Legislation would strip UC of independence

Legislation introduced this week would strip the University of California of most of its constitutional independence, a move the university called "absurd."

The constitutional amendment was proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, who said UC spends too much on administrative salaries. The measures, which must be approved by both legislators and voters, would put the 10-campus university system under legislative control.

Legislation would strip UC of independence

Legislation introduced this week would strip the University of California of most of its constitutional independence, a move the university called "absurd."

The constitutional amendment was proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, who said UC spends too much on administrative salaries. The measures, which must be approved by both legislators and voters, would put the 10-campus university system under legislative control.

Legislation would strip UC of independence

Legislation introduced this week would strip the University of California of most of its constitutional independence, a move the university called "absurd."

The constitutional amendment was proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, who said UC spends too much on administrative salaries. The measures, which must be approved by both legislators and voters, would put the 10-campus university system under legislative control.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Contra Costa braces for deeper budget cuts in core programs

MARTINEZ — State budget cuts and further dire economic predictions will force Contra Costa to shutter entire departments, consolidate others, lay off employees and turn successful programs into a shadow of their former selves, the county administrator warned supervisors Tuesday.

"We will have to look at how we can restructure the county," David Twa said.

In addition to almost $150 million in county cuts since May, Contra Costa waits for yet another shoe to drop as the state untangles a $25 billion mess. Health services and employment and human services expect to get hit the hardest in the latest round of cuts.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

Old rules for lighting up in Contra Costa may be up in smoke

Apartment landlords would have to alert prospective tenants of which neighbors smoke and how they handle cigarette complaints under an updated secondhand smoking ordinance Contra Costa supervisors will discuss today.

The supervisors will vote on recommendations that add teeth to already strict smoking regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The ordinance could also hold restaurant owners liable for smoking in outdoor dining areas, a regulation that some proprietors have been ignoring, said Wendel Brunner, Contra Costa's public health director.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

U.S. Supreme Court lets medical pot law stand

The U.S. Supreme Court has killed a lawsuit that sought to challenge the validity of one of California's key medical marijuana laws.

By refusing Monday to review the lawsuit brought in 2006 by San Diego County and later joined by San Bernardino County, the court let stand the state law requiring counties to issue identification cards to qualified medical marijuana patients. The ID card program was adopted in 2004 under SB420, the Medical Marijuana Program Act; the cards are meant to protect patients by helping law enforcement officers discern protected medical marijuana use from illicit recreational use.

Plan for East County fire board fails

MARTINEZ — Supervisors' plan to create an East Contra Costa County fire board to solve financial and staffing issues has failed, a fire chief said Tuesday.

The cities of Oakley and Brentwood have balked at joining the alliance, saying the economics and timing won't work, according to acting East Contra Costa Fire Protection District chief Hugh Henderson.

"We don't want to force government on cities that don't want it," said Supervisor Mary Piepho, of Discovery Bay, whose district includes that department.

Lawmakers to scrutinize accounting firms

SACRAMENTO — Experts are urging California lawmakers to aggressively scrutinize major accounting firms, under fire for their part in the collapse of financial institutions around the country.

They called for stricter penalties for firms that turn in fraudulent audits that favor their clients over the public — including banning them from practicing in California.

The trail of financial deception — from Bernie Madoff's so-called Ponzi scheme that ripped off investors of $50 billion to alleged fraudulent accounting by KPMG in its handling of failed California subprime mortgage lender New Century — "can lead one to believe the public can't rely on the accuracy of financial documents of publicly traded companies," said Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, the chairman of the Assembly Banking and Finance committee.

Brown, Newsom foreshadow age-vs.-youth battle

SACRAMENTO — The 2010 Democratic primary campaign for governor hasn't quite kicked off, given that two of the top three prospects have yet to declare their candidacies. But Saturday, state party delegates got a foreshadowing of what could emerge as competing themes among Democrats over the next year: age and experience versus youth and change.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who announced his candidacy last week, played up the change part at the Democrats' convention, and took some glancing, if coded, blows at a presumptive candidate, state Attorney General Jerry Brown, saying, "California can't keep returning to the same old, tired ideas and expect a different result."

Brown, Newsom foreshadow age-vs.-youth battle

SACRAMENTO — The 2010 Democratic primary campaign for governor hasn't quite kicked off, given that two of the top three prospects have yet to declare their candidacies. But Saturday, state party delegates got a foreshadowing of what could emerge as competing themes among Democrats over the next year: age and experience versus youth and change.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who announced his candidacy last week, played up the change part at the Democrats' convention, and took some glancing, if coded, blows at a presumptive candidate, state Attorney General Jerry Brown, saying, "California can't keep returning to the same old, tired ideas and expect a different result."

