SACRAMENTO ... Today's Chicago Tribune directly connects Linda Katehi, the incoming University of California, Davis chancellor, with the admissions scandal at the University of Illinois, which is currently being investigated by federal authorities. Despite early declaring she knew nothing about the university's secret admissions system for well-connected students, the Tribune has detailed how Katehi ... currently the University of Illinois provost ... helped facilitate admissions for a student she referred to as "the daughter of a fairly prominent Greek family in Chicago." Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), who is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and has frequently advocated for greater transparency at the University of Califor... more

---Theatre Review The Victory Theatre Center may be modest in size, but the intense, complex drama played out in their current production of Marisa Wegrzyn's "Ten Cent Night" is very impressive. Full of pathos and humor, heartbreak and joy, it's the story of a sweet country song and how its origin and the royalties it earns tears a family apart... and brings it back together. The audience is drawn into the story from the moment they meet Roby Finley, the down-on-her-luck, wannabe country singer with a penchant for booze and a mouth that needs soaping. Having imbibed all her meager earnings from the sleazy New Orleans bar where she sings, Roby begs a place to sleep from one of its few patrons, a shy, handsome, mute named Danny Dou... more

SAN FRANCISCO/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Coastal Commission is proud to announce that the state's biggest volunteer event, California Coastal Cleanup Day, is preparing to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. The 25th Annual Cleanup, sponsored by the Coastal Commission and Whole Foods Market, will take place at more than 750 locations around the state on Saturday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Cleanup is one of the State's premier volunteer activities, annually bringing tens of thousands of volunteers to the state's beaches and inland shorelines to remove the debris that has accumulated over the course of the year. The Coastal Commission and its many partners around the state will be launching a number of initiatives d... more

SACRAMENTO ... The Joint Legislative Audit Committee late yesterday approved a request from Senator Mark Leno to audit and evaluate the California Family Court system and its use of court appointees in child custody disputes. The 14-member Committee approved the audit request with a 12-0 bipartisan vote, authorizing the California State Auditor to investigate and report on family courts in the counties of Marin and Sacramento. Senator Leno (D-San Francisco) requested the audit based on concerns that the Family Court system's use of court appointees to make decisions in contested child custody and visitation cases may lead to outcomes that are not in the best interests of the children involved. "For many years litigants from Family C... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ... Today Mayor Gavin Newsom launched an innovative new online resource, www.benefitsSF.org that allows San Francisco residents to use an online application, electronic signature, and webcam to see if they're eligible for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. The resource allows applicants to apply for assistance from the comfort of their home, without having to setup an office interview. "With the technology that exists today, there is no reason that people should still have to dedicate an entire day and suffer through long lines just to access government services," said Mayor Newsom. "This is a way to streamline government by eliminating waste, becoming more efficient, and making it easier for those in need to get help." In ... more

SAN FRANCISCO—A jury recommended a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of release for Dennis Cyrus, Jr., United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced. The recommended sentence was handed down for each of three murders Cyrus committed in aid of a Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization known as the "Page Street Mob," which is centered in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood. The jury returned verdicts of guilty on all sixteen charged counts on May 11. At that time, the jury found Cyrus guilty of a narcotics conspiracy and a RICO conspiracy, both related to his membership in the "Page Street Mob;" multiple counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering including attempted murder, assault with a ... more

SACRAMENTO ... Despite passing the Senate with bipartisan support, SB 399 ... The Fair Sentencing for Youth Act ... failed (3-4) in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The legislation, authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), would have allowed courts to review cases of juveniles sentenced to life without parole after 10 years, potentially providing a new sentence of 25 years to life. The bill was granted reconsideration and may be heard again next week. "SB 399 recognizes that children have a greater capacity for rehabilitation than adults," said Yee, who is also child psychologist. "The neuroscience is clear; brain maturation continues well through adolescence and thus impulse control, planning, and critical th... more

Los Angeles — Screen Actors Guild joins the world in mourning renowned actor Karl Malden, who died today. He was 97. "Karl was an actor's actor, the embodiment of professionalism, which included National Board service to this union," said SAG National President Alan Rosenberg. "We will remember the many indelible characters he created, and his screen legacy will continue to move us, educate us and enrich our lives." David White, the Guild's interim national executive director, said, "We are fortunate to have had such an exemplary artist among the ranks of our membership—a true ambassador representing the best of our industry and an historic figure who made the Guild stronger through the sacrifice of service." Malden ser... more

More Than 3,600 Donors Help Raise Over $1 Million Online. Campaign Has Raised $2.8 Million in the Past Year. San Francisco - Newsom for California raised more than $1.6 million this period from over 3,600 donors, the campaign announced today. The numbers reflect the campaign's success in building a grassroots effort that includes more than $1 million raised online, a record for California gubernatorial campaigns. This period's figures bring the campaign's total amount raised to $2.8 million. The campaign has $1.1 million on hand. "California needs to move in a new direction," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "Today's figures show we're building the support we need to change California and end the status quo in Sacramento. We have used the p... more

WASHINGTON ... EPA is granting California's waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. Using the law and science as its guide, EPA has taken this action to tackle air pollution and protect human health. "This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided this is the appropriate course under the law," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This waiver is consistent with the Clean Air Act as it's been used for the last 40 years and supports the prerogatives of the 13 states and the District of Columbia who have opted to follow Cali... more

