Five high school students will vie for the chance to play with Latin music legend Pete Escovedo when the Ventura Music Festival hosts its third annual Student Jazz Competition on Jan. 10. Latin-jazz percussionist Escovedo will appear with his ensemble at Ventura High School Theatre on Feb. 13. (VENTURA, CA) For the third consecutive year, the Ventura Music Festival will sponsor a student jazz competition open to all high school students in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. The live concert competition marks a shift from previous years, when students submitted CDs of their work and judges selected a winner. This year, judges will pick five finalists from submitted CDs. Finalists will perform two songs live on stage with ... more

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that JERALD P. D'SOUZA, 50, of Dublin, Calif., was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 10 years in prison for using the Internet to attempt to commit criminal sex acts with a minor female. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, and the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office. According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez, who prosecuted the case, from December 28, 2008 through February 7, 2009, D'SOUZA used the Internet (YAHOO, MySpace, and chat rooms) to entice an individual he believed was a 13-year-old Truckee gir... more

Hundreds of Sheriff's deputies and FBI agents executed arrest and search warrants this morning in the final phase of a coordinated operation in which members of a violent street gang were taken into custody for their alleged roles in the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in South Los Angeles. The results of today's operation were announced by George S. Cardona, Acting United States Attorney in Los Angeles; Leroy Baca, Sheriff of Los Angeles County, and Keith Bolcar, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles. The announcement of the operation, called "Operation Blood Klot," was made on behalf of multiple agencies that participated in the investigation, including officers with the Los Angeles Cou... more

A Palm Springs man is expected to surrender himself to federal authorities tomorrow morning after being charged with the unauthorized display of numerous Navy medals, including the Navy Cross, which is the highest medal awarded by that branch of the military. Steven Burton, 39, has agreed to surrender tomorrow morning at United States District Court in Riverside, where he will make his initial court appearance at 9:30 a.m. On Friday, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles filed a criminal information that charges Burton with the unauthorized wearing of military medals. Burton, who has never served with any branch of the United States armed services, allegedly was seen and photographed on several occasions wearing military uniforms and ... more

Poet Emily Dickinson may have been a recluse who later in life rarely emerged from the confines of her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, but on Monday, December 14th, the acclaimed 19th century artist will have center stage when This, And My Heart ... a theatre/concert piece interspersing readings of Dickinson's writings with musical settings of her poems ... is presented at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica at 6:30 p.m. "This, And My Heart is a uniquely moving tribute to the great American poet Emily Dickinson," says composer Lori Laitman, whose compositions setting such Dickinson poems as "Will There Really Be A Morning?" and "Dear March, Come In" will be performed by soprano Anne Marie Ketchum and pianist Victoria Kirs... more

SAN FRANCISCO/PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing domestic travel, expanded yesterday to the tenth destination in its growing network - South Florida. The new service connects the Golden State to Florida's Gold Coast, with twice-daily nonstop flights from both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with low one way fares. To mark the service, the airline is passing along some golden opportunities to deal-seekers from coast to coast, inaugural flight guests and the next generation of golden opportunists. "We're pleased to make the world-class South Florida market the newest destination in our ... more

Washington, D.C. ... In an effort to keep terrorist detainees off U.S. soil and out of U.S. courts, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) signed a discharge petition to bring H.R. 2294, the "Keep Terrorists Out of America Act," to the House floor for a vote. Bono Mack issued the following statement: "Like Americans across the country, I am outraged by the Administration's plan to bring some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world to the United States to benefit from the protection of a flag they sought so hard to destroy," said Bono Mack. "It is unacceptable that months after the 'deadline', a clear plan still isn't in place to ensure our national security will not be compromised by such a careless maneuver. "These terrori... more

Washington, D.C. ... Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House Democratic Steering Committee has approved recommendations for committee appointments for two new Members, Congressman John Garamendi of California and Congressman Bill Owens of New York, who were both sworn in earlier this month. "The committees will be well served by the depth of knowledge and fresh perspective Congressman Owens and Congressman Garamendi bring with them to their new assignments," Speaker Pelosi said. "As independent voices for the unique concerns of their constituents, they will be a tremendous resource in the New Direction Congress as we continue to work on behalf of all of America's families." The Steering Committee approved the following reco... more

WASHINGTON, DC ... Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley have helped remove the same amount of air pollution as removing 153,000 cars from California highways, announced Congressman Cardoza. That estimate is based on early projections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. As part of its Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the agency made $22.6 million available last year to help replace older inefficient farm engines and improve farming practices. In all, 586 applicants in California received cost share assistance awards through EQIP. "These results are further proof of something I have said many times over the years: Nobody cares more about the environment than our farmers whose ... more

