Freshman in GOP cross hairs after tax vote abstention

SACRAMENTO — Freshman Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, D-Alamo, has barely dipped her toes into the roiled waters of the Legislature but is already facing heat from Republicans — for a vote she didn't take.

She and three other Assembly Democrats, all of whom won seats previously held by Republicans, did not vote on the first major piece of legislation that came their way: the Democrats' proposed $9.3 billion revenue increase as part of an $18 billion deficit reduction plan.

Freshman in GOP cross hairs after tax vote abstention

SACRAMENTO — Freshman Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, D-Alamo, has barely dipped her toes into the roiled waters of the Legislature but is already facing heat from Republicans — for a vote she didn't take.

She and three other Assembly Democrats, all of whom won seats previously held by Republicans, did not vote on the first major piece of legislation that came their way: the Democrats' proposed $9.3 billion revenue increase as part of an $18 billion deficit reduction plan.

Latino groups weather increasing college obstacles

With budget cuts straining California's public colleges and universities, some are worried about the effects on Latinos, who are particularly difficult to recruit to higher education in the best of times.

The California State University system, where more than one-quarter of students are Latino, plans to cut enrollment by 10,000 next year. Although the university still plans to guarantee entry to the vast majority of qualified California residents, the plan could discourage students from applying.

Voters may get chance to settle issue of Democrats' revenue gambit

SACRAMENTO — Would voters go for a tax increase if it meant averting a fiscal crisis? Would they give Democrats a pass for finding a way around the two-thirds vote required in the Legislature to approve new — and artfully gained — revenues?

A governor's signature and a court's ruling could leave those questions in the hands of voters as soon as next spring.

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic Legislature move toward a deal that would fill an $18 billion hole in the state budget, business groups are gearing up for what could be a historic referendum campaign that could upend the way things have been done in the Capitol for generations.

Voters may get chance to settle issue of Democrats' revenue gambit

SACRAMENTO — Would voters go for a tax increase if it meant averting a fiscal crisis? Would they give Democrats a pass for finding a way around the two-thirds vote required in the Legislature to approve new — and artfully gained — revenues?

A governor's signature and a court's ruling could leave those questions in the hands of voters as soon as next spring.

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic Legislature move toward a deal that would fill an $18 billion hole in the state budget, business groups are gearing up for what could be a historic referendum campaign that could upend the way things have been done in the Capitol for generations.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Concord will make key weapons station use decisions in January

CONCORD — Mayor Laura Hoffmeister remembers the day in November 2005 when the Concord Naval Weapons Station was revealed as one of several military bases nationwide that would shut down in the next few years. She did a CNN interview at 3 a.m. and addressed local reporters at 4 a.m.

Things haven't really slowed down much since then.

Since 2005, there have been massive debates over the project, including angry testimony from residents demanding that whatever the new development is, it shouldn't burden existing residents with new traffic. There have even been attempts by the federal government to take over the project.

Political Blotter: Following the money on the auto bailout

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

Dec. 15

House members who voted for the Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act last Wednesday averaged a lot more in campaign contributions from the auto industry in the past five years than those who voted against it, according to those wonderful number crunchers at Berkeley-based MAPLight.org.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Antioch City Council names Parsons to vacant seat

A three-hour interview process with "Survivor"-style elimination rounds was what it took Thursday for the Antioch City Council to whittle a field of 13 applicants down to one new council member.

At one point candidate Gary Agopian joked that he felt as if he were standing before a tribal council with the authority to vote him off the island.

At the end of the night, political consultant Martha Parsons was sworn in as the council's fifth member, filling the seat vacated by Jim Davis when he was elected mayor in November. Parsons will serve for the two years remaining in Davis' term.

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry

SACRAMENTO — Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate.

Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010.

But critics are worried that Poizner, the independently wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is cozying up to the insurance industry in less blatant ways than a direct exchange of money. They suggest that Poizner has proposed a series of rule changes that will result in higher costs for homeowners and drivers — as a nod to the industry, and indirectly to build his alliances with the Republican Party, which relies heavily on contributions from insurers.

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry

SACRAMENTO — Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate.

Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010.

But critics are worried that Poizner, the independently wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is cozying up to the insurance industry in less blatant ways than a direct exchange of money. They suggest that Poizner has proposed a series of rule changes that will result in higher costs for homeowners and drivers — as a nod to the industry, and indirectly to build his alliances with the Republican Party, which relies heavily on contributions from insurers.

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry

SACRAMENTO — Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate.

Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010.

But critics are worried that Poizner, the independently wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is cozying up to the insurance industry in less blatant ways than a direct exchange of money. They suggest that Poizner has proposed a series of rule changes that will result in higher costs for homeowners and drivers — as a nod to the industry, and indirectly to build his alliances with the Republican Party, which relies heavily on contributions from insurers.

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry

SACRAMENTO — Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate.

Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010.

But critics are worried that Poizner, the independently wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is cozying up to the insurance industry in less blatant ways than a direct exchange of money. They suggest that Poizner has proposed a series of rule changes that will result in higher costs for homeowners and drivers — as a nod to the industry, and indirectly to build his alliances with the Republican Party, which relies heavily on contributions from insurers.

Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry

SACRAMENTO — Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate.

Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his pledge to refuse insurance industry contributions, even as he lays the groundwork for what will be an expensive run for governor in 2010.

But critics are worried that Poizner, the independently wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneur, is cozying up to the insurance industry in less blatant ways than a direct exchange of money. They suggest that Poizner has proposed a series of rule changes that will result in higher costs for homeowners and drivers — as a nod to the industry, and indirectly to build his alliances with the Republican Party, which relies heavily on contributions from insurers.

Bay Area residents among throngs from coast to coast angling for a golden ticket

"I would do whatever it takes to get these students there," said San Jose State assistant professor Michael Cheers, who with associate professor Bob Rucker is trying to get 10 journalism students on a bus tour through the South, reporting on the communities where Advertisementthe Civil Rights Movement raged, finishing at the inauguration.

"I just believe in these students having this experience ... so we're going to make it happen."

That meant raising about $500 at a carwash and raking in a few hundred more at the first of three bake sales. He figures he needs about $20,000.

Bay Area residents among throngs from coast to coast angling for a golden ticket

"I would do whatever it takes to get these students there," said San Jose State assistant professor Michael Cheers, who with associate professor Bob Rucker is trying to get 10 journalism students on a bus tour through the South, reporting on the communities where Advertisementthe Civil Rights Movement raged, finishing at the inauguration.

"I just believe in these students having this experience ... so we're going to make it happen."

That meant raising about $500 at a carwash and raking in a few hundred more at the first of three bake sales. He figures he needs about $20,000.

Bay Area residents among throngs from coast to coast angling for a golden ticket

"I would do whatever it takes to get these students there," said San Jose State assistant professor Michael Cheers, who with associate professor Bob Rucker is trying to get 10 journalism students on a bus tour through the South, reporting on the communities where Advertisementthe Civil Rights Movement raged, finishing at the inauguration.

"I just believe in these students having this experience ... so we're going to make it happen."

That meant raising about $500 at a carwash and raking in a few hundred more at the first of three bake sales. He figures he needs about $20,000.

Bay Area residents among throngs from coast to coast angling for a golden ticket

"I would do whatever it takes to get these students there," said San Jose State assistant professor Michael Cheers, who with associate professor Bob Rucker is trying to get 10 journalism students on a bus tour through the South, reporting on the communities where Advertisementthe Civil Rights Movement raged, finishing at the inauguration.

"I just believe in these students having this experience ... so we're going to make it happen."

That meant raising about $500 at a carwash and raking in a few hundred more at the first of three bake sales. He figures he needs about $20,000.

Contra Costa employee retirement fund plummets $1.3 billion through first 10 months of year

The Contra Costa employee retirement fund has lost an estimated $1.3 billion or a quarter of its investment assets in the first 10 months this year.

The dramatic drop means higher county contributions to the pension plan from a county that has already cut almost $112 million from its budget since May, with more trimming expected. The fund dropped from $5.28 billion to $3.98 billion.