Proven Democrat has Solid Fundraising Showing, Diverse Coalitions of Supporters. WALNUT CREEK ... Today the Garamendi for Congress campaign is excited to announce that it has raised over $300,000 from over 350 donors in a month and a half for its 10th Congressional District special election campaign. Yesterday marked the Federal Elections Commission filing deadline. "Since early June, dozens of volunteers have walked throughout the district and knocked on thousands of doors; their commitment and energy is the driving force of our campaign," said Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi. "With over $300,000 raised, our growing grassroots efforts will be well-fed and well-supported. I want to thank all my supporters for their hard work. Th... more

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. - Scheduled for the weekend of October 16-18 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, the 18th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California is home away from home for international race fans. This event is unique in that a large percentage of the attendees will be coming from parts of the world, other than the United States. In 2008, more than 300 fans journeyed from New Zealand to join fans from Australia, Britain, France, Sweden, Japan, Holland, Germany, and other countries. There were also racers from Australia, Britain and Canada to complete the international flavor of the event--one of the largest vintage drag races on the motorsports' calendar. Believe it or not, Bakersf... more

Ricky Le and Abbe Ross Named to Top Posts. SAN FRANCISCO ... Mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he has named Ricky Le as the Political Director and Abbe Ross as the Chief Operating Officer of his gubernatorial campaign. "These are difficult times, and California needs bold solutions," Mayor Newsom said. "Ricky and Abbe's experience and expertise will be key drivers of our effort to turn California in a new direction." Prior to joining Mayor Newsom's campaign, Le served as the Executive Director of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation (comprising the state's 34 Democratic Members of Congress) and was a senior advisor to Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) in Washington, DC. Le has also worked with the Democratic Cong... more

A champion for universal health care, higher education, and economic opportunity, Garamendi will stand up for working families in Washington, DC. SACRAMENTO, CA ... Citing his lifelong support for working families as a California legislator, Insurance Commissioner and Lieutenant Governor, SEIU California State Council today announced its endorsement of John Garamendi to represent California's 10th Congressional District in the United States Congress. "Working families know we can count on John Garamendi to stand up for us in Congress, because he's been fighting for our health care, our home care and our kids' future for more than thirty years," said Courtni Pugh, Executive Director of SEIU's California State Council. "I am... more

Sheriff Brooks Says Nava Has the Experience to be California Attorney General. Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks endorses Pedro Nava for California Attorney General. "Nava has the experience to be a great Attorney General. As a former prosecutor, he understands what it takes to keep California families safe in their neighborhoods and homes. Nava has worked closely with local and state law enforcement officials as a legislator, authoring a bill that created the California Emergency Management Agency which will ensure emergency preparedness, efficient response and improved homeland security for California," said Sheriff Brooks. "Nava stands shoulder to shoulder with public safety as evidenced by the fact that he was selected the Cal... more

CSU Chancellor Reed & his administration have focused for years on their own perks, spent millions on labor consultants and done little to advocate for adequate CSU funding; now their incomplete CSU budget proposal would address less than half the projected shortfall, leaving a $300 million deficit with no plan to close it; tens of thousands of students are at risk of losing out on a college education. Would you buy a "pig in a poke" — in this case, a pay cut deal composed of vague promises about what is inside the paper bag? CFA won.t. The California Faculty Association is well aware of the massive budget collapse confronting the California State University and the entire state. This is the worst budget crisis ever. And... more

From the opening scene, Ten Cent Night, the new play at the Victory Theatre Center, written by Marisa Wegrzyn and masterfully directed by Maria Gobetti, was captivating. Wegrzyn wrote such a tight story with all the bells and whistles it should carry this piece to well-deserved fame. And the set, designed by Gary Randall, captured the mood and era with just the right touches. Set in 1973, the story opens in a dive in New Orleans. On stage is singer, Roby Finley, a gal with attitude and pizzazz, played with extraordinary range by Tara Buck. Roby.s father was a country singer, famous for one particular song, "Ten Cent Night," that haunts everybody in the story. Down on her luck, mostly because she refuses to sing that song, Roby takes ... more

With this year's unprecedented drop in state revenues, policymakers were forced to confront the problem of preserving programs and services that the public values ... like affordable higher education and state parks ... using the extremely limited resources at our disposal. We recognize the need to reduce spending; however, we do not believe it is in the state's best interests, either financially or morally, to eliminate entire programs. Our real-world job ... the one the public expects policymakers to do ... is to find a way to balance the budget, ensure the state's economic recovery and financial health, and preserve programs and services Californians care about. A tough, but unavoidable prescription. In mid-June, the bi-parti... more

---Theatre Review From the moment the screwball gang of Middle-earth characters arrives on stage at the Falcon Theatre, in their energetic, Broadway style opening number (including barefoot tap-dancing), until they exit with a wink and a bow at the close, it is non-stop, rib-tickling, guffawing & snorting, explosive laughter. Written by Kelly Holden-Bashar and Joel McGrary, and billed as a musical parody (with twelve original songs), "Fellowship!" is much more than the usual lampoon. It.s an action-packed festival of fun, with hilarious insider jokes, absurd clich.s, groan-evoking "shtick," and jaw-dropping ad-libs about hot-off-the-press news items, such as the current winners on American Idol, and a certain Appalachian-cum-Argentin... more

