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International Herald Tribune - From news reports
Fierce clashes raged Thursday in Beirut after the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah said the U.S.-supported Lebanese government had declared war by targeting its military telecommunications network. Fighters from Hezbollah and the allied Amal group exchanged assault-rifle fire and rocket-propelled grenades with pro- government gunmen in several areas of the capital in some of the worst domestic fighting since the 1975-90 civil war. The latest clashes followed a defiant speech by Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in which he said the militant organizations would respond with force to any attacks. "Those who try to arrest us, we will arrest them," Nasrallah said in a news confer... more
 
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Mayor Gavin Newsom today joined Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) General Manager Ed Harrington to announce a new $8 million USEPA grant to fund innovative water security and drinking water contamination early detection systems for the SFPUC water system. The grant funds will allow the SFPUC to pilot monitoring, sampling, detection and early warning systems that could serve as a model for other water systems across the nation. New York City also recently received a similar USEPA grant, announced last month. "Our Hetch Hetchy water is the cleanest and most pris... more
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) praised House passage of H.R. 1512, which would amend the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) to authorize reimbursements to States and local governments for costs associated with the incarceration of illegal aliens charged – rather than convicted – with a felony or two or more misdemeanors. Bono Mack joined Representative Linda Sanchez (CA-39) and other members of the California Delegation in introducing this legislation in May of 2007. The measure passed by a voice vote yesterday and now awaits consideration in the Senate. "Our state and local governments depend on SCAAP funding to deal with the burgeoning costs associated with incarcerating criminal aliens," said ... more
STATE CAPITOL – Senate Bill 1686, authored by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), passed the Senate yesterday during a 34 to 0 Floor vote. SB 1686, co-authored by Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles), proposes that if a person, company or organization directs or knows that a petition gatherer signs a false affidavit, (primarily about their residence), then that person could be punishable by fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. "The big fish that bankroll illegal signature gathering should not be able to get away by blaming the little fish who do their bidding," said Senator Denham. It has now become common practice by some groups to get their signatures through petition gatherers who don&ac... more
As the LA City Council votes on whether to support AB 2716, California´s proposed paid sick days legislation, UC Berkeley report analyzes the legislation´s potential to reduce the transmission of illnesses such as seasonal influenza and norovirus. Berkeley, CA – AB 2716, a bill that would extend paid sick days leave to all workers in California, will likely have a positive impact on public health, according to a new report released today by the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. AB 2716, the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, was introduced by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma in February and passed by the Assembly Labor and Employment and Judiciary Committees in April. The Los Angeles City Council is e... more
SACRAMENTO –Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) today announced the California State Assembly´s unanimous approval, by a vote of 65-0, of Assembly Bill 2724, his measure to crack down on the metal thieves who continue to ravish public and private property in our communities and throughout the State of California. "My colleagues recognize that we need to act now to enact tougher laws to combat the metal theft epidemic," remarked Assemblyman Benoit. "I´m grateful for their consideration of my measure that will curb this crime which is threatening local governments, hurting school districts, and destroying critical infrastructure locally and throughout our State." Under current law, it is considered grand theft ... more
(SACRAMENTO) – A bill by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) requiring insurance companies to provide appropriate and equitable coverage to patients with autism spectrum disorders passed the Senate today on a 33-to-1 vote. SB 1563 requires the Department of Managed Health Care, in conjunction with the Department of Insurance, to bring together key stakeholders and make sure that the current law requiring health insurers to provide medically necessary treatment for autism is being followed. Experts estimate that there are 187,000 Californians with this condition and presently the state´s regional centers serve over 37,000 individuals with autism and are adding 11 new cases every day. "Families are told their... more
