San Pablo's funding gamble pays off

SAN PABLO — They're raising fees in Walnut Creek, sapping reserves in Antioch and San Leandro, slashing jobs in Oakland, Hayward and San Mateo, shaving mental health services in Berkeley and mulling rolling "brownouts" at fire stations in Alameda.

The mounting loss of sales and property tax revenues has forced painful choices upon cities and counties across the East Bay.

Yet one city barely feels the pinch.

In San Pablo, home to some of the East Bay's poorest households and highest unemployment, City Hall sits high-and-dry amid a raging fiscal storm. Here, tax revenue takes a back seat to a far different budget model: Jackpot economics.

Latino vote gets prime-time recognition

Delaying the start of a popular telenovela, Barack Obama this week gave Spanish-language television audiences in California a glossy glimpse of the prime-time advertising battle that has raged for weeks in other states.

Political observers say the campaign's move to buy a half-hour of nationwide airtime on Univision placed Latino voters on a level of critical importance alongside those who watched the English-language version of the same commercial on CBS, Fox, NBC, BET, MSNBC and TV One.

Mt. Diablo school board candidates build momentum, as campaign tensions mount

CONCORD — While the Mt. Diablo school board prepares for massive budget cuts and struggles to negotiate new employee contracts, four candidates are vying to steer the district toward future successes.

With nearly $50,000 in backing from the Mt. Diablo Education Association teacher's union, incumbent Gary Eberhart and challenger Sherry Whitmarsh are running as a team to defeat board President April Treece and Jeff Adams, another challenger. Trustees Linda Mayo and Richard Allen on the five-member board have both endorsed Treece and Adams. Trustee Paul Strange, who along with Eberhart called for Superintendent Gary McHenry's resignation in January, is promoting the Eberhart and Whitmarsh ticket.

U.K. GfK Consumer Confidence Falls In October

U.K. GfK Consumer Confidence Falls In October

U.K. GfK Consumer Confidence Actual -32, Expected -35, Previous -32

Release Explanation: This is a survey that queries economic participants on their current and future expectations for the UK economy. The figure is released at the start of each month, making consumer confidence a timely measure of consumer sentiment now and in the immediate future. It helps to build a picture of the consumer’s mood towards the economy.

Paid flights to help Obama campaign were flight of fancy

A weekend in Nebraska isn't everyone's idea of fun, but hundreds of college students are disappointed they won't be able to campaign for Barack Obama there or in other swing states after a mysterious donor backed out.

Students from around the country, including a large contingent from UC Berkeley, had planned to spend the weekend before Election Day fanning out to places such as North Carolina, Georgia and other battleground states. And much of the financial burden was to be borne by an American in Italy known as David Gall.

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

Paid flights to help Obama campaign were flight of fancy

A weekend in Nebraska isn't everyone's idea of fun, but hundreds of college students are disappointed they won't be able to campaign for Barack Obama there or in other swing states after a mysterious donor backed out.

Students from around the country, including a large contingent from UC Berkeley, had planned to spend the weekend before Election Day fanning out to places such as North Carolina, Georgia and other battleground states. And much of the financial burden was to be borne by an American in Italy known as David Gall.

Registrars predict record voter turnout in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties

It's no presidential battleground, but East Bay election officials are bracing themselves for a record-high turnout in Tuesday's general election.

Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano county registrars predict an 85 percent turnout, a figure well above the 2004 record.

The registrars cite enthusiasm for the presidential race coupled with high-profile state ballot measures such as Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage proposition.

"It's unbelievable, I know," said Alameda County Registrar of Voters Dave Macdonald, whose turnout rate in 2004 was 76 percent. "But our registration numbers have increased dramatically. I think turnout will be 85 percent and I would be shocked if didn't go higher."

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

Paid flights to help Obama campaign were flight of fancy

A weekend in Nebraska isn't everyone's idea of fun, but hundreds of college students are disappointed they won't be able to campaign for Barack Obama there or in other swing states after a mysterious donor backed out.

Students from around the country, including a large contingent from UC Berkeley, had planned to spend the weekend before Election Day fanning out to places such as North Carolina, Georgia and other battleground states. And much of the financial burden was to be borne by an American in Italy known as David Gall.

Candidate for AC Transit board facing perjury charges

A two-time losing candidate for the AC Transit board is in trouble in his third attempt because prosecutors say he lives outside the political district he's running Nov. 4 to represent.

James Muhammad has been charged with felony perjury. He is accused of living outside Ward 2 — which includes Emervyille, Oakland and Piedmont — where he is challenging incumbent Greg Harper, an Emeryville attorney who has served on the transit board since 2000.

Paid flights to help Obama campaign were flight of fancy

A weekend in Nebraska isn't everyone's idea of fun, but hundreds of college students are disappointed they won't be able to campaign for Barack Obama there or in other swing states after a mysterious donor backed out.

Students from around the country, including a large contingent from UC Berkeley, had planned to spend the weekend before Election Day fanning out to places such as North Carolina, Georgia and other battleground states. And much of the financial burden was to be borne by an American in Italy known as David Gall.

Paid flights to help Obama campaign were flight of fancy

A weekend in Nebraska isn't everyone's idea of fun, but hundreds of college students are disappointed they won't be able to campaign for Barack Obama there or in other swing states after a mysterious donor backed out.

Students from around the country, including a large contingent from UC Berkeley, had planned to spend the weekend before Election Day fanning out to places such as North Carolina, Georgia and other battleground states. And much of the financial burden was to be borne by an American in Italy known as David Gall.

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

Registrars predict record voter turnout in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties

It's no presidential battleground, but East Bay election officials are bracing themselves for a record-high turnout in Tuesday's general election.

Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano county registrars predict an 85 percent turnout, a figure well above the 2004 record.

The registrars cite enthusiasm for the presidential race coupled with high-profile state ballot measures such as Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage proposition.

"It's unbelievable, I know," said Alameda County Registrar of Voters Dave Macdonald, whose turnout rate in 2004 was 76 percent. "But our registration numbers have increased dramatically. I think turnout will be 85 percent and I would be shocked if didn't go higher."

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

GOP candidate's role in college woes explored

GOP congressional challenger Dean Andal's role in San Joaquin Delta Community College's beleaguered Mountain House campus project was greater than he has portrayed but less significant than his critics have asserted.

The project, delayed by escalating costs and the poor economy, has become a contentious issue in the former Stockton assemblyman's campaign to unseat Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of Pleasanton.

His opponents have raised the question in candidate forums and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has produced several largely misleading mailers and a television ad on the subject.

Registrars predict record voter turnout in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties

It's no presidential battleground, but East Bay election officials are bracing themselves for a record-high turnout in Tuesday's general election.

Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano county registrars predict an 85 percent turnout, a figure well above the 2004 record.

The registrars cite enthusiasm for the presidential race coupled with high-profile state ballot measures such as Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage proposition.

"It's unbelievable, I know," said Alameda County Registrar of Voters Dave Macdonald, whose turnout rate in 2004 was 76 percent. "But our registration numbers have increased dramatically. I think turnout will be 85 percent and I would be shocked if didn't go higher."

Registrars predict record voter turnout in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties

It's no presidential battleground, but East Bay election officials are bracing themselves for a record-high turnout in Tuesday's general election.

Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano county registrars predict an 85 percent turnout, a figure well above the 2004 record.

The registrars cite enthusiasm for the presidential race coupled with high-profile state ballot measures such as Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage proposition.

"It's unbelievable, I know," said Alameda County Registrar of Voters Dave Macdonald, whose turnout rate in 2004 was 76 percent. "But our registration numbers have increased dramatically. I think turnout will be 85 percent and I would be shocked if didn't go higher."

Candidate for AC Transit board facing perjury charges

A two-time losing candidate for the AC Transit board is in trouble in his third attempt because prosecutors say he lives outside the political district he's running Nov. 4 to represent.

