At 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the historic passage of a health care bill revamping the health care system and bringing about the reforms promised by President Obama during the November 2008 election. The vote was 220 to 215 with one Republican, Representative Cao from Louisiana, voting in favor of the bill. The vote capped almost 12 hours of debate during which an amendment was passed to assure that no federal funds would be used to pay for or subsidize any abortions. The health care overhaul was a centerpiece of the Democratic agenda in the 2008 election and dominated the work of Congress during the first 10 months of 2009. With its passage, all eyes are turned toward the United States Senate, whe... more

PASADENA, Calif. Considering that they attend 32 different schools and colleges throughout Southern California, it's probably fair to say that many of the members of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO) are used to traveling varying distances to attend weekly rehearsals in Pasadena. But on Sunday, November 22, at 3:30 p.m. , the orchestra's musicians ... as well as its audience ... will have a chance to 'travel' worldwide via music, when PYMO presents "My Land, My Music" at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena City College (PCC). Among the works on the program are The Three Cornered Hat by Manuel de Falla; Finlandia by Jean Sibelius; Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Little Russian; and Aaron Copland's ballet score, Rodeo. ... more

As the House begins to debate the Affordable Health Care for America Act, the following debunks the false claims that Republicans will be expected to make during floor consideration and debate of the bill: 1. GOP CLAIM: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a government takeover of the health care system. WHAT THE BILL ACTUALLY DOES: The Affordable Health Care for America Act builds on the current private, employer-provided health care system ... and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will expand enrollment in private insurance by an estimated 6 million Americans. Rather than creating a "government takeover of health care," the bill is designed to help make the health insuran... more

The ideas that House Republican have put forward as a bill substitute will let insurance companies continue to deny you coverage if you are sick; will do little to make insurance more affordable; and will put insurers ahead of consumers by undermining existing consumer protections. The plan would result in millions of Americans losing the coverage and security they currently have, while giving insurance companies more power to discriminate against patients while accumulating record profits. Rhetoric: The House Republican health care plan expands coverage to those who cannot get insurance now. Reality: The Republicans' bill substitute leaves affordable health insurance out of reach for millions of Americans. >> N... more

WASHINGTON ... Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today released the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Republican substitute amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act: "CBO has confirmed that the Republican substitute isn't a solution, it's the status quo," said Rep. Stark. "They spend $61 billion, and the number of uninsured actually increases relative to today." Some key points about the CBO analysis: >> Doesn't expand health insurance coverage. Seventeen percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health insurance ... the same percentage as today. That means in ten years, 52 million Americans ... five million more... more

CBO Estimates Republican Legislation Would Leave 52 Million Americans Uninsured. WASHINGTON, D.C. ... Fifty-two million people would continue to go uninsured if the House Republican health care legislation was enacted, the Congressional Budget Office said tonight. Overall, CBO estimates that the bill would only reduce the number of uninsured by 3 million and would cover 83 percent of Americans by 2019 ... about the same as what would happen under the status quo. In contrast, the House Democratic health insurance reform bill would cover 96 percent of Americans by 2019 and provide an additional 36 million people with access to quality, affordable health care. "Tonight CBO confirmed that the Republicans' only solution for h... more

SACRAMENTO ... Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) recently was recognized as a California Regional Technology Leader for 2009 by TechAmerica. The award is given to legislators who strongly support high-tech in California. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma made the following statement of the award. "I led the effort to pass single sales factor to encourage investment in California by high tech companies, many of whom helped lead the robust economic boom of the '90's," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. "If California is to get out of this budget hole, we're going to need to make sure there is a business climate friendly to high tech. I'm honored to be recognized by TechAmerica and thankful for their strong advocacy work on behalf of an industry... more

Lawmaker says "health care reform should improve the quality of care while making the system more affordable and accessible." Washington, DC ... After extensive conversations with her constituents, including her "Medicine Cabinet," Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) today indicated her intention to vote in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. "The present system of emergency room health care is unsustainable," said Harman. "I've said all along that our reform efforts should improve the quality of care while making the system more affordable and accessible. The bill before the House goes a long way toward achieving those goals and I intend to vote for it." Harman's Medicine Cabinet, ... more

Schwarzenegger Administration May Not Be Convinced. Sacramento, CA — US Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.) is asking that the state's government fully restore its funding program for California's domestic violence shelters. In a July line-item veto, Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated the state Domestic Violence Program, cutting $16.3 million that went directly to shelters. Since then six shelters have closed statewide and dozens of others have reduced staff and services. On October 21 the governor signed an emergency bill to partially restore shelter funding, a measure applicable only to fiscal year 09-10. California's community of domestic violence advocates is now asking that the state identify a permanent source of fundi... more

