up the sagging general fund. Mike Zapler in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/22/08

Skelton: Governor and Democrats should push for a win in budget battle -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislative leaders are close to agreement on a landmark red-ink reduction package. But to see how close, you'd have to look inside Schwarzenegger's head. And I don't know anyone in Sacramento who knows how to do that. George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Budget talks by videophone -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with Democratic leaders Sunday over videophone to renegotiate a multibillion-dollar budget fix after he rejected their plan last week. Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

Schwarzenegger reveals tricks of the trade on '60 Minutes' -- The governor says that without his acting experience, his job in Sacramento would have been much more difficult. Michael Rothfeld in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Walters: A plan to balance California's budget -- It's self-evident that the current occupants of the Capitol, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, don't know how to negotiate effectively. But if they weren't endemically dysfunctional, what would be a reasonable way to close the state's budget deficit? Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

Pelosi power: California rises -- Forget Illinois: California is poised to be the top dog in Obama-era Washington. With roughly a half-dozen Cabinet and key administrative appointees and a powerhouse congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the other end of Pennsylvania Ave., California is shaping up to be the new Texas, the alpha state whose cultural and policymaking influence was inescapable through most of the last eight years. CHARLES MAHTESIAN Politico -- 12/22/08

UC Berkeley economists playing key role in new administration -- Sure, there's a recession, but the arrows are pointing up for economists at the University of California, Berkeley. Dale Kasler in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

As layoffs rise, wrongful-termination suits may follow -- Lured away from her job in Houston to take an executive position at Dell Inc., Jan Chapman persuaded her husband to quit his job, move with her to Austin, Texas, and buy a house at the height of the real estate bubble. Seven months later, the computer maker laid off Chapman, whose 25-year career in human resources had been filled with flattering performance evaluations. Carol J. Williams in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

911 furloughs work in reverse -- The unpaid furloughs ordered for city employees more than a month ago were intended to save money, but at the police and fire departments, furloughed emergency dispatchers are replaced by colleagues who are then paid overtime. Christian Burkin in the Stockton Record -- 12/22/08

State law hasn't put brakes on defaults -- This year's main legislative effort to rein in the state's wave of home foreclosures has had mixed results, amid signs that the law's key feature only temporarily slowed the process. JIM MILLER in the Riverside Press -- 12/22/08

New wetlands plan worries San Francisco Bay fishermen -- When it's complete, it will be one of the largest wetlands restorations in U.S. history, a sprawling complex of critical habitat in the North Bay that scientists believe will benefit threatened and endangered species, provide a nursery for fish and even help ease the effects of global warming. Brian Hoffman in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/22/08

Orange County traffic planners left wondering where to turn -- Now that the federal government has rejected a proposed toll road extension through south Orange County, it's back to square one. Susannah Rosenblatt in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Obama looks West for energy plan -- Would a green energy America look and act much like the Golden State? President-elect Barack Obama has hailed California as a trendsetter in the fight against global warming, and he’s topped his energy and environment team with experts from there — Nobel Prize-winning scientist Steven Chu as energy secretary and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Nancy Sutley as head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. ERIKA LOVLEY Politico -- 12/22/08

L.A. can use race as factor in magnet schools -- Los Angeles can continue to seek racial balance in assigning tens of thousands of students to specialized magnet schools despite California's voter-approved ban on race preferences in government programs, a state appeals court has ruled. Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/22/08

L.A.'s new arts school an expensive social experiment -- The campus has long been intended as a local school, mostly serving students from surrounding neighborhoods. Critics say the district's best resources shouldn't be restricted geographically. Mitchell Landsberg in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Middle school students soar like young eagles -- It wasn't the usual takeoff from Torrance Municipal Airport. When the cream-and-maroon Citabria Adventure broke its bond with Earth, George Butts pulled back hard on the stick. The little aerobatic plane shot skyward at a near vertical angle, like a roller coaster making its first ascent. Dan Weikel in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Colleges report increase in early applications -- In a recession, expensive private colleges like Stanford University lose students to cheaper public universities. That's the conventional thinking. And it's wrong. Across the nation, Stanford and other wealthy schools with generous aid packages are all reporting increases in interest. Lisa M. Krieger in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/22/08