"Unfortunately, when the market goes down like it has, 18 months later the county has to pay more into a retirement system which takes away from important services," said Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond, a member of the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association board. The county's pension pay structure adjustments have an 18-month lag time.

Contra Costa employee retirement fund plummets $1.3 billion through first 10 months of year

The Contra Costa employee retirement fund has lost an estimated $1.3 billion or a quarter of its investment assets in the first 10 months this year.

The dramatic drop means higher county contributions to the pension plan from a county that has already cut almost $112 million from its budget since May, with more trimming expected. The fund dropped from $5.28 billion to $3.98 billion.

"Unfortunately, when the market goes down like it has, 18 months later the county has to pay more into a retirement system which takes away from important services," said Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond, a member of the Contra Costa County Employees' Retirement Association board. The county's pension pay structure adjustments have an 18-month lag time.

Oakley welcomes newest council member

OAKLEY — After losing his 20 year-old daughter to a traffic car accident in 2000, Jim Frazier dedicated himself to serving others. Since then, he's co-founded two foundations, and his peers say he's been a model community servant.

Now, after spending a year on the Planning Commission, the 25-year Oakley resident has been elected to the City Council, garnering the most votes among the three winners in November's election. He took his oath of office last week.

Family of 'American Taliban' renews petition to set him free

So-called "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh's family and attorneys again are urging President George W. Bush to release the Marin County man from federal prison.

Lindh, now 27, converted to Islam as a teenager and studied the Koran in Yemen and Pakistan before going to Afghanistan, where he fought for the Taliban before and after Sept. 11, 2001, until his unit surrendered to Northern Alliance forces that November.

He had faced charges that could have sent him to prison for life, including conspiring to kill Americans abroad, but pleaded guilty in July 2002 to one count of providing services to the Taliban and one count of carrying explosives during a felony — all terrorism-related charges against him were dropped.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

California lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

Lending board freezes money on infrastructure projects

SACRAMENTO — Thousands of projects to improve roads, schools, and public housing were put on hold Wednesday when a state board responsible for financing the projects pulled the plug on nearly $4 billion in loans — including hundreds of millions of dollars designated for the Bay Area.

The choice was between keeping vital public services afloat and pouring scarce dollars into infrastructure improvements, said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who heads the three-person Pooled Money Investment Board.

GOP proposes deep cuts to schools, aid to needy to close deficit

SACRAMENTO — Long accused of blocking solutions to the state's fiscal mess while offering few of their own, Republican legislators responded Monday with a plan that calls for cutting billions of dollars for education, reducing welfare payments and aid for the needy and relaxing labor and environmental laws in an attempt to boost the economy.

The GOP proposal, which leaders estimate would close more than half of a projected $40 billion deficit during the next 18 months, would impose a cap of about 5 percent on the growth of state spending each year, and it would shift $6 billion from voter-approved accounts for mental health and child development programs.

Politcal Blotter: No better time than now to 'Imagine'

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.

Dec. 8

It was 28 years ago today that the former Beatle was gunned down on a Manhattan sidewalk. I was a 9-year-old in Queens at the time; I remember it clearly. The only other time I've seen my hometown engage in that kind of shell-shocked mourning was after 9/11.

I was only 7 months old when Lennon released "Imagine," now renowned the world over as an anthem for peace. It still gives me chills every time I hear it, that peaceful man's voice calling for sanity in this warlike world.

Contra Costa becomes first county to vote against joining Prop. 8 lawsuit

Although more than 55 percent of Contra Costa County voters opposed the gay marriage ban on the November ballot, county supervisors have voted against joining the lawsuit against the measure, making Contra Costa the first Bay Area county to stay on the sideline, angering the area's gays.

A dozen more cities and counties — including Alameda, San Mateo and Marin counties and the city of Oakland — on Wednesday joined the petition challenging Prop. 8 in the state's highest court. Voters statewide passed the law Nov. 4, and the city and county of San Francisco, city of Los Angeles and Santa Clara County filed the petition the next day, claiming Prop. 8 violates the state constitution's equality provisions.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

Perata shifted $1.5 million from PAC to his legal defense

Contributors to Don Perata's political action committee this year might have thought their money would bankroll the attempted recall of state Sen. Jeff Denham or opposition to a legislative redistricting reform measure.