SACRAMENTO, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ -- Today, the California State Auditor introduced WeDrawTheLines.ca.gov as the official source for all information and questions pertaining to the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission). California voters authorized the creation of the Commission when they passed Proposition 11--also known as the Voters FIRST Act--last year. "By setting up this Web site, WeDrawTheLines.ca.gov, we are making it easier for Californians to get involved in the process that they approved," said Elaine M. Howle, California State Auditor. "This is the place to go on line to receive any and all information about the creation of the Commission, and I encourage all Californians to visit this site regularly." W... more

PASADENA, Calif. The Pasadena Master Chorale (PMC) gave its debut performance only last May but, from the beginning, reaching out to introduce students to the incomparable joy of choral music has been a key part of the choir's mission. During that first concert, the Washington Middle School Glee Club was invited to sing the treble chorus role in Orff's Carmina Burana ... and, this holiday season, the precedent set last spring will continue, when roughly 30 students from John Muir High School, Blair High School and, once again, Washington Middle School join the 75-voice community chorus in "Christmas with the Pasadena Master Chorale." The program of Christmas favorites will take place on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational ... more

(CLEARWATER, FL) ... PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) welcomes Brian Farris as its Corporate Director of Logistics. Farris is joining PODS from Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation based in Concord, NC, where he was vice president of operations for the mid-Atlantic region. He will be responsible for daily operations of fleet management at PODS, including routing, repositioning and executing strategies to streamline PODS network of branded storage containers. Additionally, Farris will manage and secure all vendor relationships and service agreements. ### About PODS Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides service to a population of more than 238 million consumers, and moving and storage services in 48 U.S. states, Canada and... more

California Democratic Party Executive Board passes a resolution calling for end to war in Afghanistan, sends .clear. message to President Obama to not escalate conflict. SAN DIEGO ... The California Democratic Party Executive Board has approved an extraordinary resolution ... to be forwarded to President Obama ... that generally calls for an end to the occupation and air war in Afghanistan. The resolution (ProgressiveCaucusCDP.org), authored by the party.s California Progressive Caucus, calls for a "time-table for withdrawal of military personnel" as well as an end to the use of "mercenary contractors...(and) air strikes that cause heavy civilian casualties." The Executive Board also passed the Legislative Action and Equal Opport... more

Peace Officer Research Association of California backs council candidate. NORTH HOLLWOOD ... California's largest law enforcement organization, the Peace Officer Research Association of California (PORAC), announced Friday that it has endorsed Los Angeles City Council Candidate Paul Krekorian. The PORAC endorsement is extremely important in demonstrating Paul Krekorian's strength as the best public safety candidate in this race, especially following his endorsements by Sheriff Lee Baca and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. "Paul Krekorian is unquestionably the best candidate for public safety in this campaign. We know that Paul will work closely with law enforcement to protect the people of Los Angeles, because he... more

Businesses in Specific Zip Code Areas Notified of Upcoming Visits. The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) has sent letters to 14,924 retail businesses in 14 different zip codes notifying them of upcoming visits by BOE specialists. The affected zip codes receiving letters this month are: San Pedro (90731, 90732); Pasadena (91106); Northridge (91324); Chino (91710); Covina (91723); Monterey Park (91754); Poway (92064); Indio (92201); Beaumont (92223); Garden Grove (92844, 92845); Los Gatos (95030); and Woodland (95695). The BOE specialists will be canvassing the areas to ensure that businesses are properly registered and paying taxes. The new enhanced compliance effort began in September 2008, with 166 zip codes alre... more

Judges recognize Messina Hof as best winery in Texas; wines win People's Choice awards at San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition. BRYAN, TX - Messina Hof Winery & Resort, the fastest-growing award winning winery in Texas, left the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition with one of its most prestigious awards to date. A highly experienced and talented panel of wine critics recognized Messina Hof as "Best of Herd" Winery, or best Texas winery, and two Messina Hof wines won People's Choice awards. "We are proud to be recognized as Texas' best winery based on our long history and performance as a winery," said Paul Bonarrigo, wine-maker and co-founder of Messina Hof Winery & Resort. "We competed with the best Tex... more

NORTH HOLLWOOD ... Pete Sanchez, former City Council candidate and leader of the Valley Village community, endorsed Paul Krekorian this week, another neighborhood advocate to endorse Krekorian. With Sanchez, and former candidates Tamar Galatzan and Mary Benson. Krekorian now has the support of the top-tier finishers in the primary. Their support accounted for about one-quarter of all votes cast on Sept. 22. "I am convinced that there is only one choice for those of us who would like to see a more responsive and accountable City Hall," Sanchez said. "I am supporting Paul Krekorian to be our next City Council Member and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for him. During my campaign, I got to know both candidates and I have studi... more

Jerome E. Horton, Vice Chairman of the California State Board of Equalization (BOE), today announced the expansion of its available online educational products to include the virtual replication of Small Business Fairs and Seminars for Nonprofit Organizations. These online products are a cost effective, convenient way for taxpayers to learn about the BOE tax programs and how to comply with California tax laws. The virtual seminars are designed specifically to enhance the in-person attention taxpayers can get through sales and use tax classes offered in BOE offices, and seminars offered throughout the state. The BOE will soon offer a total virtual one-stop-shop option for Small Business Fairs and Nonprofit Seminars. The s... more