REDWOOD CITY—Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (San Francisco/San Mateo) and San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill today released results of a San Mateo audit that found registered sex offenders at a child care and foster care facility in the county and announced plans to improve state law and local practices. The review, requested by Supervisor Hill, continues efforts by Assemblywoman Ma to better regulate these social services. "When working moms drop off their kids, they shouldn´t have to worry about their children´s safety," said Assemblywoman Ma. "When the state auditor discovered sex offenders at child care facilities and foster care homes, the state finally acted. That´s too little, too late. That´s why exp... more
Sacramento – Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security announced that his bill, AB 1946, to provide district attorney´s more power to pursue polluters and to protect emergency responders passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee. "I am proud to be working with the California District Attorney´s Association to better protect Californians from pollution. The more tools to enforce California´s environmental laws, the better," said Nava. "It is necessary to make sure that the public, our firefighters and police officers are protected. Companies who fail in their obligation to our community shouldn´t be able to hide from their responsibility because of a f... more
Sacramento–State Assemblymember Pedro Nava announced today that his legislative initiative to protect victims, witnesses, and our communities from sexually violent predators passed the State Assembly on a unanimous bipartisan vote 74 to 0. "I am very pleased that my colleagues in the Assembly passed my legislation with all aye votes," said Nava. "This measure provides vital protections to victims, their families and communities from further harm by sexually violent predators." AB 2410-The Sex Crime Victims & Witness Protection Act of 2008 Protects victims and or witnesses by prohibiting disclosure to the attacker of a victim´s name, phone number and address, when the victim and or witness testifies at the SVP commitme... more
(Sacramento, CA) – The State Assembly unanimously approved legislation authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) to help non-profit organizations organize fundraising events involving wine donated from California´s wine industry. Assembly Bill (AB) 1964 passed with a 74-0 vote. It now moves to the State Senate for further review. "It´s challenging enough for non-profits to raise the funds needed to do their important work," said Evans. "The law need not put needless obstacles in front of them. This bill creates new opportunities for non-profits to get the resources they need and simplifies the laws that they must follow." "This is one of those areas where an existing law no longer makes sense," said Sena... more
SACRAMENTO–On a 4-1 bipartisan vote, the Senate Local Government Committee today approved legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to enable cities in California to save money and time on public construction projects using the efficient design-build process. Under Wolk´s Assembly Bill 642, all cities would be able to utilize the design build project delivery method and hire a single company to both design and construct public buildings and related infrastructure. This method significantly streamlines the construction process, speeding project completion and containing costs. Existing law only allows the cities in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the cities of Victorville and Stanton, to use design-build contracting practices.... more
SACRAMENTO--California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that Jiffy Lube International has improved its operations to ensure that oil and antifreeze is properly contained at its local oil change facilities. "Some employees were not regularly inspecting their storage containers to prevent oil and antifreeze from spilling or leaking," Attorney General Brown said. "Under today´s agreement, Jiffy Lube will launch a program to ensure that storage containers are in good working order to avoid spills and overflows." Brown joined eleven counties in announcing the statewide agreement with Jiffy Lube International, resolving allegations that some of its oil change centers did not follow precautions to protect the envi... more
By FELICITY BARRINGER SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor Gavin Newsom is competitive about many things, garbage included. When the city found out a few weeks ago that it was keeping 70 percent of its disposable waste out of local landfills, he embraced the statistic the way other mayors embrace winning sports teams, improved test scores or declining crime rates. The San Francisco Recycling Center processes about 750 tons of recyclables a day, and Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to add to that total. Workers sort plastics at the San Francisco Recycling Center. The city, with 7,800 tons of waste a day, keeps 70 percent of it out of landfills. Mayor Gavin Newsom is shooting for 75 percent. But the city wants more. So Mr. Newsom will soon be... more
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Mayor Gavin Newsom initiated an informal challenge to the 2007 Census population estimate for the City and County of San Francisco based on a recent report that estimates there are 864,515 people living in San Francisco – almost 100,000 more than the estimated 764,976. Filing this challenge may allow San Francisco to receive more federal and state funding. "Every San Franciscan counts, and I am serious about ensuring San Francisco receives our fair share of federal and state funding and attention," said Mayor Newsom. "We can use this new data to attract high quality retailers to our underserved markets and make sure we develop the neighborhoods that have been unfairly undercounted." San Francisco is the first Calif... more