James Muhammad has been charged with felony perjury. He is accused of living outside Ward 2 — which includes Emervyille, Oakland and Piedmont — where he is challenging incumbent Greg Harper, an Emeryville attorney who has served on the transit board since 2000.

Candidate for AC Transit board facing perjury charges

A two-time losing candidate for the AC Transit board is in trouble in his third attempt because prosecutors say he lives outside the political district he's running Nov. 4 to represent.

James Muhammad has been charged with felony perjury. He is accused of living outside Ward 2 — which includes Emervyille, Oakland and Piedmont — where he is challenging incumbent Greg Harper, an Emeryville attorney who has served on the transit board since 2000.

Mailers focusing on Andal misleading

Two mailers and a television ad produced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee contain largely misleading information about GOP congressional nominee Dean Andal.

Andal is challenging Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, in District 11.

The Contra Costa Times periodically investigates campaign materials for their veracity.

These mailers and ad focus on Andal's role as a consultant to major Central Valley developer Gerry Kamilos.

Boxer calls for infrastructure spending boom

SAN FRANCISCO — The United States must spend billions on its crumbling infrastructure to create jobs and lift itself out of recession, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer said Wednesday.

"There are more than 3,000 ready-to-go highway projects worth an estimated $18 billion that could be under contract within 90 days," Boxer, D- San Francisco, said at a news conference at Pier 1. "Those projects alone could support more than 600,000 jobs, and those are private-sector jobs."

Mailers focusing on Andal misleading

Two mailers and a television ad produced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee contain largely misleading information about GOP congressional nominee Dean Andal.

Andal is challenging Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, in District 11.

The Contra Costa Times periodically investigates campaign materials for their veracity.

These mailers and ad focus on Andal's role as a consultant to major Central Valley developer Gerry Kamilos.

Mailers focusing on Andal misleading

Two mailers and a television ad produced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee contain largely misleading information about GOP congressional nominee Dean Andal.

Andal is challenging Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, in District 11.

The Contra Costa Times periodically investigates campaign materials for their veracity.

These mailers and ad focus on Andal's role as a consultant to major Central Valley developer Gerry Kamilos.

Boxer calls for infrastructure spending boom

SAN FRANCISCO — The United States must spend billions on its crumbling infrastructure to create jobs and lift itself out of recession, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer said Wednesday.

"There are more than 3,000 ready-to-go highway projects worth an estimated $18 billion that could be under contract within 90 days," Boxer, D- San Francisco, said at a news conference at Pier 1. "Those projects alone could support more than 600,000 jobs, and those are private-sector jobs."

Grand Falls-Windsor region will be devastated if AbitibiBowater offer rejected: mayor

The mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor is pleading with workers at AbitibiBowater to reach a deal with the paper company as the deadline approaches for workers to vote on a final offer.

Mayor Rex Barnes said Wednesday that he has tried to stay neutral in the negotiations between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and AbitibiBowater, but now he is telling workers to look at the impact it will have on the town when they are deciding how to vote.

Grand Falls-Windsor region will be devastated if AbitibiBowater offer rejected: mayor

The mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor is pleading with workers at AbitibiBowater to reach a deal with the paper company as the deadline approaches for workers to vote on a final offer.

Mayor Rex Barnes said Wednesday that he has tried to stay neutral in the negotiations between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and AbitibiBowater, but now he is telling workers to look at the impact it will have on the town when they are deciding how to vote.

Grand Falls-Windsor region will be devastated if AbitibiBowater offer rejected: mayor

The mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor is pleading with workers at AbitibiBowater to reach a deal with the paper company as the deadline approaches for workers to vote on a final offer.

Mayor Rex Barnes said Wednesday that he has tried to stay neutral in the negotiations between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and AbitibiBowater, but now he is telling workers to look at the impact it will have on the town when they are deciding how to vote.

Grand Falls-Windsor region will be devastated if AbitibiBowater offer rejected: mayor

The mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor is pleading with workers at AbitibiBowater to reach a deal with the paper company as the deadline approaches for workers to vote on a final offer.

Mayor Rex Barnes said Wednesday that he has tried to stay neutral in the negotiations between the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and AbitibiBowater, but now he is telling workers to look at the impact it will have on the town when they are deciding how to vote.

McCain struggles for upset; GOP doubts grow

HERSHEY, Pa. — Doubts about John McCain's chances for the presidency grew louder among fellow Republicans on Tuesday as a White House race largely focused on Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania entered its final week

Even two Republicans once on McCain's short list for vice president sounded skeptical. In a fundraising e-mail on behalf of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Mitt Romney referred to "the very real possibility of an Obama presidency." In the Midwest, Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave a dour assessment of McCain's chances in his state, saying Barack Obama "has a pretty good advantage in Minnesota right now."

US Dollar: Will Risk Aversion Fade Long Enough To Let Bearish US Data Take Its Toll?

US Dollar: Will Risk Aversion Fade Long Enough To Let Bearish US Data Take Its Toll?

The release of dismal US consumer confidence at 10:00 ET has sent the US dollar higher versus most of the majors, as the markets continue to seek traditional "safe-haven" assets. Will this move continue throughout the day?

The US dollar, a safe-haven asset during volatile times, has rallied since 10:00 ET today as the release of disappointing US data leaves risk aversion in play. Indeed, the Conference Board's measure of US consumer confidence plunged to a record low of 38.0 from 61.4, signaling that sentiment amongst American households is the worst in over 40 years (records go back to 1967). Looking at a breakdown of the report, it is clear that a recession in the US - which should be confirmed by Q3 GDP figures on Thursday - is being felt by consumers, as those surveyed indicated that current economic conditions had deteriorated and that jobs have become increasingly hard to get. Furthermore, their outlooks for the next 6 months indicated that they thought business conditions would worsen, fewer jobs would be available, and income would decrease. Given the nine consecutive months of job losses we've seen reflected in US non-farm payrolls, it isn't incredibly suprirsing to see consumer confidence turn so pessimistic. What is unexpected, though, is the rise in 1-year inflation expectations to 6.9 percent from 6.2 percent. This is the highest level since July, when commodities were at their peak, and these indications that consumers still anticipate that prices will rise despite the rapid drop in energy and food costs puts the Federal Reserve in a tough position, especially since they are forecasted to slash rates by 50 basis points on Wednesday to 1.00 percent.

Historic Relief Rally Brings Hope

Historic Relief Rally Brings Hope

U.S. Dollar Trading (USD) gave up gains against all except the yen as worlds stocks surged on bargain hunting. CB Consumer Confidence Plummeted but that was ignored as the rally that began in Asia spread to the Europe and then the US. Expectations of a Fed Rate Cut were combined with news that the Bank of Japan might also cut rates. In the U.S. share markets, the NASDAQ was up 143 points (9.53%) and the Dow Jones was up 899 points (10.88%). Crude Oil closed down -$0.49 ending the New York session at $62.73 per barrel. Looking ahead, September Durable Good Orders are expected at -1.5% vs. -3.3% previously. Also released the FOMC statement widely expected to contain a 0.5% rate cut.

U.S. new home sales up, prices down

A construction worker on site in Springfield, Ill., in September. (Seth Perlman/Associated Press)

Sales of new single-family homes in the United States jumped 2.7 per cent in September from August, the U.S. Commerce Department reported Monday.

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

UC Berkeley social sciences dean dies at home

ALBANY — Jon Gjerde, UC Berkeley's dean of social sciences, died Sunday at his Albany home. He was 55.

The death was unexpected, according to the university, which did not give a cause.

The Daily Californian student newspaper reported that he had a heart attack.

Gjerde joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 1985 as a history professor, specializing in the American Midwest of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was named as dean last year.

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

Prop. 11 gets GOP bucks, but is it a 'power grab?'

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.

Oct. 23

While starting to compile my "This week in big-time campaign cash" roundup for tomorrow, I noticed a sudden burst of donations to support Proposition 11, the legislative redistricting reform measure, came in Saturday (Oct. 18) from far, far away:

$250,000 — Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

Young Vietnamese-Americans turn away from GOP

SAN JOSE — For years after Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, the tiny contingent of Vietnamese emigres in the United States who chose to join the Democratic Party stayed quiet.