LA Labor 411: Union Directory to help public make ethical consumer choices when purchasing goods and services. Los Angeles ... Today the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO released the second edition of its popular, LA Labor 411, a directory of union goods and services, that this year makes it even easier for consumers to purchase products from employers providing good jobs and benefits. The 2010 edition features more consumer goods, an online shopping guide and comparison charts in various industries that makes comparing hotel meeting spaces, political consultants and printers even more simple. "It is all part of our fight for good, middle class jobs," said Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Executive Secret... more

DeVore for California released a new web video exposing the Carly Fiorina campaign's liaison with Democrats and the left -- and its desperate reliance on a campaign of whispers, rumors, and smears against Chuck DeVore. The video (viewable at http://bit.ly/3RgLZc) walks the viewer through the Fiorina campaign's growing alliance with the Democrat left and its media outlets. DeVore for California campaign manager Leisa Brug Kline said, "Dede Scozzafava waited till she dropped out of the race before working with Democrats to defeat a conservative. Carly Fiorina turned to that tactic in week one. If her campaign wants to engage far-left operatives like Sam Stein as proxies, and work with the Huffington Post to attack Chuck DeVore, th... more

Doten Becomes the Only Young Democrat Elected to California's Delegation to the DNC. San Diego - In a three-day election that ended on Sunday, November 15, 2009, the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party elected two Democrats to California's Democratic National Committee (DNC) delegation: Laurence Zakson and Becca Doten. Zakson is a prominent labor and campaign finance attorney and Doten is the Communications Director for a Los Angeles City councilmember. The election filled two vacancies in the California delegation. The female vacancy was created by the unfortunate passing of Inola Henry earlier this year. Henry was a respected activist and an institution in the California Democratic Party. "Inola was an inspirationa... more

SACRAMENTO ... Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), which aims to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and ensure an adequate supply of water for California in the years ahead. Simitian's Senate Bill 1 (in the Seventh Extraordinary Session) was praised by Governor Schwarzenegger. "For four decades California has been in the midst of a Holy Water War and just last week the legislators came together to approve a comprehensive historic water agreement," said Schwarzenegger. "Today I am excited to be signing the final bill of package that will leave our children and grandchildren a safe, clean and reliable water supply for the next 40, 50, 60 years and beyond." Senate B... more

Oakland ... The Senate and Assembly select committees on Improving State Government convened last week to hear testimony on ballot box budgeting and initiative process reforms. The joint hearing was the second of five highlighting key areas in which the state government needs reform. The committees' work will culminate with the introduction of reform legislation when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Recently released polls show Californians want change, but are unclear how to achieve the change that is truly needed. While Californians want lasting and meaningful reforms, a Public Policy Institute of California report released in September shows waning trust in those who could make the desired reforms. "We think we can change th... more

BURLINGTON, VT ... Democracy for America, our nation's largest progressive political action community, endorsed Henry Vandermeir for DNC Delegate. As president of the California Democratic Council, Vandermeir has focused on bringing training and organizing resources to more than 400 clubs and counties across the state. He has been active in the California Democratic Party for 10 years and currently serves on the executive board. "As a longtime activist and organizer, Henry will ensure that training and organizational resources are a priority on a national level, something that's a high priority for us at DFA," said Jim Dean, Chair of DFA. "We're confident he'll be a voice for progressive Democrats across California." "He's also bee... more

---Theater Review CARBON BLACK, written by Terry Gomez (Comanche) and directed by Randy Reinholz (Choctaw), the Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of Native Voices at the Autry, is billed as a humor-tinged suspenseful psychological drama. The play certainly delivers drama and suspense in a succession of disturbing scenes that tear at the heart and quicken the pulse, but it's hard to find humor in a story about an agoraphobic woman and the young son she's all but imprisoned with her unreasonable fear. Early on we recognize their topsy-turvy relationship. Carbon "Inky" Black (played by Michael Drummond) takes care of his mother, while she struggles to maintain her role as the parent. As the story progresses, we see a constant ... more

To Speaker Pelosi.s dismay, proponents now work to add Congress to Proposition 11 coverage. As census outreach workers begin their efforts to ensure that everyone is counted and the California State Auditor finalizes the regulations and applications for the First Citizens Redistricting Commission under the so-called "California Voters First Act," Democratic political insiders are worried that the Democratic Party.s margin in the California state legislature will be reduced and the Democrats will be even further from the 2/3 majority vote needed to pass a budget. While litigation to block implementation is anticipated, experts from both parties think it likely that there will be at least one election cycle in the districts drawn by t... more