RIVERSIDE--Following a ten-month investigation, California Department of Justice special agents today arrested Dr. Wesley Albert, 78, in Lake Elsinore for writing large quantities of prescription drugs which led to an individual's death in Riverside last year. "Prescription drugs are extremely potent, even lethal," Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. said "The California Department of Justice will crack down on crooked doctors who sell dangerous narcotics to people without a legitimate medical condition," Brown added. The California Department of Justice opened its investigation into Dr. Albert´s medical practice after a former patient was arrested in Encinitas in April 2007 for possessing controlled prescription drugs. Under... more
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Members of Congress are being asked to state whether or not they support a temporary suspension of the federal tax on gasoline as a response to soaring gas prices. Below is a statement by 29 members of the House of Representatives unequivocally rejecting the idea. The Democratic lawmakers signing this statement are: Reps. George Miller (CA), Xavier Becerra (CA), Lois Capps (CA), Anna Eshoo (CA), Barbara Lee (CA), Zoe Lofgren (CA), Fortney Pete Stark (CA), Mark Udall (CO), Rosa DeLauro (CT), John Larson (CT), Hank Johnson (GA), Neil Abercrombie (HI), David Loebsack (IA), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Michael Capuano (MA), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO), Paul Hodes (NH), Carol Shea-Porter (NH), Melvin Watt (NC), Earl Blumenauer (OR), Peter D... more
San Francisco, CA – Mayor Newsom announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Terrell Rogers that occurred on January 12, 2008 in the parking lot across the street from the gymnasium of Sacred Heart College Preparatory High School at 1055 Ellis Street in San Francisco. "The violence plaguing our streets will not stop without the help of every resident of San Francisco," said Mayor Newsom. "This reward is one tool we can use to urge anyone with information to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement. Our neighborhoods deserve the justice that can only come with solving this tragic crime." The homicide victim, Terrell... more
(Sacramento) –Assemblyman Guy Houston (R-San Ramon) announced that his legislation making owning a home in California more affordable for the state´s thousands of disabled veterans was heard today in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Assembly Bill 2568 will increase the existing property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses to 100% of the value of their primary residence. Bill Klug, resident of Brentwood and Retired National Guard 2nd Lieutenant testified on the bill in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. "There are thousands of veterans that qualify for the disabled veteran´s exemption," said Bill Klug. "Our disabled veterans not only deserve our utmost respect... more
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) announced that the Senate on Thursday unanimously passed Assembly Bill 1158, Benoit´s elder abuse testimony bill, by a vote of 35-0. Benoit´s bill, authorizing the use of two-way video conferencing technology in the courtroom to examine sick or infirm witnesses, now awaits approval by Governor Schwarzenegger. "Elder abuse is a crime that must be taken very seriously and I´m proud that my colleagues have acted in concert to pass this important legislation," said Assemblyman Benoit. "My bill permits the use of already-existing video conferencing technology that will allow elders to seek justice, while respecting the rights of the accused in a criminal trial." ... more
RICHMOND-- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced a "major expansion" of California´s DNA laboratory and database, preparing the state to begin collecting DNA samples from every felony arrestee beginning January 1, 2009. "Today's major expansion of the state laboratory prepares California to collect DNA from every felony arrestee starting in 2009," California Attorney General Brown told a news conference at the Jan Bashinkski DNA Laboratory in Richmond. "California's DNA program is giving local law enforcement critical investigative leads in thousands of unsolved crimes," Brown added. Since Proposition 69 passed in 2004, the state laboratory has uploaded an average of nearly 200,000 DNA profiles annually. Wh... more
SAN FRANCISCO--After a thorough investigation that included reviewing prior investigations conducted by the Santa Clara County Sheriff´s and District Attorney´s Offices and conducting its own independent investigation, the California Department of Justice ("DOJ") announced today that it found insufficient evidence to support the filing of criminal charges in connection with the alleged assault of a 17-year-old-girl ("Jane Doe") at a March 2007 De Anza College house party. The DOJ began its review of the case at the request of Santa Clara District Attorney Dolores Carr following that office´s determination that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges in connection with the alleged assault at the De Anz... more
