Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Contra Costa County administrator Cullen retiring

MARTINEZ — Next to the candy jar on John Cullen's desk sits an equally important tumbler of Tums antacid pills.

"The Tums are just another condiment I offer to people," Contra Costa's county administrator said, smiling.

When you have worked the type of hours and tackled the scope of financial issues Cullen has in the past 30 months, the colorful tablets become a sixth food group.

By the end of the month, Cullen will relinquish the Tums and retire, ending a short but critical tenure in which he ushered the county through some historic financial obstacles.

Did Republicans break no-tax pledge?

SACRAMENTO — Were Republicans able to maintain their ideological purity on taxes, or did a crack in the armor appear in their seemingly ironclad no-tax pledge as the state budget was getting resolved?

Republicans asserted a major triumph in the budget aftermath, saying they'd withstood all attempts to raise taxes to resolve an estimated $15.2 billion deficit. But Democrats say the evidence proves otherwise: They point to a vote Republicans cast for an earlier version of the budget that hinged on $4 billion in revenues from a proposed accelerated tax.

Did Republicans break no-tax pledge?

SACRAMENTO — Were Republicans able to maintain their ideological purity on taxes, or did a crack in the armor appear in their seemingly ironclad no-tax pledge as the state budget was getting resolved?

Republicans asserted a major triumph in the budget aftermath, saying they'd withstood all attempts to raise taxes to resolve an estimated $15.2 billion deficit. But Democrats say the evidence proves otherwise: They point to a vote Republicans cast for an earlier version of the budget that hinged on $4 billion in revenues from a proposed accelerated tax.

McNerney's and Andal's smelly money -- and canned outrage

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.

Sept. 23

I got a news release this morning from the National Republican Congressional Committee noting Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, has given away to charity $5,000 he received from the leadership political action committee of Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., who is under investigation into suspected ethics violations:

McNerney's and Andal's smelly money -- and canned outrage

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.

Sept. 23

I got a news release this morning from the National Republican Congressional Committee noting Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, has given away to charity $5,000 he received from the leadership political action committee of Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., who is under investigation into suspected ethics violations:

McNerney's and Andal's smelly money -- and canned outrage

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.

Sept. 23

I got a news release this morning from the National Republican Congressional Committee noting Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, has given away to charity $5,000 he received from the leadership political action committee of Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., who is under investigation into suspected ethics violations:

Roads, budget priorities for Lafayette candidates

All four Lafayette City Council candidates agree on what the council should focus on — fixing failed roads and keeping the city budget in order.

Incumbents Mike Anderson, Carl Anduri and Carol Federighi are seeking re-election Nov. 4. Challenger Gabriel Froymovich hopes to oust one of them by being among the three top vote-getters.

In recent interviews, the incumbents each said the city is on the right track. The council is doing its best to fix roads with what money the city has, they said, and has done a good job protecting hillsides and managing growth downtown to preserve Lafayette's small-town feel.

McNerney's and Andal's smelly money -- and canned outrage

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.

Sept. 23

I got a news release this morning from the National Republican Congressional Committee noting Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, has given away to charity $5,000 he received from the leadership political action committee of Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., who is under investigation into suspected ethics violations:

Roads, budget priorities for Lafayette candidates

All four Lafayette City Council candidates agree on what the council should focus on — fixing failed roads and keeping the city budget in order.

Incumbents Mike Anderson, Carl Anduri and Carol Federighi are seeking re-election Nov. 4. Challenger Gabriel Froymovich hopes to oust one of them by being among the three top vote-getters.

In recent interviews, the incumbents each said the city is on the right track. The council is doing its best to fix roads with what money the city has, they said, and has done a good job protecting hillsides and managing growth downtown to preserve Lafayette's small-town feel.

Roads, budget priorities for Lafayette candidates

All four Lafayette City Council candidates agree on what the council should focus on — fixing failed roads and keeping the city budget in order.

Incumbents Mike Anderson, Carl Anduri and Carol Federighi are seeking re-election Nov. 4. Challenger Gabriel Froymovich hopes to oust one of them by being among the three top vote-getters.

In recent interviews, the incumbents each said the city is on the right track. The council is doing its best to fix roads with what money the city has, they said, and has done a good job protecting hillsides and managing growth downtown to preserve Lafayette's small-town feel.

Governor vetoes DVC-prompted grade bill

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill prompted by the Diablo Valley College scandal that would have required the state's 110 community colleges to consider a model grade-changing policy.

Schwarzenegger, who nixed the proposal Sunday, noted in his veto message that the bill was "unnecessary" because nothing in existing law prevents the state chancellor's office from distributing a model policy. The bill, AB 1754 was approved 55-23 by the Assembly and 21-12 by the Senate.

Governor vetoes DVC-prompted grade bill

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill prompted by the Diablo Valley College scandal that would have required the state's 110 community colleges to consider a model grade-changing policy.

Schwarzenegger, who nixed the proposal Sunday, noted in his veto message that the bill was "unnecessary" because nothing in existing law prevents the state chancellor's office from distributing a model policy. The bill, AB 1754 was approved 55-23 by the Assembly and 21-12 by the Senate.

Lafayette candidates have same goals

All four Lafayette City Council candidates agree on what the council should focus on — fixing failed roads and keeping the city budget in order.

Incumbents Mike Anderson, Carl Anduri and Carol Federighi are seeking re-election Nov. 4. Challenger Gabriel Froymovich hopes to oust one of them by being among the top-three vote-getters.