Despite the overcast skies and early morning mist, the .cr.me de la cr.me. of topless, pre-1937 Hot Rods streamed into the LA Country Fairplex in Pomona, California in record numbers on Father.s Day Weekend. Billed as the "Largest Roadster Show on Earth," the 45th annual, Los Angeles Roadster Exhibition, Trade Show and Swap Meet covered nearly half of the Fairplex grounds, with 885 roadsters, hundreds of commercial vendors from across the country (and Europe), swappers, and thousands of "specialty" pre-1975 classics, hot rods, and special interest cars. Roadsters of all types and colors, ranging from vintage Model T.s with delicately etched side windows, to small "Speedster" racing types, and "zoomie" custom cars with chromed engi... more

Contra Costa roads will deteriorate, become unsafe if state steals $50 million in local gas tax, public employees union warns; Campaign to inform public starts on Saturday. KENSINGTON ... A local public employees union is charging that the state's proposal to steal gas tax money from cities and counties will devastate the roadways in Contra Costa County so much that they will become unsafe for drivers. Public Employees Union Local 1 said it will go door-to-door and blanket grocery stores and other public places to help inform the public about the plan that could cost Contra Costa and cities about $50 million. The union said its members will kick-off the public campaign SATURDAY, 10 a.m. at the Kensington Library (61 Arlington A... more

Youth activists sound the alarm on the impact of proposed budget cuts. SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Campaign to End AIDS Youth Action Institute in conjunction with the Iris Center, is hosting a public informational demonstration on Friday June 26th at the Plaza located at 16th and Mission Street. The event is designed to speak out against proposed budget cuts scheduled to eliminate crucial HIV services for San Francisco Bay area residents. At this event, young HIV/AIDS activists from around the world will be educating the community by dispersing pamphlets outlining the impact of the cuts, and ways to contact local key decision makers involved in the process of allocating funds. These cuts will impact important services such as case man... more

At approximately 12:48 PM today, officers from the Chula Vista Police Department responded to a report of a traffic collision near in the 200 block of Glover Ave. When officers arrived on scene, it was discovered that the incident involved six parked vehicles, one occupied vehicle and one dwelling. Per a witness, the driver of V-1, identified as a 77-year-old Chula Vista resident, was exiting the rear exit of 223 Fourth Ave. The parking lot has two exits, which exit onto the 200 block of Glover Ave. When exiting the lot, Endres made a left turn out of the parking lot on to Glover Ave and accelerated at a high rate of speed and lost control of his vehicle. Endres struck two vehicles along the East Curb line of Glover Ave, which caused... more

Orange County - Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) announced yesterday that he has been endorsed by Melahat Rafiei for California Attorney General. "Pedro Nava is the most qualified person to serve as California's next Attorney General. During Pedro Nava's career as a prosecutor, California Coastal Commissioner and a law maker, he has fought to protect consumer rights, the environment and make sure that all California families are safe in their neighborhoods," said Rafiei. "Pedro Nava represents the ideals and values of all Californians. His leadership, innovation and vision addressing California's most important challenges make him the best choice to be the next Attorney General and that is why I am endorsing him." "I am honore... more

Women Leaders from around U.S. to Meet in St. Louis for AAUW Convention Lilly Ledbetter, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. Jackie Speier, AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, Local Leaders Available for Interview. ST. LOUIS, MO - Close to a thousand women leaders from nearly every state in the union will be in St. Louis for the 2009 AAUW National Convention on June 26-28. The country's leading organization promoting education and equity for women and girls will meet at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand and Suites Hotel-previously known as the Statler Hotel, the setting for the historic convention of the National American Suffrage Association. AAUW members will be joined by Lilly Ledbetter, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), and Rep. Jackie Speier (... more

Orange County Democratic Leader Endorses Nava for Attorney General. Orange County - Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) announced today that he has been endorsed by Melahat Rafiei for California Attorney General. "Pedro Nava is the most qualified person to serve as California's next Attorney General. During Pedro Nava's career as a prosecutor, California Coastal Commissioner and a law maker, he has fought to protect consumer rights, the environment and make sure that all California families are safe in their neighborhoods," said Rafiei. "Pedro Nava represents the ideals and values of all Californians. His leadership, innovation and vision addressing California's most important challenges make him the best choice to be the next Attorn... more

SACRAMENTO ... In July 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that University of California (UC) employees who are retaliated against because they report wrongdoing cannot sue for damages under the state's Whistleblower Protection Act, so long as the University itself reviews the complaints in a timely fashion. The ruling uncovered an oversight made by the Legislature when the Act was amended in 2001, which provided legal standing for all other state employees, including employees of the California State University, to seek damages. In response to the Court's decision in Miklosy v. the Regents of the University of California (S139133, July 31, 2008), the Assembly Judiciary Committee today approved (8-2) legislation to provide UC empl... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA —Mayor Gavin Newsom today signed mandatory recycling legislation requiring residential and commercial building owners to sign up for recycling and composting services. Mayor Newsom's ordinance will require all residences and businesses in San Francisco to take advantage of the city's recycling and composting collection programs. While several other cities require recycling service and participation, San Francisco is the first city to require the collection of food scraps and other compostables. Refuse collection has been mandatory since the 1930s. "San Francisco has the best recycling and composting programs in the nation, and we've already attained an impressive, and first in the nation, 72 percent recycling... more

SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) and other Senate Republicans stood up for California taxpayers, by rejecting a budget proposal loaded with more than $2 billion in tax hikes. Senator Aanestad says he will not support any budget plan that places yet another burden on state taxpayers, and demanded that the Majority Party listen to the message that was delivered last month during the special election. "Every single county in California rejected, by a near 2-1 margin, the proposed tax hikes that were spelled out in Proposition 1A," said Senator Aanestad. "Voters delivered a very strong and clear message on that day: no new taxes. I'm flabbergasted that some people in this building still don't understand that message." T... more

(COSTA MESA) ... The federal summer youth employment program provides a unique opportunity for young adults to gain valuable education and work experience. Specifically, the program allows eligible youth to earn at least $8 per hour, up to 20 hours per week, beginning July 6, and running through September. This program is funded through the federal economic stimulus, and implemented through our local Orange County Workforce Investment Boards. "This program creates opportunities for local businesses to partner with quality, available employees," said Assemblyman Tran. "Partnering together, we can invest in our local communities to help grow our economy." Assemblyman Van Tran encourages young adults, age 16-24 years old, to become invo... more

SACRAMENTO ... The Assembly Public Safety Committee approved legislation that would allow courts to seize any property, such as house or automobile, used in the commission of the crime. In addition to the courts seizing property used in human trafficking, SB 557 would add civil penalties of up to $25,000. "SB 557 will bring much-needed resources to help fight human trafficking, while also ensuring victims receive the services they need to recover from this horrific crime," said the bill.s author, Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo). "Between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked into the United States each year and enslaved for purposes of sexual or labor exploitation, and unfortunately many of the cases occur here in Ca... more

Some 30 teachers from Los Angeles County and Orange County school districts will attend an institute focusing on the teaching of world history at the sixth-, seventh- and 10th-grade levels June 22-26 in the Karl Anatol Center at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Co-sponsored by the UC Irvine History Project, the institute is part of the California History Social Science Project (CHSSP), a K-16 collaborative dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in history and social science education. Part of the larger network of discipline-specific sites known as the California Subject Matter Projects, the CHSSP sites are housed in departments of history and geography at universities throughout California. "We'll be offering (attend... more

L.A. Theatre Works records Friedrich Durrenmatt's classic satire "THE PHYSICISTS" for radio July 8-12. LOS ANGELES - The Physicists is a provocative and darkly comic satire about life in modern times by one of Europe's foremost dramatists, Friedrich Durrenmatt. L.A. Theatre Works records five performances for radio broadcast, directed by Brendon Fox and starring Bruce Davison, Hector Elizondo, Amy Pietz, Roma Maffia, Melinda Page Hamilton, Matthew Patrick Davis and Matt Gaydos, at the Skirball Cultural Center July 8 - 12. LATW's nationally syndicated radio theater series airs weekly, broadcasting locally in Southern California on 89.3 KPCC and streaming on demand at www.latw.org. Written in 1961 at the height of the Cold War, wh... more

Lowrider Nationals Returns for 12th Year; Organizers Announce Scholarship Award. Participants Save with Stimulus Special. BAKERSFIELD ... Custom car, truck and bike enthusiasts are signing up their vehicles for 12th annual Lowrider Nationals, the premier urban car culture and lifestyle custom car show, hop competition and concert, returning this summer August 9, 2009, to the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield. Organizers are working on making this year's event a great experience, offering participants registration specials, giving back to the community and aiming to keep the event safe and fun for everyone. Show goers will be able to enjoy close up views of a kaleidoscope of eye candy featuring the creativity and pride put into... more

LOS ANGELES — Thousands of Farmers agents, district managers and employees will conduct a one-day fundraiser for the March of Dimes in cities across America on July 22. This is the fourth year Farmers will hold its unique "Be a Hero for Babies DaySM, which includes community events from bowling tournaments, softball competitions, to barbeque feasts to raise money. Telephone calls from Farmers district offices across the country announcing funds raised, will come into a special telethon phone bank area set up in the Farmers home office in Los Angeles. "We are looking forward to another banner fundraising day on July 22," said Farmers CEO Robert Woudstra, also a newly elected Trustee of the March of Dimes. "The March of Dime... more

ANAHEIM, CA — The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, Orange County's newest oasis of outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment is hosting OC's Ugliest Dog Competition on Saturday, July 18 from 3-4 pm in the Gala Garden. OC residents are encouraged to enter their pooch in one of five categories including Ugliest Dog, Cutest Puppy, Dog Who Looks Most Like Its Owner, Best Costume and Best Trick. A panel of judges will award trophies and prizes for each category. Dog owners can register their pooches in up to two categories at anaheimgardenwalk.com "We wanted to provide a fun event for the entire community," said Kellie Ciccoianni, Marketing & Events Coordinator, "and with the dog crazed culture we live in, we felt it would genera... more

Oakland, CA - The Aphasia Center of California (ACC) is a twelve-year-old not-for-profit organization based in Oakland and recognized internationally as a model for services for those affected by aphasia. To mark National Aphasia Awareness month (June of each year), ACC is hosting a walkathon to let friends and family members know that they're not alone and that services are available. 'Walk to Talk' takes place at 9:45am on Saturday, June 27th starting from the Downtown Oakland Senior Center at 200 Grand Avenue. Imagine if suddenly you were unable to talk to your family, read a newspaper, write a check, or understand what someone was saying to you. That's what it's like to have aphasia. Never heard of it' Well, you're not alone. Most pe... more