SACRAMENTO – Today, the California State Assembly, by a vote of 61-1, approved Assembly Bill 1976, legislation by Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) that strengthens fines for fraudulent 911 telephone calls. Assemblyman Benoit obtained and released recordings of actual 911 calls made by people with non-emergencies— tying up emergency lines with requests for an email address, advice on serving papers and evicting tenants, and a request by a man locked out of his house— illustrating abuse of the 911 system and further need for this new law. "911 is a critical emergency service that has provided life-saving support to Americans all over the country," said Assemblyman Benoit. "There are 500,000 calls a day made to 9... more
San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor Gavin Newsom heralded preliminary data indicating 734 local employers have selected the Healthy San Francisco program as the healthcare choice for their employees. These employers have committed almost $6 million toward healthcare expenditures for their employees, benefiting 12,900 workers. There are approximately 19,000 residents currently enrolled in the Healthy San Francisco program. "Employers have stepped up and are pitching in to make sure our workers stay healthy and on the job," said Mayor Newsom. "I want to thank them for their support of our efforts to expand universal healthcare access to uninsured residents, including access to people who work in the City." The Health Care Security Ordinan... more
Washington, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) introduced the Charitable Aid To Community Heroes (CATCH) Act, H.R. 5930, which would help ensure that contributions collected by charitable organizations reach the families of individuals who are killed or injured while serving to protect life or property. The CATCH Act permanently corrects a shortcoming in the tax code that previously delayed over $1 million from reaching the families of five firefighters who were killed in the Esperanza arson fire. Bono Mack, joined by U.S. Representatives Jerry Lewis (CA-41) and Ken Calvert (CA-44) and U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein (CA) and Barbara Boxer (CA), introduced a short-term solution to this specific issue, allowing the Centr... more
SACRAMENTO – An effort that began four years ago to create a double fine zone along the deadly 19th Avenue corridor in San Francisco is one significant step closer to becoming law. On a bipartisan 21-13 vote, the California Senate today approved Senate Bill 1419, legislation authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) to protect San Francisco pedestrians. Along with a number of traffic safety enhancements, including pedestrian countdown signals, state and local leaders are expecting the new double fine zone to help prevent future deadly collisions along the state highway that runs through San Francisco connecting Marin and San Mateo counties. "It is simply unacceptable that we continue to lose innocent lives, including... more
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) joined families of organ and tissue donors and organ transplant recipients at the State Capitol to highlight the success of the Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry, which has signed up over three million Californians who have pledged to save and heal lives with their donations. Benoit joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster), Assemblyman Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto), DMV representatives, and allied health professionals in a press conference this morning to officially commemorate April´s DMV/Donate Life California Month. Assemblyman Benoit, a dedicated advocate for the organ donor registry, said, "Right now, more than 20,000 ... more
SACRAMENTO, CA – Joined by students and faculty from all 23 California State University campuses at a press conference yesterday, Assembly Higher Education Chairman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) argued that investing in our public institutions of higher education is, in fact, the conservative approach to solving the state´s budget shortfalls. "We know that for every dollar we invest in the CSU system, we receive $1.83 in returns that benefit not only our local economies, but the state´s economy in the form of additional revenue," said Portantino. "We also know that a failure to invest in our children´s education often results in future increases in state spending for a variety of social programs. So today, I´m asking my... more
SACRAMENTO – The Senate Health Committee voted 6-3 to approve and send to the Senate floor SB 1713, the "Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act," by Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco/North Bay). The bill bans any detectable level of the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from all toys and child care products sold in California. Bisphenol A is a widely used synthetic chemical and a key ingredient in plastics, including baby bottles, formula cans and the lining of other canned products. "Today´s vote is an important step toward protecting the health and well-being of California´s children," Senator Migden commented. "California is now at the forefront of efforts worldwide to protect infants and children from this dangerous... more