But a day after the Nov. 4 election, and with only a few weeks left as state Senate President Pro Tem, the Oakland Democrat moved $1.5 million from Leadership California into his own legal defense fund, formed to counter a years-long FBI corruption probe.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

Perata shifted $1.5 million from PAC to his legal defense

Contributors to Don Perata's political action committee this year might have thought their money would bankroll the attempted recall of state Sen. Jeff Denham or opposition to a legislative redistricting reform measure.

But a day after the Nov. 4 election, and with only a few weeks left as state Senate President Pro Tem, the Oakland Democrat moved $1.5 million from Leadership California into his own legal defense fund, formed to counter a years-long FBI corruption probe.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

'Trying year' ahead for Moraga council

Tucked amid rolling green hills miles from any freeway, Moraga is a quiet town. Its schools are excellent, and the market for the town's high-end homes is relatively well insulated from financial turmoil.

But recently, town politics and government have been anything but tranquil or stable, with bitter battles on the Town Council, an exodus of town staff, questionable record-keeping and looming budget deficits.

The council's new members, sworn in Wednesday night, will face many empty desks at the town's offices. In recent months the town clerk, human resources manager and her assistant all quit. The former town manager left in May, and the police chief's last day is next week.

Perata shifted $1.5 million from PAC to his legal defense

Contributors to Don Perata's political action committee this year might have thought their money would bankroll the attempted recall of state Sen. Jeff Denham or opposition to a legislative redistricting reform measure.

But a day after the Nov. 4 election, and with only a few weeks left as state Senate President Pro Tem, the Oakland Democrat moved $1.5 million from Leadership California into his own legal defense fund, formed to counter a years-long FBI corruption probe.

Perata shifted $1.5 million from PAC to his legal defense

Contributors to Don Perata's political action committee this year might have thought their money would bankroll the attempted recall of state Sen. Jeff Denham or opposition to a legislative redistricting reform measure.

But a day after the Nov. 4 election, and with only a few weeks left as state Senate President Pro Tem, the Oakland Democrat moved $1.5 million from Leadership California into his own legal defense fund, formed to counter a years-long FBI corruption probe.

New battle cry for Dems: Get rid of two-thirds vote on budget

SACRAMENTO — Eliminating the supermajority vote required to pass budgets has become the Democrats' newfound battle cry, especially as another round of potentially lengthy and acrimonious budget negotiations appears inevitable.

Ideally, Democrats would like to be able to pass budgets on time with a simple majority vote, avoid messy negotiations with the minority party, and take full control over where budget cuts are made.

"One of the problems with the current system is the tyranny of the minority — Republicans just holding out," said Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, who will be holding hearings on the subject as chairwoman of the Senate Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments committee. "If the Republican agenda is to shrink government, they just sit and do nothing. We need to restore accountability."

Antioch City Council seeks fifth member

Antioch residents who think they would make a good City Council member have through Monday to apply for the position left open after Mayor Jim Davis was sworn in Tuesday night.

The four members of the newly installed City Council — Davis, Reggie Moore, Mary Rocha and Brian Kalinowski — discarded the options of holding a special election or appointing former councilman Arne Simonsen, instead voting unanimously to interview and choose a new council member from among applicants.

Hoffmeister named Concord mayor

CONCORD — It was in the 1990s that the Concord City Council decided to rotate mayors every year, each member taking a turn.

But on Monday night, Laura Hoffmeister became Concord mayor even though she wasn't next in line.

Councilwoman Helen Allen was vice mayor in 2008, thus supposed to take the top spot. But a few months ago, Councilman Bill Shinn said he'd like to remain mayor for another year, for continuity's sake in the high-stakes Concord Naval Weapons Station planning.

Hoffmeister named Concord mayor

CONCORD — It was in the 1990s that the Concord City Council decided to rotate mayors every year, each member taking a turn.

But on Monday night, Laura Hoffmeister became Concord mayor even though she wasn't next in line.