Community colleges to be hurt by state budget woes -- California community colleges are bracing for the impact as the state budget gaps yawns every day. The latest estimate is a $41.8 billion shortfall by June 2010. Cody Kraatz and Matt Wilson in the San Jose Mercury -- 12/22/08

Schools see increase in subsidized lunches -- The recession is driving more children into school cafeterias for government-subsidized lunches. Schools nationwide are serving 425,000 more free and reduced-priced meals daily than they were last year, according to the School Nutrition Association. Chris Moran in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/22/08

Fresno Unified targets bullying -- After years of promising to do something about the chronic problem of bullying, the Fresno Unified School District has embarked on a $1.3 million plan that it says could become a blueprint for schools nationwide. Pablo Lopez in the Fresno Bee -- 12/22/08

School cyberbullying law takes effect Jan. 1 -- A new law aimed at deterring the proliferation of cyberbullying at public schools goes into effect Jan. 1, bolstering educators' ability to tackle the problem head-on. Joe Nelson in the Inland Daily Bulletin -- 12/22/08

Outsider or insider to replace San Francisco chief? -- In selecting a new police chief, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will have to weigh candidates from within the department who know the city's choppy political waters against outsiders who might do better implementing reform, political leaders and law enforcement experts said Sunday. Jaxon Van Derbeken, Demian Bulwa in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/22/08

Matier & Ross: San Francisco first lady sparkles with borrowed diamonds -- Diamonds really are a girl's best friend - especially for Mayor Gavin Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who has a cozy jewelry exchange going on with a couple of San Francisco's swankiest diamond purveyors. Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/22/08

Sacramento taxi death points to rule loopholes -- When you step into a taxi, you are putting your life in a stranger's hands. That may sound melodramatic. There is no indication cabbies get in more crashes than other drivers. Police don't even bother keeping statistics on that. But a death in Sacramento last week throws a light on a hidden problem. Tony Bizjak in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

Local investigative firm sees rise in workers' comp fraud cases -- Daniel Andrade, a former Sacramento City Unified School District custodian, hurt his left heel when a cart rolled onto it at work. For several months he told doctors the pain was so severe it rendered him "inactive," according to court documents. Chelsea Phua in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

Sacramento's K Street Mall can't shake malaise, lure shoppers -- As Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" played from the speakers above downtown Sacramento's outdoor ice rink Sunday morning, the K Street Mall scene sang another song. Ed Fletcher and Mary Lynne Vellinga in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/22/08

U.S. is investigating LAPD officer -- A veteran Los Angeles police officer who operates a security company in Belize is under federal investigation for allegedly smuggling handguns into the Central American nation, according to law enforcement sources and internal LAPD documents. Richard Winton and Scott Glover in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

Religious displays to be debated in court -- California jurists next year will rule on the constitutionality of crosses on public land, teachers' speech rights and students' Bible clubs. Joanna Lin in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/22/08

California News Roundup- December 19, 2008

Schwarzenegger to order furloughs, layoffs -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration is telling labor unions that it will order two-day-a-month unpaid furloughs for state employees beginning in February to help the state save cash amid its budget crisis. Dan Smith and Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/19/08

Schwarzenegger to call another special session -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he would call the Legislature back into session to solve the state's fiscal crisis. Anthony York in Capitol Weekly Steve Wiegand in the Sacramento Bee GARANCE BURKE AP -- 12/19/08

State deficit - $1,000 for every Californian -- The state's demographers calculated that six months ago, California's population passed 38 million, which provides a benchmark for placing its whopping budget deficit in perspective. Dan Walters SacBee Capitol Alert -- 12/19/08