Brown, Newsom foreshadow age-vs.-youth battle

SACRAMENTO — The 2010 Democratic primary campaign for governor hasn't quite kicked off, given that two of the top three prospects have yet to declare their candidacies. But Saturday, state party delegates got a foreshadowing of what could emerge as competing themes among Democrats over the next year: age and experience versus youth and change.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who announced his candidacy last week, played up the change part at the Democrats' convention, and took some glancing, if coded, blows at a presumptive candidate, state Attorney General Jerry Brown, saying, "California can't keep returning to the same old, tired ideas and expect a different result."

Antioch urging county to maintain misdemeanor prosecutions

Fearing a surge in criminal activity, Antioch leaders agreed this week to send a letter to Contra Costa County supervisors protesting funding cuts to the District Attorney's Office.

Those cuts prompted District Attorney Robert Kochly to announce earlier this month that his office would forgo prosecuting many misdemeanor offenses.

Originally expected to go into effect next week, that policy was put off for the foreseeable future earlier this week at an emergency public safety hearing before the board of supervisors. Kochly announced developments that would allow normal prosecutions to continue through the fall.

Antioch urging county to maintain misdemeanor prosecutions

Fearing a surge in criminal activity, Antioch leaders agreed this week to send a letter to Contra Costa County supervisors protesting funding cuts to the District Attorney's Office.

Those cuts prompted District Attorney Robert Kochly to announce earlier this month that his office would forgo prosecuting many misdemeanor offenses.

Originally expected to go into effect next week, that policy was put off for the foreseeable future earlier this week at an emergency public safety hearing before the board of supervisors. Kochly announced developments that would allow normal prosecutions to continue through the fall.

Antioch urging county to maintain misdemeanor prosecutions

Fearing a surge in criminal activity, Antioch leaders agreed this week to send a letter to Contra Costa County supervisors protesting funding cuts to the District Attorney's Office.

Those cuts prompted District Attorney Robert Kochly to announce earlier this month that his office would forgo prosecuting many misdemeanor offenses.

Originally expected to go into effect next week, that policy was put off for the foreseeable future earlier this week at an emergency public safety hearing before the board of supervisors. Kochly announced developments that would allow normal prosecutions to continue through the fall.

Antioch urging county to maintain misdemeanor prosecutions

Fearing a surge in criminal activity, Antioch leaders agreed this week to send a letter to Contra Costa County supervisors protesting funding cuts to the District Attorney's Office.

Those cuts prompted District Attorney Robert Kochly to announce earlier this month that his office would forgo prosecuting many misdemeanor offenses.

Originally expected to go into effect next week, that policy was put off for the foreseeable future earlier this week at an emergency public safety hearing before the board of supervisors. Kochly announced developments that would allow normal prosecutions to continue through the fall.

Will Contra Costa supervisors dip into reserves?

After cutting more than $150 million from Contra Costa's budget since May, supervisors will vote today whether to use reserve funds for the first time this fiscal year.

The board will need a four-fifths vote to use $1.5 million in reserves to bolster the county's health care clinics, which anticipate a wave of new clients now that the county will no longer cover nonemergency health care for undocumented adults.

The one-time-only reserve expenditure would ramp up clinics that expect to provide the bulk of health care for an estimated 5,500 undocumented residents in the county. Supervisors recently stopped covering that population to save $6 million annually.

2009 Earth Day is special, says green jobs czar

A former Oakland activist now serving as President Barack Obama's "green jobs czar" said this week's Earth Day observance is special because of the new administration.

"As we move forward, one of the big differences is that we recognize now that the debate over whether we can do right by the environment and right by the economy at the same time is over," said Van Jones, appointed in March as special adviser for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

2009 Earth Day is special, says green jobs czar

A former Oakland activist now serving as President Barack Obama's "green jobs czar" said this week's Earth Day observance is special because of the new administration.

"As we move forward, one of the big differences is that we recognize now that the debate over whether we can do right by the environment and right by the economy at the same time is over," said Van Jones, appointed in March as special adviser for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

2009 Earth Day is special, says green jobs czar

A former Oakland activist now serving as President Barack Obama's "green jobs czar" said this week's Earth Day observance is special because of the new administration.

"As we move forward, one of the big differences is that we recognize now that the debate over whether we can do right by the environment and right by the economy at the same time is over," said Van Jones, appointed in March as special adviser for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Obama's energy czar visits Oakland program

OAKLAND — President Barack Obama's energy and climate-change czar seemed to like what she saw at a green-jobs training program Friday in West Oakland.

"It is so impressive what you all are doing," Carol Browner said while visiting the Cypress Mandela Training Center on Poplar Street, noting this was her first solo field trip in her capacity as head of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change.

"I work for a president who absolutely believes that at the heart of our economic recovery, our economic future, are green jobs," she said, citing $600 million in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus bill for green-jobs training programs like Oakland's which will produce "good homegrown domestic jobs that can't be exported."

