Assemblywoman's mission is to break the culture of silence

SACRAMENTO — The silence helped Mary Hayashi find her voice.

It trapped her older sister in a cage of depression, eventually ending in her suicide at 17. And it enveloped Hayashi's family afterward. Hayashi's parents burned her sister Bo Yoon's clothes and cut her image out of photographs. A funeral was never held, and her parents have quietly avoided the subject in the nearly 30 years since.

It led Hayashi, a first-term Democratic Assemblywoman from Castro Valley, to a long exploration of her South Korean roots and the Asian American culture of silence surrounding the taboo subject of mental illness — and a determination to confront that taboo straight on.

Assemblywoman's mission is to break the culture of silence

SACRAMENTO — The silence helped Mary Hayashi find her voice.

It trapped her older sister in a cage of depression, eventually ending in her suicide at 17. And it enveloped Hayashi's family afterward. Hayashi's parents burned her sister Bo Yoon's clothes and cut her image out of photographs. A funeral was never held, and her parents have quietly avoided the subject in the nearly 30 years since.

It led Hayashi, a first-term Democratic Assemblywoman from Castro Valley, to a long exploration of her South Korean roots and the Asian American culture of silence surrounding the taboo subject of mental illness — and a determination to confront that taboo straight on.

Overwhelmed firefighters ask governor, lawmakers for help

SACRAMENTO — A firefighters' blue-ribbon task force created by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 — and revived last year after devastating blazes — pleaded with the governor and lawmakers Thursday to "get real" about the growing wildfire threat facing California.

The task force, which includes top fire officials in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, issued a statement calling for funds to finance more firefighters, year-round staffing in rural areas, and additional engines and aircraft in future years.

High Court gun ruling to spur flurry of legal challenges

The U.S. Supreme Court's historic ruling Thursday for individual gun rights is expected to trigger a spray of new legal challenges to the stiffest gun control laws across the country, with San Francisco among the first cities targeted by the National Rifle Association and other gun rights groups.

But the high court left undecided whether the Second Amendment applies to state and local gun laws, and advocates on both sides said the effect on gun laws in California and elsewhere remained unclear.

Report: Hancock-Chan race in top 10 for attracting independent expenditures

SACRAMENTO — Independent expenditures for the state's 9th Senate District primary between Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and ex-Assemblywoman Wilma Chan cracked the top 10 in dollars spent among this year's state primary races, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Overall, outside groups participating in June 3 races spent $11.8 million — more than three-fourths of which went to the top 10 races. The total for all outside spending has reached $99.9 million since Proposition 34, the ballot measure that imposed limits on campaign contributions, was approved in 2000.

Meeting to focus on proposed state cuts

Having your street slurried is a minor hassle for all residents. When Alisa Rosillo found out her Concord block was to be resurfaced today her mind immediately started racing.

Instead of dropping her disabled and wheelchair-bound son in front of her house, Leo's school bus would have to drop the 9-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, one-and-a-half blocks away. In order to pick him up, she would have to wheel her other son Max, a 7-year-old on life support, down to the street corner too.

Lawmakers reject balloon ban

SACRAMENTO — Party on! But maybe by candlelight.

A legislative committee Tuesday just could not bring itself to ban those shiny, helium-filled metallic balloons in California, despite utilities saying the party staple has caused costly power outages and equipment damage.

During the Senate measure's first test in the Assembly, the committee on business and professions voted 5-2 to reject the bill by Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena. Under the measure, starting in 2010, anyone caught selling the metallic balloons would have faced a $100 fine.

McClellan won't rule out vote for Obama

SAN FRANCISCO — Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, whose recently published memoir skewers the Bush administration as part of Washington's "culture of deception," said Tuesday it's not out of the question that he'd vote for Democrat Barack Obama in this year's presidential election.

"I haven't made a decision. ... I think we need to press the candidates to be more specific on how they intend to follow through on what they've been talking about'' in regard to changing the nation's political discourse, McClellan told reporters after addressing the Commonwealth Club of California at the Fairmont Hotel.

Tauscher shifts to pro-Obama stance

Rep. Ellen Tauscher, D-Alamo, came out strong and early for former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, a close personal friend and political ally.

But Clinton's loss will not dampen her enthusiasm for presumed nominee Sen. Barack Obama, a man she has met only twice and talked to once. As a superdelegate to the party's national convention in Denver in August, Tauscher says she will vote for Obama.