LOS ANGELES ... Screen Actors Guild has announced that longtime SAG members George Coe and Sumi Haru have been selected to receive the Hollywood Division's prestigious Ralph Morgan Award. Coe has served on the Guild's National Board of Directors for eight of the last nine years, as well as from 1967 to 1973. He is a member of SAG's National Executive Committee and National Agents Relations Committee. Haru has been a SAG National Board Member since 1975, serving as national vice president, national recording secretary and, in 1995, as acting president. Both have generously given their time and expertise in service to the Guild's membership and all actors. "We are doubly privileged this year to have two very worthy Ralph Morgan Award rec... more

Buckle up for high-flying excitement when the American Heroes Air Show returns to the Hansen Dam Sports Complex in the San Fernando Valley. Since 1993, this admission-free event has been dedicated to educating the public about the unique capabilities of helicopters in law enforcement, fire service, public safety, national defense and homeland security. Exclusively featuring helicopters from local, regional, state and Federal / DOD organizations, your family is treated to an up-close look at why these aircraft and their crews are on the front line of emergency preparedness, public safety and homeland security. Explore the evolution of helicopters from elegant lines of the U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 "Jay... more

The Chula Vista Police Department will be hosting Motor Day today. CVPD along with other law enforcement agencies from across the county will spread out across the city for enforcement of the vehicle code citywide. In conjunction with Motor Day, the City of Chula Vista is currently engaged in a pedestrian and bicyclist safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of "pedestrian involved collisions." As part of this campaign CVPD officers will be actively enforcing pedestrian laws in addition to the vehicle code laws for motorists involving pedestrian rights. From January of 2004 to June of 2008 in Chula Vista: Pedestrian Related Collisions: ... 294 pedestrian collisions, accounting for 4% of all collisions (7,601). ... 276 pede... more

Milken Institute Study shows that state is neglecting critical engine of economic growth, $54 billion worth of output. Sacramento, CA - The Milken Institute released Manufacturing 2.0: A More Prosperous California today, a study, commissioned by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, to understand the current state of manufacturing and the need for action to save the state's most critical engine of economic growth. The report proves that the impacts of lost manufacturing jobs has been devastating and that the particular sector must become a cornerstone of our economic recovery. The study takes an in-depth look at California's manufacturing decline compared to competitive "peer" states, simulates what the state would... more

Photo by Venice Paparazzi "What a great idea", exclaims the always animated Kathy Leonardo. "When Andrew Kelsey approached me about performing for "Out of the Blue", a singer/songwriter showcase where each featured singer must write a new song within the theme of that particular show.....I realized I was not able to just show up ...Mama had to do some homework" she laughs This month.s theme is to use the phrase "Reunited" So Kathy picked up her guitar and got to work. Kathy Leonardo, a 4.11" feisty dynamo mostly known for her Strong Woman Blues is originally from New York. She now lives in Venice and fits right in with her brass and chutzpah. Being a professional actress/singer and having worked on Broadway, gives Kathy a vibrant slan... more

Welded steel gates festooned with leaves, flowers and a whimsical butterfly provide inviting entrances to the Visitacion Valley Greenway Project's Children's Play Garden near Monster Park. The gates were designed by SF Recycling & Disposal employee Jim Growden at the behest of his wife Fran Martin. As cofounder of the Greenway Project, Martin helped turn six publicly owned vacant parcels into a two-acre greenbelt that is now home to a children's playground, and community, herb, agriculture and native-plant gardens that function as outdoor classrooms and recreation areas. Growden, whose avocation is sculpture, forged his connection with SF Recycling & Disposal in 1990 as one of the first participants chosen for the company's Artist I... more

Monterey Jazz Festival Honors Paul Vieregge, MJF Stage Manager Emeritus, With Internship In His Name; "Paul Vieregge Production Internship" To Be Awarded To Music Student For Summer Position With MJF; Fairgrounds Backstage Street To Be Renamed "Paul Vieregge Way" During Annual Jazz Celebration; MJF Salutes Vieregge's 51-Year Association With Festival After His Passing On March 30, 2009. Monterey, CA - The Monterey Jazz Festival will honor its own in 2009 by renaming a street and establishing an internship fund honoring of the life and accomplishments of Paul Vieregge, the 86-year-old Stage Manager Emeritus who passed away on March 30, 2009 after a battle with cancer. The pathway running behind the Arena will now be known durin... more

"THE MISER" Moliere's comic tale of greed, lust... and "American values": we're still laughing at ourselves, 300 years later. TOPANGA, CA - A comic tale of greed, lust... and 'American values,' Moliere's The Miser opens on the outdoor stage at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum on Saturday, July 25, rounding out Theatricum's five-play 2009 Summer Repertory Season. Alan Blumenfeld, a member of Theatricum's repertory company for over 25 years, stars as Harpagon, the churlish skinflint who wants to marry off his children for financial gain. His fanatical hoarding and penny pinching ways set his entire family scheming to steal his fortune. Can love triumph over greed? Can the children outwit their selfish father? Will everyone... more