Concord leaders take 5 percent pay cut to help ease budget woes

CONCORD — Top Concord employees have volunteered to take a 5-percent pay cut next fiscal year to help ease the city's $10 million budget shortfall.

City Manager Dan Keen and his entire executive team — 11 people in all — will take the hit by taking 13 unpaid furlough days between July and next June. On top of that, city contributions to their 401K plans will be suspended, as will their "pay for performance" merit awards and annual $2,000 flexible benefit payments.

Union City pastor, anti-abortion leader released from jail

OAKLAND — After 18 days in jail for violating a city law designed to protect women entering abortion clinics, a Berkeley church elder went free Tuesday with a wider, louder network of anti-abortion supporters than before he went to trial.

The sidewalk near Jack London Square that Walter Hoye patrolled weekly — accompanied by two elderly church women — drew a crowd of a few dozen protesters Tuesday morning for another in a series of vigils aimed at painting the law as an attack on free speech. Now, as Hoye pushes to reverse a judge's order to stay away from the clinic, his backers said the city's year-old "bubble law" — which bans approaching within 8 feet of a potential client trying to enter a clinic — has backfired.

Bill would require brain-injury training for high school coaches

An East Bay lawmaker wants high school coaches to be trained to recognize and manage signs of traumatic brain injury, like the kind that recently claimed the life of actress Natasha Richardson.

AB533, legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward, was introduced Feb. 25. It will be heard by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would require not only that coaches be trained to look for and deal with signs of head and neck injuries, concussions, second-impact syndrome, asthma attacks, heatstroke and heart attack, but also that they be trained in emergency action planning and communicating effectively with 911 emergency services.

Bill would require brain-injury training for high school coaches

An East Bay lawmaker wants high school coaches to be trained to recognize and manage signs of traumatic brain injury, like the kind that recently claimed the life of actress Natasha Richardson.

AB533, legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward, was introduced Feb. 25. It will be heard by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would require not only that coaches be trained to look for and deal with signs of head and neck injuries, concussions, second-impact syndrome, asthma attacks, heatstroke and heart attack, but also that they be trained in emergency action planning and communicating effectively with 911 emergency services.

Bill would require brain-injury training for high school coaches

An East Bay lawmaker wants high school coaches to be trained to recognize and manage signs of traumatic brain injury, like the kind that recently claimed the life of actress Natasha Richardson.

AB533, legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward, was introduced Feb. 25. It will be heard by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would require not only that coaches be trained to look for and deal with signs of head and neck injuries, concussions, second-impact syndrome, asthma attacks, heatstroke and heart attack, but also that they be trained in emergency action planning and communicating effectively with 911 emergency services.

Bill would require brain-injury training for high school coaches

An East Bay lawmaker wants high school coaches to be trained to recognize and manage signs of traumatic brain injury, like the kind that recently claimed the life of actress Natasha Richardson.

AB533, legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward, was introduced Feb. 25. It will be heard by the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday.

The bill would require not only that coaches be trained to look for and deal with signs of head and neck injuries, concussions, second-impact syndrome, asthma attacks, heatstroke and heart attack, but also that they be trained in emergency action planning and communicating effectively with 911 emergency services.

Energy efficiency, 'green' jobs targeted in bills

Former windmill guru Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, introduced three bills this week designed to squeeze more efficiency out of the nation's electrical grid and train young people for so-called "green" jobs.

The Smart Grid Advancement Act would require utility companies and states to plan for the use of technology that allows appliances such as refrigerators to reduce their draw on the electricity grid during peak use hours.

The shift would spread out demand for electricity and reduce costs associated with the construction of high-capacity plants required to meet the peak demand hours, McNerney said.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Underwear company to shrink work week to save jobs

Two-hundred employees at an underwear manufacturing company in Nova Scotia can expect to be working a four-day week next month to avoid layoffs.

The work-sharing plan involves half the workforce at the Stanfield's operation in Truro.

"What we've seen since Dec. 1 is softer retail sales, and that seems to be continuing. That obviously means we can't keep our people busy full time," said Andrew Sears, the company's vice-president of manufacturing.

Oakley council member fined for gift received in 2005

An Oakley council member has been fined by a state agency for basketball tickets he received nearly four years ago.

Councilman Kevin Romick was fined $390 by the Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting tickets to a Golden State Warriors game in 2005 from developer KB Homes after it installed refurbished basketball courts at Oakley School.

Romick said he, his wife and two daughters were given tickets to the game by the developer, which was recognized during halftime. Councilwoman Pat Anderson was also given tickets to the game, which was City of Oakley night.

Oakley council member fined for gift received in 2005

An Oakley council member has been fined by a state agency for basketball tickets he received nearly four years ago.

Councilman Kevin Romick was fined $390 by the Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting tickets to a Golden State Warriors game in 2005 from developer KB Homes after it installed refurbished basketball courts at Oakley School.

