Obama pledges $100M to Haiti for aid
Recent News
Samantha Dilbeck is an amazing kid with the heart of an angel. At age 6, she informed her parents, Tiffany and Erick Dilbeck that she wanted to help foster children who were plucked from their homes without a moment´s notice.
To serve these children in crisis, the Dilbeck family founded Sammie´s Kids Foundation (SKF) in 2005. A nonprofit organization serving Salinas and Monterey Counties, Calif., SKF has made a difference in the lives of more than 800 children and teens taken to the Salinas-based Cherish Receiving Center operated by Aspiranet, one of California´s largest foster care and adoption agencies.
Last week, the state began implementing the worst law in 2009 that aims to cut the state´s prison population by about 6,500 inmates over the next year. This law was part of the 2009 budget package that I strongly opposed, yet it passed through with a Democratic majority and was unfortunately a...
Pacific Serenades presents chamber music in the small, intimate spaces it was originally intended for -- including private homes. This March the renowned ensemble will present the world premiere of a new work by Israeli composer Sharon Farber plus works by Leonard Bernstein, Faure and Mozart.
It's not everyday you have an opportunity to conduct a conversation with a world renowned conductor rather than watch him conduct an orchestra on stage. Musica Angelica invites you to meet Music Director Martin Haselboeck at "Coffee with the Maestro" on February 13.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Mayor Newsom announced $19.2 million in funding for energy efficiency programs through the San Francisco Energy Watch program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Newsom also highlighted the creation of new local jobs through the programs and outlined the total...
A wacky pastishe of the children's nursery rhyme, with crossdressers, audience participation and a "jolly good time.'
An insider look at the booking process at the Foothill Station jail, and a discussion about cops who are also moms.
Online Classes Offer Quick, Easy, 24-hour Access to Help Businesses.
Jerome E. Horton, Vice Chairman of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), launched an innovative new package of online educational products to assist taxpayers as an alternative or enhancement to the in person sem...
Sacramento - Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 29, which promotes tax equality for same sex couples by requesting that the IRS defer to California law on treatment of community property belonging to registered domestic partners and same-sex spouses. ...
"More than 2.2 million Californians are out of work today and jobs are continuing to leave for other states in droves. Taking away free parking will only make our jobs problem worse, making it harder for businesses to attract customers and hurting working families struggling to make ends meet. The Legislature´s sole priority must be bringing back jobs, not dictating to cities whether they can offer free parking."
-- Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Bevan Dufty announced that some program cuts to public schools will be prevented by providing up to $6 million from the city's rainy day fund. The Mayor made the announcement in his remarks at the "Bridging the Bay" Afterschool Conference at Bal...
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 phonebook directory. Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) introduced legislation (SB 920)...
PALM DESERT – Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit today launched a month-long drive to collect cell phones to benefit seniors in the Riverside County Office on Aging 911 Emergency Cell Phone Program. Through Supervisor Benoit´s partnership with the YMCA and Riverside County Office on A...
SACRAMENTO – In the interest of protecting consumers, Sen. Jenny Oropeza today introduced legislation to stop retailers from imposing surcharges on those who use their debit cards.
"During these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to protect consumers and ensure they are no...
San Francisco, CA—Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has again provided a strong rating to the Central Subway Project, Phase 2 SFMTA´s Third Street Light Rail Project. The Project...
Sacramento — Senator Bob Huff (R – Diamond Bar) announced today the introduction of a measure to help protect California Peace Officers.
Current law allows some public officials and law enforcement officers to protect their home addresses from disclosure, keeping the address confidential ...
Over $17 million has been raised by the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts to date. This year, over 30 designers from throughout Southern California will once again work their magic -- bringing the historic Cravens Estate in Pasadena back to life. Tickets for the 2010 Pasadena Showcase House of Design will go on sale beginning February 16. The House will open April 18 and remain open, Tuesday through Sunday, through May 16.
Williams out-raises his opponent by more than $100,000 in race for the 35th Assembly District.
SANTA BARBARA, CA – Highlighting the immense outpouring of local support united behind his candidacy, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams today announced that his campaign for State Assembly...