WASHINGTON - Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) praised House passage of Unemployment Insurance Benefits for an additional 20 weeks for workers in California. The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, H.R. 3548, passed by a bipartisan 403 to 12 vote. "Congress must protect those who have not yet found employment," said Rep. Stark. "This bill will allow thousands of our neighbors to pay their mortgages and put food on their tables." H.R. 3548 extends Unemployment Insurance benefits for an additional 14 weeks in all states, and 20 weeks in states, including California, with unemployment rates above 8.5%. The legislation also extends two tax provisions from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credi... more

LOS ANGELES ... Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) joined Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach and other local officials to warn homeowners about misleading and official-looking letters asking for fees to file their property tax reduction requests and to highlight a new law, Assembly Bill 992 (Lieu), which officially outlaws this practice beginning January 1, 2010. "With property values dropping across the state, scammers are preying on unsuspecting homeowners by offering to help lower their property tax bill," said Assemblymember Lieu. "These unscrupulous companies offer to file property tax reduction requests with the county assessor's office, in return for a fee of several hundred dollars from the homeowner. The fact is,... more

HOPE Program would reduce recidivism through closely-monitored probations paired with strict consequences for violators. WASHINGTON, DC ... Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced legislation that will create a new program to fight drug use and crime. The Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Initiative Act, builds on an initiative started in Hawaii that uses intensified supervision of probationers and implements swift and immediate consequences for violators. "There are far too many repeat offenders plaguing our streets and clogging up our judicial system," said Schiff. "Innovative approaches like HOPE help reduce drug use and crime by rehabilitating offenders before long costly jail sente... more

Washington, D.C. ... Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor today in support of H. Res. 895, honoring the lives of the brave soldiers and civilians who died or were wounded in the tragic attack yesterday at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. The House will vote on the legislation later today. Below are the Speaker's remarks. "Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for his kind remarks. I accept them on behalf of the entire House because we have worked in a bipartisan way on behalf of our men and women in uniform and our veterans. "And I particularly want to salute Chairman Edwards' outstanding leadership in that regard in his position as chair of the Military Construction Quality of Life Subcommittee... more

Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths ... now about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act. Below is a response to many of the myths repeated today at the U.S. Capitol. MYTH: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a "government takeover" of the health care system. FACT: America.s Affordable Health Choices Act builds on the current private, employer-provided health care system ... and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will expand enrollment in private insurance by an estimated 6 million Americans. Rather than creating a "government takeover of health care," the bill is designed to help make the health insurance market work be... more

"Bay Area Burden" examines the heavy toll from transportation and housing costs on residents, their communities and the environment; online calculator provides consumers valuable tool to determine their own costs & budget implications. SAN FRANCISCO - Bay Area Burden, a new report released Wednesday by the ULI Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing finds that the average Bay Area household spends more than $41,000 a year ... nearly 60 percent of their income ... on transportation and housing costs alone. These costs vary among the nine Bay Area counties examined, ranging from 54 percent in Santa Clara to 66 percent in Sonoma. But the study finds that one fourth of all households in the Bay Area live in neighborhoods where ho... more

Washington, DC ... John Garamendi, a former California Lieutenant Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, state legislator, and Deputy Interior Secretary, was sworn into Congress by Speaker Nancy Pelosi today. A link to Garamendi's swearing in ceremony and speech is available here. "Madame Speaker, if I might just tell you what a great privilege it is for me to be here. I look forward to working with all of you. We have many issues I look forward to addressing," Garamendi said. Garamendi added, "I want to thank the voters in my district and all my constituents for their support, giving me this opportunity to extend what has been the most important thing I think any of us can do, which is to spend our life in public policy addres... more

Pro-worker candidates win 66 of 92 races; nine anti-worker incumbents ousted from mayor's office, city councils and boards in San Gabriel Valley. LOS ANGELES ... A five-week intensive get-out-the-vote effort by working families pushed 14 pro-worker candidates to victory in the San Gabriel Valley on Tuesday. Nine anti-labor incumbents, including one mayor, were ousted. Workers endorsed candidates in 92 suburban and exurban races this election year; 66 of them won. But intense grass-roots campaigning, which included door-to-door GOTV and phone banking, was concentrated in seven San Gabriel Valley cities: Baldwin Park, El Monte, La Puente, Lynwood, Montebello, Palmdale and Pico Rivera. Eighteen candidates were supported by w... more

Washington, DC ... Today, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) lauded bipartisan legislation passed by the California State Legislature to address the state's water crisis. Senator Boxer said, "I commend the legislature and the governor for their successful efforts to approve a comprehensive water package and bond measure that will be presented to California voters. While no legislation is perfect, the bipartisan spirit that led to the passage of these measures will move our state toward meeting the needs of our people, our farming communities and the environment. We must continue to work together, at the state and federal level, on pragmatic short-term and long-term solutions." Senator Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) recently... more

Bill extends commitment to Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin. Washington, DC ... Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), has joined Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and John Ensign (R-NV) in introducing sweeping legislation to protect Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin from a variety of serious threats. Congressman Dean Heller introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives today along with support from Congresswomen Shelley Berkley, and Dina Titus and Congressman Tom McClintock. The legislation would authorize projects to combat invasive species, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, restore Lake Tahoe's water clarity, and protect threatened species and wildlands. It would continue and strengthen the w... more