"Many in the Vietnamese community felt Democrats were just too soft on communism and too weak on defense," recalls Minh Steven Dovan, a San Jose attorney who says he rarely told fellow members of the emigre community that he was a registered Democrat. Other emigres say that some Republican Vietnamese went as far as dubbing the Democrats in their midst "communist sympathizers.''

UC Berkeley social sciences dean dies at home

ALBANY — Jon Gjerde, UC Berkeley's dean of social sciences, died Sunday at his Albany home. He was 55.

The death was unexpected, according to the university, which did not give a cause.

The Daily Californian student newspaper reported that he had a heart attack.

Gjerde joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 1985 as a history professor, specializing in the American Midwest of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was named as dean last year.

UC Berkeley social sciences dean dies at home

ALBANY — Jon Gjerde, UC Berkeley's dean of social sciences, died Sunday at his Albany home. He was 55.

The death was unexpected, according to the university, which did not give a cause.

The Daily Californian student newspaper reported that he had a heart attack.

Gjerde joined the UC Berkeley faculty in 1985 as a history professor, specializing in the American Midwest of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was named as dean last year.

Prop. 11 gets GOP bucks, but is it a 'power grab?'

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.

Oct. 23

While starting to compile my "This week in big-time campaign cash" roundup for tomorrow, I noticed a sudden burst of donations to support Proposition 11, the legislative redistricting reform measure, came in Saturday (Oct. 18) from far, far away:

$250,000 — Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Prop. 11 gets GOP bucks, but is it a 'power grab?'

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.

Oct. 23

While starting to compile my "This week in big-time campaign cash" roundup for tomorrow, I noticed a sudden burst of donations to support Proposition 11, the legislative redistricting reform measure, came in Saturday (Oct. 18) from far, far away:

$250,000 — Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Debate highlights students' interest in election

OAKLAND — Hundreds of students crammed into the Bishop O'Dowd High School auditorium Monday. When the seats filled up, they lined the stairwell or stood in the doorway. With just eight days to go before the presidential election, the school held a town hall-style debate between representatives of the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns. Not only was attendance optional, but the event was organized by an O'Dowd sophomore, 15-year-old Julia Owens. All of the questions were written by students.

Republicans bracing for an Obama victory

DANVILLE — With a mixture of defiance and trepidation, Republican voters in Danville appear to be coming to terms with the possibility that the GOP will lose their eight-year grip on the White House.

In this island of conservatism amid a sea of progressive Contra Costa County communities, more than a dozen Republican voters talked of awaiting an outcome they believe has been preordained by a "liberal" media that's rooting for Democratic nominee Barack Obama over Republican nominee John McCain.

FOMC Lower. Dollar To Follow?

FOMC Lower. Dollar To Follow?

This week brings the FOMC rate decision, and the expectancy of another cut in the overnight lending rate from in the U.S. from 1.5% to 1.25%. There are some looking for a cut to 1% and many futures traders looking for a cut to 0.75%. Whatever comes the question really needs to be; when will lower Fed rates actually lead to lower mortgage and lending rates? With average mortgage rates pushing towards 6%, at a similar level to when Fed Overnight rates were still at 5%, there look to be no relief for U.S. consumers and mortgaged home-owners, and that may be the Achilles heel for the recent dollar rally. The move to the dollar has been in response to global equity markets falling, and the fact that without global inter-bank lending the safest place to be is in U.S. government debt, which like the mortgage rate has not dropped the 10 year Treasury yield in-line with Overnight rate cuts. That Usd appeal however may get questioned the moment that equities get bought on the strength of a new found confidence in the financial sector, and the moment that the Libor rate, set by the British Bankers Association, drops and signals that banks are willing to at least start the lending process.

The Eye: Palin has a new scarf

According to a news release from Payton, Houston's endorsement stated, "Payton will hire more police and reduce the violent crime in Antioch. He understands business and will bring good jobs to town. I fully support him and ask you to write-in Allen Payton for Mayor on your ballot. Thank you."

By the way, Houston's District 15 includes Oakley, San Ramon and Livermore, among other cities. But not Antioch.

LIBERAL SCARVES, OUTHOUSE CRITTERS:

Raising cash difficult this year for Antioch, Brentwood candidates

The economic downturn has spread far and wide — and local political races have not gone unaffected. Candidates for local offices in Antioch and Brentwood say financial woes have meant a tougher time raising cap ital this campaign season.

Campaign finance disclosure forms filed Thursday by Antioch's candidates show contributions are down significantly this year for all but one incumbent candidate compared with their races in 2004.

Long shot looking to unseat Lee has no regrets

Charles Hargrave hasn't reported raising any money, doesn't have a campaign Web site and knows he'll lose Nov. 4 — and he has no regrets whatsoever about running for Congress.

Taking on incumbent Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, in the nation's sixth-most-Democratic district is no cakewalk.

"I knew exactly what I was getting into, I knew exactly what was going to happen, but I believed I had a message that would resonate with people and I went out and did all I could do," Hargrave said.

World financial markets continue tailspin

Global stocks continued to fall on Friday as investors withdrew from emerging markets amid growing worries about a recession.

The plummet began in Asia as investors shrugged off Thursday's rebound in European and North American markets and sent stocks in the region into their third day of decline.

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average slid 9.6 per cent to 7,649, its first close below 8,000 since May 2003.

South Korea's stock market also fell sharply as foreign investors fled the country's stock market and figures showed the economy there was slowing. The Kospi dropped 10.6 per cent to 938.75, falling below the 1,000 mark for the first time in more than three years.

African-American turnout strong in early voting in South

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Blacks are already surging to the polls in parts of the South, according to initial figures from states that encourage early voting — a striking though still preliminary sign of how strongly they will turn out nationwide for Barack Obama in his campaign to become the first African-American president.

There have been predictions all year of a record black turnout for Obama. The first actual figures suggest that wasn't just talk:

Experts: Don't expect a Depression-like political shift

Once upon a time, Democrats were demoralized after losing 32 House seats and a landslide presidential race in one fell swoop.

Yet just two years later they gained 52 seats; two years after that, they took 97 more and the White House in a landslide.

What happened in the interim was the Great Depression — a period of worldwide economic contraction heralded in part by bank failures and a stock market crash not unlike what we are seeing today — and the start of a dramatic realignment of American political thought.

Richmond transfer station fails to pay about $500,000 in tipping fees in past two years

RICHMOND — A garbage transfer station has failed to pay Contra Costa more than $500,000 in fees in the past two years, jeopardizing the county's monitoring of solid waste disposal.

Golden Bear Transfer Station, one of five waste facilities in the county, is the only one not paying the $1.20 per ton "tipping" or dumping fee that pays for environmental health and safety inspections.

Republic Services, one the nation's largest waste hauling companies, runs the former Richmond landfill and acknowledges it owes money but blames the county for not making it clear that the company needed to continue paying the fee.

Practice 3 Report - Bavarian motor works

Nick Heidfeld set the fastest time of the morning session in Shanghai on Saturday morning beating Lewis Hamilton by a small margin. Nick's BMW Sauber team-mate Robert Kubica was third fastest with Hamilton's team-mate Heikki Kovalainen fourth. Of the top men only Hamilton had any problems with a run up an escape road at one point.

Jarno Trulli was next up in his Toyota ahead of Nico Rosberg, Sebastien Bourdais, David Coulthard and Kazuki Nakajima.

Extra postage due on Contra Costa ballots

When you drop that ballot in the mailbox in Contra Costa County, don't forget the extra postage.

In Contra Costa, it costs 59 cents to mail your ballot.

But if you live in Alameda County or Solano County, a single, first-class 42-cent stamp will the do the trick.

Why is it different in each county?

Because each county designs its own ballots.

That process includes the selection of the card stock used for the ballot, which contributes to its weight.