California posts 8.4% jobless rate, the third highest in U.S. -- The state lost 41,700 jobs in November. Its unemployment rate is at its highest level since 1994 and behind only Michigan and Rhode Island. Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times MARCUS WOHLSEN AP -- 12/19/08

Obama names Solis as labor secretary -- President-elect Barack Obama is nominating California Rep. Hilda Solis to be labor secretary. Solis, who is a daughter of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants, has focused on immigration and the environment while serving in the House since 2001. ERICA WERNER and SAM HANANEL AP -- 12/19/08

Burglar hits Paris Hilton's home, takes $2 million in jewelry -- The incident occurred at 5 a.m. at Hilton's Hollywood Hills home on Clarendon Street. The burglar, or burglars, got into the house through an unlocked door, according to LAPD sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing. Richard Winton and Andrew Blankstein in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/19/08

Schwarzenegger says he won't back Democratic budget plan -- The governor says the $18-billion plan calling for higher taxes and spending cuts doesn't go as far as he'd like to stimulate the economy. The state may run out of money in early February. Jordan Rau and Patrick McGreevy in the Los Angeles Times Matthew Yi, Wyatt Buchanan in the San Francisco Chronicle Steve Wiegand and Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee Rick Orlov and Harrison Sheppard in the Los Angeles Daily News Mike Zapler in the San Jose Mercury BRIAN JOSEPH in the Orange County Register JUDY LIN AP Timm Herdt in the Ventura Star -- 12/19/08

Dan Walters: Veto threat chills Democratic budget gambit -- Democratic legislators attempted Thursday to take a big bite out of the state's budget deficit by passing a complex, $18 billion mélange of legally uncertain spending cuts and new taxes, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger quickly doused it with the icy water of a veto threat. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/19/08

Governor makes relaxing labor laws budget priority -- Would elimination of the eight-hour workday law really boost the economy? Or are employers using the economic downturn as leverage to try to abolish worker protections that apply in good times and bad? Timm Herdt in the Ventura Star -- 12/19/08

California Supreme Court allows good Samaritans to be sued for nonmedical care -- The ruling stems from a case in which a woman pulled a crash victim from a car 'like a rag doll,' allegedly aggravating a vertebrae injury. Carol J. Williams in the Los Angeles Times Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/19/08

Prop. 8 foe declines invitation to Obama inauguration -- A leader of the campaign to defeat Proposition 8 on Thursday declined an invitation to attend the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. Aurelio Rojas in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/19/08

Governor's former cabinet secretary joins Farmers Insurance -- Dan Dunmoyer, a veteran Capitol staffer and insurance-industry representative who served as cabinet secretary and deputy chief of staff to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has joined Farmers Insurance Groups as the head of the company's national legislative and regulatory programs. John Howard in Capitol Weekly -- 12/19/08

W. Mark Felt, Watergate source 'Deep Throat,' dies at 95 -- W. Mark Felt, the former FBI official who ended one of the country's most intriguing political mysteries when he identified himself as "Deep Throat" -- the nickname for the anonymous source who helped guide the Washington Post's Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into the Watergate scandal -- has died. He was 95. Johanna Neuman in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/19/08

Credit card changes will give consumers a break -- The rules from federal regulators represent a sweeping change. But the new limits on fees and rates don't start until 2010. Tiffany Hsu in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/19/08

The rush to refinance -- That's triggered a rush among homeowners to refinance - potentially putting thousands of dollars a year into many consumers' pockets, money that could find its way into the general economy. The lower rates are expected to continue, which could spur fence-sitters to buy homes next year. Carolyn Said in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/19/08

Governor finally agrees with GOP Legislators

Here is a quote from Gov. Schwarzenegger you won’t see in the main stream media:

"And now I understand when Republicans say they say that they are serious about negotiating, but when it comes down to the language itself, that’s where it will fall apart. And that’s exactly what happened this time."

He made this statement after pledging to veto the controversial budget fixed passed on a simple majority vote, in violation of the State Constitution (Click Here to Watch the Video).

