Daily Briefs


Looks like California is going to pot

It looks like enough signatures have been gathered to place a voter initiative on the November ballot that would legalize marijuana in California. [Los Angeles Times] Supporters credit Los Angeles County with putting the signature drive over the top. Election... (Continue reading)

Smoking ban at beaches and parks approved

California lawmakers voted Monday to ban smoking at 278 beaches and state parks in one of the nation’s far-reaching regulation of tobacco. [Los Angeles Times] The new legislation calls for fines up to $100 for those caught smoking at a... (Continue reading)

Karl Rove coming to town

It must be a Republican dream come true — Karl Rove, popularly referred to as “Bush’s Brain,” is coming to town Saturday, March 27. The political consultant, strategist, pundit, and author–the man credited with getting George W. Bush into the... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles ready to fill in hole created by 2003 earthquake

After nearly seven years, the city of Paso Robles is finally ready to begin work on filling in its so-called “hole from hell,” the last grim souvenir from the earthquake of 2003. [Los Angeles Times] The hole, 20 feet deep... (Continue reading)

Dunes air pollution debate continues this week

The recent study by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD), linking poor air quality on the Nipomo Mesa to offroad vehicles in the Oceano Dunes, is on the agenda at several public meetings this week. The South County Advisory Council... (Continue reading)

Public universities may still have unsafe buildings

More than 180 public university buildings in California–including two at Cal Poly–have been judged too dangerous to occupy during a major earthquake, according to a new investigation. [California Watch] University officials, critics claim, have known about seismic problems with the... (Continue reading)

California seniors may have nowhere to go

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating Medi-Cal funding for adult day health programs and senior advocates across California are concerned. [Contra Costa Times] The proposed cuts, which would save $104 million annually, are part of Sacramento’s attempts to address the... (Continue reading)

Santa Monica sushi restaurant closes after whale meat controversy

The Santa Monica restaurant  facing federal charges for illegally serving endangered whale meat appears to be closed. [Los Angeles Times] On Friday, the management of The Hump, an upscale eatery at the Santa Monica Airport, posted an announcement on its... (Continue reading)

San Francisco sues over PG&E ballot measure

The city of San Francisco and a group of government-owned utilities went to court Thursday to try and block a Pacific Gas & Electric-sponsored measure on the June ballot. [San Francisco Chronicle] Critics claim that Proposition 16 is merely a... (Continue reading)

Desperately seeking food in California

More and more Californians are going hungry, a situation that is likely to worsen in a state rocked by recession and high unemployment. [California Watch] A six-month study by California Watch and USC found record numbers of people overwhelming food... (Continue reading)