SACRAMENTO ... Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim), a vigorous supporter of legislation to save the Delta and ensure water sustainability for all Californians, congratulated Governor Schwarzenegger for signing the Legislature's historic, comprehensive water bill package that outlines California's water future. The Governor was in Friant yesterday signing SB 2 X7, a bill that authorizes an $11.1 billion water infrastructure bond on next November's statewide ballot. Schwarzenegger called on the Legislature to meet in an extraordinary session to address California's water crisis early in October. Assemblyman Solorio worked tirelessly in the ensuing weeks to garner support — and votes — for the resulting bipartisan water pack... more

In the game of bridge, participants have a partner. But recently members of the Pasadena San Gabriel Bridge Unit 559 developed a unique new partnership when the organization presented a $1000 donation to Elizabeth House, a shelter for homeless pregnant women and their children located in Pasadena. "The Pasadena San Gabriel Bridge Unit has been involved in supporting Elizabeth House for the past several years," Rand Pinsky, Los Angeles County Representative to the National Board of the American Contract Bridge League, told those attending the check presentation ceremony at the San Marino Recreational Center. "I did my own research and found that Elizabeth House is indeed a highly respected organization that is making a difference in this ... more

SAN FRANCISCO ... While Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) called Friday's signing of several water bills "historic," several San Francisco leaders and environmentalists object to the water deal and believe that it is more of a 19th Century solution to a current day problem. "This water package is a bad deal for San Francisco and the Bay-Delta ecosystem," said Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), who voted against the water bills. "Not only does it ignore San Francisco's conservation efforts, it threatens our long-standing water rights. While San Francisco should contribute to the solution, a water deal should not be at such a high expense for our city's residents or jeopardize our state's environment." "This water pa... more

Palm Springs, CA -- In an effort to keep dangerous terrorists out of California, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today launched today an online petition calling on President Obama to keep Guantanamo Bay detainees from being transferred to the State of California. "We as Californians need to band together to let the Administration and the Majority in Congress know that we do not want these dangerous criminals in our prisons or on our streets," said Bono Mack. "I join with the majority of Americans in being outraged by the Administration's decision to bring deadly terrorists to U.S. soil without a clear plan that would ensure our safety." "It is clear that the Majority in Washington is willing to score political points at the exp... more

The report, Dangerous by Design: Solving the Epidemic of Preventable Pedestrian Deaths (and Making Great Neighborhoods), compiles a variety of statistics on America's major metropolitan areas and states. An update of the 2004 Mean Streets report, Dangerous by Design was released by Transportation for America (T4America.org) and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership. While the report included San Francisco with most of the East Bay in its analysis of major metropolitan areas, Walk San Francisco used the same data sources to extract San Francisco-specific numbers. The report found that nationally there are 1.53 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people. In San Francisco, that rate is 2.60 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 peop... more

At 11:15 p.m. Eastern Time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the historic passage of a health care bill revamping the health care system and bringing about the reforms promised by President Obama during the November 2008 election. The vote was 220 to 215 with one Republican, Representative Cao from Louisiana, voting in favor of the bill. The vote capped almost 12 hours of debate during which an amendment was passed to assure that no federal funds would be used to pay for or subsidize any abortions. The health care overhaul was a centerpiece of the Democratic agenda in the 2008 election and dominated the work of Congress during the first 10 months of 2009. With its passage, all eyes are turned toward the United States Senate, whe... more

PASADENA, Calif. Considering that they attend 32 different schools and colleges throughout Southern California, it's probably fair to say that many of the members of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO) are used to traveling varying distances to attend weekly rehearsals in Pasadena. But on Sunday, November 22, at 3:30 p.m. , the orchestra's musicians ... as well as its audience ... will have a chance to 'travel' worldwide via music, when PYMO presents "My Land, My Music" at Sexson Auditorium on the campus of Pasadena City College (PCC). Among the works on the program are The Three Cornered Hat by Manuel de Falla; Finlandia by Jean Sibelius; Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Little Russian; and Aaron Copland's ballet score, Rodeo. ... more

As the House begins to debate the Affordable Health Care for America Act, the following debunks the false claims that Republicans will be expected to make during floor consideration and debate of the bill: 1. GOP CLAIM: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a government takeover of the health care system. WHAT THE BILL ACTUALLY DOES: The Affordable Health Care for America Act builds on the current private, employer-provided health care system ... and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will expand enrollment in private insurance by an estimated 6 million Americans. Rather than creating a "government takeover of health care," the bill is designed to help make the health insuran... more

The ideas that House Republican have put forward as a bill substitute will let insurance companies continue to deny you coverage if you are sick; will do little to make insurance more affordable; and will put insurers ahead of consumers by undermining existing consumer protections. The plan would result in millions of Americans losing the coverage and security they currently have, while giving insurance companies more power to discriminate against patients while accumulating record profits. Rhetoric: The House Republican health care plan expands coverage to those who cannot get insurance now. Reality: The Republicans' bill substitute leaves affordable health insurance out of reach for millions of Americans. >> N... more