"Growing up, I never expected that I would even meet a president or know people running for president," she said via telephone between votes in Washington. "I don't have to have a personal relationship with someone to support him or her for president."

Contra Costa supervisors to vote on five-year, $250,000 a year pact with new administrator

Incoming county administrator Dave Twa stands to nearly double his Minnesota paycheck if Contra Costa County supervisors approve his proposed five-year, $250,000 annual base salary at today's meeting.

Twa, 64, spent five years leading Ramsey County, surrounding the St. Paul area, making $144,711 a year. A Minnesota state statute prevents county managers from making more than the governor.

If the Contra Costa board approves his contract, Twa would earn more than current county administrator John Cullen, whose base salary was raised last year to $231,000. Cullen plans to retire in September; Twa's new contract would begin Sept. 8.

Contra Costa supervisors to vote on five-year, $250,000 a year pact with new administrator

Incoming county administrator Dave Twa stands to nearly double his Minnesota paycheck if Contra Costa County supervisors approve his proposed five-year, $250,000 annual base salary at today's meeting.

Twa, 64, spent five years leading Ramsey County, surrounding the St. Paul area, making $144,711 a year. A Minnesota state statute prevents county managers from making more than the governor.

If the Contra Costa board approves his contract, Twa would earn more than current county administrator John Cullen, whose base salary was raised last year to $231,000. Cullen plans to retire in September; Twa's new contract would begin Sept. 8.

Majority still favor East Bay Park ballot measure if creek restoration is highlighted, poll says

More than two-thirds of Contra Costa and Alameda County voters still support a proposed $500 million regional park bond measure if the ballot language is written to list creek restoration first among its many purposes, according to a new poll commissioned by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Park system operators proposed the extension of a 1988 property tax measure for many reasons: to buy and improve park land; protect wetlands, open space and wildlife habitat; build trails; and allocate money for local and city park improvements such as playgrounds.

Vallejo council to discuss budget cuts

Vallejo city officials will look at two integral and diametric financial issues during Tuesday's council meeting.

A $223 million city budget, $7 million less than last year's, and a $330 million cancer treatment center for Mare Island are both set for vote.

The city Redevelopment Agency's nearly $6 million budget for 2008-09 will also face council review.

Councilwoman Joanne Schivley said the council's recent focus has been the cash-strapped budget.

Obama, McCain fixate on California

With Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain heading to California early this week, the state's players, themes and issues are helping shape the historic showdown for the presidency, even if California doesn't make anybody's list of battleground states.

Home to progressives, pragmatists and headstrong politicians, California will be a proving ground as political and business leaders take major roles in the campaigns. They are crafting the candidates' agendas on topics ranging from technology to foreign policy, while navigating particularly sensitive issues in the limelight, such as same-sex marriage and offshore oil drilling.

Democratic leaders accused of pressuring supporters of redistricting measure

SACRAMENTO — State Democratic Party officials are being accused of a campaign of intimidation against fellow Democrats who support the ballot initiative that would give power to draw political boundaries to an independent commission.

There has been an "attempt to bring everybody into line" now that the state party has come out against the redistricting measure,said Kathay Feng, the measure's main author and director of California Common Cause. The initiative qualified for the November ballot last week.

n Oakley incumbents seeking re-election map out ideas to turn around financial challenges

OAKLEY — Economic development is a top priority for all three incumbents running for re-election to the Oakley City Council this November.

Original councilmembers Pat Anderson and Brad Nix will seek third terms, and Kevin Romick will campaign for a second term. All identify economic development as the city's ongoing challenge in these tough financial times.

"We need to continue to build our economic structure," said Anderson, a 57-year-old Oakley teacher. "I want to look out for the next 10 years. The biggest issue for everyone is this economy."

Report: Hancock-Chan race in top 10 for attracting independent expenditures

SACRAMENTO — Independent expenditures for the state's 9th Senate District primary between Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and ex-Assemblywoman Wilma Chan cracked the top 10 in dollars spent among this year's state primary races, the Fair Political Practices Commission reported Thursday.

Overall, outside groups participating in June 3 races spent $11.8 million — more than three-fourths of which went to the top 10 races. The total for all outside spending has reached $99.9 million since Proposition 34, the ballot measure that imposed limits on campaign contributions, was approved in 2000.