In recent interviews, the incumbents each said the city is on the right track. The council is doing its best to fix roads with what money the city has, they said, and has done a good job protecting hillsides and managing growth downtown to preserve Lafayette's small-town feel.

Barbara Lee makes move for Black Caucus chair

Rep. Barbara Lee might be running unopposed to lead the Congressional Black Caucus for the next Congress.

"I did send a letter to all my colleagues this week talking to them about why I want to be chair," Lee, D-Oakland, acknowledged Thursday. "But the election won't be until November, so we have a long way to go."

However the Hill, a Washington newspaper, reports that Lee's bid might be unopposed; only the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, had been expressing interest in the post before she died last month.

Candidates offer different priorities and positions

Moraga's six Town Council candidates hardly agree about anything.

They have different top priorities.

Howard Harpham, Janice Kolbe and Dennis Wanken said the town's fiscal situation is the most critical issue the council faces. Incumbent Michael Metcalf said police understaffing is first on his list; Brad Kvederis said development is most pressing. And Karen Mendonca said voters need to choose candidates who can work well with others.

Candidates offer different priorities and positions

Moraga's six Town Council candidates hardly agree about anything.

Howard Harpham, Janice Kolbe and Dennis Wanken said the town's fiscal situation is the most critical issue the council faces. Incumbent Michael Metcalf said police understaffing is first on his list; Brad Kvederis said development is most pressing. And Karen Mendonca said voters need to choose candidates who can work well with others.

Kvederis and Mendonca said they support the Moraga Open Space Ordinance of 2008, the more restrictive of two local open space initiatives on November's ballot. The other four candidates said they do not support either measure.

Roads, budget priorities for Lafayette candidates

All four Lafayette City Council candidates agree on what the council should focus on — fixing failed roads and keeping the city budget in order.

Incumbents Mike Anderson, Carl Anduri and Carol Federighi said the city is on the right track. The council is doing its best to fix roads with what money the city has, they say, and has done a good job protecting hillsides and managing growth downtown.

And if the city wants to fix all its failed roads, it will likely need a new source of revenue, each said.

Computer glitch delays aid for thousands of students

More than a month after the semester began, financial aid delays have threatened plans for thousands of students in the Peralta Community College District.

Up to 15,000 students in the four-college district have not received federal aid, five weeks after school started. Administrators blamed the delay on problems with a new computer system and said they planned to work through the weekend to process as many checks as possible.

But angry students said the money will be too late for some. The delay has forced several students to drop out of school and even threatened some with homelessness if they are unable to pay rent, said Viennassa Singh, a student at Oakland's Merritt College.

Schwarzenegger: Any president better than Bush on global warming

SAN FRANCISCO — Either John McCain or Barack Obama would do a better job of dealing with global warming than President Bush has done, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Friday.

The governor addressed the Commonwealth Club of California at the Fairmont Hotel on the eve of the two-year anniversary of AB32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Ten other states have enacted similar laws since, he said, all realizing "Washington is asleep at the wheel, we cannot look for leadership there."

Schwarzenegger: Any president better than Bush on global warming

SAN FRANCISCO — Either John McCain or Barack Obama would do a better job of dealing with global warming than President Bush has done, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Friday.

The governor addressed the Commonwealth Club of California at the Fairmont Hotel on the eve of the two-year anniversary of AB32, California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Ten other states have enacted similar laws since, he said, all realizing "Washington is asleep at the wheel, we cannot look for leadership there."

Budget cuts hit redevelopment agencies

Contra Costa and Alameda counties will lose almost $35 million in redevelopment funds after the state budget diverted — or stole depending on who you ask — local property tax revenue to fill California coffers.

"Redevelopment agencies were robbed — robbed — of $350 million statewide," said John Cullen, Contra Costa county administrator.

The governor signed the $103.4 billion budget Tuesday, 85 days late and leaving local government leaders fuming with heavy cuts to redevelopment agencies and social services.

Budget cuts hit redevelopment agencies

Contra Costa and Alameda counties will lose almost $35 million in redevelopment funds after the state budget diverted — or stole depending on who you ask — local property tax revenue to fill California coffers.

"Redevelopment agencies were robbed — robbed — of $350 million statewide," said John Cullen, Contra Costa county administrator.

The governor signed the $103.4 billion budget Tuesday, 85 days late and leaving local government leaders fuming with heavy cuts to redevelopment agencies and social services.

TV debates could be make-or-break for Obama, McCain

After watching black-and-white footage of his now-legendary 1960 debates against Richard Nixon,

John Kennedy gazed in admiration at the TV set and reportedly told his aides, "We wouldn't have had a prayer without that gadget."

More than four decades later — in an era of high-definition, multiple channels and YouTube — another set of televised presidential debates will likely play a crucial role in deciding who lands in the White House. When Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama face off tonight in the first of three meetings, they'll have the eyes of a nation upon them.

Budget cuts hit redevelopment agencies

Contra Costa and Alameda counties will lose almost $35 million in redevelopment funds after the state budget diverted — or stole depending on who you ask — local property tax revenue to fill California coffers.

"Redevelopment agencies were robbed — robbed — of $350 million statewide," said John Cullen, Contra Costa county administrator.

The governor signed the $103.4 billion budget Tuesday, 85 days late and leaving local government leaders fuming with heavy cuts to redevelopment agencies and social services.

TV debates could be make-or-break for Obama, McCain

After watching black-and-white footage of his now-legendary 1960 debates against Richard Nixon,

John Kennedy gazed in admiration at the TV set and reportedly told his aides, "We wouldn't have had a prayer without that gadget."