Contra Costa not spending much of special tax for extra police service

Contra Costa County has accumulated millions of dollars using a special tax meant to improve local police services without paying for a single additional deputy sheriff in the past 16 years.

Welcome to the frustrating world of the P-6 zone funds, which were meant to enhance police services in areas paying for them. At a time when the sheriff's office has nearly 100 positions unfilled because of deep budget cuts, taxpayers, politicians and the sheriff are desperately seeking to open a locked cash box.

Time to rethink U.S. retirement savings, Miller says

SAN FRANCISCO — As financial news for retirees and the soon-to-retire grows worse with each passing day, it's time for "a wholesale re-examination" of the American retirement savings system, House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller said Wednesday.

When Miller, D-Martinez, held a hearing on the impact of the economic crisis on retirement savings Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Budget Office testified American workers have lost more than $2 trillion in retirement savings in the past 15 months as the stock market's decline decimated 401(k) accounts.

California party leaders beseech civility, but take off gloves

SACRAMENTO — The nasty tone of the presidential election spilled over onto the dais occupied by California's two party chairmen Wednesday, when Ron Nehring and Art Torres pointed fingers at each other for infractions they said the other's side has committed during the campaign.

Nehring, the GOP chief, assailed Democrats for a pair of physical assaults on GOP registration workers. Torres, the Democratic leader, returned fire by accusing Republicans of trying to suppress the vote, happily noting that a GOP operative was arrested this week for voter fraud.

Fire district candidate criticized for incomplete finance filing

A Moraga-Orinda fire district board candidate has had to explain the omission of a substantial union contribution from a recent campaign finance statement, which has led to speculation the omission may have been intended to obscure his union support.

Robert Nelson chalks up the omission to being on a five-week trip out of town when a letter confirming the financial contribution from the International Association of Firefighters Local 1230 Political Activity Committee came to his house. The contribution, Nelson said, did not make it to his campaign treasurer's desk in time to be included in the Sept. 30 campaign finance statement.

The biggest little swing state

RENO — If the American presidential election hinged on Ben Brittner's history class at Bishop Manogue High School, the country could blame the new kid from California for forcing a tie.

Thirteen students voted for John McCain during a mock election this month at the Catholic school in Reno. Thirteen others, including Bay Area transplant Brittner, voted for Barack Obama.

"It split straight down the middle," said the 15-year-old, who moved with his parents and brother from Los Gatos to Reno this summer. "I thought it was going to be a lot more on the McCain side."

The biggest little swing state

RENO — If the American presidential election hinged on Ben Brittner's history class at Bishop Manogue High School, the country could blame the new kid from California for forcing a tie.

Thirteen students voted for John McCain during a mock election this month at the Catholic school in Reno. Thirteen others, including Bay Area transplant Brittner, voted for Barack Obama.

"It split straight down the middle," said the 15-year-old, who moved with his parents and brother from Los Gatos to Reno this summer. "I thought it was going to be a lot more on the McCain side."

The biggest little swing state

RENO — If the American presidential election hinged on Ben Brittner's history class at Bishop Manogue High School, the country could blame the new kid from California for forcing a tie.

Thirteen students voted for John McCain during a mock election this month at the Catholic school in Reno. Thirteen others, including Bay Area transplant Brittner, voted for Barack Obama.

"It split straight down the middle," said the 15-year-old, who moved with his parents and brother from Los Gatos to Reno this summer. "I thought it was going to be a lot more on the McCain side."

Proposition 11 would alter legislative landscape

SACRAMENTO — The last time state lawmakers disappeared behind closed doors to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts, in 2001, San Jose's 12-square-mile Berryessa neighborhood was carved up into four separate Assembly districts. The resulting map looked something like a jigsaw puzzle.

Why would legislators divide the heavily Asian-American neighborhood into four districts? According to several legislative sources at the time, the move was made at the request of a sitting assemblyman who wanted to secure his own re-election by boosting the number of Latino voters in his district.

Proposition 11 would alter legislative landscape

SACRAMENTO — The last time state lawmakers disappeared behind closed doors to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts, in 2001, San Jose's 12-square-mile Berryessa neighborhood was carved up into four separate Assembly districts. The resulting map looked something like a jigsaw puzzle.

Why would legislators divide the heavily Asian-American neighborhood into four districts? According to several legislative sources at the time, the move was made at the request of a sitting assemblyman who wanted to secure his own re-election by boosting the number of Latino voters in his district.

Proposition 11 would alter legislative landscape

SACRAMENTO — The last time state lawmakers disappeared behind closed doors to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts, in 2001, San Jose's 12-square-mile Berryessa neighborhood was carved up into four separate Assembly districts. The resulting map looked something like a jigsaw puzzle.

Why would legislators divide the heavily Asian-American neighborhood into four districts? According to several legislative sources at the time, the move was made at the request of a sitting assemblyman who wanted to secure his own re-election by boosting the number of Latino voters in his district.

Proposition 11 would alter legislative landscape

SACRAMENTO — The last time state lawmakers disappeared behind closed doors to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts, in 2001, San Jose's 12-square-mile Berryessa neighborhood was carved up into four separate Assembly districts. The resulting map looked something like a jigsaw puzzle.

Why would legislators divide the heavily Asian-American neighborhood into four districts? According to several legislative sources at the time, the move was made at the request of a sitting assemblyman who wanted to secure his own re-election by boosting the number of Latino voters in his district.

The biggest little swing state

RENO — If the American presidential election hinged on Ben Brittner's history class at Bishop Manogue High School, the country could blame the new kid from California for forcing a tie.

Thirteen students voted for John McCain during a mock election this month at the Catholic school in Reno. Thirteen others, including Bay Area transplant Brittner, voted for Barack Obama.

"It split straight down the middle," said the 15-year-old, who moved with his parents and brother from Los Gatos to Reno this summer. "I thought it was going to be a lot more on the McCain side."

Proposition 11 would alter legislative landscape

SACRAMENTO — The last time state lawmakers disappeared behind closed doors to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts, in 2001, San Jose's 12-square-mile Berryessa neighborhood was carved up into four separate Assembly districts. The resulting map looked something like a jigsaw puzzle.

Why would legislators divide the heavily Asian-American neighborhood into four districts? According to several legislative sources at the time, the move was made at the request of a sitting assemblyman who wanted to secure his own re-election by boosting the number of Latino voters in his district.

Same-sex marriage battle comes to Oakland

Oakland became a focal point of the same-sex marriage debate Tuesday as the campaigns for and against Proposition 8 staged events to win hearts and minds, particularly in the faith community.

First, African-American civil rights activists and clergy members gathered on Oakland City Hall's steps at 11 a.m. to urge voters to oppose Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution, banning same-sex marriage.

"I do not believe Christ is teaching us to take away rights from other people," said Roland Stringfellow of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.

Same-sex marriage battle comes to Oakland

Oakland became a focal point of the same-sex marriage debate Tuesday as the campaigns for and against Proposition 8 staged events to win hearts and minds, particularly in the faith community.

First, African-American civil rights activists and clergy members gathered on Oakland City Hall's steps at 11 a.m. to urge voters to oppose Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution, banning same-sex marriage.

"I do not believe Christ is teaching us to take away rights from other people," said Roland Stringfellow of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Same-sex marriage battle comes to Oakland

Oakland became a focal point of the same-sex marriage debate Tuesday as the campaigns for and against Proposition 8 staged events to win hearts and minds, particularly in the faith community.

First, African-American civil rights activists and clergy members gathered on Oakland City Hall's steps at 11 a.m. to urge voters to oppose Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution, banning same-sex marriage.

"I do not believe Christ is teaching us to take away rights from other people," said Roland Stringfellow of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Cal football players arrested on suspicion of robbery

BERKELEY — Two Cal football players have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, three weeks after a pair of assailants burst into a dormitory room and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Gary Doxy, a junior who was kicked off the team over the summer, and R.J. Garrett, both 21, were arrested by UC Berkeley police Monday afternoon. Both were arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges. Garrett faces an additional charge for possessing a stolen gun unrelated to the robbery.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Six running for Pleasanton school board

PLEASANTON — The Pleasanton school district has had many changes in trustees over the past five years, but voters have not had a choice on who holds the positions.