Report: Hancock-Chan race in top 10 for attracting independent expenditures

SACRAMENTO — Independent expenditures for the state's 9th Senate District primary between Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and ex-Assemblywoman Wilma Chan cracked the top 10 in dollars spent among this year's state primary races, the Fair Political Practices Commission reported Thursday.

Overall, outside groups participating in June 3 races spent $11.8 million — more than three-fourths of which went to the top 10 races. The total for all outside spending has reached $99.9 million since Proposition 34, the ballot measure that imposed limits on campaign contributions, was approved in 2000.

County names new chief administrator

After months of closed-door discussions and interviews with candidates, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday that a county manager from Minnesota will replace of retiring chief John Cullen.

After a closed session, the supervisors unanimously appointed David Twa, county chief for Ramsey County, as the new county administrative officer who will take over around September. Supervisors must still complete a compensation package for Twa and should discuss financial details at their next meeting, Cullen said.

Life also changes for kids of gay newlyweds

The 10-year-old twins, Omar and Hady Jadallah-Karraa, figured it was about time their moms did the thing that couples tend to do.

Isaac Hanley and his two brothers thought Daddy and Poppy already had, which was true. So John and Dennis Hanley sat them down to explain how the knot got untied.

"We thought they were married already. Yesterday they said they weren't," said 8-year-old Isaac. "We all just screamed."

The five neatly dressed boys from two Oakland families took their turns Monday night gawking at Ron Dellums' high, white marble coif, then hugging their parents when the Oakland mayor pronounced them married in a City Hall ceremony for the first 18 same-sex couples to wed in Alameda County.

Facing opposition, Assemblyman yanks car fee bill

SACRAMENTO — Concord Democratic Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier has decided to pull his legislation to increase document fees on car buyers after running into opposition as it made its way through the Senate.

After shepherding Assembly Bill 1939 through the Assembly in April — despite opposition from consumer groups — DeSaulnier saw that it was unlikely to get through two Senate committees chaired by fellow Democrats, so he spiked it.

Here comes the county clerk-recorder

It was time to introduce John to his friends and political supporters. Most of his colleagues had an idea Stephen Weir was gay, but the longtime public servant had kept his sexual preference secret. He felt strongly enough about his boyfriend of one month to introduce him to a former Concord city councilwoman at a small Halloween party. It was an intimate gathering of his closest friends and political allies, a subtle introduction to Weir's hidden lifestyle. Yet it was a bold move for the former Concord mayor to profess his love for a man.

Same-sex marriages set stage for further legal action

Legal experts say California's same-sex weddings could be fertile ground for a bumper crop of lawsuits and government claims from coast to coast.

If California voters in November approve an amendment banning same-sex marriages, the courts will have to decide what to do about those already solemnized. And the amendment aside, couples who marry here and then go elsewhere could be on uncertain legal ground.

"The one thing we're sure of is that there will be a lot of litigation," said Brad Sears, executive director of the Charles R. Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law.

Oakland journalist will "Rock the Vote"

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a sampling of political writer Josh Richman's blog, The Political Blotter. Read more and post comments at www.ibabuzz.com/politics.

June 9

Oakland journalist Raldon "Donny" Lumpkins, 20, is among five selected from among hundreds of applicants from across the nation to be one of Rock the Vote's campaign reporters this year.

From the Web site: "Raldon Lumpkins is a content producer for YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia, a youth media organization based in San Francisco. He is the host of YO!Radio, a weekly radio segment that airs on KMEL 106.1's Street Soldiers and around the Bay Area, including YO!TV on the local CW network. His favorite thing to do is sit at home and drink all of the orange juice."

Here comes the county clerk-recorder

It was 1990, a year after the Rev. Lloyd Mashore had successfully campaigned to repeal Concord's AIDS anti-discrimination ordinance, leading a vocal anti-gay movement in the central county city. The following year voters would repeal a human rights ordinance, in part because it covered gays.

It wasn't an easy time to be out in the East Bay city, let alone openly homosexual months after being named Contra Costa County cerk-recorder.

So when partner John Hemm showed up at his door wearing cherry-red stiletto heels and dressed as Marilyn Monroe in a low-cut "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" gown, Weir knew he was at a crossroads, and it wouldn't be a subtle one.