More than four decades later — in an era of high-definition, multiple channels and YouTube — another set of televised presidential debates will likely play a crucial role in deciding who lands in the White House. When Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama face off tonight in the first of three meetings, they'll have the eyes of a nation upon them.

Reforms needed to avoid repeat of budget fiasco, Panetta says

SACRAMENTO — After three months of "recrimination, passing the buck, gridlock, delays and sniping at one another," California can't afford another budget fiasco, said a leading Democrat who insisted an overhaul of government is the only way out of the constant crises plaguing the state Capitol.

Leon Panetta, co-chairman of California Forward, a nonprofit bipartisan government reform group, urged political leaders to make 2009 the "year of reform."

Clayton candidates talk issues

CLAYTON — With the new downtown park a rousing success and the longed-for downtown development going swimmingly, the tiny city of Clayton has had to come up with new election issues this season.

All eight candidates running for three open seats on the Clayton City Council in November say it is time to talk about the city's $3.7 million budget. That is about the same size it was in 2001, despite inflation and gas prices. Meanwhile, residents want the same services they always have.

Governor pivots to campaign mode

SACRAMENTO — Moments after signing a $103.4 billion budget — an unprecedented 85 days past the constitutional deadline and in the quiet, unceremonious environs of his office — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged from the Capitol hopeful that the just-completed budget debacle could bolster his case for government reform.

Standing amid red-shirted AARP activists holding signs such as "Yes on 11 — Stop Partisan Paralysis," the governor declared that there never was a better case for stripping lawmakers of the power to draw their own political boundaries, as Proposition 11 would do, and hand it to a 14-member commission.

Governor pivots to campaign mode

SACRAMENTO — Moments after signing a $103.4 billion budget — an unprecedented 85 days past the constitutional deadline and in the quiet, unceremonious environs of his office — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged from the Capitol hopeful that the just-completed budget debacle could bolster his case for government reform.

Standing amid red-shirted AARP activists holding signs such as "Yes on 11 — Stop Partisan Paralysis," the governor declared that there never was a better case for stripping lawmakers of the power to draw their own political boundaries, as Proposition 11 would do, and hand it to a 14-member commission.

East Bay legislators bemoan budget process

MARTINEZ — After months of frustrating and often fruitless state budget haggling, Contra Costa's two state assembly members got two hours of free therapy Tuesday by way of the county's legislation committee.

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepared to sign the tardiest state budget in history, Assembly members Mark DeSaulnier and Loni Hancock sat down with two county supervisors and an assortment of department heads and staff to vent, kvetch and vow to change the supermajority voting threshold they say held Democrats hostage.

East Bay legislators bemoan budget process

MARTINEZ — After months of frustrating and often fruitless state budget haggling, Contra Costa's two state assembly members got two hours of free therapy Tuesday by way of the county's legislation committee.

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepared to sign the tardiest state budget in history, Assembly members Mark DeSaulnier and Loni Hancock sat down with two county supervisors and an assortment of department heads and staff to vent, kvetch and vow to change the supermajority voting threshold they say held Democrats hostage.

East Bay legislators bemoan budget process

MARTINEZ — After months of frustrating and often fruitless state budget haggling, Contra Costa's two state assembly members got two hours of free therapy Tuesday by way of the county's legislation committee.

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepared to sign the tardiest state budget in history, Assembly members Mark DeSaulnier and Loni Hancock sat down with two county supervisors and an assortment of department heads and staff to vent, kvetch and vow to change the supermajority voting threshold they say held Democrats hostage.

CSU introducing online degrees

When classes start at Cal State East Bay this week, they'll include dozens of students who will never need to set foot on campus.

For the first time, students in a handful of programs will be able to complete master's degrees or the final two years of their bachelor's degrees online. No commuting, no dining halls, no searching for parking spaces.

Although online courses are nothing new at institutions nationwide, it is unusual for a traditional university to offer completely online degrees. Organizers say the Cal State East Bay program comes from a growing recognition that working and disabled students simply don't have time to sit in classrooms.

Reich says Wall Street solution must include more transparency

OAKLAND — Calling the current proposal a "huge blank check," former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich said Saturday that the government must attach some strings if it allows a massive bailout of Wall Street institutions.

"I'm not against bailouts that are necessary and bailouts that have conditions on them," said Reich, speaking at the Oakland Museum of California about his concerns over an American economic system he said is becoming "capitalism on the upside and socialism on the downside."

Campaign signs posted illegally in hotly contested Richmond council race

With Election Day six weeks away, campaign signs are once again peppering front lawns, windows, roadways, poles and other spots around town as Richmond City Council candidates try to grab voters' attention and residents show their support.

But some signs have been posted in places where they should not be. City officials earlier this month sent letters to two candidates, Jovanka Beckles and Jeff Ritterman, as well as the supporters of the manufacturers' fee initiative Measure T, telling them not to post signs illegally.

'Incomplete' grade for school seismic safety

Still other school districts, such as those in Fremont, Berkeley and San Mateo, conducted top-to-bottom seismic reviews of their structures and successfully persuaded local voters to pass bond measures to pay for new or strengthened buildings.

The issue of seismic soundness of schools was brought to the world's attention on May 12 in China's Sichuan Province.

Classrooms were filled with students when a magnitude 7.9 earthquake damaged some 7,000 classrooms, their heavy fragments collapsing on those inside. An estimated 10,000 students died. This month, the Chinese government acknowledged the role of shoddy, rushed construction in the devastation.