Courage Campaign's Rick Jacobs files FPPC complaint against Andy Pugno, Assembly candidate and counsel for Protect Marriage; Alleges misuse of public funds in support of ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Rick Jacobs, Chair of the Courage Campaign, filed complaints ...
RIVERSIDE – Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit today announced the introduction of a measure to recognize February 2010 as the American Heart Month and February 5, 2010 as Riverside County "Go Red For Women" Day.
"Heart disease is the nation´s leading cause of death, and it&acu...
Jaffe Currently on Sold-Out Tour of the UK and Europe with Midlake.
New York, NY – Sarah Jaffe is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her debut full-length album – Suburban Nature. Due out May 2010 on Kirkland Records, the album was produced by John Congleton (Polyphonic Spree, Explos...
We need real green leadership in Sacramento, longtime enviro says.
Los Angeles - Actor and longtime environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. today announced his support for Los Angeles Councilwoman Janice Hahn for lieutenant governor.
"Janice has been a voice for Mother Nature her entire career ...
FOOD Share recently was awarded a $15,000 Community Impact Grant (CIG) from the New York Life Insurance Company to support its mission.
Speier: Unfinished Work To Do On Consumer Protection, Health Care, Education.
Washington, D.C. – Today, ending days of speculation, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) announced that she will remain in Congress.
"I am thankful that so many supporters came forward to urge me to run for statewide off...
Maintains Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities.
Sacramento County, CA – Home Care workers in Sacramento County have a new two-year contract that protects employees´ wages, improves their healthcare, and ensures that seniors and people with disabilities will continue receivin...
Torlakson to be recognized at the 7th Annual Legislative Conference.
SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblymember Tom Torlakson (D-Contra Costa) has been named Legislator of the Year by the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). Torlakson will be honored at the organization&a...
SANTA BARBARA, CA – Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams has announced that Dolores Huerta has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.
Dolores Huerta is co-founder and First Vice President Emeritus of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO, and one our state and ...
Vogue Surroundings, Dining Define Property.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Nearly two years after renovations began, the Padre Hotel, the only boutique property in Bakersfield opened for business today. The hotel, owned by Eat, Drink and Sleep, Inc. of San Diego offers hip lifestyle amenities within th...
Tell management to put patients first at hospital.
HUNTINGTON PARK, CA – Community leaders, including State Senator Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), Carson City Mayor Jim Dear, Inglewood City Councilman Ralph Franklin, and Sergio Calderon, Division 4 Director of the Water Replenishment Distri...
Palo Alto, CA - Democratic Attorney General candidate Chris Kelly reported $2,034,000 in cash on hand as of December 31, 2009.
"I am running for Attorney General to bring my experience in law, public policy and business to find innovative ways to make California safer. California´s gover...
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Brigadier General Mary J. Kight as the first female adjutant general of the California National Guard and first African-American female National Guard adjutant general in the nation. He also thanked General William H. Wade II for his ...
Council colleagues who know her best add their support.
Los Angeles - Eight members of the Los Angeles City Council - a majority of the 15-member body - today announced their joint support of fellow Councilwoman Janice Hahn's campaign for lieutenant governor. Council members endorsing Hahn are ...
The Carmelite Sisters have long sung as part of their daily routine. But now, for the first time ever, they're going to share their music making with the community on February 28.
Spend an afternoon hearing staged excerpts from musicals and operas inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, from Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate to Verdi's Otello and Macbeth, when the Opera Buffs present "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" on February 27.
SACRAMENTO – The California Senate today passed legislation that guarantees all Californians comprehensive, universal health care. The California Universal Health Care Act, authored by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), is the only health care reform proposal that is proven to contain health care ...
SACRAMENTO – Today, the California Senate approved two bills designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to the State´s public higher education institutions. Both bills authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) were vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Lo...
SACRAMEN TO – Yesterday, Assemblyman Van Tran was proud to vote in support of AB 347 (Bass) which passed the Assembly 45-0 and now goes to the Senate. Tran is a co-sponsor of AB 347 which allows donations to Haiti earthquake relief to be deducted from 2009 California income taxes.