Sacramento ... On a bipartisan basis the California State Assembly today passed a historic plan to increase water supply reliability while improving the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the source of drinking water for two-thirds of the state. The plan includes both a comprehensive policy package that improves water conservation, groundwater monitoring, water rights and governance as well as a water infrastructure bond to be placed on next year's ballot. "The package includes conservation and storage, groundwater protection, water rights protection, and Delta protection and represents the most significant water infrastructure and policy advances since the State Water Project in the 1960s," Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said. "This i... more

LOS ANGELES ... State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and the California Latino Legislative Caucus convened "El Poder Verde" Green Jobs Summit last week in downtown Los Angeles. The summit was organized to bring together public and private sector stakeholders mobilizing the "green movement" throughout the state. Organizers and participants stressed the importance of meeting climate change goals while providing high quality and lasting employment at all skill levels, and in particular, in poor and underserved communities. Chairwoman Karen Douglas of the California Energy Commission gave a keynote address at an opening reception on Thursday evening. She cited California's leadership on renewable energy innovation, targets for lower... more

Washington, D.C. ... U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) praised the Senate's passage of legislation to extend unemployment insurance for nearly 2 million Americans who would have otherwise lost their benefits by the end of the year. The bill will extend benefits by 14 weeks for jobless workers across the entire country and by 20 weeks in states with unemployment rates higher than 8.5 percent, including California. The bill includes a provision which extends homebuyer tax credits to first time homebuyers as well as other qualified individuals who already own homes. The legislation also includes a provision to ease the burden of the economic downturn on struggling businesses by allowing them to use current operating losses to get a refund of p... more

Two-day undercover operation catches more than one dozen phony contractors. SACRAMENTO ... A Contractors State License Board (CSLB) sting operation conducted in San Clemente last week highlights the risks consumers face if they hire unlicensed contractors for home or business improvement projects. CSLB's Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) partnered with Orange County District Attorney's investigators and Sheriff's Department investigators for the operation conducted October 29 and 30, 2009. SWIFT Enforcement Representatives posed as owners of a commercial suite and warehouse in an effort to catch unlicensed, uninsured suspects who submitted bids greater than $500 for construction projects. California Business & ... more

WASHINGTON, DC ... Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (Sherman Oaks) announced that California State University, Northridge (CSUN) received $165,000 in federal funding for construction of the Valley Performing Arts Center. Once completed, the Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN will serve as the premier cultural destination for thousands of residents throughout the San Fernando Valley, as well as Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. "The Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN will serve as a world-class venue for student and professional theatrical and musical productions," said Congressman Sherman. "This new venue will allow Valley residents to enjoy a variety of theater performances right in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, enhancing... more

SACRAMENTO, CA ... Just after midnight, the California state Senate passed SB X5 1 with a 21-12 bipartisan vote. The comprehensive bill containing reforms necessary for California to be eligible and competitive for the federal Race to the Top grants is authored by Senator Gloria Romero (D- East Los Angeles), Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Senators Bob Huff (R-Glendora), Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), and Mark Wyland (R- Escondido). The bill next goes to the Assembly Education Committee. "Today, the California State Senate has shown its resolve to reclaim education excellence for all of California's children," said Senator Romero. "California will do right by its children. The promise of a quality and equal education f... more

WALNUT CREEK ... Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi comfortably won Northern California's 10th Congressional District special election. With 29 percent reporting, Garamendi currently holds an 18-point lead. "Today, the voters have spoken; they still have hope and still want change," Garamendi told a crowd of hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. "I will hit the ground running in Congress and look forward to casting a vote for comprehensive health care reform that includes the public option, helping to enact President Obama's vision for America." Added Garamendi, "We stayed true to ourselves throughout this campaign, articulating a vision for the district and America that is bold and necessary. President Obama's federal stimulus package... more

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Chamber of Commerce and the Employment Training Panel (ETP) have joined forces in a newly announced partnership that will result in customized job skills training programs for members' employees throughout the state. "In this difficult economy, California employers need to have access to training that will improve the skills and productivity of our workforce and help keep our state's companies competitive," said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. "Our partnership with ETP will help employees, employers and our state's competitiveness overall." The new partnership allows CalChamber to work directly with its members to provide streamlined strategic training p... more

Presenting one of the largest holiday ballets in Southern California, regional company's production of "The Nutcracker" delivers sugar-plum star power. (VENTURA, CA) ... A traditional holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker" ballet produced by the Ventura County Ballet Company (VCBC) is not only a feast for the senses, it is one of the largest productions in Southern California. Bringing international and local talent together on stage, the company delivers powerhouse performances to its audiences year after year. Set with lavish one-of-a-kind backdrops and stage props, detailed period costumes, in-depth training and choreography, and an outstanding stage venue, VCBC's production features seven professional principles and 135 dancers fr... more