Judge tosses lawsuit questioning McCain's ballot eligibility

A federal judge in San Francisco has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to have Republican presidential nominee John McCain booted from California's ballot, claiming he's not a "natural-born citizen" constitutionally eligible to serve as president.

Markham Robinson of Vacaville, chairman-elect of California's American Independent Party, had sued McCain, the GOP and California Secretary of State Debra Bowen on Aug. 11, arguing McCain's birth 72 years ago in the Panama Canal Zone makes him ineligible for the White House.

California Democrats swallow bitter pill on budget

SACRAMENTO — Though there was relief Friday that the unprecedented 81-day budget stalemate was finally over, Democrats couldn't contain their frustration over having to swallow the bitter medicine of their Republican counterparts.

They lost on taxes, having initially proposed a $10 billion tax increase on the wealthy but instead ended up closing a few loopholes — and relenting on corporate tax giveaways that could amount to billions in lost revenues annually. They also wound up making deeper spending cuts than they had vowed in order to close the estimated $15.2 billion budget shortfall.

Money-laundering suit washes out

SACRAMENTO — A government watchdog agency on Thursday rejected a complaint by the Yes on Proposition 11 campaign accusing its opponents of money laundering.

Proponents of the Voters First Act, the ballot measure to hand the power to draw political boundaries to an independent commission, had argued that the California Correctional Peace Officers Association made illegal contributions totaling $577,000 to Senate leader Don Perata's Leadership California committee.

Money-laundering suit washes out

SACRAMENTO — A government watchdog agency on Thursday rejected a complaint by the Yes on Proposition 11 campaign accusing its opponents of money laundering.

Proponents of the Voters First Act, the ballot measure to hand the power to draw political boundaries to an independent commission, had argued that the California Correctional Peace Officers Association made illegal contributions totaling $577,000 to Senate leader Don Perata's Leadership California committee.

Voter registration rises in face of gloomy outlook

California voters are crabby, but more and more of them vote.

Nearly three in four voters say they believe the nation and the state are headed in the wrong direction, the highest figure since the Public Policy Institute of California began asking the survey question in 2003.

Despite their gloomy outlook, Californians are registering and voting in record numbers, say PPIC analysts in their newest report released Wednesday.

State registration rolls swelled to a record 16.1 million in May, the most recent tally, and if the trend persists, the state will see historic highs in both registration and turnout in the November election.

Coal trucks can roll past pickets, N.S. court rules

Locked-out stevedores in Sydney have been ordered to let coal trucks pass through their picket line.

A Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice ruled Thursday that the workers must not disrupt the flow of trucks in and out of the coal piers, but didn't limit the number of pickets.

Bobby Burchell, with the United Mine Workers union, said the workers can try to explain their case to the drivers.

"We do have the right to approach anyone crossing the picket line, telling them why we're here, what the situation is, and asking them if they would honour our picket lines," he said. "If they do not want to honour the picket lines, legally we have to allow them to go through."

Chevron property tax appeal hearing set to resume

A hearing is scheduled to resume today in Chevron's property-tax appeal case that could cost Contra Costa County and its cities $59.7 million in refunds and almost $2 million annually in future revenue.

In November, the company brought its appeal to Contra Costa's Assessment Appeals Board.

Chevron has argued that the county has incorrectly assessed its land since 2004. County officials say the San Ramon-based oil company should pay more.

Movers shaking up Moraga

MORAGA — The way George Fisher sees it, Moraga presents both a ripe field for new Movers members, and a place where seniors need to push for some needed changes.

"There are more than 5,300 people in Lamorinda who are over 60 years old," said Fisher, president of the Moraga Movers seniors group. He bases the numbers on data found on the census/demographics Web site zipskinny.com, which also indicates almost a third of Moraga's population is 50 or older.

Walnut Creek City Council candidates square off at forum hosted by Chamber of Commerce

Neiman Marcus, downtown parking and budget issues illuminated some differences among four Walnut Creek City Council candidates during a Tuesday forum. But on many issues, the candidates agreed.

The forum, hosted by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce at Scott's Seafood restaurant, drew dozens of residents and business people interested in finding out what differentiates the candidates, who are vying for three open council seats in November's election.

Walnut Creek City Council candidates square off at forum hosted by Chamber of Commerce

Neiman Marcus, downtown parking and budget issues illuminated some differences among four Walnut Creek City Council candidates during a Tuesday forum. But on many issues, the candidates agreed.

The forum, hosted by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce at Scott's Seafood restaurant, drew dozens of residents and business people interested in finding out what differentiates the candidates, who are vying for three open council seats in November's election.

Walnut Creek City Council candidates square off at forum hosted by Chamber of Commerce

Neiman Marcus, downtown parking and budget issues illuminated some differences among four Walnut Creek City Council candidates during a Tuesday forum. But on many issues, the candidates agreed.

The forum, hosted by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce at Scott's Seafood restaurant, drew dozens of residents and business people interested in finding out what differentiates the candidates, who are vying for three open council seats in November's election.

Constitutional convention proposed

SACRAMENTO — Imagine a single act that could clean up the dysfunctions of California government.

Imagine taking the power out of lawmakers' hands to solve perpetually vexing issues such as prison overcrowding, broken water systems, failing schools, budget stalemates and gerrymandering.