What he was commenting on was the fact that when Legislative Democrats negotiate they say they will do one thing. But the devil is in the details-otherwise known as “Bill Language”. Meaning- the bill language that is offered by the Democrats often does not do what they said it would do. This is why it is a general policy amongst assembly Republicans to not agree to any idea- even in concept until you see it in writing. Furthermore, it explains why the GOP has insisted on their issues being address before even considering new revenues.

The truth is that Legislative Democrats don’t believe that they have to actually negotiate with Republicans. They ignore them whenever they don’t need their votes to pass legislation. No matter how salient a point they make may be, it often gets lost in the fervor of getting their bills through the legislative process. They simply state that they are willing to take a look into it as the bill moves along. The bill passes and nothing ever happens.

And when they do need GOP votes, Democrats don’t bother trying to negotiate in good faith. Rather, they try to pick off one or two votes with incentives that may help that member, but don’t necessarily address their overall policy concerns. Of course, the governor cannot necessarily complain about this tactic, since he often employees it himself.

If a deal is going to get done, it will only be when all sides are allowed to sit at the table and negotiate in good faith. All sacred cows need to be on the table- meaning that everyone is going to have to give up something in order to get something.

MAD Moments: Civic Partipcation

California News Roundup- December 18, 2008

Today’s attempt by Democrats to shred the State Constitution will be challenged in court -- In perhaps one of the most brazen political moves in California history, Democrat leadership yesterday unveiled a budget proposal that would shred the California Constitution by raising billions of new taxes without the required two-thirds vote. JON COUPAL in the FlashReport -- 12/18/08

Harder to keep on trucking -- Amid the hype over last week's adoption by the state Air Resources Board of new regulations to curb greenhouse gases, much less attention was given to the ARB's companion action regarding diesel trucks. EDITORIAL in the Orange County Register -- 12/18/08

Reflections from the region: A year of restraint for public officials -- The lesson of 2008 is that we must ensure that federal, state and local governments reform themselves to focus on cost-effectively achieving their fundamental missions of protecting citizens' safety and security. Government shouldn't get distracted by trying to perform numerous minor functions that individuals and private associations can do for themselves. KEVIN HANLEY in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08


Dems' new budget plan adds $9 billion revenue -- State lawmakers are expected to vote today on an $18 billion budget, put forth Wednesday by Democrats, that contains more than $9 billion in added revenue and requires only a simple majority vote of the Legislature to be approved. Matthew Yi in the San Francisco Chronicle Steve Wiegand and Jim Sanders in the Sacramento Bee Jordan Rau and Evan Halper in the Los Angeles Times BRIAN JOSEPH in the Orange County Register JUDY LIN AP Anthony York in Capitol Weekly Timm Herdt in the Ventura Star -- 12/18/08

State crisis halts 2,000 public works projects -- State financial leaders halted funding Wednesday for at least 2,000 public works projects in California, including school construction in every Bay Area county, carpool lanes in Sonoma County and on the Sunol Grade, and affordable housing in San Francisco. Wyatt Buchanan in the San Francisco Chronicle Michael Gardner in the San Diego Union-Trib Tony Bizjak in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

State workers have a lot to lose in budget battle -- As California’s seemingly interminable budget crisis grinds on, one of the groups most nervously watching the flow of red ink is the state government workforce, which faces furloughs and layoffs that are likely to exceed the levels of 2003, where by one estimate 25,000 workers received pink slips during the last half of that year. JOHN HOWARD in the Capitol Weekly -- 12/18/08

Q&A: What Dems are doing and what it means to Californians -- How could Democratic legislators and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger raise state revenues by more than $9 billion over the next 18 months when California has a constitutional requirement that new taxes receive a two-thirds legislative vote and Republicans refuse to vote for taxes? The item is in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