Romick said he, his wife and two daughters were given tickets to the game by the developer, which was recognized during halftime. Councilwoman Pat Anderson was also given tickets to the game, which was City of Oakley night.

Oakley council member fined for gift received in 2005

An Oakley council member has been fined by a state agency for basketball tickets he received nearly four years ago.

Councilman Kevin Romick was fined $390 by the Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting tickets to a Golden State Warriors game in 2005 from developer KB Homes after it installed refurbished basketball courts at Oakley School.

Romick said he, his wife and two daughters were given tickets to the game by the developer, which was recognized during halftime. Councilwoman Pat Anderson was also given tickets to the game, which was City of Oakley night.

Oakley council member fined for gift received in 2005

An Oakley council member has been fined by a state agency for basketball tickets he received nearly four years ago.

Councilman Kevin Romick was fined $390 by the Fair Political Practices Commission for accepting tickets to a Golden State Warriors game in 2005 from developer KB Homes after it installed refurbished basketball courts at Oakley School.

Romick said he, his wife and two daughters were given tickets to the game by the developer, which was recognized during halftime. Councilwoman Pat Anderson was also given tickets to the game, which was City of Oakley night.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

California's middling online record performance

California may be America's hub of technological innovation, but it ranks in the middle of the country in providing government information to the public online, according to an audit released recently.

Texas ranked first. It was the only state that provided Internet access to all 20 types of records that were surveyed — from school bus safety documents to performance audits to reports on gas stations that skimp on a gallon of fuel.

Right wing to get its time at Berkeley

BERKELEY — Conservative politics are coming to UC Berkeley — at least in an academic sense.

An anonymous donor has given $777,000 to the university to establish a Center for the Comparative Study of Right-wing Movements. Researchers will study the right wing in other countries and its relationship to U.S. movements.

Conservative movements have been largely ignored in academia, said Larry Rosenthal, a sociologist who will oversee the center.

State court upholds tuna canners' exemptions

A state appeals court on Wednesday refused to reverse a 2006 court decision exempting tuna canners from California's toxic substances warning law.

The decision by a three-judge panel in the 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco is the latest setback in a five-year quest by the California Attorney General's Office to compel tuna companies to issue advisories about the health risks of tuna consumption at either the point of purchase, on product labels or through public education campaigns.

S.F. prosecutor tapped by Obama to investigate terror suspect interrogation policy

A federal prosecutor in San Francisco will lead a task force investigating the government's policies on interrogating terrorism suspects, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced Wednesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Wilson, now chief of the National Security Unit in the U.S. attorney's office for the Northern District of California, will lead the task force created under President Barack Obama's Jan. 22 executive order seeking to balance national security needs with American human rights values.

Right wing to get its time at Berkeley

BERKELEY — Conservative politics are coming to UC Berkeley — at least in an academic sense.

An anonymous donor has given $777,000 to the university to establish a Center for the Comparative Study of Right-wing Movements. Researchers will study the right wing in other countries and its relationship to U.S. movements.

Conservative movements have been largely ignored in academia, said Larry Rosenthal, a sociologist who will oversee the center.

State court upholds tuna canners' exemptions

A state appeals court on Wednesday refused to reverse a 2006 court decision exempting tuna canners from California's toxic substances warning law.

The decision by a three-judge panel in the 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco is the latest setback in a five-year quest by the California Attorney General's Office to compel tuna companies to issue advisories about the health risks of tuna consumption at either the point of purchase, on product labels or through public education campaigns.

S.F. prosecutor tapped by Obama to investigate terror suspect interrogation policy

A federal prosecutor in San Francisco will lead a task force investigating the government's policies on interrogating terrorism suspects, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced Wednesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Wilson, now chief of the National Security Unit in the U.S. attorney's office for the Northern District of California, will lead the task force created under President Barack Obama's Jan. 22 executive order seeking to balance national security needs with American human rights values.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Voters almost got left out of Tuesday's Alamo incorporation vote

Contra Costa County election workers spent Friday delivering sample ballots and other election materials by hand to a few dozen Alamo voters who were accidentally left off the mailing lists for Tuesday's vote.

Meanwhile, both sides of Measure A, which if passed will incorporate the area into a town, entered their final weekend of campaigning on the hotly debated issue. On the ballot are more than a dozen candidates, most of whom support incorporation, vying for five council seats if the measure passes. The top vote-getters will be elected.

Multiple-defendant, gang-related homicide cases costing Contra Costa County

Contra Costa's campaign to contain gang violence has turned up an unanticipated cost by greatly multiplying the number of private attorneys paid with taxpayer dollars to defend people held on murder charges.

In the most prominent example this year, eight of nine gang members accused of killing five people in West Contra Costa must be represented by private attorneys, stretching a depleted special fund the county expects to be $1.3 million in the red at the end of the fiscal year.