ACLU requests more information on city police surveillance camera program, says similar programs don't work, waste tax dollars. SACRAMENTO ... The Sacramento County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it has filed a California Public Records Act request for information about a controversial grant for the purchase of 32 surveillance cameras and four mobile surveillance trailers by the Sacramento City Police Department. The decision to file the request was made because city and law enforcement officials have been "less than forthcoming about details of the plan, and the people have the right to know," said James Updegraff, chair of the ACLU/Sacramento board of directors. Mayor Kevin Johnson announced, and Pol... more

San Francisco, CA ... VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in August 2009. These include the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH, HUNTER X HUNTER and NARUTO series. August DVD releases also include four new POK.MON titles for the younger set. Also releasing is the live action feature film ... DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro. NARUTO Uncut Box Set Volume 15 Special Edition ... Rated 'T+' for Older Teens ... MSRP: $69.97 US / $9... more

CO-SPONSORED BY THE CITIES OF LOS ALAMITOS, CYPRESS, SEAL BEACH, THE COMMUNITY OF ROSSMOOR AND THE LOS ALAMITOS JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE. Los Alamitos, CA ... The 22nd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is taking place on Saturday, July 4th at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. The cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach, the Community of Rossmoor, and the Joint Forces Training Base collaborate to host this annual event to honor the men and women of the military and celebrate our country's 233rd birthday. This year, the base gates will open at 2:00 p.m. in honor of Brigadier General Combs' retirement and change of command at the Joint Forces Training Base. The event will include free activities like milit... more

El Segundo, Calif. ... Chevron Products Company, a dedicated supporter of the El Segundo Educational Foundation (ESEF) and the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD), today more than tripled its annual donation to the Foundation with a gift of $35,000. "Chevron is one of our community's most generous donors, particularly in support of education," said Jayne Pimlott, ESEF Chief Financial Officer. "While California schools are struggling with budget cuts compounded by scaled back donations in these tough economic times, Chevron's increased donation will help the Foundation successfully meet our goal of providing $450,000 to the El Segundo Unified School District this year." In the current economic climate, philanthropy consultants s... more

"Cymbeline the Puppet King" Get ready for another kid-friendly Shakespearean romp from The Actors' Gang Saturday and Sunday mornings in Culver City's Media Park July 25 - August 30: Admission is FREE. CULVER CITY, CA - The Actors' Gang is back with yet another unlikely Shakespearean romp for families. The Gang's Fourth Annual Summer-in-the-Park production transforms the bard's complex Cymbeline into the hilarious, kid-friendly Cymbeline the Puppet King. Performances take place outdoors in Culver City's Media Park (adjacent to the Ivy Substation) every Saturday and Sunday morning from July 25 through August 30 at 11 am, and admission is FREE. The Romans have taken over Britain, and British King Cymbeline is now known as the Pup... more

Jul. 2--SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge Thursday refused to temporarily block Proposition 8, moving forward with his plan to put the latest legal challenge over California's gay marriage ban on a fast track to a trial that is likely to produce the most thorough review to date of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. more

Jul. 2--A champion of small schools, a prominent voice in Latino legal circles and a former student body co-president at Stanford University is Santa Clara County's new chief legal adviser. more

Jul. 1--Property values in Santa Clara County have actually managed to rise this year -- bucking, if barely, worst-case scenarios that predicted one of the largest drops since the Great Depression -- according to the final review of county tax rolls released Wednesday. more

Jul. 1--Santa Clara County Sheriff's Lt. Jose Salcido, who had been mentioned as a candidate for sheriff next year, was appointed Wednesday as a senior policy adviser to San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. more

The Carson City Council approved a $67 million budget late Tuesday that ignored cost-cutting recommendations from a citizens oversight committee. more

The Carson City Council approved a $67 million budget late Tuesday, but it ignored cost-cutting recommendations from a citizens oversight panel. more

Jul. 1--OAKLAND -- Oakland's City Council relied on employee concessions, service cuts and fee increases Tuesday in voting to patch an $83 million general fund budget deficit. more

Jun. 30--California needs the 5,000 manufacturing jobs Toyota's NUMMI plant brings to the state. more

Jun. 30--OAKLAND -- Oakland's City Council is poised this evening to adopt a budget that could mean deep cuts to the Police Department, severe cutbacks in park maintenance, increases in meter rates and ticket fees for Oakland drivers, and much more. more

Jun. 29--This year, the question of whether or not legal fireworks should be permitted on the Fourth of July again sparked considerable debate in some California cities, and on Monday the governor threw his own two cents into the flame. more

WASHINGTON - Preparing for a possible showdown with Congress, the White House on Wednesday threatened to veto legislation authorizing a $680 billion military budget if it contains money for jet fighters the Pentagon doesn't want. more

The Gardena City Council has approved a nearly $44 million general fund budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. more

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that calls for waiving the 25 percent cost-sharing requirement for port security grants, giving a financial boost to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. more

Jun. 28--The health of nearly 17,000 children in Santa Clara County is at stake today in Sacramento. more

Jun. 28--If school boards grappling with 2009-10 budgets this month had to take tests in math or governance, they'd pass with flying colors. more

Jun. 28--Alvarado ups the snark factor in supes race more

Jun. 26--Gay rights organizations have thrown their support behind the latest legal challenge to Proposition 8, intervening in a federal-court case arguing that California's voter-approved gay marriage ban is unconstitutional. more