November is National Adoption Month. On November 21, local communities will celebrate as thousands of foster children are adopted into families. (CALIFORNIA) ... According to the Administration for Children and Families, approximately 293,000 children in the U.S. enter the nation's foster care system each year through no fault of their own. Currently, there are 496,000 children living in foster care in the U.S. It is estimated 130,000 of these children (42 percent are ages 9 and older) are unable to return safely to their birth families and are eligible, and waiting, for adoption. (Source: http://www.nationaladoptionday.org). For 30 years, Aspiranet, one of the largest foster-adoption agencies in California, has worked to ensure child... more

WASHINGTON ... Congressman Brad Sherman is proposing legislation to allow Bob Hope and Van Nuys Airports to implement mandatory nighttime curfews from 10 PM to 7 AM. Sherman's legislation comes in the wake of the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to reject the "Part 161" application submitted by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which requested a waiver to impose nighttime curfews at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. Sherman had sent letters to the Federal Aviation Administration in support of the curfew. "The way the Federal Aviation Administration interprets existing law, no airport in the country would be able to get a nighttime curfew. This bill is designed to provide peace and quiet at night in the San ... more

Washington, D.C. ... Congressman Adam Schiff announced last week that the cities of Burbank and Glendale will each receive $20 million to help build energy-efficient smart grids. Burbank and Glendale received two of only 100 such grants in the country, provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The smart grids will promote energy-saving choices for consumers, increase efficiency, and help create local jobs. "Our future is much brighter with the advancement of green technology," said Schiff. "Innovative energy-efficient solutions will help grow our economy and make our nation energy independent. Southern California is leading the way with initiatives like the smart grids in Burbank and Glendale." Rep. Schiff has ... more

San Francisco, CA ... Mayor Gavin Newsom announced last week the completion of a free Wi-Fi network for Treasure Island and its residents. The Treasure Island network connects over 400 units of low income and subsidized housing to free Wi-Fi; in addition it provides coverage for other residents on the former Navy Base. The latest expansion of San Francisco's "Network of Community Networks" is made possible through a $170,000 hardware grant from Cisco Systems to the Treasure Island Homeless Development Initiative (TIHDI). "We are proud to bring free Wi-Fi and computers to another underserved community in San Francisco," said Mayor Newsom. "This new network will give residents the tools to participate in the new economy that will power Ame... more

Health Insurance Reform DAILY MYTHBUSTER: 'Public Health Insurance Option Will Lead to Higher Premiums, Not Lower Premiums' Opponents of reform continue to spread myths ... now spreading myths about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act, including saying that the public health insurance option will provide little benefit to American consumers ... leading to higher premiums, not lower premiums. But the facts continue to knock these myths down. MYTH: The public health insurance option, as included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, will lead to higher premiums, not lower premiums. FACT: There is currently little competition in the health insurance marketplace in most parts of the c... more

Yee and Papan: Mandatory delivery of white pages wastes paper, energy, and scarce local government resources. SACRAMENTO ... Following the successful efforts of Cleveland, Ohio and Miami, Florida, California could become the largest jurisdiction to give telephone customers a choice in receiving the white pages directory. Today, Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) and Millbrae Councilwoman Gina Papan announced they will pursue state legislation to prohibit telephone companies from delivering the white pages unless the customer opts-in to receiving it. "The requirement that phone companies must deliver the white pages comes from an era before the internet and other means of obtaining phone numbers," said Yee. "At a... more

Legislation Covers 96 percent of Americans, Reduces the Deficit. WASHINGTON, D.C. ... For the first time in U.S. history, all Americans would have access to quality, affordable health care under updated health insurance reform legislation unveiled by House Democrats on Thursday. The House is expected to debate and vote on the legislation this week. The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed by the House committees of jurisdiction in July, embodies President Obama's key goals for health reform. It will slow the growth in out-of-control costs, introduce competition into the health care marketplace to keep coverage affordable and insurers honest, pro... more

Lawmaker calls the bill "a building block toward real nationwide interoperability." Washington, DC ... The House last week passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) to improve emergency communications capacity at the state and local levels. The bill, S.1694, extends the deadline to spend Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant funds, which help states to supply public safety personnel with interoperable communications equipment and training. The one-year extension, with an option for an additional year approved on a case by case basis, cleared the House by a unanimous vote. Since 2007, the PSIC program has provided nearly $1 billion in grants to state and local governments, an... more

Wolk selected for work to empower counties in the Delta and throughout the state. SACRAMENTO — One of the state's lead advocacy groups for local government announced today that it will award State Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) its highest honor. The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), which represents counties before the California Legislature, U.S. Congress, state and federal agencies, announced that it will present Wolk with its President's Award for her work to help counties cope with ongoing fiscal challenges, and for her strong advocacy for the needs of counties in the Delta and throughout the state in water policy debates in the State Legislature. The honor is given annually to "the individual or organizat... more