Governor's oil-spill plan falls short, Hancock says

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday announced what he called a plan to prevent oil spills — such as the Cosco Busan spill in the Bay last November. But he ignored most of the spill-prevention and response bills that Bay Area lawmakers developed after emergency public hearings.

Schwarzenegger, in a statement, said his plan would provide "the tools we need to prevent another devastating oil spill of the magnitude we saw last fall.''

Governor's oil-spill plan falls short, Hancock says

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday announced what he called a plan to prevent oil spills — such as the Cosco Busan spill in the Bay in November. But he ignored most of the spill-prevention and response bills that Bay Area lawmakers developed after emergency public hearings.

Schwarzenegger, in a statement, said his plan would provide "the tools we need to prevent another devastating oil spill of the magnitude we saw last fall.''

Democrats to honor local leaders

The Lamorinda Democratic Club will honor Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, and state Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, for their public service at its June 20 dinner.

Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, will host the spaghetti dinner, and proceeds will help fund the club's neighborhood and youth outreach and get-out-the-vote programs.

Hancock won the June 3 Democratic primary for the state Senate seat held by termed-out Sen. Don Perata, D-Oakland. She is expected to win easily in November in the heavily Democratic district.

Authorities crack down on emerging organized retail theft rings

SACRAMENTO — Shoppers are paying more for basic, already pricey goods — from baby formula and razors to makeup and vitamins — because of a new kind of organized crime that has prompted an emergency legislative hearing.

A select Senate committee is scheduled to meet in the Bay Area on Friday to assess the effect of organized retail crime on the region. The session follows the breakup last week of a large-volume operation, based in San Jose; and one last year, based in Hayward.

Authorities crack down on retail theft rings

SACRAMENTO — Shoppers are paying more for basic, already pricey goods — from baby formula and razors to makeup and vitamins — because of a new kind of organized crime that has prompted an emergency legislative hearing.

A select Senate committee is scheduled to meet in the Bay Area on Friday to assess the effect of organized retail crime on the region. The session follows the breakup last week of a large-volume operation, based in San Jose; and one last year, based in Hayward.

More 'devastating' cuts for Contra Costa

The county administrator delivered a grave financial update this week on the governor's revised budget that could further chop services affecting Contra Costa County's most vulnerable communities, along with more jobs.

And there's already talk of raising taxes to assuage the cuts.

Already raw from almost $52 million in budget cuts, the county could face even further "horrifying" and "devastating" cuts if any semblance of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's May revise passes, county officials said. The altered financial numbers show a statewide shortfall of about $17.2 billion.

Low turnout as most vote by mail

As widely predicted, voter turnout sank to a record low watermark Tuesday as a paltry fifth of the state's registered voters cast ballots.

But the vast majority of those who did vote opted for mail-in ballots rather than going to the polls.

The lopsided results are fueling talk of running mail-only elections at times of scant voter interest.

"I had polling places where 36 voters showed up," said Contra County Registrar of Voters Steve Weir, also president of the state association of election clerks. "We now know that any election following a bifurcated presidential primary, like it could be in June 2012, we ought to consider making it a vote-by-mail-only election."

Budget cuts could hurt disabled immigrants

HAYWARD — Rosa Castillejos had high hopes four years ago when she won a green card lottery and arrived in the East Bay from Lima, Peru.

She worked two steady jobs, one in the middle of the night. Her aging husband worked one. Their 14-year-old son entered his freshman year of high school in Hayward, beginning an American education that his parents hoped would take him far.

"I was happy," Castillejos said. "I came with great desire to work in this country."

Budget cuts could hurt disabled immigrants

HAYWARD — Rosa Castillejos had high hopes four years ago when she won a green card lottery and arrived in the East Bay from Lima, Peru.

She worked two steady jobs, one in the middle of the night. Her aging husband worked one. Their 14-year-old son entered his freshman year of high school in Hayward, beginning an American education that his parents hoped would take him far.

"I was happy," Castillejos said. "I came with great desire to work in this country."

Union Pacific Railroad balks at selling land for bullet train

Possibly complicating efforts to build a high-speed rail system in California, Union Pacific Railroad has told the state's High-Speed Rail Authority it won't sell its rights-of-way for the planned 700-mile bullet train network.