Jun. 27--OAKLAND -- As the city has moved through its worst budget crisis in memory, City Council members have said they want to see Oakland police officers take the same 10 percent compensation reduction other employees are expected to take. more

South Bay lawmaker Rod Wright is one of two state senators who have refused to take a 5 percent pay cut. more

SAN FRANCISCO _ Gay rights organizations have thrown their support behind the latest legal challenge to Proposition 8, intervening in a federal court case arguing that California's voter-approved gay marriage ban is unconstitutional. more

Jun. 25--Q I read about a Bay Area man who was sentenced to a year in jail and a year of house arrest for drunken driving. more

Jun. 25--Alameda County has a balanced budget for next year -- at least for now. more

Jun. 25--OAKLAND -- The school district passed a balanced, $602 million budget Thursday evening for the 2009-10 year that includes $417 million in general fund expenses and $8.4 million to be set aside as required by the state. more

Jun. 25--By Katy Murphy more

Torrance closed a $5.8 million deficit by upping dozens of fees and making money-saving organizational changes at a marathon meeting that ended early Wednesday morning. more

While city and state officials struggle with massive shortfalls and planned cutbacks, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today was ready to approve a balanced $22.7 billion budget that does not call for employee layoffs or furloughs. more

Jun. 23--We sing the Silicon Valley electric. more

Jun. 23--The Democrats' budget plan going before the California Legislature for a vote today is awful. more

The Torrance Unified School District has adopted its $181 million budget for the coming year, which avoids deeper cuts thanks to $10 million in federal stimulus funds. more

Jun. 23--A packed house was on hand to listen to Alameda County's plan to cut $40 million from its public protection departments, which will result in layoffs in the sheriff's, district attorney's, public defender and probation offices. more

The Board of Airport Commissioners on Monday approved a $3.3 billion budget for Los Angeles World Airports based on less revenue and reduced spending for the fiscal year that begins July 1. more

The Board of Airport Commissioners on Monday approved a $3.3 billion budget for Los Angeles World Airports based on less revenue and reduced spending for the fiscal year that begins July 1. more

The county Board of Supervisors gave final approval to a $22.7 billion spending plan Monday that is nearly a half-billion dollars less than last year's, but avoids layoffs and steep cuts in services. more

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council will hold a hearing Thurssday night on its draft 2009-10 budget, attempting to close a gap of about $236,000 - around 1 percent of the city's general fund. more

Jun. 22--The Cypress String Quartet's six-year residency at San Jose State University has come to an end. more

BLOG: South Bay education news more

Jun. 21--The venture capital industry helped create Cisco Systems, Google and Apple. more

Jun. 21--San Jose officials have decided not to seek voter approval of a new A's baseball stadium in November, after the team's co-owner said he'd rather wait for baseball officials to indicate whether the A's would be allowed to move to the South Bay. more

Caption text only. more

City leaders are expected to approve the 2009- 10 budget tonight, the culmination of several rounds of slashing to help close about a $3 million budget gap. more

Jun. 21--IA 3 deck briefs head goes here more

Jun. 19--The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Friday reluctantly took an ax to the health programs at the heart of the county's budget, unanimously approving a spending plan for the next fiscal year that closes a $273 million deficit. more

Jun. 17--The death spiral for Santa Clara County's once-strong safety net programs will continue Friday when the Board of Supervisors votes to approve its 2010 budget. more

Jun. 17--Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking no position on the latest legal challenge to Proposition 8, although he is urging a San Francisco federal judge to move swiftly to resolve the continuing uncertainty over gay marriage in California. more

Faced with a budget shortfall similar to those affecting other South Bay cities and schools, the Palos Verdes Library District is cutting its hours and raising fines and fees. more

While officials at virtually every local government agency are scrambling to shore up their budgets, figuring out how to make cuts and praying the economy will start to turn around, things are a bit more relaxed under the Capitol dome. more

SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ With California veering toward insolvency, partisan sniping over the budget intensified in the Legislature Wednesday. more

Jun. 16--Kids spend a lot of time on the Internet -- listening to music, watching videos and researching schoolwork. more

Jun. 16--The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Mayor Chuck Reed's plan to close an $84 million deficit, balancing the city's general operating budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. more

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a special election Tuesday for the race to replace Curren Price Jr. as the representative for the 51st Assembly District, which includes Gardena, Hawthorne and Lawndale. more

Jul. 3--Thurman Rinehart's third gospel album, "Old Time Gospel," has won the Old Time Gospel CD of the Year Award from the Rural Roots Music Commission. more

Jul. 2--The Haywood Community Band will present a free Independence Day concert at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on the courthouse lawn in Waynesville. more

theatrical feature film from writer-director Woody Allen in 43 years - is stagey, unconvincing and somewhat stale in its knee-jerk existentialism (Allen originally wrote the script in the 1970s, for Zero Mostel), it's also frequently very funny. more

Memphis power pop veteran Van Duren continues his weekly residency at Central BBQ in East Memphis tonight. more

Jul. 3--Forget the hot dogs, apple pie and hand-cranked ice cream. more

Calenderwise, the thus far dark, soggy summer of 2009 has hardly begun. more

Jul. 3--Warehouse 13, a new show that launches Tuesday, should appeal to fans of Eureka, a summer fixture on the Sci-Fi Channel. more