Sound Utopian? Maybe. But, Jim Wunderman thinks an overhaul is in order, and a fresh approach is needed — especially after the 78-day budget morass that continued Tuesday when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger threatened to veto the budget that the Legislature approved. The chief executive of the Bay Area Council, a San Francisco-based business consortium, is convinced it would take a constitutional convention to drag Sacramento out of the muck that prevents the major issues of the day from being addressed.

Court revives lawsuit over college fees for illegals

A state appeals court has revived a lawsuit challenging a law that allows illegal immigrants and other nonresidents to pay the same college fees as California residents.

The three-justice panel ruled Monday that a Yolo County Superior Court judge had improperly dismissed the class-action suit against California's three higher-education systems: the community colleges, California State University and the University of California.

The legal battle focuses on a 2001 law that made more students eligible for in-state fees, which are significantly lower than those paid by nonresident students. The law, which took effect in 2002, applies to students who attended California high schools for at least three years.

Court revives lawsuit over college fees for illegals

A state appeals court has revived a lawsuit challenging a law that allows illegal immigrants and other nonresidents to pay the same college fees as California residents.

The three-justice panel ruled Monday that a Yolo County Superior Court judge had improperly dismissed the class-action suit against California's three higher-education systems: the community colleges, California State University and the University of California.

The legal battle focuses on a 2001 law that made more students eligible for in-state fees, which are significantly lower than those paid by nonresident students. The law, which took effect in 2002, applies to students who attended California high schools for at least three years.

News gets worse for Contra Costa budget

MARTINEZ — At least gas is cheaper.

That was the only sliver of good news to share Monday when Contra Costa's finance committee began discussing how to bridge a $6.6 million general fund shortfall.

On the table are further cuts to an already bare county service system that include dipping into reserves; raising revenues, fees or taxes; selling property; cutting job and services; and altering employee salaries and benefits.

News gets worse for Contra Costa budget

MARTINEZ — At least gas is cheaper.

That was the only sliver of good news to share Monday when Contra Costa's finance committee began discussing how to bridge a $6.6 million general fund shortfall.

On the table are further cuts to an already bare county service system that include dipping into reserves; raising revenues, fees or taxes; selling property; cutting job and services; and altering employee salaries and benefits.

News gets worse for Contra Costa budget

MARTINEZ — At least gas is cheaper.

That was the only sliver of good news to share Monday when Contra Costa's finance committee began discussing how to bridge a $6.6 million general fund shortfall.

On the table are further cuts to an already bare county service system that include dipping into reserves; raising revenues, fees or taxes; selling property; cutting job and services; and altering employee salaries and benefits.

State budget nearing approval -- or is it?

SACRAMENTO — State legislators met late into the night Monday to end California's record budget impasse with a plan that would cut spending but also use accounting maneuvers to close an estimated $15.2 billion deficit.

Democratic and Republican legislative leaders announced the budget accord Sunday and moved to put it up for a vote barely a day later, denying interest groups time to mobilize against it. Still, as of Monday evening, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had yet to get on board, threatening to veto the plan unless lawmakers added stronger reforms designed to stave off fiscal crises in the future.

Is Schwarzenegger vulnerable to ouster?

SACRAMENTO — Most of the essentials are in place for a recall campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: a sagging economy, a historically late budget, a massive deficit, high voter dissatisfaction, a brewing revolt from within the governor's party, and a sponsor that has enough money to put the question on the ballot.

But, even with all that, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association is facing a Sisyphean task in the campaign it has embarked on to oust Schwarzenegger from office.

Is Schwarzenegger vulnerable to ouster?

SACRAMENTO — Most of the essentials are in place for a recall campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: a sagging economy, a historically late budget, a massive deficit, high voter dissatisfaction, a brewing revolt from within the governor's party, and a sponsor that has enough money to put the question on the ballot.

But, even with all that, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association is facing a Sisyphean task in the campaign it has embarked on to oust Schwarzenegger from office.

Is Schwarzenegger vulnerable enough to be ousted?

SACRAMENTO — Most of the essentials are in place for a recall campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger: a sagging economy, a historically late budget, a massive deficit, high voter dissatisfaction, a brewing revolt from within the governor's party, and a sponsor that has enough money to put the question on the ballot.

But, even with all that, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association is facing a Sisyphean task in the campaign it has embarked on to oust Schwarzenegger from office.

Civil rights activist and gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo dies at 68

FOLSOM — Civil rights activist and three-time Green Party candidate for governor Peter Miguel Camejo died Saturday at his home in Folsom, according to his family.

Camejo was born Dec. 31, 1939, in New York City to Elvia Guanche and Daniel Camejo Octavio. In the 1960s, Camejo attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study math and then UC Berkeley to study history.

His participation in a Vietnam War protest at UC Berkeley got him suspended from the university, but his election to the student council launched his political career. During the Vietnam War protest era, then-Gov. Ronald Reagan called Camejo one of California's 10 most dangerous citizens.

Civil rights activist and gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo dies at 68

FOLSOM — Civil rights activist and three-time Green Party candidate for governor Peter Miguel Camejo died Saturday at his home in Folsom, according to his family.

Camejo was born Dec. 31, 1939, in New York City to Elvia Guanche and Daniel Camejo Octavio. In the 1960s, Camejo attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study math and then UC Berkeley to study history.

His participation in a Vietnam War protest at UC Berkeley got him suspended from the university, but his election to the student council launched his political career. During the Vietnam War protest era, then-Gov. Ronald Reagan called Camejo one of California's 10 most dangerous citizens.