Councilwoman Helen Allen was vice mayor in 2008, thus supposed to take the top spot. But a few months ago, Councilman Bill Shinn said he'd like to remain mayor for another year, for continuity's sake in the high-stakes Concord Naval Weapons Station planning.

Hoffmeister named Concord mayor

CONCORD — It was in the 1990s that the Concord City Council decided to rotate mayors every year, each member taking a turn.

But on Monday night, Laura Hoffmeister became Concord mayor even though she wasn't next in line.

Councilwoman Helen Allen was vice mayor in 2008, thus supposed to take the top spot. But a few months ago, Councilman Bill Shinn said he'd like to remain mayor for another year, for continuity's sake in the high-stakes Concord Naval Weapons Station planning.

More than 200 Contra Costa positions at stake

Contra Costa supervisors must decide today whether to cut more than 200 county positions, many of them social workers dealing with child and elder abuse, in the aftermath of three high-profile cases of severe mistreatment.

The board must cut $18.5 million from the Employment and Human Services Department after earlier state budget cuts slashed its funding. In total, 203 positions are at stake, about 12 percent of the department. Warning letters have been sent out to affected employees and pink slips will be delivered Dec. 17. The board must make its final decision today as each month of delay would cost the county $2.8 million. Laid-off workers' last days would be Dec. 31.

Tribe, investors face uncertain odds with new administration

Jim Levine stands in the brick-faced emptiness of the historic Winehaven building and waves to where the card tables and slot machines will go, as if cocktail waitresses stand ready to fan across the room.

"We think this will be one of the top tourist destinations in California," he says.

But even if Levine's Upstream Investments and the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians sell Richmond officials on their dream of a shoreline magnet anchored by a Vegas-style casino at the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot, its fate rests squarely in Washington, with an incoming Obama administration that has yet to show its cards.

DeSaulnier: Constitutional convention would fix state's problems

SACRAMENTO — The one issue that has broad consensus in the Capitol is that state government isn't working.

Everything else is up for debate, subject to hard ideological boundaries and harsher structural realities such as strict funding formulas and near-impossible legislative hurdles, such as a two-thirds vote requirement for budgets and taxes.

Into this morass, Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, is offering a solution that's bound to raise the hackles of interest groups and partisan chieftains who thrive on governmental dysfunction. It's a resolution calling for the state's first constitutional convention since 1878.

Industrial safety law celebrates 10 years

Contra Costa Administrator Phil Batchelor's assistant stepped into the closed-session Board of Supervisors meeting, whispered something to his boss and slipped him a note.

Clearing his throat, Batchelor announced: "There's been a very large explosion at Tosco."

"I remember it like it was yesterday," state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, said. It was Feb. 23, 1999, when an accidental explosion killed four workers and severely burned a fifth at a troubled Martinez refinery. Many say it was the low point for Contra Costa's refinery belt. The timing could not have been worse.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's New Deal

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.

Dec. 2

I felt some major dj vu this morning as I read the news release Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sent out from the National Governors Association conference he's attending in Philadelphia, where he's hobnobbing with his peers as well as with President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. He was urging Obama to make a big, immediate national investment in infrastructure both to kick-start economic growth through job creation and to lay groundwork for future decades of global competition.

Harpham takes third Moraga council seat

On election night, Howard Harpham was expecting closure. He didn't get it; he led Janice Kolbe for the third seat on Moraga's Town Council by only seven votes with thousands left uncounted.

It took nearly a month for his victory over Kolbe to be official. He received 32 more votes than she did, out of more than 19,000 votes cast. Each voter could vote for three candidates.

"It's anti-climactic," Harpham said Tuesday, when the election results were certified. "You stagger across the finish line and everyone in the stadium's gone home ... it's kind of a lonely victory lap."

Orinda council braces for challenging year

ORINDA — Orinda City Council members Sue Severson and Thomas McCormick were chosen this week to serve as the new mayor and vice mayor, and they face a financially lean year during which fixing roads, storm drains and fire hydrant water flow are top priorities.

Despite the challenges, both say they are confident the city is moving in the right direction

"I found that it's very productive to bring people and groups together in a collaborative way," Severson said of watching and learning from former mayor Victoria Smith, whom council members agreed led with a steady hand.