"Wilco (The Album)" (Nonesuch) more

Jul. 3--Back in the day, he was the rare black dude who could get up onstage and kill 'em with a dead-on imitation of Ronald Reagan. more

A variation on a theme of the 1946 film noir landmark "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Jerichow" makes the plot nicely topical. more

As singer, songwriter and bassist for New Jersey combo The Black Hollies, Justin Angelo Morey is a seriously styled musician. more

Several hundred South Africans gathered Friday for a moonwalking tribute to the King of Pop that reflected the diversity of the rainbow nation. more

Jul. 3--River City Band front man and Vancouver singer, guitarist and bassist Jerry Hatcher knows that it can be difficult to appeal to a variety of audiences. more

Jul. 3--The Fourth of July holiday weekend has arrived, and that means tons of activities for people of all ages, including fireworks displays and live music. more

The eldest of the Jonas Brothers , Kevin , and his girlfriend, Danielle Deleasa , got engaged Wednesday. more

The universe isn't more meaningless than it used to be, it just seems that way. more

WHAT could Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers possibly have in common with Prince and his former protg Apollonia? more

LION'S DEN [***] (Three stars) more

CityWalk's Summer Block Party provides seven-nights-a-week of non- stop entertainment, featuring top tribute band concert performances, the ever-popular outdoor movie night, swing dance lessons, star- making talent competitions and Latin entertainment nights. more

TORONTO, July 3 /CNW/ - Cinespace Film Studios, Toronto's 21- year film studio veteran, is crediting Premier Dalton McGuinty for new client interest as a result of proposed improvements to Ontario's Production Services Tax Credit. more

Collierville: 24th annual Independence Day Celebration, at H.W. Cox Jr. Park, 440 W. Powell Road. more

Jul. 3--Listening to national recording artist Trevor Hall's new album is like taking a journey through current world events and, simultaneously, the story of Hall's young, 22-year life. more

Johnny Depp, that is, as John Dillinger in the movie "Public Enemies." more

Jul. 3--NORTH ADAMS TRANSCRIPT more

This 4th of July weekend celebrate America's 233rd birthday indoors. more

There was plenty of action in Hollywood this week, especially in the aftermath of Michael Jackson's death last week. more

Jul. 3--Beyonce needs no introduction. more

The late U.S. pop star Michael Jackson had been working on two new musical albums prior to his death, his collaborators said in an exclusive report. more

Jul. 2--Join your fellow zombies Friday at Fremont Outdoor Movies, where an attempt will be made to break the Guinness Book record for the largest zombie walk in the world (currently 4,000 -- but surely Seattle can scare up more zombies than that). more

The Red Alert is used to causing some commotion on the music scene, but now the group is about to change the weather. more

HOLLYWOOD, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Up till June 23, when Joanna Krupa was paired with NFL All-Star Terrell Owens on the ABC reality show "Superstars," the Polish-born supermodel was best known as "The Sexiest Woman in the World" by magazines around the globe, including GQ, Maxim and Inside Sports. more

In theaters: August 14 (limited) more

Jul. 3--Perhaps one reason "A Chorus Line" has been such a huge international success is that it's based on real life. more

Jul. 3--Woody Allen tries to go back in time with Whatever Works, a comedy set in New York that features an older man in a relationship with a wide-eyed teenage girl. more

B.O.B., the breakout star of DreamWorks Animation's smash hit Monsters vs. Aliens, patrolled the Roswell UFO Festival to protect the planet and keep an eye out for invading aliens. more

Jul. 3--Piano-rock band the Fray knows its summer tour puts it in a precarious situation. more

AFTER winning raves at last year's New York Film Festival, Pablo Larrain's "Tony Manero," from Chile, is receiving a run here. more

Sacha Baron Cohen ("Borat") is back, portraying a flamboyant Austrian fashion journalist who will again offend our traditional Midwestern values and sensibilities. more

Jul. 3--Who says you can't go home again? more

"GIRLS Gone Wild" gets lampooned in Harvey Weinstein's upcoming killer-fish film, "Piranha 3D." more

BROOKLYN band MGMT isn't the Grateful Dead or Jefferson Airplane, and Brooklyn isn't Haight-Ashbury circa 1967. more

Jul. 3--As the nation unwinds for the Fourth of July, it's a good time to ask: What's the definition of an American movie? more

Jul. 3--There's a legendary story about Larry David when he was just a stand-up comic -- long before, that is, he cocreated "Seinfeld" and bequeathed "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to a needful world. more

Jul. 2--It's impossible not to stick the word "master" in front of "guitarist" to describe Johnny A. more

Jul. 3--The stars of tomorrow could be among children getting theatrical training in Oneonta this summer, a local program producer said. more

Jul. 3--Folsom's Mara Davi can go home again. more

THE GIRL FROM MONACO more

Jul. 3--A picturesque waterfall on the northeast corner of Beltzville State Park in Carbon County was the final location shot for the new M. Night Shyamalan movie, "The Last Airbender," which finished shooting on Thursday. more

Jul. 3--DURHAM -- Faculty members with the American Dance Festival School will display their performance talents during the ADF Faculty Concert Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Duke University's Reynolds Industries Theater. more

Microsoft Corp., Yahoo Inc. and RealNetworks Inc. have been sued by music labels that allege the companies made recordings available without getting permission. more