Governor Schwarzenegger ousts student-aid chairman after EdFund flap

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday kicked Peter Hankwitz off the California Student Aid Commission, apparently punishing the board's chairman for last week's failed attempt to take over the nonprofit agency that administers student loans.

The decision came a week after state Finance Director Mike Genest said he was overturning the commission's Sept. 4 vote to remove the board of EdFund, one of the nation's largest student-loan providers. Genest had asked the commission to postpone action against EdFund until state auditors could complete an investigation of the organization.

Last stand on same-sex marriage?

SACRAMENTO — The stakes of the ballot drive to forbid same-sex marriage reach far beyond California's geographic and political borders in what has emerged as another chapter in America's culture wars.

Christian groups, wealthy benefactors and self-styled pro-family groups from all over the nation are watching closely — and weighing in with money. Gay rights groups and wealthy individuals are countering with their own cash from across the country.

Candidate forums set for Tri-Valley races

Candidate forums for Tri-Valley elections in November will start next week.

Pleasanton and Dublin are holding both mayoral and City Council races. Both cities are also holding school board races, as is Livermore.

In each forum, candidates will state their positions, answer questions presented by a moderator and answer questions from the audience. The forums are sponsored by the Livermore-Amador Valley League of Women Voters and will be broadcast later on cable Channel 26.

State budget stalemate places Contra Costa's child care system in crisis mode

Rashan Ali finished his Shape Bear this week, cutting out the animal's different body parts and taping them together. The 4-year-old thrives during arts and crafts time at his Richmond child care center.

His mother, Loushinea Lewis, cringes at the thought of her day-care alternative, unreliable baby sitters who plop her son in front of a television all day.

While Republicans and Democrats haggle over the state budget in Sacramento, Lewis waits in San Pablo, knowing the longer the impasse, the stronger the chance that Rashan will return to the TV set.

State budget stalemate places Contra Costa's child care system in crisis mode

Rashan Ali finished his Shape Bear this week, cutting out the animal's different body parts and taping them together. The 4-year-old thrives during arts and crafts time at his Richmond child care center.

His mother, Loushinea Lewis, cringes at the thought of her day-care alternative, unreliable baby sitters who plop her son in front of a television all day.

While Republicans and Democrats haggle over the state budget in Sacramento, Lewis waits in San Pablo, knowing the longer the impasse, the stronger the chance that Rashan will return to the TV set.

Two plans for Concord naval station -- only one will sail

CONCORD — And then there were two.

After a year of workshops, a citizens committee — with help from the meeting-going public — has whittled seven land-use proposals for the mothballed Concord Naval Weapons Station down to a couple.

One proposal concentrates on clustered villages throughout the 5,028-acre site, and the other focuses on conservation and open space.

The options will be discussed at a workshop Saturday morning at the Concord Senior Center. The Community Advisory Committee will recommend a plan to the City Council this fall.

Immigration policy takes low profile in political campaigns

If voters were looking for answers about how the next president will handle the nation's complicated immigration system, they found few clues in dozens of convention and stump speeches so far this season.

Apart from a brief anecdote referencing a "Latina daughter of migrant workers," John McCain and his surrogates made almost no mention of immigration at the Republican National Convention last week.

"We're all God's children and we're all Americans," McCain said in his acceptance speech, describing the unnamed Latina and a "boy whose descendants arrived on the Mayflower" as people who deserve to reach their potential.

Seven candidates vying for Bethel Island board

A record number of islanders are running for three seats on the Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District and most are looking to revamp the board's approach to solving levee and drainage issues in this growing hamlet.

Six newcomers and one incumbent are vying for spots on the district board, which is responsible for levee maintenance. A vast majority of the candidates agree that the district is moving in the wrong direction.

"The reason that I want to run is because this board has become so polarized for the residents and that is why you see so many people running," said newcomer and developer Jeff Rocca.

Last stand on same-sex marriage?

SACRAMENTO — The stakes of the ballot drive to forbid same-sex marriage reach far beyond California's geographic and political borders in what has emerged as another chapter in America's culture wars.

Christian groups, wealthy benefactors and self-styled pro-family groups from all over the nation are watching closely — and weighing in with money. Gay rights groups and wealthy individuals are countering with their own cash from across the country.

Immigration policy takes low profile in political campaigns

If voters were looking for answers about how the next president will handle the nation's complicated immigration system, they found few clues in dozens of convention and stump speeches so far this season.

Apart from a brief anecdote referencing a "Latina daughter of migrant workers," John McCain and his surrogates made almost no mention of immigration at the Republican National Convention last week.

"We're all God's children and we're all Americans," McCain said in his acceptance speech, describing the unnamed Latina and a "boy whose descendants arrived on the Mayflower" as people who deserve to reach their potential.

Study shows remap reform won't solve partisan bickering

SACRAMENTO — If you want a less-polarized Legislature — if you want lawmakers who can actually compromise to get things done, such as agreeing on a budget — redistricting reform is not the answer.

That's the finding of a report released Tuesday night by the Public Policy Institute of California, throwing into doubt the campaign message of Proposition 11, which would take the power to draw political boundaries away from lawmakers and hand it to a 14-member commission. Proponents have argued that the measure, which is on the Nov. 4 ballot, would rid Sacramento of the partisan bickering by setting up districts more responsive to voters.

Local young Republicans featured in Esquire

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.

Sept. 1

The September issue of Esquire has a fine article called "The Elephant in the Room," a look inside the Young Republican Leadership Conference held in April in Washington, D.C. With the article runs a photo gallery of Young Republicans who offer their thoughts on the party, John McCain and why they came to the GOP — and two of them are from here in the Bay Area:

Local young Republicans featured in Esquire

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.