Will local House members oppose Bush pardons?

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

Nov. 24

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., late last week introduced H.Res. 1531, urging President Bush not to pardon senior administration officials for whatever crimes the President might have authorized. The legislation resolves that:

(1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the granting of preemptive pardons by the President to senior officials of his administration for acts they may have taken in the course of their official duties is a dangerous abuse of the pardon power;

Concord leaders debating homeless accommodations on weapons station land

CONCORD — City leaders are debating how to accommodate some of the county's homeless population on the shuttered Concord Naval Weapons Station.

City Council members are trying to decide whether Concord should put $25 million into a trust for homeless services and housing throughout the county, or instead approve a plan for 260 "homeless" housing units on the former military base. The federal government, through its base closure laws, requires that communities overseeing a base closure dedicate part of the land or money made off it to homeless causes.

Concord leaders debating homeless accommodations on weapons station land

CONCORD — City leaders are debating how to accommodate some of the county's homeless population on the shuttered Concord Naval Weapons Station.

City Council members are trying to decide whether Concord should put $25 million into a trust for homeless services and housing throughout the county, or instead approve a plan for 260 "homeless" housing units on the former military base. The federal government, through its base closure laws, requires that communities overseeing a base closure dedicate part of the land or money made off it to homeless causes.

Concord approves Lowe's shopping center after two years of debate

By Tanya Rose

STAFF WRITER

CONCORD — City leaders on Monday approved a long-controversial Wal-Mart shopping center — but without the Wal-Mart.

After two years of applications, appeals and emotional hand-wringing, the Concord City Council approved what is now called the Lowe's shopping center, to be on 28 acres along Arnold Industrial Way.

The presence of a 24-hour Wal-Mart stalled the plans last year, when the council voted against the project because of traffic and crime they feared the retail giant would bring.

Concord approves Lowe's shopping center after two years of debate

By Tanya Rose

STAFF WRITER

CONCORD — City leaders on Monday approved a long-controversial Wal-Mart shopping center — but without the Wal-Mart.

After two years of applications, appeals and emotional hand-wringing, the Concord City Council approved what is now called the Lowe's shopping center, to be on 28 acres along Arnold Industrial Way.

The presence of a 24-hour Wal-Mart stalled the plans last year, when the council voted against the project because of traffic and crime they feared the retail giant would bring.

Concord approves Lowe's shopping center after two years of debate

By Tanya Rose

STAFF WRITER

CONCORD — City leaders on Monday approved a long-controversial Wal-Mart shopping center — but without the Wal-Mart.

After two years of applications, appeals and emotional hand-wringing, the Concord City Council approved what is now called the Lowe's shopping center, to be on 28 acres along Arnold Industrial Way.

The presence of a 24-hour Wal-Mart stalled the plans last year, when the council voted against the project because of traffic and crime they feared the retail giant would bring.

Concord approves Lowe's shopping center after two years of debate

By Tanya Rose

STAFF WRITER

CONCORD — City leaders on Monday approved a long-controversial Wal-Mart shopping center — but without the Wal-Mart.

After two years of applications, appeals and emotional hand-wringing, the Concord City Council approved what is now called the Lowe's shopping center, to be on 28 acres along Arnold Industrial Way.

The presence of a 24-hour Wal-Mart stalled the plans last year, when the council voted against the project because of traffic and crime they feared the retail giant would bring.

Alameda lawmaker seeks crackdown on pimps, johns who victimize children

An East Bay lawmaker has introduced a pair of assembly bills aimed at hitting pimps and johns who victimize children where it hurts them most.

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, wasted no time, introducing his AB 16 and AB 17 on Monday, the new Legislature's very first day.

AB 16, the "Human Trafficking Penalties Act," would increase criminal penalties for pimping, pandering, trafficking or buying underage youth for sexual purposes by upgrading such offenses to qualify as "serious felonies," the type considered a strike under California's three-strikes sentencing law.

Alameda lawmaker seeks crackdown on pimps, johns who victimize children

An East Bay lawmaker has introduced a pair of assembly bills aimed at hitting pimps and johns who victimize children where it hurts them most.