The Nov. 4 school board election will be the first time in five years that voters will have a say on who takes a seat on the school board.

With three seats up for election, a new board majority may be elected. Six candidates are in the running.

Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente is the only incumbent in the race. He was appointed by other board members to the position last year to fill the spot of a member that resigned.

Cal football players arrested on suspicion of robbery

BERKELEY — Two Cal football players have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, three weeks after a pair of assailants burst into a dormitory room and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Gary Doxy, a junior who was kicked off the team over the summer, and R.J. Garrett, both 21, were arrested by UC Berkeley police Monday afternoon. Both were arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges. Garrett faces an additional charge for possessing a stolen gun unrelated to the robbery.

Cal football players arrested on suspicion of robbery

BERKELEY — Two Cal football players have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, three weeks after a pair of assailants burst into a dormitory room and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Gary Doxy, a junior who was kicked off the team over the summer, and R.J. Garrett, both 21, were arrested by UC Berkeley police Monday afternoon. Both were arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges. Garrett faces an additional charge for possessing a stolen gun unrelated to the robbery.

Cal football players arrested on suspicion of robbery

BERKELEY — Two Cal football players have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, three weeks after a pair of assailants burst into a dormitory room and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Gary Doxy, a junior who was kicked off the team over the summer, and R.J. Garrett, both 21, were arrested by UC Berkeley police Monday afternoon. Both were arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges. Garrett faces an additional charge for possessing a stolen gun unrelated to the robbery.

Cal football players arrested on suspicion of robbery

BERKELEY — Two Cal football players have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, three weeks after a pair of assailants burst into a dormitory room and robbed the occupants at gunpoint.

Gary Doxy, a junior who was kicked off the team over the summer, and R.J. Garrett, both 21, were arrested by UC Berkeley police Monday afternoon. Both were arraigned on robbery and attempted robbery charges. Garrett faces an additional charge for possessing a stolen gun unrelated to the robbery.

No opposition for Measure S

Discovery Bay voters chose last year to raise the annual spending limit for street lighting and landscaping, and this year, voters will decide whether to keep it that way for the next four years with Measure S.

The measure would keep the ceiling at $715,000 through 2011-12 without raising taxes in the town. Because the measure doesn't raise taxes, town manager Virgil Koehne said there hasn't been any opposition.

"It's a non-financial type of a thing," Koehne said, "so most people don't get too excited about that — when there's no monetary impact involved."

Contra Costa not spending police tax

Bob Mankin moved to Discovery Bay's Lakeshore subdivision four years ago. Last year, he noticed a new $226 line item on his property tax bill.

"It's the third most expensive line on my bill," he said.

The discovery introduced him into the frustrating world of P-6 zone funds, which were meant to enhance police services for the areas paying for them.

In 16 years, the funds have accumulated millions of dollars without paying for a single additional deputy sheriff.

East Bay black voters hopeful, wary as Election Day approaches

BERKELEY — With the nation's economy in tatters and Barack Obama's lead in national polls solidifying, black voters are starting to rejoice over the possibility of an African-American in the White House.

But they are also wary of the so-called "Bradley effect," named after Tom Bradley, an African-American who ran for California governor in 1982 and lost to George Deukmejian after, analysts say, white voters who said they'd vote for the black candidate couldn't bring themselves to do so once in the booth.

Schwarzenegger keeps low profile in presidential race

SACRAMENTO — As Arizona Sen. John McCain has waged his uphill campaign for the presidency, one of the Republican Party's best known and most charismatic politicians has stood largely on the sidelines: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bogged down by the state's budget crisis and increasingly repelled by partisanship as he promotes his brand of centrist politics, Schwarzenegger has limited his involvement in the presidential campaign to his January endorsement and a handful of public appearances with the nominee since then.

Brentwood incumbent, newcomer disagree on some key issues

The two candidates running for Brentwood mayor remain divided on heated campaign issues like fire service, but they are in agreement on fiscal conservancy.

Incumbent Bob Taylor is facing newcomer Teresa Wooten in the November election. Wooten is a former city engineer who has criticized the city for poor long-term planning and wasteful spending.

"In this financial climate, the city needs to be careful," she said. "There are so many ways that the city can waste money that may seem minor individually but can quickly add up."

College leaders struggle to find clear message

California's college and university leaders are struggling to decide on a public message as public investment lags.

Should the schools continue to push for unpopular fee increases? Or have funding tussles revealed the need for more fundamental changes, such as tax increases and constitutional amendments?

The urgency for an answer to public higher education's financial problems intensifies every year, leaders said, but approaches differ among the three public college systems.

Proposition to legalize prostitution strikes chord in San Francisco

There may be truth to the clich "sex sells," but when it comes to the sale of sex, everyone pays.

This is the central argument by both opponents and supporters of Proposition K, which would make San Francisco the first U.S. city to decriminalize prostitution.

Many sex workers say there's a cost to their line of work that goes beyond dollars and cents: Routinely exposing themselves to dangerous, sometimes violent situations, prostitutes are unable to seek the protection of the law without simultaneously exposing themselves to prosecution.

Fire board candidates tout experience

Economic savvy and on-the-job experience are not qualifications unique to presidential candidates or other big-budget office-seekers.

Candidates seeking two open Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District board positions say a firm grasp of budget management and some fire service experiences are key in moving the fire district through some tough economic constraints brought on by static tax revenue.

"It's going to be very important to keep the district solvent," said Fred Weil, an incumbent candidate for the board in Moraga's Division 2. "You only have to look to Vallejo to see what happens if you don't keep a balance."

UC reaches tentative agreement with union

OAKLAND — The University of California has reached a tentative agreement with about 11,000 hospital workers, 14 months after the groups began negotiating for a new contract.

The pact must be approved by members of the employees' union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 3299. An approved contract would run through September 2012.

The proposal, agreed on Sunday, would guarantee raises of at least 26 percent over the next four years to patient-care workers at UC hospitals. Union leaders lauded the agreement but said UC still has not agreed to a contract with more than 8,000 service workers on university campuses.

Community group endorses "clustered villages" land-use plan for Concord Naval Weapons Station

CONCORD — A 19-person residents' group has endorsed a plan for the Concord Naval Weapons Station that boasts 12,300 housing units and a population of 28,880, with 65 percent of the land designated as open space and parks.

The Community Advisory Committee met 36 times in two years, and Tuesday's decision was the group's final vote on what should go on the former military base's 5,028 inland acres. The Concord City Council, however, will get the final say.

Schwarzenegger takes in a pair of GOP-sponsored fundraisers for redistricting measure

SACRAMENTO — If Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to convince voters Proposition 11 is not a Republican power grab, his trip to Florida on Friday didn't do much to allay the suspicion.

There, he was scheduled to attend two fundraisers held by prominent Republican donors for the redistricting initiative — the latest in a long season of GOP giving to the effort that would take the power to draw political boundaries out of the Democratic-controlled Legislature and put into the hands of a commission.

Anonymous e-mail questions Moraga contract

Moraga Councilman Ken Chew improperly steered a town printing contract to a supporter not long after he was elected, one Moraga Town Council member says.

Chew counters that nothing was improper about it; he said all he did was suggest it to the town manager. He said the claim of impropriety, which originated in an anonymous mass e-mail, is "trash."

"This is one way to make something out of nothing," said Chew, who said he was disturbed by the e-mail's racial connotations.

Pleasanton's council candidates worry about traffic and congestion

PLEASANTON — Traffic and future congestion is one key issue discussed by the three candidates running for two spots on the Pleasanton City Council.

In their first forum without the two mayoral candidates, incumbents Cindy McGovern and Matt Sullivan and newcomer Jerry Pentin discussed a variety of issues at a live event hosted by Tri-Valley Community Television on Wednesday.