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Families of organ and tissue donors joined organ transplant recipients at the State Capitol on April 30 to formally thank lawmakers, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the three million Californians who have pledged to save and heal lives by signing up on the state-authorized Donate Life California Organ & Tissue Donor Registry. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R - Lancaster) joined fellow legislators, DMV representatives, and allied health professionals to officially commemorate April´s DMV/Donate Life California Month. "The benefits of organ and tissue donation are simply staggering," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "I am proud of the 3 million Californians who... more
co-authored by Assemblywoman Mimi Walters This week, Californians will celebrate Tax Freedom Day on April 30, the day when you and your family stop working for the government and finally start taking home a paycheck for yourselves. Tax Freedom Day is the day when you will have earned enough money in the year to completely pay off your local, state and federal tax bills. In other words, if you look at your yearly income on a calendar, you have worked the first four months of the year just paying your taxes. It should come as no surprise that we pay significantly more in taxes living here in California. In fact, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Californians pay the fourth-highest tax burden in the entire country. We ... more

More California Government
Blue Ribbon Commission Hearing to Address Disparities in Food Access And Job Standards for Low-Income Communities. Community Activists, Workers, Clergy and Environmentalists Testify That Industry Trends May Threaten Community Standards. Los Angeles – A Blue Ribbon Commission, convened by the Alliance for Healthy and Responsible Grocery Stores, heard testimony from a broad range of community leaders, workers and clergy, urging City Hall to stave off a looming grocery crisis in Los Angeles. "The latest trends in the highly competitive super market industry, coupled with rising food prices and our city´s chronic ´food desert´ problem, may conspire to actually harm communities. In the face of that perfect storm, it´s... more
SAN MARINO, CA. It´s often said that great music can transport listeners to a higher plane or another world; and, on Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m. at the historic Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, the California Philharmonic will ensure that just that happens when it presents an evening of music that spans the cosmos – from here on Earth and our solar system to a galaxy far, far away. On the program are excerpts from John Williams´ classic film score Star Wars, Holst´s epic orchestral work The Planets, and the ´intergalactic premiere´ of earth: you are here, written especially for this concert by Cal Phil composer-in-residence Roger Allen Ward. "From time immemorial, the night sky has inspired humanity to re... more
PASADENA, Calif. Arcadia, California is a long way from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, hometown of "KTLA Morning Show" co-anchor Michaela Pereira, but when Pereira arrives at the historic Santa Anita Racetrack on Saturday, June 21, to act as Master of Ceremonies for "An Evening with Star Chefs" – a gala evening showcasing many of the finest restaurants, wine and spirits in Southern California, held annually to benefit the abused, abandoned and neglected children at Rosemary Children´s Services – she´ll feel right at home. For one thing, this is the Emmy award winning Broadcaster´s second year as MC for the popular event. "You could say Michaela is back by popular demand," says Tamika Farr, Director of Development. "Our frien... more
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, the City´s chief prosecutor, today lauded the California State Senate for its bi-partisan passage of two separate pieces of anti-gang legislation sponsored by his office. The first measure, SB 1126, authored by State Senator Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) would aid victims of gang crimes by allowing prosecutors to bring civil damages actions against the leaders and members of violent criminal street gangs. "Criminal street gangs are finding new and insidious ways to terrorize our communities, and to profit from their criminal activities," said City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, who made the fight against Los Angeles´ criminal street gangs his top priority. "If law enforce... more
SACRAMENTO, Calif./PRNewswire/ -- Snowpack levels and the volume of actual snowmelt runoff are down in California. The California Department of Water Resources has reported that snowpack is at 67 percent of normal and the statewide water supply runoff is forecasted to be only 55 to 65 percent of normal, adding to the state's growing water supply and delivery challenges. Snowmelt runoff from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada is the primary source of water supply for residents, farms and businesses throughout California. Runoff levels are currently low because last year's dry conditions have caused the ground to soak up some of the snow that would have otherwise produced runoff. Additionally, rainfall, which also factors into total r... more