Multiple-defendant, gang-related homicide cases costing Contra Costa County

Contra Costa's campaign to contain gang violence has turned up an unanticipated cost by greatly multiplying the number of private attorneys paid with taxpayer dollars to defend people held on murder charges.

In the most prominent example this year, eight of nine gang members accused of killing five people in West Contra Costa must be represented by private attorneys, stretching a depleted special fund the county expects to be $1.3 million in the red at the end of the fiscal year.

Multiple-defendant, gang-related homicide cases costing Contra Costa County

Contra Costa's campaign to contain gang violence has turned up an unanticipated cost by greatly multiplying the number of private attorneys paid with taxpayer dollars to defend people held on murder charges.

In the most prominent example this year, eight of nine gang members accused of killing five people in West Contra Costa must be represented by private attorneys, stretching a depleted special fund the county expects to be $1.3 million in the red at the end of the fiscal year.

Long list of candidates for Tuesday's Alamo town council vote

Alamo voters will have 15 candidates to pick from when they vote for a Town Council Tuesday.

But first the ballot's main issue — Measure A — will have to pass. That measure will determine if the area incorporates as a town.

Sixteen names will appear on the ballot for five council spots. They are Diane Barley, Bob Connelly, Dennis Johnson, Vicki Koc, Karen McPherson, Steve Mick, Vish More, Kevin Morrow, John Morrow, Randall Nahas, Karl Niyati, Joe Rubay, Grace Schmidt, Roger Smith, Brad Stribling and Brad Waite. Stribling has since dropped out.

Long list of candidates for Tuesday's Alamo town council vote

Alamo voters will have 15 candidates to pick from when they vote for a Town Council Tuesday.

But first the ballot's main issue — Measure A — will have to pass. That measure will determine if the area incorporates as a town.

Sixteen names will appear on the ballot for five council spots. They are Diane Barley, Bob Connelly, Dennis Johnson, Vicki Koc, Karen McPherson, Steve Mick, Vish More, Kevin Morrow, John Morrow, Randall Nahas, Karl Niyati, Joe Rubay, Grace Schmidt, Roger Smith, Brad Stribling and Brad Waite. Stribling has since dropped out.

Campus to celebrate 50 years of John Searle

At 76, not much has slowed for UC Berkeley philosophy professor John Searle.

"I'm in fine shape," he said in a recent phone interview, as he took a break from skiing at Squaw Valley. "I've lost a couple of seconds on my giant slalom, I'll admit."

Searle, a key figure in the Free Speech Movement, has zipped around his share of obstacles in 50 years on the UC Berkeley faculty. On Monday, the philosophy department will honor his half-century with a reception featuring stories about his career.

Long list of candidates for Tuesday's Alamo town council vote

Alamo voters will have 15 candidates to pick from when they vote for a Town Council Tuesday.

But first the ballot's main issue — Measure A — will have to pass. That measure will determine if the area incorporates as a town.

Sixteen names will appear on the ballot for five council spots. They are Diane Barley, Bob Connelly, Dennis Johnson, Vicki Koc, Karen McPherson, Steve Mick, Vish More, Kevin Morrow, John Morrow, Randall Nahas, Karl Niyati, Joe Rubay, Grace Schmidt, Roger Smith, Brad Stribling and Brad Waite. Stribling has since dropped out.

Campus to celebrate 50 years of John Searle

At 76, not much has slowed for UC Berkeley philosophy professor John Searle.

"I'm in fine shape," he said in a recent phone interview, as he took a break from skiing at Squaw Valley. "I've lost a couple of seconds on my giant slalom, I'll admit."

Searle, a key figure in the Free Speech Movement, has zipped around his share of obstacles in 50 years on the UC Berkeley faculty. On Monday, the philosophy department will honor his half-century with a reception featuring stories about his career.

Long list of candidates for Tuesday's Alamo town council vote

Alamo voters will have 15 candidates to pick from when they vote for a Town Council Tuesday.

But first the ballot's main issue — Measure A — will have to pass. That measure will determine if the area incorporates as a town.

Sixteen names will appear on the ballot for five council spots. They are Diane Barley, Bob Connelly, Dennis Johnson, Vicki Koc, Karen McPherson, Steve Mick, Vish More, Kevin Morrow, John Morrow, Randall Nahas, Karl Niyati, Joe Rubay, Grace Schmidt, Roger Smith, Brad Stribling and Brad Waite. Stribling has since dropped out.

Campus to celebrate 50 years of John Searle

At 76, not much has slowed for UC Berkeley philosophy professor John Searle.

"I'm in fine shape," he said in a recent phone interview, as he took a break from skiing at Squaw Valley. "I've lost a couple of seconds on my giant slalom, I'll admit."

Searle, a key figure in the Free Speech Movement, has zipped around his share of obstacles in 50 years on the UC Berkeley faculty. On Monday, the philosophy department will honor his half-century with a reception featuring stories about his career.