In a letter dated May 13, an executive for the Omaha-based freight hauler wrote that the company "does not feel it is Union Pacific's best interest to have any proposed alignment located on Union Pacific's rights-of-way."

Piepho's strong mail-in response helps beat former boss

In a county election with the lowest voter turnout in 30 years, Mary Nejedly Piepho's biggest contributor to her re-election as a county supervisor turned out to be the U.S. Postal Service.

Piepho, of Discovery Bay, won largely by getting her supporters to mail in their votes — about 13,000, compared with less than 10,000 from outgoing state Assemblyman Guy Houston. Her constituents weren't alone, as the county set a record for mail-in votes this primary, with more than 70 percent coming by mail, County Clerk-Recorder Stephen Weir said.

Union Pacific Railroad balks at selling land for bullet train

Possibly complicating efforts to build a high-speed rail system in California, Union Pacific Railroad has told the state's High-Speed Rail Authority it won't sell its rights-of-way for the planned 700-mile bullet train network.

In a letter dated May 13, an executive for the Omaha-based freight hauler wrote that the company "does not feel it is Union Pacific's best interest to have any proposed alignment located on Union Pacific's rights-of-way."

Union Pacific Railroad balks at selling land for bullet train

Possibly complicating efforts to build a high-speed rail system in California, Union Pacific Railroad has told the state's High-Speed Rail Authority it won't sell its rights-of-way for the planned 700-mile bullet train network.

In a letter dated May 13, an executive for the Omaha-based freight hauler wrote that the company "does not feel it is Union Pacific's best interest to have any proposed alignment located on Union Pacific's rights-of-way."

Low turnout expected for state primary vote

California's top county election chief predicts voters today will play political limbo as in "How low can you go?"

Contra Costa Registrar of Voters and California Association of Clerks and Election Officials President Steve Weir says turnout will be 31 percent statewide following an anemic decade of poor primary results.

Statewide turnout in previous nonpresidential primary elections has ranged from 35 percent in 1994, to 42 percent in 1998 to 34 percent in both 2002 and 2006. Weir concedes he is sailing in uncharted waters. It could go even lower, he said.

What if California had held its presidential primary today?

SACRAMENTO — What if California had kept its presidential primary on its traditional date: the first Tuesday in June?

The nation's eyes, observers say, would have been riveted to the state today — giving California the attention and clout political leaders said they wanted when they moved up the primary to Feb. 5.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York may have been looking to deliver a major blow to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's chances of capturing the Democratic nomination, solidifying her argument that big-state wins put her in a better position to win in November's general election.

What if California held its presidential primary today?

SACRAMENTO — What if California had kept its presidential primary on its traditional date: the first Tuesday in June?

The nation's eyes, observers say, would have been riveted to the state today — giving California the attention and clout political leaders said they wanted when they moved up the primary to Feb. 5.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York may have been looking to deliver a major blow to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's chances of capturing the Democratic nomination, solidifying her argument that big-state wins put her in a better position to win in November's general election.

Schwarzenegger talks budget reform in Oakland

OAKLAND — A mostly unsympathetic but largely docile audience of local officials heard Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger explain his no-new-taxes budget reform plan Monday.

Perhaps the only forward motion to come out of the town-hall-style meeting at Oakland City Hall was the governor's promise, exacted by Mayor Ron Dellums, to extend the deployment of California Highway Patrol officers, which began last August to quell Oakland's street crime. Dellums seemed to catch the governor flat-footed, requesting the extension in front of a crowd even before giving the governor a microphone.

Benicia's Seeno project approaches key vote

More than a year of public debate comes down to Tuesday night, when the City Council is scheduled to vote on plans for a massive mixed-used development.

The council must decide the Benicia Business Project's fate Tuesday — or in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Because a lengthy discussion is expected, the meeting will begin at 6 p.m., an hour earlier than usual.

Tuesday's meeting will mark the third consecutive council discussion about the project.

Bay Area real estate figure bolsters fight to end rent control

SACRAMENTO — A Bay Area real estate investment broker and apartment management firm co-owner has donated nearly $1 million to bolster an initiative banning rent control just days before Californians vote Tuesday.

An analysis of campaign finance activity shows Thomas Coates has become the single largest individual contributor to Proposition 98, a property rights measure that has been largely funded by landlords and mobile home park owners.