WASHINGTON ... Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Chair of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today released the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the Republican substitute amendment to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act: "CBO has confirmed that the Republican substitute isn't a solution, it's the status quo," said Rep. Stark. "They spend $61 billion, and the number of uninsured actually increases relative to today." Some key points about the CBO analysis: >> Doesn't expand health insurance coverage. Seventeen percent of legal, non-elderly residents won't have health insurance ... the same percentage as today. That means in ten years, 52 million Americans ... five million more... more

CBO Estimates Republican Legislation Would Leave 52 Million Americans Uninsured. WASHINGTON, D.C. ... Fifty-two million people would continue to go uninsured if the House Republican health care legislation was enacted, the Congressional Budget Office said tonight. Overall, CBO estimates that the bill would only reduce the number of uninsured by 3 million and would cover 83 percent of Americans by 2019 ... about the same as what would happen under the status quo. In contrast, the House Democratic health insurance reform bill would cover 96 percent of Americans by 2019 and provide an additional 36 million people with access to quality, affordable health care. "Tonight CBO confirmed that the Republicans' only solution for h... more

SACRAMENTO ... Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) recently was recognized as a California Regional Technology Leader for 2009 by TechAmerica. The award is given to legislators who strongly support high-tech in California. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma made the following statement of the award. "I led the effort to pass single sales factor to encourage investment in California by high tech companies, many of whom helped lead the robust economic boom of the '90's," said Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. "If California is to get out of this budget hole, we're going to need to make sure there is a business climate friendly to high tech. I'm honored to be recognized by TechAmerica and thankful for their strong advocacy work on behalf of an industry... more

Lawmaker says "health care reform should improve the quality of care while making the system more affordable and accessible." Washington, DC ... After extensive conversations with her constituents, including her "Medicine Cabinet," Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) today indicated her intention to vote in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. "The present system of emergency room health care is unsustainable," said Harman. "I've said all along that our reform efforts should improve the quality of care while making the system more affordable and accessible. The bill before the House goes a long way toward achieving those goals and I intend to vote for it." Harman's Medicine Cabinet, ... more

Schwarzenegger Administration May Not Be Convinced. Sacramento, CA — US Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.) is asking that the state's government fully restore its funding program for California's domestic violence shelters. In a July line-item veto, Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated the state Domestic Violence Program, cutting $16.3 million that went directly to shelters. Since then six shelters have closed statewide and dozens of others have reduced staff and services. On October 21 the governor signed an emergency bill to partially restore shelter funding, a measure applicable only to fiscal year 09-10. California's community of domestic violence advocates is now asking that the state identify a permanent source of fundi... more

WASHINGTON - Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) praised House passage of Unemployment Insurance Benefits for an additional 20 weeks for workers in California. The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, H.R. 3548, passed by a bipartisan 403 to 12 vote. "Congress must protect those who have not yet found employment," said Rep. Stark. "This bill will allow thousands of our neighbors to pay their mortgages and put food on their tables." H.R. 3548 extends Unemployment Insurance benefits for an additional 14 weeks in all states, and 20 weeks in states, including California, with unemployment rates above 8.5%. The legislation also extends two tax provisions from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credi... more

LOS ANGELES ... Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) joined Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach and other local officials to warn homeowners about misleading and official-looking letters asking for fees to file their property tax reduction requests and to highlight a new law, Assembly Bill 992 (Lieu), which officially outlaws this practice beginning January 1, 2010. "With property values dropping across the state, scammers are preying on unsuspecting homeowners by offering to help lower their property tax bill," said Assemblymember Lieu. "These unscrupulous companies offer to file property tax reduction requests with the county assessor's office, in return for a fee of several hundred dollars from the homeowner. The fact is,... more

HOPE Program would reduce recidivism through closely-monitored probations paired with strict consequences for violators. WASHINGTON, DC ... Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced legislation that will create a new program to fight drug use and crime. The Honest Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Initiative Act, builds on an initiative started in Hawaii that uses intensified supervision of probationers and implements swift and immediate consequences for violators. "There are far too many repeat offenders plaguing our streets and clogging up our judicial system," said Schiff. "Innovative approaches like HOPE help reduce drug use and crime by rehabilitating offenders before long costly jail sente... more

Washington, D.C. ... Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor today in support of H. Res. 895, honoring the lives of the brave soldiers and civilians who died or were wounded in the tragic attack yesterday at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. The House will vote on the legislation later today. Below are the Speaker's remarks. "Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman for his kind remarks. I accept them on behalf of the entire House because we have worked in a bipartisan way on behalf of our men and women in uniform and our veterans. "And I particularly want to salute Chairman Edwards' outstanding leadership in that regard in his position as chair of the Military Construction Quality of Life Subcommittee... more

Health insurance reform opponents continue to spread myths ... now about the recently introduced Affordable Health Care for America Act. Below is a response to many of the myths repeated today at the U.S. Capitol. MYTH: The Affordable Health Care for America Act will lead to a "government takeover" of the health care system. FACT: America.s Affordable Health Choices Act builds on the current private, employer-provided health care system ... and, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will expand enrollment in private insurance by an estimated 6 million Americans. Rather than creating a "government takeover of health care," the bill is designed to help make the health insurance market work be... more