The candidates also discussed the two ballot measures about city hillsides, the Staples Ranch development, the city's impending buildout and the local economy in an hour-long session moderated by Carolyn Siegfried.

Campaign issues varied in City Council race

A wide array of campaign issues have surfaced in the Oakley City Council election from ongoing topics such as roads and economic development to more recent concerns such as blight and foreclosures.

Incumbent Brad Nix said the biggest single issue facing Oakley is the foreclosure crisis and resulting lowered property values and residential blight. According to Nix, there are a number of things the city can do to combat this nationwide problem locally.

Monday is deadline to register to vote

The deadline to register to vote in the high-stakes Nov. 4 general election is Monday.

But there's no excuse to miss it. Alameda and Contra County election officials, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters, are holding evening registration drives in Oakland and throughout Contra Costa.

Election officials predict record turn-out in the incredibly tight presidential election between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.

New Zealand Dollar: Will Higher Inflation Boost the Kiwi?

New Zealand Dollar: Will Higher Inflation Boost the Kiwi?Trading the News: New Zealand Consumer Prices

What's Expected
Time of release: 10/20/2008 21:45 GMT, 17:45 EST
Primary Pair Impact : NZDUSD
Expected: 1.6%
Previous: 1.6%

Impact of the New Zealand Consumer Prices on NZDUSD over the last 3 months

Shielding budget a big issue for park district candidates

LIVERMORE — Whichever two candidates are elected to the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District board, they'll have their work cut out for them.

The parks district, an independent agency created in 1947, provides parks and recreation services for a 245-square-mile area spanning Livermore and beyond.

More than 40 parks and facilities and a slew of recreational programs fall under the district's domain, which borders Pleasanton and Dublin to the west and Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Santa Clara counties to the north, east and south.

Ford keys in speed curb

Keeping your speed in check will be even easier with the help of this clever new key from Ford. Boffins have developed the all-new ignition key, which contains a chip that can be pre-programmed to limit the driver’s pace – perfect for parents letting teenagers loose on their own set of wheels. The device can also give a seatbelt warning alert, and an early low-fuel warning. MyKey will come as standard on US versions of the Focus, plus Lincolns and Mercurys, from 2010.

Advisers must showcase their wares

If advisers don’t do a better job touting their services, they’ll lose clients, according to retirement advisers who spoke Tuesday at the Center for Due Diligence’sconference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

It’s important that advisers let their clients know what they’re doing for them on a regular basis, said Dorann Cafaro, an adviser and partner with Cafaro Greenleaf Retirement Plan Advisors in Little Silver, N.J.

Specifically, advisers in the 401(k) arena need to show employers what they’ve done for their participants and emphasize the ways they stand out from their competitors, she said.

Same-sex marriage measure mobilizes congregations

SAN MATEO — Ding-Ding!

Tom Newman of San Mateo slapped his desk bell after finding someone who will donate money to oppose Proposition 8 and keep same-sex marriage legal.

Ding-Ding!

Melissa Boucher happily did the same, garnering applause and "yays" from other volunteers seated at long tables, making their own calls at the phone bank set up by Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo.

"This issue, above all others, has impassioned me," Boucher, a Redwood City resident, said. "It's about treating our fellow citizens in California with equality, and not being hateful toward people."

Latino Protestants shift toward Democratic Party

They share conservative positions against abortion and gay marriage, but a growing number of Latino Protestant voters are swinging toward the Democratic Party this year, a new poll shows.

"The shift is a direct result of the immigration reform debacle," said the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the Sacramento-based National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "This is why Latino evangelicals are abandoning the Republican Party and voting for Barack Obama."

A high-tech free-for-all this election year

As the presidential election nears, it has become almost a daily occurrence in workplaces everywhere: The latest campaign-related spoof or parody arrives via e-mail and touches off a minor frenzy.

"You can always tell when something new has arrived," says Donna Lynn Rhodes, a senior account executive for Diablo Magazine "You can hear the giggling all over the office."

Like millions of Americans during this historic election season, Rhodes has been bombarded by various forms of social media. Whether it be the latest Tina Fey spoof on "Saturday Night Live," a "Daily Show" mockumentary of Barack Obama, a Paris Hilton gag, or links to blogs, campaign-related video, Twitter and text messages, the election has become Related LinkVote: How is social media making you more politcally aware?a high-tech free-for-all that encourages everyone to join in.

Unemployment insurance fund headed for insolvency

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

Oct. 7

Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Chairman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, says lawmakers are going to have to work across the aisle to fix California's unemployment insurance fund, which will be broke by January.

He apparently means lawmakers should be talking about raising the payroll tax that employers pay on each worker to bankroll the state unemployment fund. And for Legislative Republicans presumably still smug about preventing any tax increases in this year's budget fiasco, that's going to be a tall order.

Mt. Diablo school district: Management and budget woes top debate in four-candidate race for two open seats

CONCORD — A contentious school board election is brewing in the Mt. Diablo district, where a longtime trustee and the teacher's union are working to defeat another incumbent amid months of controversy over management.

The school board has cut $14 million from the district's budget in the past year and is likely to slash millions more in coming months. It is also facing an expired teacher's contract that could lead to a strike, if it goes unresolved much longer.

Hip-hop artist uses song to encourage youth voting

OAKLAND — When Oakland rapper Yung Moses' father died 10 years ago, he turned his feelings of sadness and anger into poetry and music — instead of venting through violence.

Moses, 20, is taking those same feelings of angst and translating them into music again, but this time he's talking about a political revolution in a song called "Vote (Ready or Not)."

"I'm a kid from East Oakland; I was born and raised here. I'm going through the same thing other kids from here are going through," Moses said. "I got my danger music, my soul, my hyphy — but I also got my political music."

Sparks fly in congressional debate in Tracy

TRACY — The political chasm widened further between Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, and GOP challenger Dean Andal of Stockton in the candidates' first and only face-to-face showdown.

Before a packed and vocal crowd perched on folding metal chairs in a middle school gym Saturday night, the 11th District candidates came down on opposite sides of nearly every major national issue: the Iraq war, immigration, taxes, stem cell research, market bailout, same-sex marriage, universal health care and expanded domestic oil drilling.

Efforts under way to ensure voting rights for Contra Costa jail population

MARTINEZ — Steps are being taken in Contra Costa County to ensure that the 1,400 people now held in the county's jails will be able to exercise their right to vote.

Both the sheriff's office and the county public defender are taking part in the effort, which includes posting fliers outlining voting laws in jail housing modules and the lobby of the public defender's office.

Public Defender David Coleman said it's a common misconception that people who have been convicted of a crime can't vote. Laws vary from state to state, and in California, voting rights are denied only to people in state prison or on parole on Election Day. People held in county jails awaiting trial or those on probation are allowed to cast ballots.

Advocates want guarantees for affordable housing on weapons station land

CONCORD — In part because of the foreclosure crisis, and partly because it's their job to do it, housing advocates are asking Concord leaders to plan now for affordable housing on the shuttered Concord Naval Weapons Station base.

The City Council will likely consider in November two proposals for developing the former military base's 5,028 inland acres, but they are general. Both lay out how much of the land will go toward open space and how much will go toward development, and where most of that development would be. But as for the specific type of housing to go there — that's a decision for later, city leaders have said.

Lafayette council incumbent, challenger face off over budget

In the race for the three open seats on Lafayette's City Council, much of the debate boils down to one question: Has the current council managed the city budget well?

Yes, said incumbent Carl Anduri. The city is doing its best to meet residents' wishes with the limited money it has, he said.

Not so, said challenger Gabriel Froymovich. Council members have taken many of the right steps, he said, but haven't followed through to limit wasteful spending.

Moraga council candidates face off in televised debate

The candidates in next months's Moraga Town Council election agree the town faces several looming questions — how to manage the budget, what development to allow and how to address police needs.

They differ in their views on which is most important, and how to address them.