Sept. 1

The September issue of Esquire has a fine article called "The Elephant in the Room," a look inside the Young Republican Leadership Conference held in April in Washington, D.C. With the article runs a photo gallery of Young Republicans who offer their thoughts on the party, John McCain and why they came to the GOP — and two of them are from here in the Bay Area:

Delta-based farms can curb water use, study says

By Mike Taugher

If farmers who rely on the Delta watershed made greater use of weather sensors and other technology to more efficiently irrigate crops, they could reduce their water use by 13 percent — an amount equal to more than half of all the water pumped out of the Delta, a study to be released today suggests.

And farmers could further cut water use in the beleaguered watershed by planting less pasture and more fruits and vegetables, the study says.

Candidate complains about ballot decision

While Antioch officials remain tight-lipped as to why they denied mayoral candidate Jim Davis the use of his city title on the November ballot, Davis is speaking out about what he says was a secretive and biased decision.

"Something's not on the up and up," Davis said.

Davis originally requested to use his title of mayor pro tem on the ballot in his race against incumbent Mayor Donald Freitas. According to Antioch Municipal Code, the position of mayor pro tem is conferred on the top vote-getter in each City Council election. The request was denied by City Clerk L. Jolene Martin and City Attorney Lynn Tracy Nerland.

East Bay delegates generally praise McCain speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. — John McCain, a man who made his name in politics as a party-bucking maverick, accepted the Republican party's presidential nomination Thursday night declaring he would reject partisan politics and urging Americans to "stand up and fight."

After making a dramatic entrance, with a spotlight trained on him in a darkened convention center, McCain emphasized his experience on foreign and domestic initiatives and sought to present himself as the only candidate with enough experience to make change happen.

East Bay delegates generally praise McCain speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. — John McCain, a man who made his name in politics as a party-bucking maverick, accepted the Republican party's presidential nomination Thursday night declaring he would reject partisan politics and urging Americans to "stand up and fight."

After making a dramatic entrance, with a spotlight trained on him in a darkened convention center, McCain emphasized his experience on foreign and domestic initiatives and sought to present himself as the only candidate with enough experience to make change happen.

East Bay delegates generally praise McCain speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. — John McCain, a man who made his name in politics as a party-bucking maverick, accepted the Republican party's presidential nomination Thursday night declaring he would reject partisan politics and urging Americans to "stand up and fight."

After making a dramatic entrance, with a spotlight trained on him in a darkened convention center, McCain emphasized his experience on foreign and domestic initiatives and sought to present himself as the only candidate with enough experience to make change happen.

Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano counties looking for poll workers

In the February primary, Contra Costa's voting chief nearly had to work a polling station because volunteers were so scarce.

Registrar of Voters Steve Weir and his counterparts in Alameda and Solano counties are hoping to avoid such a dilemma during the Nov. 4 presidential election, which promises to have a high turnout.

"We feel very confident that we will have properly trained and staffed poll sites and that we will work to identify those sites that may need additional resources," said Weir, predicting a record 85 percent turnout in his county.

High hopes for McCain's speech

ST. PAUL, Minn. — We think we know almost everything there is to know about John McCain. He ran for president the first time in 2000. He has been a U.S. senator from Arizona since 1987.

But when McCain delivers his nomination acceptance speech tonight, East Bay Republican delegates to their party's national convention say they want to hear about his vision for the future, not the past.

"I hope to hear him articulate his positions ... and explain how he has the wisdom to lead this country," said delegate Don Marshall of Piedmont. "I want him to throw down the gauntlet and show how he will bring all of his experience to the White House and will not be learning on the job."

Palin's nom reignites Mommy Wars

Sarah Palin's sudden ascension to the Republican Party ticket this week didn't just send political figures into a lather, soccer moms raced to the Internet to render judgment.

Online discussion boards have been roiling since John McCain announced his running mate for the White House was Alaska's governor, a self-described hockey mom with five children, including a special needs baby and pregnant teenager.

"From the inside," Palin told the cheering crowds at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday evening, "no family ever seems typical and that's how it is with us. We have the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and joys."

Cities rethink ID cards for undocumented

RICHMOND — After months of drumming up support for a plan to provide city ID cards to Richmond residents, regardless of their immigration status, advocates are taking a more cautious approach: Let a bigger city try it first.

"We're letting San Francisco take the first step," said retired teacher Antonio Medrano, member of a group that calls itself the Contra Costa County Municipal ID Task Force. "We're sort of waiting for them to be the guinea pigs."

Palin likely to grab Golden State's attention if not its votes

ST. PAUL, Minn. — When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accepts the Republican Party's vice presidential nomination in a much-anticipated convention speech today, the 345-member California delegation will stand in an awkward place.

Undeniably, Golden State delegates enthusiastically embrace Palin, presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain's surprise vice presidential pick.

At speech after speech and in the hallways during convention-related events this week, California GOP leaders extolled Palin's gubernatorial experience and her compelling personal story of a trailblazing Alaskan who fights corruption and shoots moose.

Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano counties looking for poll workers

In the February primary, Contra Costa's voting chief nearly had to work a polling station because volunteers were so scarce.

Registrar of Voters Steve Weir and his counterparts in Alameda and Solano counties are hoping to avoid such a dilemma during the Nov. 4 presidential election, which promises to have a high turnout.