Washington, D.C. ... Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) voted last week to generate and save more than a million American jobs through H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act. The bill, which passed the House 389-32 , enhances lending opportunities for small businesses, the source of 60-80% of new jobs every year, and will help open tight credit markets which have been particularly hostile to such businesses during the economic downturn. "As we work to emerge from this recession, it is essential that we support our small businesses, the backbone of our country's jobs and economy, and its greatest source of innovation," Rep. Eshoo said. "This legislation will give these businesses the lending they require to thriv... more

Washington, D.C. ... Congressman Adam Schiff introduced a Resolution last week in the House of Representatives honoring William Bratton for his career in public service as Chief of Police of the cities of Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. On August 5th, Chief Bratton announced he would step down as Los Angeles Police Chief at the end of October. Since taking over as Los Angeles Police Chief in 2002, violent crime in Los Angeles has decreased by 30 percent and homicides have decreased 42 percent, exceeding national rates of declines. "Chief Bratton has been a leader in law enforcement for decades, and as Chief of Police in Los Angeles, he has been enormously successful in making our city safer," said Schiff. "The people of Los Angeles, a... more

Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes Report Shows Longer Wait Times at DMV Due to Furloughs. SACRAMENTO - The Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes released a report today that shows the Governor.s furlough program has caused longer wait times and an overall deterioration of services at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The average time a walk-in customer waits for service has gone from 27 minutes to 45 minutes since implementation of furloughs at the DMV. Those furloughs do not save the state General Fund money, because fees on motorists and the federal government fund the department. The report, "DMV Shifts into Reverse: Furlough Fridays Eliminate Gains in Service at Department of Motor Vehicles without Saving Gener... more

Popular southern California restaurant concept set to open. Huntington Beach, Calif. - The ocean paradise of Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina has officially arrived in Huntington Beach. Famous for its Baja Buckets, fresh seafood and ice-cold margaritas, Rockin' Baja invites guests to escape a while, Rockin' Baja style. Officially opening Wednesday, November 11th in Huntington Beach at the Bella Terra Mall, the growing Baja-inspired restaurant and bar celebrates its seventh location in California. Rockin's delicious menu is inspired completely by Baja cuisine. Each dish is an original creation made especially for the restaurant Selections range from calamari, lobster, soups, shrimp, burgers and salads, to sandwiches, tacos, faji... more

When tenor Jesus Leon learned that he had been selected ... along with sopranos Angel Blue and Karen Vuong and baritone Andrew Fernando ... to receive a Career Achievement Award of $5000 from the Opera Buffs, he went straight from the rehearsal hall to his computer. "Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" he wrote the organization's Board President. "I have no words. Please thank everybody." But for Board President David Gibb, receiving fervent thanks from grateful singers was the last thing on his mind when he became involved with the organization. "I resonated to the Opera Buffs' mission instantly," Gibb recalls. "We're dedicated to supporting emerging opera singers at a very crucial juncture in their lives ... the years... more

You would think that an idea that would not only help a government agency run better but save the taxpayers significant money in the bargain would be, well, a bargain. And you would also think that those who brand themselves fiscal conservatives would be leading the charge on getting these ideas put into practice. But when it comes to letting California's counties put one of these ideas, a Vote-By-Mail (VBM, in shorthand) system modeled on Oregon's 30-year success story, into place it's the state's Democratic legislators who are taking the lead and Republican legislators who are fighting the change. Orange County Registrar Neal Kelley has concluded that a VBM system would save the county approximately $200,000 per election, increase over... more

NORTH HOLLWOOD ... Mary Benson, one of the most respected neighborhood advocates in the region and a former candidate in the race for City Council candidate, announced her full endorsement of Paul Krekorian on Friday. The announcement of Benson's support is a very significant development in the race for CD2 that further exemplifies Krekorian's widespread grassroots community support. "Paul Krekorian has the courage of conviction, the experience and the independence to make an immediate impact for us in City Hall," Benson said. "Paul has provided extraordinary service to constituents in his Assembly District. Paul will be an advocate for our valley interests. Paul will be the most effective in preserving public assets like the Ve... more

The following statement was issued Oct. 30, 2009 by San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsome: "It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California. With a young family and responsibilities at city hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to — and should be — done. This is not an easy decision. But it is one made with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats. When I embarked on this campaign in April, my goal was to engage thousands and thousands of Californians dedicated to reforming our broken system and bringing change to Sac... more

Interior Appropriations Bill Includes More Than $18 Million for California Sought By Boxer. Washington, DC ... The U.S. Senate passed the Interior Appropriations bill on Thursday, which included more than $18 million in funding for key projects throughout California secured by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature. Senator Boxer said, "I am so pleased the Senate passed this bill that includes critical funding to improve air and water quality in California and help communities fight wildfires. I look forward to seeing President Obama sign it into law." The bill includes the FLAME Act, which will create a federal fund dedicated to helping communities cover the costs of fighting c... more