Los Angeles, CA -- A new car commercial is generating alot of buzz for its humorous take on pet owners who see their pets as children. Since its debut last week, the 30-second Dodge Nitro ad, has had over 450,000 views on the internet. The ad features radio personality Jane Harris and her husband, Adrian Martinez both of the popular pet radio station DogCatRadio.com, getting ready to hit the road. "Did you remember to buckle her up?" Harris asks Martinez. He replies: "Yup!" Leading viewers to believe they are referring to a child, the following scene instead shows a little brownish terrier buckled up – sending a message that pet owners see their pets as children also. "It´s a very clever idea," says Jennifer Saunders,... more
SAN MARINO, Ca. Except for the conductor, there is probably no more important member of an orchestra than the concertmaster, the leader of the first violin section. In addition to playing any violin solos in an orchestral work – unless a guest violinist has been invited for a specific concerto – the concertmaster is often most recognizable as the musician who leads the orchestra in tuning before rehearsals and concerts. On Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m., the California Philharmonic will offer devotees of its popular chamber music series at the Green Hotel in Pasadena – "Cal Phil Music, Martinis and the Maestro" – a chance to meet not only Maestro Victor Vener but concertmaster Pavel Farkas as well. Joining Farkas at this afternoon of cocktails... more
MOBILE, Ala. Orland Thomas, Music Director and Conductor of the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO), wields a mighty baton. As a recent inductee into the Alabama Music Educators´ Hall of Fame, Thomas is a tough act to follow. But Sarah Wright, Education Director of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, is confident that, in Robert Seebacher, she´s found a conductor up to the challenge of taking Thomas´ place on the podium after he retires at the end of this season. "We looked at 28 applicants from across the United States and Canada and Rob stood out from the beginning," says Wright of Seebacher, who is currently Assistant Conductor of Orchestras and Opera at the University of Kentucky. "He´s not only an extraordinari... more
21 High School Musicians From 11 States Comprise MJF's Renowned National Big Band. Monterey, California -- The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced members of the 2008 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the Festival's internationally-renowned high school all-star big band. Created as a part of the Monterey Jazz Festival's continuing commitment to jazz education, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra includes the most talented high school jazz students from all regions of the United States. The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (formerly known as the MJF High School All-Star Big Band from 1971-2004) nurtures the future generation of jazz stars through a program that selects the best and brightest high school jazz musicians in the cou... more
The Chula Vista Police Department will be a conducting DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday 04/25/08 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver's license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober design... more
CHULA VISTA – A suspected bank robber was arrested in a Chula Vista neighborhood after a two hour stand-off. San Diego police arrested 42-year old Robert Jiminez after firing on and hitting him with a pepperball gun. Police had pursued Jiminez from San Ysidro, after a Union Bank branch had been held up at 11:37 a.m. on W. San Ysidro Boulevard. The suspect was involved in several collisions during the pursuit. At the end of the pursuit the suspect pulled into a cul-de-sac on Trenton Avenue near Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Jiminez pulled his red Ford Explorer into an apartment complex parking lot near the end of the street. Jiminez refused to come out of the car saying he had an explosive device. Officers evacuated the residen... more
Officers Issue 10-Day Notice of Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Oakland, Calif. - Security officers at Kaiser Permanente hospitals are ramping up their fight against employer Inter-Con, today issuing 10-day notice of an unfair labor practice strike in California to defend their civil rights. Inter-Con workers held the first-ever strike by hospital security officers last month in response to Inter-Con threatening, intimidating, and spying on workers who were trying to form a union for better conditions. "We wanted a union for better pay and benefits-just like other workers inside Kaiser. But instead we've got Inter-Con violating our civil rights. We go to work every day to protect these patients and employees, but we ... more
California´s Gray Whale is in danger. The California Fish and Game Commission has erroneously listed the Gray Whale population as "recovered." But that same whale, while traveling off the coast of Washington is listed as "sensitive". When it reaches Oregon, it´s considered "endangered". That makes no sense. California is supposed to be a leader on environmental issues including the protection of species, yet we lag behind other states on this issue. Because of the scientific findings regarding past whale populations and recent observations that many Gray Whales are unhealthy and at risk, there is no doubt that the time for action is now. For this reason I authored Assembly Joint Resolution 49. AJR 49 asks Congress and the Pr... more