"We feel very confident that we will have properly trained and staffed poll sites and that we will work to identify those sites that may need additional resources," said Weir, predicting a record 85 percent turnout in his county.

New California medical marijuana guidelines aim to flesh out vague law

Even as state Attorney General Jerry Brown was preparing to release new medical-marijuana guidelines praised by advocates, his narcotics agents were busting a Southern California dispensary.

Mixed messages? Not necessarily.

Both Brown and medical marijuana advocates say the guidelines issued last week finally flesh out the state's notoriously vague 1996 Compassionate Use Act and pose a threat only to illegal drug dealers using the voter-approved medical marijuana law as a smoke screen.

New California medical marijuana guidelines aim to flesh out vague law

Even as state Attorney General Jerry Brown was preparing to release new medical-marijuana guidelines praised by advocates, his narcotics agents were busting a Southern California dispensary.

Mixed messages? Not necessarily.

Both Brown and medical marijuana advocates say the guidelines issued last week finally flesh out the state's notoriously vague 1996 Compassionate Use Act and pose a threat only to illegal drug dealers using the voter-approved medical marijuana law as a smoke screen.

UC helps veterans march to a new beat

BERKELEY — In this peace-loving city that tried to oust the Marines, the troops have arrived at the university.

Nearly 80 known veterans are among the 6,300 new undergraduates at UC Berkeley this semester. The number doesn't seem particularly high until one considers that the campus as a whole had 151 known veterans among its 35,000 or so students last year.

The 77 veteran undergrads — mostly transfer students, with a handful of freshmen — are believed to represent the largest such group in the 10-campus University of California system, said Ron Williams, who coordinates veterans' services at the Berkeley campus.

Stockton's Republican mayor endorses McNerney

Stockton Mayor Ed Chavez, a Republican, has endorsed Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney for re-election over GOP challenger and Stockton resident Dean Andal.

Chavez, mayor of the 11th Congressional District's largest city as well as a 30-year Stockton police veteran, including 10 years as chief, said in the McNerney campaign's news release that he's impressed with what the freshman Democrat from Pleasanton has done so far.

"He's back in California every weekend — in fact, it's nearly impossible to spend a Saturday in Stockton without running into him," Chavez said. "He's committed to serving his constituents well by helping create family-wage jobs in renewable energy, bringing home federal funds for important infrastructure projects in our region, working to make sure veterans have access to services they've earned, and being open, available and accessible to members of our community. He puts the needs of his constituents first; that's why he earns my endorsement."

Labor Day has references both historical and new

Labor Day activities took on a political tone in Antioch, with a small group of East County residents attending a picnic that helped kick off what they consider an exciting time in local and national politics.

Hosted by members of the Antioch Historical Society at the town's historical museum, the event drew local Democratic party members, ranging from Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover to registered voters still beaming from the historic speeches at the party's national convention last week.

UC Berkeley students return to school -- especially Michael and Jessica

BERKELEY — More than 35,000 students arrived at UC Berkeley for the new school year Monday, including two 13-year-old undergraduates and two others older than 60.

The 4,300-member freshman class is 55 percent female and 42 percent Asian-American. Nearly 30 percent of the first-year students have parents without a four-year college degree.

And, the school notes, Michael and Jessica are the most popular names among this year's freshmen. The class boasts about 50 of each.

UC helps vets march to a different beat

BERKELEY — In this peace-loving city that tried out the Marines, the troops have arrived at the university.

Nearly 80 known veterans are among the 6,300 new undergraduates at UC Berkeley this semester. The number doesn't seem particularly high until one considers that the campus as a whole had only 151 known veterans among its 35,000 or so students last year.

The 77 veteran undergrads — mostly transfer students, with a handful of freshmen — are believed to represent the largest such group in the 10-campus University of California system, said Ron Williams, who coordinates veterans' services at the Berkeley campus.

New Concord city manager sees big opportunity

CONCORD — Dan Keen has worked his way up the California coast, serving as city manager in three cities — La Palma, Seaside and Novato — over a 12-year period before starting as Concord's newest city manager on Monday.

He considers this the pinnacle of his career.

"I've always wanted to be city manager in a city this size," he said. "I went to KidFest awhile back and was just overwhelmed by the people and the vitality in the streets. Having a historical town square like that is key — you can't manufacture that."

Complaint filed over union's contributions to Perata

SACRAMENTO — Accusing state Senate Leader Don Perata of "unseemly" conduct, a ballot measure group asked the state's campaign finance watchdog Thursday to look into $602,000 in contributions Perata accepted from a prison guard union that's seeking pay raises.

The sponsors of Proposition 11, the measure that would hand the power of drawing legislative boundaries to an independent commission, asked the Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate whether a "quid pro quo" was offered by Perata in exchange for four donations since May 30. The fair practices panel does not comment on investigations, and it is unlikely that an investigation could be resolved by Election Day, Nov. 4.

East Bay delegates 'signed, sealed, delivered' on Obama

DENVER — No matter which presidential candidate East Bay delegates embraced when they arrived here Monday at the Democratic National Convention, the fourth and final day sealed the deal for Sen. Barack Obama.

He delivered his acceptance speech Thursday night before the roar of 84,000 people in a packed Invesco Field, among them nearly five dozen East Bay delegates.

"It was an incredible and historic speech," Obama delegate and major fund-raiser Tony West of Oakland said shortly after the newly nominated Democratic presidential candidate walked off the stage. "It was a speech that challenged America, celebrated history and more."