"Like so many...
SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) stood firm in opposition against a government run, socialized healthcare plan that passed off the Senate Floor today with a bare minimum of votes. SB 810 will implement a "Single-Payer" or universal healthcare plan on all Californians that will cost ...
Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee applauded the announcement by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $8 billion to states across the country to develop America´s first nationwide program of high-speed intercity ...
SACRAMENTO – Legislation that would allow courts to seize any property, such as house or automobile, used in the commission of human trafficking was unanimously approved this week by the California Senate. In addition to the courts seizing property, the bill would add civil penalties of up to $25,0...
Top Headlines
Feb. 5--Berkeley High administrators this week shared details of a plan to better educate black and Latino kids -- much of it for the first time publicly -- then got slammed by school board members for not doing so earlier.
Feb. 6--OAKLAND -- Nearly a couple hundred East Bay inmates have been set free in recent days because of a new state law designed to reduce prison and jail overcrowding and help the state save money amid a budget crisis.
So I thought I'd update you on a couple that captured the hearts and interests of readers from all over the country.
Feb. 2--The California Supreme Court on Monday made sure the state's controversial Jessica's Law will remain clouded by legal uncertainties for the foreseeable future, even though it ruled that the state can continue restricting convicted sex offenders from living near parks, schools and other spots where children gather.
Feb. 2--Israeli officials have said they will not file charges against police involved in severely injuring Tristan Anderson, a former UC Berkeley tree sitter and Oakland man who nearly died last year after being struck in the head with a tear-gas canister fired by Israeli troops.
Feb. 1--SACRAMENTO -- Nearly a month after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called an emergency legislative session to begin tackling some $8.9 billion in budget fixes, the clock for lawmakers would seem to be ticking louder every day.
Feb. 1--President Barack Obama promised during his State of the Union address to end one of the worst laws of the past 20 years -- the mean-spirited "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has deprived our military of some of its most talented, dedicated personnel.
Feb. 1--The study last week showing that hands-free phone laws don't prevent crashes was no surprise.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ Nearly a month after California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called an emergency legislative session to begin tackling some $8.9 billion in budget fixes, the clock for lawmakers would seem to be ticking louder every day.
Jan. 29--ALAMEDA -- The water main that flooded the Posey Tube on Friday morning and caused a headache for commuters already was earmarked as in poor shape and needing replacement, according to EBMUD officials.
Jan. 29--After a year and a half on the front lines of a punishing recession, the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce is heading into 2010 with an arsenal of proposals for streamlining city government, cutting red tape and helping small businesses recover.
Jan. 29--As tougher penalties for drivers ignoring California's ban on handheld cell phones are being considered, a study released today reaches a surprising conclusion: Hands-free phone laws don't reduce crashes.
Jan. 29--Two South Bay assemblymen are calling for a state investigation of the San Jose Police Department's widespread use of force in resisting-arrest cases.
Jan. 28--San Jose officials groped for direction in the legal haze surrounding medical marijuana dispensaries Wednesday as dozens of advocates rallied at City Hall to urge an ordinance permitting them to provide the drug to patients -- while others urged a moratorium.
Jan. 27--The pain is still fresh from the tragic death of a toddler last weekend, when a rotting silver maple gave way in the rain-soaked ground and fell onto his family's car on a quiet San Jose street.
Jan. 27--In the wake of public outrage following the weekend death of a toddler killed by a falling tree, San Jose officials are launching a public outreach campaign to remind residents they are responsible for maintaining city-owned trees in front of their homes.
Jan. 26--An East Bay lawmaker wants to make it easier still for consumers to cash out their gift cards.
Jan. 26--It was a brutal Monday for the family of Mateo Ortiz.
Sin complejos.Sin complejos.
Jan. 23--As Sacramento heads toward another budget showdown this summer, some East Bay lawmakers and advocates for the developmentally disabled met Friday morning in Oakland to discuss the importance of saving funding that goes to some of the area's most vulnerable.