WASHINGTON ... Congressman Brad Sherman announced Thursday that $1,000,000 in federal appropriations funding to acquire land for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was approved by the House. The funds were secured in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior and Environment appropriations bill, which was recently agreed upon by members of both the House and Senate. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation, and a signature from President Obama is assured, according to Congressman Sherman. "Congressman Sherman always remembers the Santa Monica Mountains," said National Park Service Superintendent Woody Smeck. "The congressman's help is always appreciated and he should be applauded for his commitment." Congressman Sherman... more

The Sierra Club has endorsed Nadia Holober for Millbrae City Council. Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3, 2009. In its announcement, John Cordes, spokesperson for Sierra Club Loma Preita Chapter, outlined Nadia Holober's leadership in making environmental issues a priority as a Millbrae Mayor and City Councilmember, including: >> Piloting the waste grease power generation plant which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. >> Approving mixed use development near Millbrae's BART/Caltrain intermodal center. >> Signing onto the Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign to reduce global warming. Nadia Holober is the only candidate for Millbrae City Council that the Sierra Club has endorsed. Ms. Holober stated, "I'm thrilled to have earned... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA ... Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the initial arrival of the first major shipment of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine in San Francisco. Approximately 28,000 doses of the injectable vaccine have been delivered to the San Francisco Department of Public Health. High risk patients who get their healthcare at public health clinics will begin getting the vaccine today. Injectable vaccine is also available at Kaiser and other clinician offices throughout the City. Meanwhile, Department of Public Health staff has begun cataloguing, organizing and distributing a large portion of H1N1 swine flu vaccine to 9 sites throughout the City in preparation for a series of H1N1 swine flu vaccination clinics designed especially for high risk in... more

A new bill concerning the bedridden definition of an Assisted Living Facility resident has been recently adopted and signed by the governor of California on Sunday, October 19th 2009 and it will take effect January 1st, 2010. CALA.s (California Assisted Living Association) AB762 Bill basically changes the definition of the bedridden person living in an assisted living facility for seniors. Until now, a resident that needed assistance transferring to and from bed, even if it was just a supporting hand was considered to be "bedridden" and therefore the facilities needed to comply with special requirements to be able to accept such residents. . The AB 762 Bill states that "a resident who is unable to independently transfer to and from ... more

Nov. 6--OAKLAND -- Oakland's budget is in trouble again. more

Nov. 5--SACRAMENTO -- Monumental plans to overhaul California's water system -- decades in the dreaming and months in the works -- finally emerged from an exhausted Legislature early Wednesday, defying regional squabbles to become the signature accomplishment in a year mostly lamented for budget cuts. more

Nov. 5--Arguing public interest outweighs privacy concerns, San Jose officials Wednesday ordered release of 911 emergency dispatch recordings and police reports on a May incident in which officers fatally shot a mentally ill man while responding to reports he had attacked a family member. more

Nov. 4--Last spring, San Jose employees cried foul when Mayor Chuck Reed finally outlined what they needed to do to help balance the budget by June 30 with minimal layoffs: zero raises across the board. more

The Small Business Development Center is offering a free workshop, State Labor Law and Payroll Tax, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St. Call 310-973- 3177 to register. more

Nov. 3--Responding to Mercury News articles raising concerns about the use of force by San Jose police officers, Police Chief Rob Davis announced new layers of internal review to guard against officers' misusing their fists, batons, Tasers and guns to subdue suspects. more

Nov. 2--By Howard Mintz more

Nov. 1--An incremental acceptance of medical marijuana has spurred a cottage industry of business ventures -- from iPhone applications to lobbyists -- whose expansion shows no sign of slowing despite the recession. more

Oct. 28--SACRAMENTO -- Marijuana legalization advocates and law enforcement officials duked it out in a three-hour legislative hearing Wednesday on whether making the drug legal under state law would be good public policy. more

Oct. 29--Whether San Jose needs more rules governing bicyclists riding with dogs on trails became the focal point of a Wednesday night community meeting called after the bizarre death of a woman caught in a dog leash on a popular San Jose trail. more

Oct. 29--By Tracy Seipel more

Oct. 28--SACRAMENTO -- Tell us, governor, how you really feel. more

Oct. 28--San Jose's planning staff will have to revise part of an environmental impact report it prepared in 2006 for a downtown baseball stadium after recently noticing a mistake in data provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority on freeway traffic volume. more

Oct. 27--The San Jose Redevelopment Agency on Monday released its long-awaited budget for 2010 and beyond. more

They were engrossed in a complicated new crew-scheduling program on their laptop computers as their plane flew past its Minneapolis landing by 150 miles -- a cockpit violation of airline policy that could cost them their licenses. more

The El Segundo Board of Education will meet Tuesday for a regular meeting and a budget study session. more

