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

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

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

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

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 ... 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

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

Dive Industry Holds Press Conference with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and United States Coast Guard to Announce PSA Campaign. San Diego, CA ... Representatives from the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) and the Divers Alert Network (DAN), recently joined officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for a press conference at the USCG Miami Sector to unveil the first state-wide public service campaign aimed at increasing awareness of scuba diving safety to reduce or eliminate the number of incidents of bodily harm during the spiny lobster mini-season. The 2-day spiny lobster mini-season begins at 12am, Wednesday, July 29 & end... more

On Saturday, June 20, 2009 at about 2336 hours, Chula Vista Police officers responded to a radio call of a large party in the 1300 block of Fourth Avenue. The reporting party stated that someone had been stabbed. Officers arrived to find five victims with superficial, non-life threatening stab wounds. Witnesses reported that several people had been fighting but no one saw a knife. Witnesses described one, or possibly two suspects who fled prior to the officers' arrival. The first possible suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult, 24-25 years old, wearing a white shirt. The suspect was described as being a possible gang member. The second possible suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult, 6'3" tall, weighing about 200 ... more

Vignette Wine Country Soda makes its debut at premier specialty beverage retail store. BERKELEY, CA ... Vignette Wine Country Soda, the all-natural, effervescent gourmet soda lightly sweetened with the juice of premium California varietal wine grapes, has announced that it is now available at BEVMO!, the beverage lifestyle superstore with 98 locations throughout the Western United States. Vignette, available in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Ros. varieties, has been a catalyst in the beverage industry since being introduced in 2006 by presenting a refreshing, non-alcoholic soda alternative ideal for oenophiles and gourmands alike. Vignette was hand selected by BEVMO! to join its unique superstore featuring top shelf specialty beverage... more

(VENTURA, CA) - Like any professional, having a good doctor or even better, a great team of doctors on your side, is critical with illness. In the case of financial health, having a team of top-notch financial advisors is also important. In today's economy, I cannot stress the importance of caring for your physical and financial health. At Kipp Financial Group's qualified investment professionals work as a team to help manage the wealth of clients to ensure a healthy balance. By adopting a similar model as the Mayo Clinic, the firm reviews the entire financial picture, rather than just one component. Specialists evaluate debt, risk and portfolio management and estate and tax planning with the ultimate goal of securing financial freedom f... more

SACRAMENTO ... A bipartisan plan to improve public safety in California, introduced by Senators Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes), cleared the Assembly Public Safety Committee on unanimous votes. Senate Bills 431 and 678 are innovative, outcome-based community probation reforms, designed jointly by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, to relieve prison overcrowding. "The high rate of failure in probation programs should alarm all California taxpayers," commented Senator Benoit. "Our bills will improve probation oversight and reward efficient local probation programs. I'm proud of our bipartisan teamwork to improve public safety and cut prison costs by aggressively targeting re... more