"Bay Area Burden" examines the heavy toll from transportation and housing costs on residents, their communities and the environment; online calculator provides consumers valuable tool to determine their own costs & budget implications. SAN FRANCISCO - Bay Area Burden, a new report released Wednesday by the ULI Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing finds that the average Bay Area household spends more than $41,000 a year ... nearly 60 percent of their income ... on transportation and housing costs alone. These costs vary among the nine Bay Area counties examined, ranging from 54 percent in Santa Clara to 66 percent in Sonoma. But the study finds that one fourth of all households in the Bay Area live in neighborhoods where ho... more

Washington, DC ... John Garamendi, a former California Lieutenant Governor, State Insurance Commissioner, state legislator, and Deputy Interior Secretary, was sworn into Congress by Speaker Nancy Pelosi today. A link to Garamendi's swearing in ceremony and speech is available here. "Madame Speaker, if I might just tell you what a great privilege it is for me to be here. I look forward to working with all of you. We have many issues I look forward to addressing," Garamendi said. Garamendi added, "I want to thank the voters in my district and all my constituents for their support, giving me this opportunity to extend what has been the most important thing I think any of us can do, which is to spend our life in public policy addres... more

Pro-worker candidates win 66 of 92 races; nine anti-worker incumbents ousted from mayor's office, city councils and boards in San Gabriel Valley. LOS ANGELES ... A five-week intensive get-out-the-vote effort by working families pushed 14 pro-worker candidates to victory in the San Gabriel Valley on Tuesday. Nine anti-labor incumbents, including one mayor, were ousted. Workers endorsed candidates in 92 suburban and exurban races this election year; 66 of them won. But intense grass-roots campaigning, which included door-to-door GOTV and phone banking, was concentrated in seven San Gabriel Valley cities: Baldwin Park, El Monte, La Puente, Lynwood, Montebello, Palmdale and Pico Rivera. Eighteen candidates were supported by w... more

Washington, DC ... Today, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) lauded bipartisan legislation passed by the California State Legislature to address the state's water crisis. Senator Boxer said, "I commend the legislature and the governor for their successful efforts to approve a comprehensive water package and bond measure that will be presented to California voters. While no legislation is perfect, the bipartisan spirit that led to the passage of these measures will move our state toward meeting the needs of our people, our farming communities and the environment. We must continue to work together, at the state and federal level, on pragmatic short-term and long-term solutions." Senator Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) recently... more

Bill extends commitment to Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin. Washington, DC ... Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), has joined Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and John Ensign (R-NV) in introducing sweeping legislation to protect Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin from a variety of serious threats. Congressman Dean Heller introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives today along with support from Congresswomen Shelley Berkley, and Dina Titus and Congressman Tom McClintock. The legislation would authorize projects to combat invasive species, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, restore Lake Tahoe's water clarity, and protect threatened species and wildlands. It would continue and strengthen the w... more

Nov. 23--Q I liked the article you wrote about the reduction in road deaths attributed to drunken driving. more

When Mac Taylor, the California Legislature's chief budget adviser, declared last week that the state budget enacted just four months ago is already billions of dollars upside down, no one in the Capitol should have been surprised. more

With Los Angeles County marking 50 years of its Civil Defense program while the mother of all disaster films - "2012" - plays in theaters, officials are renewing efforts to prepare the public for catastrophes. more

Nov. 22--Being blind didn't keep Stephanie Enyart from graduating from Stanford University. more

Nov. 20--Responding to growing concerns about the use of force by San Jose police, a City Council committee Thursday turned to officials outside the department to examine the issue. more

Nov. 19--SACRAMENTO -- California's budget deficit will balloon to $20.7 billion over the next 18 months, a report from the state's budget analyst predicted Wednesday, all but promising another year of partisan gridlock as lawmakers labor to fill the gap with more spending cuts and efforts to raise taxes. more

El arbitraje permite solucionar los conflictos entre paises de una manera mas expedita, economica y justa que los juicios. more

Likely delaying passage of a new medical marijuana ordinance, two Los Angeles City Council committees on Monday rejected the city attorney's call for an outright ban on over-the-counter cannabis sales. more

Nov. 13--hmintz@mercurynews.com more

Nov. 12--The East Bay Municipal Utility District is readying a new law that will require homeowners in nine East Bay cities who sell or upgrade to inspect their sewer lines and if they find problems to repair or replace them. more

The yellow '32 Ford rolled clunkety-clunk down the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, among 66 vintage cars to commemorate Route 66 and a new "End of the Trail" sign. more

Disabled veterans are eligible for free legal representation while pursuing benefits claims under a new legal project announced today by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the nation's largest free- services law firm. more

Nov. 11--With willow trees, migrating geese and local politicians as his backdrop, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday visited San Jose to sign a new water conservation law that aims to reduce urban use 20 percent statewide by 2020. more