State budget: Done deal at last

SACRAMENTO — After all the theatrics at the state Capitol over California's new budget plan, you're probably wondering what the upshot is. Here are some answers:

Q When will the "temporary" sales tax increase take effect, and when will it end?

A The 1-cent-on-the-dollar increase begins April 1, but when it ends depends on the outcome of a ballot measure calling for a cap on state spending. If the spending cap fails, the tax increase ends June 30, 2011. If the cap passes, the tax ends June 30, 2012.

State budget: Done deal at last

SACRAMENTO — After all the theatrics at the state Capitol over California's new budget plan, you're probably wondering what the upshot is. Here are some answers:

Q When will the "temporary" sales tax increase take effect, and when will it end?

A The 1-cent-on-the-dollar increase begins April 1, but when it ends depends on the outcome of a ballot measure calling for a cap on state spending. If the spending cap fails, the tax increase ends June 30, 2011. If the cap passes, the tax ends June 30, 2012.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

UC employees to contribute to pension after 20-year hiatus

University of California employees next year will start contributing at least 2 percent of their pay to the UC pension fund, marking an end to a 20-year contribution hiatus.

UC leaders ended contributions in 1990, saying the retirement fund was gaining enough value on its own. But UC regents this week said economic troubles had led to investment declines, making it time to reverse course.

On April 15, 2010, employees will start contributing 2 percent to the fund. That percentage is expected to increase gradually.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Contra Costa concerned over state budget issues

If the state decides to further defer payments to California counties, Contra Costa's programs and services would be jeopardized, according to the county administrator.

Contra Costa supervisors have cut more than $90 million from the county budget since May, so the governor's proposal of delaying payments by as long as seven months — resulting in a $3.5 billion deferment for the state's 58 counties — could be devastating, David Twa said.

Discovery Bay residents to offer input on increased law enforcement funding

With more than $1 million available for additional law enforcement, Discovery Bay residents will meet tonight to offer their suggestions on how the money should be spent.

The meeting will focus on how Contra Costa Sheriff Warren Rupf should propose to spend a portion of $1.2 million in P-6 District funds — a special tax on certain areas within the county for increased sheriff's services.

Rupf frustrated a number of residents when he made a proposal to the county board of supervisors without consulting the community, Discovery Bay resident Bob Mankin said.

Budget bear takes a bite out of high-tech crime fighting

A regional team of law enforcement specialists that helped crack some high-profile Bay Area crimes by digging into cell phones and computer hard drives shut its doors Friday, another victim of severe state budget cuts that threaten similar teams across the state.

The Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force, which included agencies from Contra Costa, Solano and 11 other counties north to the Oregon border, was among five teams statewide that lost more than 40 percent of their funding in a freeze on public safety grants that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered this month. No new funding was projected for next fiscal year.

Colleges working on own economic stimulus

As Congress works out the details of its economic pick-us-up, community colleges are figuring out how to provide a stimulus of their own.

Enrollment is soaring as tens of thousands of unemployed California workers return to school, and the two-year colleges are renewing efforts to train a relevant work force. But they're trying to do it with the same meager funding that has come to characterize the poor segment of California higher education.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

TD cancels 'inactivity' fee, freezes other charges

The Toronto-Dominion Bank's retail arm said Friday it will hold the line on certain fees in 2009 and has cancelled a $35 charge on unused lines of credit that was to go into effect in late April.

"We recognize that times are challenging for many people right now," Tim Hockey, president of TD Canada Trust, said in a news release. "Holding the line on fees is one tangible way of helping."

Customers and employees had been expressing concerns about the fees, he said. News reports about the line of credit "inactivity" fee suggested the response was closer to outrage than concern.

TD cancels 'inactivity' fee, freezes other charges

The Toronto-Dominion Bank's retail arm said Friday it will hold the line on certain fees in 2009 and has cancelled a $35 charge on unused lines of credit that was to go into effect in late April.

"We recognize that times are challenging for many people right now," Tim Hockey, president of TD Canada Trust, said in a news release. "Holding the line on fees is one tangible way of helping."

Customers and employees had been expressing concerns about the fees, he said. News reports about the line of credit "inactivity" fee suggested the response was closer to outrage than concern.

Crowd's emotions on display as Ayers visits Saint Mary's

MORAGA — The much-anticipated speech by militant-turned-college-professor Bill Ayers at Saint Mary's College attracted nearly 600 people, many of them very clearly in diametrically opposite political camps.

Another 200 people loudly protested Ayers' appearance Wednesday evening outside the packed Soda Center auditorium in an unparalleled level of interest in an academic lecture at the rural, private Catholic college.