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, wasted no time, introducing his AB 16 and AB 17 on Monday, the new Legislature's very first day.

AB 16, the "Human Trafficking Penalties Act," would increase criminal penalties for pimping, pandering, trafficking or buying underage youth for sexual purposes by upgrading such offenses to qualify as "serious felonies," the type considered a strike under California's three-strikes sentencing law.

Alameda lawmaker seeks crackdown on pimps, johns who victimize children

An East Bay lawmaker has introduced a pair of assembly bills aimed at hitting pimps and johns who victimize children where it hurts them most.

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, wasted no time, introducing his AB 16 and AB 17 on Monday, the new Legislature's very first day.

AB 16, the "Human Trafficking Penalties Act," would increase criminal penalties for pimping, pandering, trafficking or buying underage youth for sexual purposes by upgrading such offenses to qualify as "serious felonies," the type considered a strike under California's three-strikes sentencing law.

Alameda lawmaker seeks crackdown on pimps, johns who victimize children

An East Bay lawmaker has introduced a pair of assembly bills aimed at hitting pimps and johns who victimize children where it hurts them most.

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, wasted no time, introducing his AB 16 and AB 17 on Monday, the new Legislature's very first day.

AB 16, the "Human Trafficking Penalties Act," would increase criminal penalties for pimping, pandering, trafficking or buying underage youth for sexual purposes by upgrading such offenses to qualify as "serious felonies," the type considered a strike under California's three-strikes sentencing law.

Alameda lawmaker seeks crackdown on pimps, johns who victimize children

An East Bay lawmaker has introduced a pair of assembly bills aimed at hitting pimps and johns who victimize children where it hurts them most.

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Alameda, wasted no time, introducing his AB 16 and AB 17 on Monday, the new Legislature's very first day.

AB 16, the "Human Trafficking Penalties Act," would increase criminal penalties for pimping, pandering, trafficking or buying underage youth for sexual purposes by upgrading such offenses to qualify as "serious felonies," the type considered a strike under California's three-strikes sentencing law.

What will it take to break Capitol budget gridlock?

SACRAMENTO — As the Legislature's latest attempt to fix the state's fiscal mess ended once again in a bout of partisan sniping and no visible progress, something surprising happened: Hints began to emerge of the possible contours of a compromise.

All year, Republicans have refused to entertain raising taxes, without which Democrats and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger insist the state's massive deficit — $28 billion through mid-2010 — can't possibly be closed. At least a handful of GOP votes are needed because of California's two-thirds supermajority requirement to increase taxes.

What will it take to break Capitol budget gridlock?

SACRAMENTO — As the Legislature's latest attempt to fix the state's fiscal mess ended once again in a bout of partisan sniping and no visible progress, something surprising happened: Hints began to emerge of the possible contours of a compromise.

All year, Republicans have refused to entertain raising taxes, without which Democrats and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger insist the state's massive deficit — $28 billion through mid-2010 — can't possibly be closed. At least a handful of GOP votes are needed because of California's two-thirds supermajority requirement to increase taxes.

What will it take to break Capitol budget gridlock?

SACRAMENTO — As the Legislature's latest attempt to fix the state's fiscal mess ended once again in a bout of partisan sniping and no visible progress, something surprising happened: Hints began to emerge of the possible contours of a compromise.

All year, Republicans have refused to entertain raising taxes, without which Democrats and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger insist the state's massive deficit — $28 billion through mid-2010 — can't possibly be closed. At least a handful of GOP votes are needed because of California's two-thirds supermajority requirement to increase taxes.

What will it take to break Capitol budget gridlock?

SACRAMENTO — As the Legislature's latest attempt to fix the state's fiscal mess ended once again in a bout of partisan sniping and no visible progress, something surprising happened: Hints began to emerge of the possible contours of a compromise.

All year, Republicans have refused to entertain raising taxes, without which Democrats and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger insist the state's massive deficit — $28 billion through mid-2010 — can't possibly be closed. At least a handful of GOP votes are needed because of California's two-thirds supermajority requirement to increase taxes.