Nov. 11--SACRAMENTO -- For California's limping finances, there was some good news Tuesday: Monthly tax revenues exceeded projections for only the sixth time in more than two years. more

Nov. 11--Republican Mattie Fein formally announced Tuesday that she is running against South Bay Rep. Jane Harman in next year's election. more

Republican Mattie Fein formally announced Tuesday that she is running against South Bay Rep. Jane Harman in next year's election. more

Nov. 10--Over the weekend, I had dinner with a friend, and the talk turned to layoffs at San Jose City Hall. more

The city of Los Angeles shelled out $137 million over the past two years for legal costs - nearly double the previous two-year period and enough to hire nearly 1,300 police officers and cover most of the public works budget, according to a report released Monday. more

Nov. 6--OAKLAND -- Oakland's budget is in trouble again. more

Nov. 5--SACRAMENTO -- Monumental plans to overhaul California's water system -- decades in the dreaming and months in the works -- finally emerged from an exhausted Legislature early Wednesday, defying regional squabbles to become the signature accomplishment in a year mostly lamented for budget cuts. more

Nov. 5--Arguing public interest outweighs privacy concerns, San Jose officials Wednesday ordered release of 911 emergency dispatch recordings and police reports on a May incident in which officers fatally shot a mentally ill man while responding to reports he had attacked a family member. more

Nov. 4--Last spring, San Jose employees cried foul when Mayor Chuck Reed finally outlined what they needed to do to help balance the budget by June 30 with minimal layoffs: zero raises across the board. more

The Small Business Development Center is offering a free workshop, State Labor Law and Payroll Tax, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Carson Community Center, 801 E. Carson St. Call 310-973- 3177 to register. more

Nov. 3--Responding to Mercury News articles raising concerns about the use of force by San Jose police officers, Police Chief Rob Davis announced new layers of internal review to guard against officers' misusing their fists, batons, Tasers and guns to subdue suspects. more

Nov. 2--By Howard Mintz more

Nov. 1--An incremental acceptance of medical marijuana has spurred a cottage industry of business ventures -- from iPhone applications to lobbyists -- whose expansion shows no sign of slowing despite the recession. more

Oct. 28--SACRAMENTO -- Marijuana legalization advocates and law enforcement officials duked it out in a three-hour legislative hearing Wednesday on whether making the drug legal under state law would be good public policy. more

Oct. 29--Whether San Jose needs more rules governing bicyclists riding with dogs on trails became the focal point of a Wednesday night community meeting called after the bizarre death of a woman caught in a dog leash on a popular San Jose trail. more

Oct. 29--By Tracy Seipel more

Oct. 28--SACRAMENTO -- Tell us, governor, how you really feel. more

Oct. 28--San Jose's planning staff will have to revise part of an environmental impact report it prepared in 2006 for a downtown baseball stadium after recently noticing a mistake in data provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority on freeway traffic volume. more

Oct. 27--The San Jose Redevelopment Agency on Monday released its long-awaited budget for 2010 and beyond. more

They were engrossed in a complicated new crew-scheduling program on their laptop computers as their plane flew past its Minneapolis landing by 150 miles -- a cockpit violation of airline policy that could cost them their licenses. more

The El Segundo Board of Education will meet Tuesday for a regular meeting and a budget study session. more

Oct. 25--Time was when the colorful bay checkerspot butterfly was a common sight in much of the Bay Area, from San Bruno Mountain to Mount Diablo, counties in between and south of there. more

The tale of record-level legal costs for Los Angeles County this year would be more satisfying if the villains were more clear-cut. more

Nov. 21--DANBURY -- A locally filmed movie with an award-winning cast will have its first showing in the state at the Palace Theater on Saturday. more

Nov. 23--In July, Matt Butcher talked about how his next album would take an even more solitary approach than the delicate, twangy ballads on Me and My Friends. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning New Year's Day 2010, VH1 births "Friday Night Alright," a music fan's passport to first- class rock and pop music concerts in HD from around the world every Friday night at 11 PM. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- CENTRIC and BET will both premiere the CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS in a special simulcast on Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 PM*. more

Nov. 22--Mentoring and networking are critical for students in any field, but they are especially essential in the music business. more

Nov. 23--Edward, the undead hero of the Twilight movies and books, broods and simmers like a James Dean starter kit. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Jive Records multi-platinum recording artist Chris Brown is set to release his third album Graffiti December 8, on the heels of the successful launch of his 18- city "Fan Appreciation Tour." more

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is a magical mixing of two distinctly ingenius sensibilities. more

Q. We were watching the 1972 movie "Deliverance" the other night and had a question. more

Nov. 22--Members of the rock band Alisium will reunite Friday for a special show at the Keystone Bar in their hometown of Ellwood City. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Jive Records multi-platinum recording artist Chris Brown is set to release his third album Graffiti December 8, on the heels of the successful launch of his 18-city "Fan Appreciation Tour." more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Fontana, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, has signed an agreement with Downtown Music Services (DMS), the sync licensing and branding agency of Downtown Music, LLC, to help facilitate the company's licensing initiatives on behalf of their roster of labels. more

BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- more

Nov. 23--Directing a new touring musical is hardly what you expect from Jerry Zaks, the Broadway legend who built his career on new plays and old musicals. more

"Sisters of Swing" was such a hit in its 2002 debut at History Theatre that artistic director Ron Peluso remounted it the following year. more

The funny pair's annual shows at the Lyric are as much a part of the festive season as tinsel and crackers. more

Polygon Entertainment has chosen Diverse Talent Group (DTG), Hollywood's 10th largest talent agency, to represent it for production services and film distribution. more

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, more than 44 million people watch from the street and on TV as dozens of themed floats transform New York City into a scene of wonder and majesty during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeA. more

EPIX is celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with a nonstop action movie marathon that is sure to make cinema-loving adrenaline junkies give thanks. more

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Winners of the 37th annual American Music Awards (AMA's) were announced this evening to a sold out crowd, from the Nokia Theatre/LA Live. more

The Walt Disney Co. in China has announced the start of production on "Disney High School Musical: China," a movie set for theatrical release next summer. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Join your favorite TV families as they spread good cheer and celebrate the season during "TV Land's 10th Annual Merrython" on Sunday December 13th from 6 A.M. - December 14th 6 A.M. (all times EST/PST). more

One of the many shocks in "The Road," the screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's post-apocalyptic novel, comes when actor Viggo Mortensen pulls off his tattered, grimy clothing to luxuriate in a waterfall. more

Nov. 23--BILLERICA -- The face of the music industry is changing. more

Yes, I realize that I am part of the media, but I'm not going to let a little self-loathing get in the way of a good discussion. more

Here are some tidbits to help tide you over until "Eclipse" moves in June 30: more

Nov. 23--To go big, artist Billy Pappas went small. more

Number One weekend film makes box office history with record breaking opening day more

Rock giants U2 have been confirmed as the headline act for Glastonbury's 40th anniversary, founder Michael Eavis said today. more

HOLLYWOOD -- Is it fair that one of Hollywood's most successful and richest young actors didn't set out to be a performer -- in fact, never took an acting class -- when there are thousands of others like him, sweating auditions, posing for head shots, tweeting their every move? more

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rentrak Corporation (Nasdaq: RENT), a leader in multi-screen media measurement serving the entertainment and advertising industries, released the "Stickiness" Index for the week of November 9 through November 15, 2009. more

Slice will appear in a bout on "The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights" finale fight card emanating from The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV. more

THE School of Creative Arts in association with Cultural Development will present a lunchtime concert tomorrow at the Foyle Arts building. more

Nov. 23--A comedian's nightmare might look something like what I sat through one night at a club. more

Mobile entertainment innovators gridMob today released the first true karaoke experience for iPhone and iPod Touch, with help from Interscope hit artist Lady Gaga. more

Nov. 22--ASHLAND -- Fifty years from now, if 14-year-old Bronson Bush looks back on a show business career, he won't mind a bit saying he got his start with a bit part in a cartoon. more

LONDON - Rachel Weisz took top acting honors and Ian McKellen was recognized for a half-century in the theater Monday at London's Evening Standard Theater Awards. more

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Avett Brothers are thrilled to announce their 2010 spring tour dates. more

Nov. 22--The Creasey family didn't just get a new house in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition -- they were also showered with gifts from local businesses. more

Nov. 23--Video-games sales are down 13 percent through October, and analysts are suggesting music-rhythm games have run their course, but "Guitar Hero" founder Kai Huang is looking on the bright side. more

Nov. 23--Today, the California Musical Theatre announces the first fixed-run subscription series for its Cosmopolitan Cabaret theater downtown. more

New Year's Eve at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will be a night of "Sax to the Max," as the hall will present Earl Clark and Grady Nichols in concert as the year 2009 comes to an end. more

The creative forces behind "Yes, Virginia" know they face daunting odds. more

Nov. 23--NEW HAVEN -- There is no typical day for documentary maker-turned-movie director Mike Cahill. more

Nov. 20--DANBURY -- Uncle Charlie has a beard. more

The escape of seven bulls from the Spanish set of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz's new big-screen action-comedy has halted production, officials said. more

WITH the final implosion of Oasis, Ian Brown is the Madchester Scene's official last man standing. more

Nov. 23--SCHUYLKILL HAVEN -- As usual, the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble packed the house for its Sunday afternoon performance at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St. more

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Feld Motor Sports(SM) announced today the launch of the inaugural Nuclear Cowboyz(SM) 15-City tour, featuring the world's top freestyle motocross riders in a never-before-seen action packed, record-breaking theatrical freestyle motocross production. more

Rapper 50 Cent has written his first movie - a thriller called The Gun - and hired Val Kilmer to star with him when filming starts next month. more