More California Towns Face Bankruptcy -- California may soon have more bankrupt towns on its hands. The city of Vallejo, Calif., gained national attention earlier this year by filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. Now, two neighbors are fighting to avoid the same fate, as the state's economic crisis spreads. BOBBY WHITE in the Wall Street Journal -- 12/18/08

Calpers Losses Add to a City's Stress -- Pacific Grove, a coastal town south of San Francisco, already faces a budget crisis. Now losses by California's giant pension fund could make the pain worse. RHONDA L. RUNDLE in the Wall Street Journal -- 12/18/08

CalPERS names Stausboll chief executive -- The nation's largest public pension fund has a new leader. Anne Stausboll will be the first female chief executive officer in the 77-year history of the California Public Employees' Retirement System, the fund's board announced Wednesday night. She is to start the job Jan. 12. Jon Ortiz in the Sacramento Bee Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Governor rejoices in redistrict measure's win -- The election day win for Proposition 11 opens the way for long-needed changes in the way California's government is run, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told a jubilant rally of supporters of the redistricting measure Wednesday. John Wildermuth in the San Francisco Chronicle Kevin Yamamura in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

After Prop. 11, Gov ponders next move -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, fresh from a successful ballot initiative campaign to create an independent redistricting commission, is considering a laundry list of potential political reforms that include a push to change California’s primary election laws. John Howard in Capitol Weekly -- 12/18/08

The ever-changing world of California public affairs -- California government has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. Everything from term limits to restrictions on political campaign contributions has changed the way the business of politics works. Meanwhile, technological changes have altered the media business and fundamentally changed the way California citizens receive their information. Anthony York in Capitol Weekly -- 12/18/08

More are moving out of California than in -- For a fourth year in a row, residents moving to other states outnumber arrivals from other states, a trend that underscores the sour economy. David Pierson in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Family Law Task Force getting flak for recruitment, ‘insider’ panelists -- A Task Force created to address alleged widespread problems in the state family courts system is taking flak from the same groups who have been calling for reforms. Malcolm Maclachlan in Capitol Weekly -- 12/18/08

Venture capitalists' 2009 outlook bearish -- Most U.S. venture capitalists expect a rough year in 2009, with slowing investments, declining returns and a stagnant or worsening economy, according to a survey released Wednesday by the National Venture Capital Association. Deborah Gage in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Recession study confirms Inland economic freefall -- Inland Southern California's staggering unemployment and foreclosure rates are leading to county and city budget shortfalls, strains on local food banks and increased crime, a statewide report has concluded. BEN GOAD in the Riverside Press -- 12/18/08

Yahoo to purge user data after 90 days -- Yahoo Inc. said Wednesday that it would purge personally identifiable information related to user search queries after 90 days, acquiescing to concerns of privacy advocates and regulators about the amount of data Internet companies collect about consumers. Verne Kopytoff in the San Francisco Chronicle Jessica Guynn in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

People older than 70 1/2 will get mild IRA break -- Congress passed a bill last week that will suspend, for 2009 only, the rule that requires some people to withdraw a certain percentage from their tax-deferred retirement accounts each year. Kathleen Pender in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Dissenters in CCPOA grumble over Perata funds -- We hear it all the time from state workers: Our union tosses around political campaign money like it's confetti at a Barack Obama victory speech. This week the cause célèbre among state correctional officers is the $600,000 stiffing they took from (now former) state Sen. Don Perata. Jon Ortiz in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

Exercise options limited -- The San Diego school district has taken on a state law that eliminates physical education credits from the popular – and some say physically demanding – Junior ROTC and marching band classes. Maureen Magee in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/18/08

$5 tolls likely for many Bay Area bridges -- Commuters are likely to face $5 tolls on the Bay Bridge and other state-owned spans - and a possible toll for carpools - in 2010 to raise nearly $1 billion for necessary seismic-safety improvements on the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges, officials said Wednesday. Michael Cabanatuan in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