Jan. 22--Bengie Molina officially returned to the Giants on Friday, signing a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
Jan. 22--The notion that Californians would make healthier choices if restaurant menus contained calorie counts has always resonated with nutrition experts.
Jan. 22--San Jose State confirmed Thursday what had long been expected -- that Bryant Young has joined the football coaching staff.
Jan. 21--SACRAMENTO -- Public works projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars could be in jeopardy starting this summer -- and possibly for years to come -- because of California's continuing budget crisis, state financial officials warn.
Jan. 21--WASHINGTON -- Staring at another staggering budget shortfall and desperate to stave off a new round of debilitating service cuts, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state legislative leaders arrived in Washington on Wednesday with a simple message: We need help.
Jan. 20--There are just a few problems with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to help fill his budget hole by retooling red-light cameras to catch people speeding through intersections.
Entertainment
Starting out as a theatre director, Rachel O'Riordan worried her ballet background might work against her, but in fact it makes her style distinctive, writes JANE COYLE
Anne-Marie Duff and Andy Serkis scooped best acting film awards last night -- both for portrayals of real-life people.
In a dynamic move that must be making the legendary Buddy Hackett beam up in comedy heaven, The Sahara in Las Vegas ” by popular demand ” is relocating his son's hit "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show" from the Congo Room to the hotel's main showroom.
Feb. 9--Rehearsals begin next week on the Improv Asylum's musical spoof "You're a Good Man, Scott Brown," a send-up of the historical senatorial election and the political madhouse that ensued.
NCH, DublinWhen Lalo Schifrin was asked to write the soundtrack toEnter the Dragon, he had a meeting with Bruce Lee, who told the composer how he had studied 3,000 years of martial arts, in order to learn all the rules so he could break them.
Feb. 8--We purchased our first widescreen TV, a 36-inch Vizio, to rid ourselves of the black bars.
Feb. 8--Do you think you're funny?
Feb. 8--LOS ANGELES -- Decisions as to which network shows will be asked back for the 2010-11 season will made over the next couple of months.
Feb. 9--NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn hip-hop duo Das Racist jokes about three stages of awareness of the group's music: curiosity, amusement and extreme rage.
U.S. actor Michael Chiklis is executive producing and will star in "No Ordinary Family," a new drama pilot for ABC, the show's producers said.
Will be honoured Sunday, April 18 during THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV
Feb. 6--Gabourey Sidibe is truly the classic overnight success story.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Rondor Music, a division of Universal Music Group Publishing, the world's leading music publishing company, and Nacional Records today announced an exclusive worldwide administration deal that covers Canciones Nacionales, the coveted publishing arm of Nacional Records.
Jim Parsons, Emmy nominee and star on the critically acclaimed CBS comedy series "The Big Bang Theory," from Warner Bros. Television, will receive the 2010 NAB Television Chairman's Award during the NAB Show Television Luncheon.
[*** 1/2] (Three and one-half stars)
"Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America"
Feb. 8--SUNBURY -- The stage is a comfortable place for aspiring performer Alexandra Swartz.
Feb. 8--Few subjects, let alone in film, are more of a tightrope walk than Islam in America.
Witness "MazelTov Cocktail," Jamie M. Fox's frenetic one-woman comedy.
"Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical" and "Sister Act" were among the shows nominated for the best new musical Olivier Award in London Monday.
QUESTION for David Parsons: Why treat brie like Velveeta?
LOS ANGELES _ A true "Survivor" party should be held in a barren, barricaded room, the heat cranked to 110 degrees, and buffet tables covered with nothing but brown grass and sand.
It took about three years after going off the air for Fran Drescher to stop rewriting the jokes in her head.
That's showbusiness -- Cleo Laine (right), daughter Jacqui and son Alec perform on stage at the weekend
Gil Hayes didn't have enough drama in his life, so he decided to add a little more.
According to the Internet Movie Database, it has gotten the most prize-giving attention from the Teen Choice Awards, where it has been often nominated, and former star Chad Michael Murray won in 2008 for actor in a TV drama.