Five reasons why having a dog can be beneficial to a healthy life. Los Angeles, CA -- With "National Pet Week" just around the corner, DogCat TV is kicking off a weeklong series on the top five reasons why having a dog can be good for your health. The series which will premier on DogCatTV's website on May 5th and hosted by our very own baby boomer (Jane Harris) will demonstrate different ways the family dog can put humans on the path to a healthier and happier life. De-stressing: Research has proven that petting a dog can help lower your high blood pressure and high stress levels. We're showing pet lovers how to unwind at home the fun way with the help of their pet. Getting in shape: Walking your dog daily can he... more
(Burlingame, CA) Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi has announced his endorsement of Democrat Richard Holober for the 19th State Assembly District in San Mateo County. The primary election is scheduled for June, 2008. John Garamendi stated, "When I served as State Insurance Commissioner, I worked side-by-side with Richard Holober in the fight for quality, affordable health care for all Californians. Richard will be an excellent Assemblymember because he has the courage to stand up to the lobbyists, and put the interests of the people first." Richard Holober is the Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California. He has helped to win laws that improve the quality of care of HMO patients and residents of nursing homes, and ... more
Anyone seeking access to public records from California state or local government can now use a quick, inexpensive Internet service. Sacramento-based Californians Aware, a nonprofit open government advocacy group, is offering "SunScribe." It can be accessed on CalAware´s Web site (www.calaware.org) and automatically generates customized request letters developed by CalAware General Counsel and public records legal specialist Terry Francke. SunScribe offers users three levels of service: - The basic level is a do-it-yourself option that will generate a form letter for the user to submit. This service is free to CalAware members, or $2.99 to others. - For those seeking anonymity as requesters, CalAware will contact the r... more
The Yale Concert Band opened its final performance of the 2007–08 season on April 5 with new music by California composer Dr. Robert W. Parker. Parker´s Sicut Incipiat is the first work to be commissioned by the recently established Robert J. Flanagan Yale Bands Commissioning Endowment. The Flanagan Endowment, directed to the commissioning and premiering of music for concert band, was established to "ensure that the Yale Band´s exemplary and long-standing tradition of commissioning the worlds´ greatest composers will remain an active and important part of the program in perpetuity." Director of Bands Dr. Thomas C. Duffy wanted the first piece commissioned in this new series to be one that would have great impact on both the Yal... more
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) overwhelmingly voted to endorse State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas for Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 2, in the June 3, 2008 election to replace retiring Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. "Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas is an extraordinary leader who will stand up for the people of the second supervisorial district. He has always been a tireless advocate for the community and its hard-working families and we expect no less of him as a Supervisor. He has the experience to tackle the key issues of the district – from preventing crime and gang violence to creating jobs to leading the fight for better healthcare. "Mark is a problem-solver and coalition-builder who will work hard a... more
MOBILE, Alabama. Mobile Bay area residents who have yet to visit the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile for a performance of the award-winning Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO) because they´re under the mistaken impression that ´classical music´ lacks the pizzazz, dazzle or white heat of contemporary hits may want to consider attending the orchestra´s season finale "Classical Fire" on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. "They´ll definitely be in for a surprise," says Executive Director Stephen Hedrick. "Although our regular patrons are well aware that every performance of the Mobile Symphony is a unique adventure – and then some – how can an evening that opens with a work called Short Ride in a Fast Machine ... more
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters (LALCV) has endorsed Diane Trautman for the Santa Clarita City Council. Trautman is running for one of two council seats in the upcoming April 8th Santa Clarita contest. "As a longtime Santa Clarita resident, Diane has a well-rounded history of community and civic involvement that will make her a highly qualified candidate for the position," said LALCV President Mitchell Schwartz. Santa Clarita is one of the fastest growing cities in LA County. It is located off the 5 freeway, a highly congested traffic corridor under significant development pressure within the city and from adjacent County locations. The provision and management of water for the current and projected populat... more
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