State board backs Novato landfill expansion -- A controversial plan to expand the Redwood Landfill in Novato so that garbage can be trucked in and dumped there was given a thumbs-up this week by the California Integrated Waste Management Board. Peter Fimrite in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Debate over Sunrise Powerlink may be near decision -- The California Utilities Commission is scheduled to vote on the renewable energy transmission project, opposed by some environmentalists. Marla Dickerson and Marc Lifsher in the Los Angeles Times Onell R. Soto in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/18/08

Developer proposes to demolish Century Plaza hotel -- Michael Rosenfeld, who bought the property for $366.5 million last May, calls for razing the 19-story arc-shaped hotel and erecting two 50-story towers in its place. Roger Vincent and Martha Groves in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Sack single-use bags for today -- A campaign that started last year to get rid of plastic sacks in Los Angeles County has ballooned into today's statewide effort dubbed Day Without a Bag. Mike Lee in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/18/08

Medicare's refusal to pay could end Sutter heart transplants -- In a move that could kill the region's only heart transplant program, federal Medicare officials have notified Sutter Memorial Hospital that it will not pay for heart transplants there after Jan. 15. Carrie Peyton Dahlberg in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

Broad Foundation donates $25 million for stem cell research -- UC San Francisco will build a state-of-the-art laboratory that will bring together some of the world's leading scientists in the field. Richard C. Paddock in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

L.A. council tightens gun, ammunition laws -- The move is intended to help reduce the city's gun and gang violence, but an NRA lawyer says a lawsuit is likely. Maeve Reston in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Bay Area food banks struggle to meet need -- Unlike many Bay Area businesses, John Muir Health in Walnut Creek has not been plagued by layoffs, cutbacks or wage freezes the past year. But that didn't stop the hospital's 6,100 employees from feeling the wrath of the economic downturn. Carolyn Jones in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Los Angeles County shelters brim with families -- Vouchers for motel rooms are growing scarce as bad economy, bad weather take their toll. At the Union Rescue Mission downtown, mothers with children tell how they cope with their circumstances. Jessica Garrison in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Initiative will assist struggling charities -- Two of San Diego County's best-known nonprofits are teaming up to support struggling charities through the recession, and they plan to ask the region's top donors to contribute up to $5 million for the effort. Jeff McDonald in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 12/18/08

Fresh pact to make GGNRA more accessible -- Advocates who claimed the disabled are excluded from vital locations in Bay Area national parks - including trails, campgrounds, visitor centers and restrooms - announced an agreement with the government Wednesday on a plan to make 75,000 acres of federally managed lands more user-friendly. Bob Egelko in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Hotel room assessment to help fix the Moscone -- Beginning Jan. 1, guests at San Francisco hotels will find a little something extra in their bill at checkout: a new assessment. With the extra money, the city plans to make major renovations and improvements to the Moscone Center and ramp up its marketing efforts around the world. George Raine in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 12/18/08

Wiretaps record alleged bribery at SK Foods -- When Randall Rahal talked on the phone between June 4, 2007, and April 23, 2008, the FBI was listening. Denny Walsh in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/18/08

South El Monte mayor makes no promises on heeding curfew -- Blanca Figueroa's City Council colleagues voted Dec. 9 to ban workers from City Hall after 11 p.m. They contend that the mayor's been living at the office. Kate Linthicum in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Los Angeles council OKs $74 million in midyear budget cuts -- The reductions are spread across many departments, but officials predicted little impact on city services. A $17-million shortfall remains. The mayor vows not to halt his police buildup plan. Maeve Reston in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Getty's endowment falls 25% -- Even the Getty Trust, the world's richest arts institution, is hurting in today's bleak economy. Diane Haithman in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/18/08

Anti-war activists hold shoe-in at Marine recruiting station to show solidarity with Iraqi journalist -- CodePINK anti-war activists marched in front of the U.S. Marine recruiting station in Berkeley on Wednesday to support an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush on Sunday. The item is in the Oakland Tribune -- 12/18/08