Daily Briefs


Prop 8 challenge to be videotaped

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that next week’s trial in San Francisco of a lawsuit challenging Proposition 8 can be videotaped for delayed Internet release on YouTube. [San Francisco Chronicle] Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker ordered the coverage. Proposition... (Continue reading)

More changes at the Tribune

Veteran San Luis Obispo reporter Sally Connell will leave The Tribune later this month to return to freelance writing and to pursue a book project. [SLO Chamber e-Insider] Connell covered San Luis Obispo City Hall and education for the paper. Prior... (Continue reading)

“A few sexual encounters” with Ed Arnold

An Arroyo Grande woman allegedly assaulted by city councilman Ed Arnold in December said Kathryn Arnold, the councilman’s wife, is currently having a love affair with her.  [KSBY] A second restraining order that recently surfaced was filed against Arnold in San... (Continue reading)

Governor to call emergency session

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to call the state Legislature into emergency session to deal with a nearly $6.3 billion budget gap in the current fiscal year. The emergency declaration, authorized by the voters under Prop 58, requires lawmakers to act... (Continue reading)

Wife details allegations against Arroyo Grande councilman

Court documents reveal serious allegations against Arroyo Grande city councilman Ed Arnold by his wife, Kathryn, and a 28-year-old mutual friend of the couple. [KSBY] Kathryn Arnold filed a request for a permanent restraining order against her husband on Dec.... (Continue reading)

Was Sarah Christie right?

County planning commissioner Sarah Christie was forced to step down last December, primarily because the supervisor who originally appointed her–5th District representative Jim Patterson–felt that he and Christie had a basic philosophical disagreement on key policy issues. According to one local... (Continue reading)

Cities crack down on disabled parking abuse

A new state law that took effect Jan. 1 allows cities to crack down on California drivers claiming to be disabled by displaying a fake, borrowed, or stolen blue parking tag. [San Francisco Chronicle] Cities can now charge anywhere between... (Continue reading)

Brrrrr! Why we live in California

If you need a reminder as to why you live in California, despite the high property taxes and the huge budget deficit, check out today’s national weather map. [Plymouth State Weather Center] 13 degrees in Chicago, 13 below in Omaha,... (Continue reading)

California faces more budget cuts in 2010

California heads in to 2010 facing a nearly $21 billion shortfall during the next 18 months, despite a wave of deep spending cuts. [Associated Press] Pick an issue. Any issue. Class enrollment will swell. Public colleges will raises fees and... (Continue reading)

Survivor of 1906 S.F. earthquake dies

The oldest survivor of the historic 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire died earlier this week. Jeanette Scola Trapani, 107, passed away at her home in El Dorado Hills from pneumonia. A third-generation San Franciscan, Trapani was born on Telegraph... (Continue reading)