The six candidates for three seats faced off at the taping of a 30-minute televised forum moderated by Contra Costa Times Political Editor Lisa Vorderbrueggen.

Mt. Diablo school district candidates offer differing views during lively Pleasant Hill forum

PLEASANT HILL — Two distinct pictures of the Mt. Diablo school district emerged during a board candidate's forum in Pleasant Hill on Thursday.

Incumbent April Treece described a district that faces budget challenges, but is making academic strides and has many enthusiastic employees who are serving students and parents well, guided by a superintendent who is accountable for successes as well as problems. She accused the teacher's union and incumbent Gary Eberhart, who is seeking re-election, and two challengers for two open seats in November, of spreading negative misinformation during the heated campaign.

Open space initiatives and candidates raise big bucks

Candidates in all three Lamorinda council races are raising and spending thousands of dollars, but those figures pale in comparison to the amounts being spent on Moraga's open space initiatives.

This year, the Bruzzone family has spent about $500,000 of its own money to support Measure J and defeat Measure K, mostly on lawyers, land planners and its public relations company. About $200,000 of that spending happened between July 1 and Sept. 30.

Brentwood mayoral candidates Taylor, Wooten debate Civic Center

Incumbent Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor and challenger Teresa Wooten clashed over plans for a $73 million Civic Center project and other issues at a recent election forum.

Taylor, who was elected in 2006, is running for a four-year term. Wooten is a former city engineer who was laid off earlier this year.

The forum will be shown on Channel 24 for Comcast subscribers beginning Sunday and also is available for viewing at ContraCostaTimes.com. A number of issues were discussed, but the proposed Civic Center and its consequences took center stage.

Berkeley City College overpaid financial aid

Federal authorities are investigating whether a former Berkeley City College employee purposely paid students more than $327,000 in extra financial aid.

Robert Vergas, 58, retired in April, shortly before he was to be fired by the Peralta Community College District. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he is being blamed for deficiencies in the district's financial-aid process.

"Really, in the end, it has very little to do with me personally," the Oakland resident said. "It's a systemic error, if one occurred."

Berkeley City College overpaid financial aid

Federal authorities are investigating whether a former Berkeley City College employee purposely paid students more than $327,000 in extra financial aid.

Robert Vergas, 58, retired in April, shortly before he was to be fired by the Peralta Community College District. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he is being blamed for deficiencies in the district's financial-aid process.

"Really, in the end, it has very little to do with me personally," the Oakland resident said. "It's a systemic error, if one occurred."

Candidate forums to be televised, on Web

Televised roundtable forums with candidates for 28 Contra Costa County offices will begin airing this week on local public access television channels and are available online today at ContraCostaTimes.com/election.

More than 120 local candidates for school boards, city councils, special districts, mayors, board of supervisors and the state Assembly participated in the 15 hours of roundtables, which were recorded at CCTV's Martinez studios from Oct. 1-3.

Candidate forums to be televised, on Web

Televised roundtable forums with candidates for 28 Contra Costa County offices will begin airing this week on local public access television channels and are available online today at ContraCostaTimes.com/election.

More than 120 local candidates for school boards, city councils, special districts, mayors, board of supervisors and the state Assembly participated in the 15 hours of roundtables, which were recorded at CCTV's Martinez studios from Oct. 1-3.

State faces crisis in economy, confidence

SACRAMENTO — The banner, which read "Crisis in Confidence," loomed large over the banquet hall's dais, a fitting slogan for the economic turmoil that continues to plague legislative leaders.

Senate Leader Don Perata, D-Oakland, was one of four panelists at a forum Tuesday discussing the kinds of reforms needed to reshape government into a working, trustworthy institution. But he had more pressing concerns on his mind: how to pull the state out of yet another potential fiscal disaster.

Antioch candidates focus on public safety at forum

MARTINEZ — The need to step up public safety dominated discussion as Antioch's three City Council candidates participated in a recent roundtable discussion to answer questions about the biggest issues facing the city.

The televised discussion, hosted by Contra Costa Times political columnist Lisa Vorderbruegen, will air starting Sunday on Comcast's Channel 24. It is also available at ContraCostaTimes.com.

While Section 8 housing assistance remains a prominent concern among residents, many of whom have ascribed neighborhood crime to an influx of families receiving the subsidy, the candidates said Antioch's crime problems have many causes that need to be addressed.

Voters can tune in to candidate forums

Televised round-table forums with candidates for 28 Contra Costa County offices will begin airing this week on local public access television channels and are available online today at ContraCostaTimes.com/election.

More than 120 local candidates for school boards, city councils, special districts, mayors, board of supervisors and the state Assembly participated in the 15 hours of roundtables, which were recorded at CCTV's Martinez studios from Oct. 1-3.

Price Reacts to the Rate Cuts

Price Reacts to the Rate Cuts

Overall: After Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke hinted strongly in a speech yesterday that a rate cut could occur on or before the FOMC meeting scheduled for October 28-29, central banks in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Sweden and Switzerland announced a coordinated 50 basis point rate cut in their policy rates. The Fed also announced a 50 basis point rate cut in its discount window rate to 1.75%.

According to the statement which accompanied the annoucement, the FOMC noted "that the pace of economic activity has slowed markedly in recent months. Moreover, the intensification of financial market turmoil is likely to exert additional restraint on spending, partly by further reducing the ability of households and businesses to obtain credit. Inflation has been high, but the Committee believes that the decline in energy and other commodity prices and the weaker prospects for economic activity have reduced the upside risks to inflation." The Fed justified the move by saying that "recent intensification of the financial crisis has augmented the downside risks to growth and thus has diminished further the upside risks to price stability."

BMW stays with Heidfeld and Kubica

The BMW Sauber F1 team has announced that it is to retain its current driver line-up in 2009. This is not a surprise as the team had taken up the options on both men. Christian Klien will also be retained as test driver.

The move is interesting in that it means that Fernando Alonso is not going to the Munich team, which means that his options are now narrowing down to Renault, Honda and possibly Ferrari. The latter scenario will only happen if the Italian team decides to do something other than keeping Kimi Raikkonen, who has been underperforming badly this year. The same could be said for Heidfeld, but he has another year to run on his deal.

Iqaluit man who sells Inuit art hailed as eBay entrepreneur

An Iqaluit art dealer who uses the internet to sell Inuit art has won a $5,000 award as eBay Canada's Entrepreneur of the Year.

Bryan Hellwig sells unique pieces of art made by Northern artists and his website, Northerncollectables.biz, boasts he has Cape Dorset artists working directly for the company.

An avid northern art collector, Hellwig said he was buying Inuit art for his personal collection from eBay when he discovered the auction site a couple of years ago.

Liberty Union High School District candidates discuss course schedules, high school site

Past and present board members of Liberty Union High School District said in a recent election forum that the district should stick with the site it has chosen for another high school.

Incumbents Holly Hartman and David Dal Porto, along with challenger Ray Valverde, agreed that Delta Road and Sellers Avenue in Brentwood is the best place to build a fourth high school.

The trio is vying for two four-year seats on the school board.

Supes increase penalty for parents who host underage drinking parties

MARTINEZ — Supervisors today stiffened the penalties for parents who knowingly or unknowingly host underage drinking parties.

Supervisor Mary Piepho's social host ordinance would hold parents accountable for parties with more than three underage persons drinking alcohol. Parents could face a misdemeanor charge and up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Previously, parents could be cited and fined $200.

The new law will go into effect in 30 days in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.

Judge demands $250 million from California, stat

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge seemed ready to order Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Controller John Chiang to cough up $250 million in the next few weeks for prison health care construction.

But Senior U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson isn't quite ready to hold the governor and controller in contempt of court, a move that could put California on the hook for millions of dollars in fines per day until state officials do the judge's bidding.

First ad in redistricting battle promises to 'clean up mess' in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO — The Proposition 11 campaign released its first statewide campaign advertisement Monday, a 60-second radio spot that promises to "clean up the mess" in Sacramento with redistricting reform.