Oct. 25--Time was when the colorful bay checkerspot butterfly was a common sight in much of the Bay Area, from San Bruno Mountain to Mount Diablo, counties in between and south of there. more

The tale of record-level legal costs for Los Angeles County this year would be more satisfying if the villains were more clear-cut. more

Oct. 22--RICHMON -- Richmond city leaders want state lawmakers to make education spending a priority and this week called upon the West Contra Costa school district to resolve working and learning conditions at campuses. more

Oct. 22--A federal court today rejected Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to solve California's prison overcrowding problem, ordering the state to come up with an alternative within three weeks or risk having judges order their own solution. more

Oct. 22--Stephen Barnett, an authority on intellectual property law, First Amendment issues and the state Supreme Court who taught at UC Berkeley's law school for 36 years, has died. more

Los Angeles city officials Wednesday began interviewing the 13 semi-finalists to replace outgoing Police Chief William Bratton a group comprised primarily of the Los Angeles Police Department's top brass. more

Oct. 19--SACRAMENTO -- It's one more wrinkle testifying to the unprecedented nature of California's budget woes: Tens of thousands of state workers -- nearly all of them, in fact -- are working under labor contracts that expired more than a year ago, their futures left in limbo as union leaders slow dance with state negotiators. more

More than three years after the surprise firing of a manager who helped cut litigation costs substantially, Los Angeles County government's legal expenses have shot back up to record levels. more

Just a little over one year from today, Californians will elect a successor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. more

California first lady Maria Shriver's exposure as a cell-phone law scofflaw this week highlights a serious issue: Motorists don't take the cell-phone law seriously. more

Oct. 14--Richmond will lay off six city workers to close its budget shortfall amid declining revenues. more

Oct. 15--SAN FRANCISCO -- Adding a little star power to Oracle's proposed acquisition of Sun Microsystems, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took the stage at the Moscone Center on Wednesday and congratulated CEO Larry Ellison on the deal even though it's been stalled by a European antitrust investigation. more

First, she's photographed breaking the law by chatting on her cell phone behind the wheel of a big SUV. more

Beachgoers should avoid swimming, surfing or playing in ocean waters near storm drains, creeks and rivers because of possible contamination from recent rains, Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday. more

Redondo Beach.The Redondo Beach Board of Education will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. more

Oct. 14--The largest drinking water provider in Santa Clara County will be required to adopt nearly a dozen reforms, from more open records to limits on revolving-door hiring, under a new state law. more

Tackling one of the city's major budget issues, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday proposed a two-year police contract that could save up to $100 million next year by slashing overtime and bonuses. more

The Los Angeles Unified School District will use federal stimulus money to make up for a recent $140 million cut in state funding - but officials said they'll feel the pinch next year. more

Oct. 13--SACRAMENTO -- With a long-awaited state water deal in sight, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger finally took action on hundreds of bills that had been sitting on his desk for almost a month -- a frenzied burst of signatures and vetoes that stretched into the wee hours of Monday morning. more

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday signed into law two bills authored by Southland lawmakers that crack down on drunken drivers. more

Oct. 11--THE SEEMINGLY endless court battle over the Oak Grove development in Pleasanton continues. more

Citing insufficient evidence, prosecutors declined Friday to file criminal charges against the former general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, who was accused of raping an unconscious woman at his downtown Los Angeles condominium. more

Oct. 9--Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's dramatic flair served him well in Hollywood. more

Oct. 9--Lawyers for California's prison inmates today asked a three-judge panel of federal judges to find Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in contempt for "openly" defying an August order to slash more than 40,000 inmates from the state's clogged prison system. more

Redondo Beach officials have put off a decision on some minor adjustments to zoning changes that would pave the way for waterfront development. more

Nov. 7--On North Nevada Avenue, a block north of Fillmore Street, a humble collection of old warehouses and Quonset huts houses a trucking company, a mini-storage and auto repair and paint shops. more

Nov. 7--What if you gave a film festival and nobody came? more

Nov. 7--Thousands expected for All Souls events more

Nov. 7--1 Contra Costa Jewish Book and Arts Festival: The festival, running Nov. 7-Dec. more

Nov. 7--DECATUR -- As a young man and minister in the community, the Rev. Todd McClelland said he's about helping others achieve their dreams. more

SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The 12th annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, closed tonight, Saturday, November 7 after a full week of special screenings and award presentations. more

Nov. 7--The Chattanooga Music Teachers Association is bringing a hometown piano prodigy back to town to serve as guest clinician in its two-day workshop. more

Nick Hornby's first novel "High Fidelity" and his latest "Juliet, Naked" are both bittersweet relationship stories. more

Nov. 7--If Charles Dickens could receive royalties every time someone did a version of A Christmas Carol, he'd be a very rich, albeit dead, man. more

