Daily Briefs


The man who controls Maldonado’s future

Whether or not Abel Maldonado becomes the next lieutenant governor of California seems to be in the hands of new state Assembly speaker John Perez, a man who already voted once against Maldonado’s confirmation. [Capitol Weekly] In an interview published... (Continue reading)

Increase in racist incidents at UC campuses

UC campuses across the state have experienced an increase in racist incidents during the early months of 2010. [Associated Press] At UC San Diego, a KKK-style hood was found on campus, the most recent in a series of incidents targeting... (Continue reading)

Labor picketers return to Doc Burnstein’s

Labor picketers from the Carpenters Union are resuming their protest of Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab, despite last Friday’s union demonstration of support for the Arroyo Grande shop. “It’s hard to believe that the banner is back out again today,”... (Continue reading)

Ronald Reagan on a $50 bill?

A bill is being introduced in Congress calling for Ronald Reagan’s likeness to be placed on all $50 bills, an honor currently occupied by Ulysses S. Grant. [Los Angeles Times] Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.) believes that the 40th President,... (Continue reading)

Weed Killer turns boy frogs into girls

Atrazine, a commonly used weed killer in California, turns male frogs into reproducing female frogs, according to a study performed by University of California at Berkeley researchers. [Reuters] First, atrazine-exposed male frogs develop female features – termed hermaphroditism. Then a... (Continue reading)

“Stand and Deliver” teacher battling cancer

Jaime Escalante, the Los Angeles math teacher who inspired the hit movie “Stand and Deliver,” is battling cancer and his family has run out of money to pay medical bills. [KTLA] So far, only $5,000 has been raised on behalf... (Continue reading)

Jerry Brown enters governor’s race on Tuesday

California Attorney General Jerry Brown is expected to formally announce his candidacy for governor on Tuesday. [Los Angeles Times] Brown, 71, previously served as governor from 1974 to 1982, but is eligible to run for office again because today’s term... (Continue reading)

Director of state hospital accused of raping children

The executive director of Napa State Hospital was arrested and charged with 35 felony counts including 22 counts of forcible oral copulation, 11 counts of sodomy by use of force and two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child,... (Continue reading)

High state worker payments cost millions

A new investigation reveals that California state employees have routinely been allowed to amass unused vacation time, enabling hundreds of workers to retire with payouts of over $100,000. [Ventura County Star] In one particular case, a state employee was able... (Continue reading)

SLO County ranked third most expensive place to live

A recent report places San Luis Obispo County third on the list when it comes to being the least affordable place to live in the United States. [SantaMariaTimes] The study, conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, focuses on... (Continue reading)