Inside, Ayers' 90-minute presentation drew jeers, boos and an emotional outburst from a woman who swore at him and left. He also received plenty of laughs and applause and a few standing ovations from the half of the crowd that liked him.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

Employment Costs Rose at a Slower Pace in the Fourth Quarter

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter, breaking a string of three consecutive increases of 0.7 percent. Weak economic growth and a sluggish labor market continued to put downward pressure on wage and salary growth. Government wage and salary growth plummeted to 0.4 percent.

Total Compensation Lowest on Record

Total compensation rose 2.6 percent year-over-year, the slowest pace on record, as economic growth continues to contract and the labor market remains sluggish. Wages and salaries were up 2.7 percent year-over-year.The slower pace suggests employment costs will not be a concern for labor inflation pressure.

TD cancels 'inactivity' fee, freezes other charges

The Toronto-Dominion Bank's retail arm said Friday it will hold the line on certain fees in 2009 and has cancelled a $35 charge on unused lines of credit that was to go into effect in late April.

"We recognize that times are challenging for many people right now," Tim Hockey, president of TD Canada Trust, said in a news release. "Holding the line on fees is one tangible way of helping."

Customers and employees had been expressing concerns about the fees, he said. News reports about the line of credit "inactivity" fee suggested the response was closer to outrage than concern.

TD cancels 'inactivity' fee, freezes other charges

The Toronto-Dominion Bank's retail arm said Friday it will hold the line on certain fees in 2009 and has cancelled a $35 charge on unused lines of credit that was to go into effect in late April.

"We recognize that times are challenging for many people right now," Tim Hockey, president of TD Canada Trust, said in a news release. "Holding the line on fees is one tangible way of helping."

Customers and employees had been expressing concerns about the fees, he said. News reports about the line of credit "inactivity" fee suggested the response was closer to outrage than concern.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Barbara Lee touts economic stimulus for East Bay

OAKLAND — The East Bay stands to benefit significantly from California's $32 billion share of the economic stimulus package approved by the House this week, Rep. Barbara Lee said Friday.

The Oakland Unified School District alone stands to get almost $45.4 million in 2009 for basic education, special education and construction, Lee, D-Oakland, said at a news conference outside the downtown Oakland federal building, which houses her district office. Projections show OUSD could get another $18.9 million in 2010.

Obama names Oakland attorney to head DOJ Civil Division

President Obama on Thursday nominated Oakland attorney Tony West, a former federal prosecutor and prolific Obama campaign fundraiser, to head the U.S. Department of Justice's civil division.

West, 43, is a litigation partner at Morrison & Foerster in San Francisco, representing people and companies in civil and criminal matters since 2001; perhaps his highest-profile case there has been helping to defend "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh.

Lawsuit against Caldecott fourth bore settled

A barrier threatening to delay or stop construction of the $420 million fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel between Orinda and Oakland was cleared Friday when Caltrans settled a lawsuit with Oakland and Berkeley neighborhood groups worried about noise and traffic from the project.

Now the Highway 24 project to ease traffic congestion needs one more thing to begin: a state budget settlement to free up voter-approved state bond money for the extra bore.

Republicans considering the unthinkable: taxes

SACRAMENTO — Republicans are rethinking the unthinkable: saying yes, though begrudgingly so, to taxes.

It would be a hard break from dogma and would require their members to back down from pledges they've steadfastly upheld for years to avoid tax increases at all costs. But as state lawmakers stare into an abyss that is a $42 billion 18-month budget deficit, previous ideological markers appear to be softening.

But it won't simply be a matter of yielding to the realities of an economic crisis. Republicans are the minority party in both legislative chambers, but they hold huge sway over budget negotiations because a two-thirds vote is required on taxes and the budget. They are hoping to seize the opportunity in negotiations with Democrats.

Concord leaders cut $4 million from budget, take from reserves to stay above water

By Tanya Rose

STAFF WRITER

CONCORD — Waning retail sales and property taxes have dug a $7.2 million hole in the revenue Concord leaders expected when they approved the city budget this summer.

On Thursday night, the City Council decided $1.4 million more out of reserves than originally planned, bringing the total reserve spending to $3.2 million for the year. This is the first time the city has had to use its reserves since the 1990s.

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

The statement issued by the Bank of Canada following Tuesday's policy meeting when the overnight rate was cut by 50 basis points to 1% indicated significant revisions to the Bank of Canada's economic outlook for Canada, with the real GDP forecast to contract by 1.2% in 2009, a marked downgrade from the October forecast for a 0.6% increase. The details of this forecast change were released in this morning's Monetary Policy Report Update.

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

The statement issued by the Bank of Canada following Tuesday's policy meeting when the overnight rate was cut by 50 basis points to 1% indicated significant revisions to the Bank of Canada's economic outlook for Canada, with the real GDP forecast to contract by 1.2% in 2009, a marked downgrade from the October forecast for a 0.6% increase. The details of this forecast change were released in this morning's Monetary Policy Report Update.