The spot plays on the frustrations of voters after a legislative session that failed to produce health care reform, fix schools, solve the water crisis or lower energy prices.

"So, what are they doing up in Sacramento?" the ad asks. "Drawing their salaries, taking junkets, being pampered by big staffs, and dropping by their offices to meet with lobbyists."

Concord candidates debate

CONCORD — The three Concord City Council candidates vying for two open seats agreed the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse project should be "world class," with at least half of its 5,028 acres designated as parks and open space.

So far, neither city leaders nor candidates have gotten specific about what exactly "world class" means, but at an election forum taping Thursday, they discussed what that might be.

"It has to be out-of-the-box, not just housing and open space, but perhaps biotech or some kind of green industry," said Mark Peterson, one of two incumbents running and a 13-year council veteran.

Wall Street's campaign money shadowed first bailout 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.

Sept. 29

I've got an article up containing statements from Bay Area House members on why they voted for or against the $700 billion financial-market bailout bill today, but here's a fascinating factoid.

The data-digging geniuses at Berkeley-based MAPLight.org. — illuminating the connections between Money And Politics — found that over the past five years banks and securities firms gave an average of $231,877 in campaign contributions to each Representative voting in favor of the bailout today, compared with an average of $150,982 to each Representative voting against the bailout. That's 54 percent more money given to those who voted for this legislation.

Battle for last Bay Area Republican-held seat in the state legislature

H. Abram Wilson and Joan Buchanan, the two rival candidates in one of California's most competitive Assembly races of 2008, have more in common than they are likely to admit.

Wilson, 62, of San Ramon and Buchanan, 55, of Alamo, may disagree on everything from their views on taxes to their picks for president. But the Assembly District 15 hopefuls, who live less than 12 miles away from each other in the affluent East Bay suburbs, also swim in the same tight-knit pond of local politicos and have similar civic experience.

Palin attacks Obama

The road to the White House is heading for a nasty turn.

Sarah Palin, in her first trip to the Bay Area as the Republican's vice presidential nominee, charged Sunday that Americans don't know "the real Barack Obama," a signal that John McCain's campaign will sharpen its attacks on the Democratic nominee's character and judgment in the final month of the race.

Attending a private Burlingame fundraiser, the Alaska governor stuck by her claim that Obama is someone who "would pal around with, and work with, a former domestic terrorist." She was referring to Bill Ayers, founder of the Vietnam-era Weather Underground, blamed for bombings and the death of a San Francisco police officer when Obama was still a child. She initially made the charge Saturday at a fundraiser and public Southern California rally.

Environmental groups react to Naval Weapons Station proposals

CONCORD — Environmental groups watching over Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse plans want the city to be more creative in its planning and to consider anything from high-rise buildings with hanging gardens to something akin to Golden Gate Park.

But city leaders have hesitated to get too specific, having just released two general proposals showing possible breakdowns of open space versus housing and commercial growth on the base's 5,028 inland acres. They say it is too early in the process to start naming detailed projects. That, they say, won't happen until well after the city, along with the public, picks a preferred blueprint in early 2009.

Stark votes against bailout again

Likening the push for Friday's bailout bill to that which preceded Congress' authorization of the Iraq war, Rep. Pete Stark was the only Bay Area House member to vote against the revised Wall Street rescue bill Friday.

"It's the same pressure we had when we voted for the Iraq war, this constant threat of disaster if you didn't vote the way the administration suggested, and that's what concerns me," Stark, D-Fremont, said after the House approved it on a 263-171 vote.

Richmond police union mailer draws fire

Richmond's police union considered carefully before weighing in on the city's controversial program of driver's license traffic checkpoints, which detractors claim unfairly targets Latino motorists.

That effort showed in a four-page political flier that appeared in mailboxes across Richmond this week, stuffed with arguments supporting a pair of City Council candidates who support checkpoints and excoriating two who do not.

The mailer, which loosely connects local efforts to curb unlicensed drivers with the violence of Latin American drug cartels, now earns strong condemnation from both supporters and opponents of the checkpoints for what many consider a racist attack.

Contra Costa college district chief named to U.S. student-aid board

MARTINEZ — Congress has appointed Helen Benjamin, chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, to a student-aid advisory board.

Benjamin was appointed Thursday to a three-year term with the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, which assists lawmakers on financial-aid policy. Benjamin, of Vallejo, is the only community-college representative on the 11-member board, said Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, in a written statement.

Struggling borrowers face brick wall on loan workouts

This is a story about dead-end dialing, deaf ears and default notices.

It's also about a single dad with a little girl, an ex-bike messenger who grew up late, leapt into homeownership and crashed on the rocks. But his tale of frustration is so familiar now across the Bay Area, it's less about how he got here than why he can't seem to fix it.

Bernie Kellman says he can swing the two-story Richmond house where he raises 3-year-old Frances on an $80,000 salary working as a psychiatric social worker for Alameda County. But he got nowhere over countless calls pleading to rework a bum loan after it was sold and a new lender bumped his monthly payments by more than $700, to $2700, citing a tax error.

Four candidates vie for two open seats on Mt. Diablo school board

Two candidates, one of them an incumbent, are running as a slate to oust another incumbent from the Mt. Diablo school board in November.

Longtime board member Gary Eberhart, who has called for Superintendent Gary McHenry's resignation, is running for re-election with newcomer Sherry Whitmarsh, a project management trainer for Chevron and mother of two. They say they want more accountability in the district.

The pair are working to defeat two-term trustee April Treece and challenger Jeff Adams, an attorney and father of six.

Contra Costa supervisor run-off heats up with televised debate

MARTINEZ — In a campaign that lay mostly dormant since a candidate died in a tragic plane crash, the replacement and the incumbent squared off Wednesday in the Contra Costa supervisor run-off's first televised debate.

District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover and challenger Gary Agopian engaged in a spirited debate, touching on the county's unfunded health care liability, budget cuts, a prison controversy, education and Section 8 housing.

Pleasanton school board candidates answers questions at forum

Five of the six people seeking the three open seats in November's Pleasanton school board election took 90 minutes of questions during a candidates forum Tuesday.

No one theme dominated the event, which will be televised at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on Comcast Channel 26. It was held at the board meeting room at school district offices.

Topics included the biggest issues facing schools, areas of study that should be emphasized and dealing with student stress. Three school board seats are up for election. Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president of corporate development and investments for Kaiser Permanente, is the only incumbent running. School board members Kris Weaver and Steve Brozosky are not running. Grant was appointed to fill a vacancy in February 2007.

Pleasanton school board candidates answers questions at forum

Five of the six people seeking the three open seats in November's Pleasanton school board election took 90 minutes of questions during a candidates forum Tuesday.

No one theme dominated the event, which will be televised at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on Comcast Channel 26. It was held at the board meeting room at school district offices.

Topics included the biggest issues facing schools, areas of study that should be emphasized and dealing with student stress. Three school board seats are up for election. Chris Grant, 43, senior vice president of corporate development and investments for Kaiser Permanente, is the only incumbent running. School board members Kris Weaver and Steve Brozosky are not running. Grant was appointed to fill a vacancy in February 2007.

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Whistle-blower protection bill will benefit taxpayers, officials say

A whistle-blower-protection bill signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will mean savings for local governments, Oakland-area officials contended Wednesday.

"Nowhere is it more important than in city and county government for us to provide whistle-blower protection," Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, said in a news conference on Oakland City Hall's steps, calling the bill he'd written "a good-government measure that won bipartisan support."

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.

Veto prolongs lack of oversight of for-profit colleges

A day after the governor's veto torpedoed three years of discussions about policing the state's 1,600 for-profit and vocational colleges, lawmakers and others were wondering how to protect hundreds of thousands of students at those schools.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday announced he would not sign SB 823, saying the bill failed to "strike a balance between protecting students, while being firm, yet fair to schools." The legislation was confusing and not easily enforceable, he wrote in his veto message.