Nov. 7--UNIVERSITY CITY -- Inside the Tivoli Theatre, a couple of hundred people sit in the dark, watching an oddball smattering of movies: A tottery, fuzzed-up video of a blues singer playing guitar, footage from the 1940s of Japanese-Americans being released from an Arkansas internment camp, a home movie of a woman sweeping the front steps of her wrecked house after Hurricane Katrina, and her husband, holding his hand above his head, showing just how high the water had come. more

Nov. 7--Imagine finding yourself in the center of an African clinic one day, a Malaysian orphanage a day later, a Brazilian slum the next, and a Los Angeles soup kitchen the following day. more

Nov. 8--BERLIN -- Three months before the Berlin Wall fell, some of the biggest hard rock bands in the world, escorted by Soviet soldiers and KGB agents, took a boat ride down the Moskva River. more

Nov. 7--The American invasion of Guadalcanal has never been so visceral and so palpable as in the new series " WWII in HD." more

Nov. 7--You often see the tag line "A new musical." more

Nov. 7--They Might Be Giants are performing two shows this weekend: one Friday night at The Depot for adults, and one today for families. more

Lyn Cassady can do amazing things with his mind. more

Grace Kelly lived a fairy-tale life: from Philadelphia society girl to cover-girl model to Hollywood princess (and Oscar winner, for "The Country Girl") to real-life princess. more

Clothes make the woman in "Coco Before Chanel," a look at the early years of the French woman who would become couturier to the world, but not before overcoming obstacles both personal and societal. more

Nov. 7--During the past year, there have been public signs that Christian pop music is on the rise. more

Nov. 7--Could someone please pull Robert Zemeckis away from his computer? more

M. SCOT'S MOVIE TALK more

Nov. 7--Out of the explosion of diverse late-night talk-show hosts this season, from the yelling Mo'Nique on BET to George Lopez on TBS, the one show featuring a comic that may be worth a watch is "The Wanda Sykes Show" (Fox, 11 p.m.). more

Nov. 7--NEW ORLEANS -- Stephen Ambrose's "love song to democracy," as the American historian likened The National World War II Museum, has new sound effects and sensory perceptions so real you are thrust into the beating heart of World War II. more

I never watch The X Factor. more

UA students get into the act as ART opens the Chicken Ranch in town more

Charles Dickens' story in "A Christmas Carol" is the ultimate tale of redemption, so sturdy that it has survived being retold on film as stealthy drama, Bill Murray farce, Albert Finney musical and Mr. Magoo cartoon, all winningly so. more

We have to admit to a big soft spot for the theater department at Tucson High Magnet School. more

Lake Worth Monster expert Clarke dies more

Nov. 7--After hearing so many emo boys sing so torturously about girls for the past half decade in bands such as Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco, it's nice to finally have a female voice doing some of the wailing. more

Nov. 7--Visitors can take a rare look at life at Fort Vancouver after dark when the annual lantern tours begin tonight. more

Nov. 7--Eagle Scout that he is, Jerry Steichen is prepared for just about any musical situation. more

About 6,000 people showed up for the Reach Festival Saturday night at Pima County Fairgrounds, far less than the 15,000 that attended last year at Tucson Electric Park. more

The North and South are at it again. more

Sunday's All Souls Procession and subsequent Calexico concert are being filmed for a documentary about the event. more

New on the blog this week: more

And as the saying goes, 'You can look that up in your Funk & Wagnalls' more

Fusion music act Elmwood will return to Tulsa for a headliner show, just weeks after opening for a near sold-out crowd, industry tour tracker Pollstar Pro reports. more

Nov. 7--At the age of four, Mark Lanier's career as a musician began in the small community of Central, Ala. more

Nov. 7--EL PASO -- Pifas Silva is watching the opening montage from comedian Gabriel Iglesias' new, El Paso-filmed Comedy Central special, "I'm Not Fat ... more

A virginal is the medieval cousin of the ancient Greek psaltery - or harp. more

People attend the dedication Thursday of a statue of the late Fred Rogers of the PBS television program "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" on Pittsburgh's North Shore. more

A representative for Susan Boyle says the "Britain's Got Talent" star has agreed to make a guest appearance on the U.S. TV series "Dancing with the Stars." more

Nov. 7--One year into its Chicago run, and with its four stellar key performers now back in place, the musical "Million Dollar Quartet" has lost none of its crowd-pleasing energy nor raw musical exuberance. more

Nov. 7--Community Arts will hold auditions for the musical drama "The Threshing" at 6:45 p.m. Monday and Thursday at The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St. more

The Tucson Musical Arts Club and the University of Arizona School of Music on Saturday will host the 10th annual Marguerite Ough Competition for graduate women studying voice. more

EMINEM will star in the 3D film Shady Talez, his first film for seven years. more

John S. Davis was 3 years old when he demonstrated an aptitude for music. more

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS more

IN just a see-through vest top and pants, Rosie Oddie isn't wrong when she says she's not a good girl. more

Nov. 6--Each of the four members of Scythian has extensive training in classical music. more