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

The statement issued by the Bank of Canada following Tuesday's policy meeting when the overnight rate was cut by 50 basis points to 1% indicated significant revisions to the Bank of Canada's economic outlook for Canada, with the real GDP forecast to contract by 1.2% in 2009, a marked downgrade from the October forecast for a 0.6% increase. The details of this forecast change were released in this morning's Monetary Policy Report Update.

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

Bank of Canada's Monetary Policy Report Update Fleshes out Details of Economic Forecast

The statement issued by the Bank of Canada following Tuesday's policy meeting when the overnight rate was cut by 50 basis points to 1% indicated significant revisions to the Bank of Canada's economic outlook for Canada, with the real GDP forecast to contract by 1.2% in 2009, a marked downgrade from the October forecast for a 0.6% increase. The details of this forecast change were released in this morning's Monetary Policy Report Update.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts,

Yen Spikes Higher in NY Trading on Expiring Options Contracts, US Equities Recover From Yesterday's Losses

UK Claimant Count Increases by 78K in December

The UK economy shed 77.9K jobs in December, a number that came in lower than expectation but is still the second-highest amount since 1991. The total people now claiming jobless benefits rose to 1.16 million, the highest level since 2000. The pace of firings has picked up as the labor market continued to deteriorate to end the 4th quarter. The ails that have bogged down the UK financial sector as a result of the credit crunch, has spread to services and manufacturing, impacting the real economy in a very tangible way.

Singer-activist Michael Franti ready to usher in new era

That doesn't mean he won't try.

"A huge cloud has been lifted," says the activist and frontman for Bay-Area-based hip-hop/reggae band Michael Franti & Spearhead, which is playing two inaugural events in Washington D.C. this week. "Now we have an opportunity for change and we have an opportunity to not only hold (Barack Obama) accountable to his promises, but help him achieve them."

Oakland-born Franti, 41, has been one of music's most vocal opponents of the Bush administration. But his history of activism goes back much further, to his days as an upstart hip-hop artist in the Beatnigs, then with the socially conscious band Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy before forming Spearhead 15 years ago.

College chancellor up for 18 percent raise

Concerned about losing their well-liked chancellor, board members in the Contra Costa Community College District will vote next week whether to give her an 18 percent raise.

Helen Benjamin, who has been widely complimented for steadying what was a turbulent district, would see her salary go to $247,000 from just less than $209,000. She took the reins of the three-college district in 2005.

Although the decision comes amid uncertain budget times, board members and others said the district must keep Benjamin from fleeing to greener pastures. Benjamin's salary is lower than that of nearly every other Bay Area chancellor, according to figures from the state chancellor's office.

Rep. George Miller: 'Challenges unlike any I have seen

This interview with Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, was conducted by staff writer Lisa Vorderbrueggen.

Q: There is a lot going on in our country as we prepare to swear in a new president. What's going to be different about your 35th year in Congress?

A. As it turns out, a lot of things will be different. Obviously, we will have a historic event taking place with the election of the first African-American president.

We also have the worst economy in my lifetime, and a set of challenges unlike any I have seen in my public life. And that's just opening day. (Laughs.)

Concord approves plan for former military base

Concord leaders on Monday night unanimously approved a plan for the mothballed Concord Naval Weapons Station that includes intense development near BART, "greenways" that would connect people to a sprawling college campus and three small residential villages framed by manicured parks.

The "clustered villages" concept calls for 28,900 people and 12,300 housing units, with about 64 percent of the land set aside as open space.

A final plan, however, is still years away.

Plenty of places to go for inauguration festivities

Whether straining for a glimpse through the chill winter air in Washington, D.C., staring up at an arena's giant screen, or peering between their toes toward a television at the foot of the bed, a tremendous number of Bay Area people will have their eyes glued to Barack Obama's inauguration as president of the United States on Tuesday morning.

For many, the temptation to get up early and be part of a crowd on this historic day is too strong to resist; the excitement and hope many people feel will move them to be among the like-minded for this thrilling moment.

Fair practices panel cracks down on political 'slush funds'

The California Fair Political Practices Commission enacted a new regulation Thursday banning the kind of political committee fund transfers that former state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata engaged in recently.

Perata, D-Oakland, just after Election Day moved $1.5 million from his Leadership California committee — which had raised funds ostensibly to recall a state senator and to oppose a legislative redistricting reform ballot measure, among other things — into his legal defense fund, with which he's battling a years-long FBI corruption probe; he moved another $400,000 in early December.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.

Get a life, local electeds

My colleagues helped me put out a request for local officials' New Year's resolutions and boy, was that a waste of time.

Where are the vows to end secret midnight raids on the bag of Snickers hidden behind the couch? What about the promise to go cold turkey on Guitar Hero? Or that plan to end the chat-room love affair with the gross fat guy who purports to be Angelina Jolie?

Instead, state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier wants to learn Spanish and fix the budget.