This won't be the year for online poker legalization in California.
Patrick McGreevy reports in the Los Angeles Times: "Correa is the author of SB 1366 and is chairman of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, which screens all gambling measures. His decision is a major setback for a proposal that has been debated for five years in California's Legislature."
"The senator decided that with less than a month left in the legislative session, there was not enough time to make major changes and get consensus from Indian casino operators and card clubs to hold a vote this year."
As the last stretch of the session unwinds, leaders in the Valley are calling for a larger water bond tab.
Marc Benjamin reports in the Fresno Bee: "The governor this week pledged support for a $6 billion water bond for November's ballot -- but no more -- because of concerns about long-term debt."
"Also in play is a $9.9 billion water bond proposal authored by Assemblyman Henry T. Perea, D-Fresno, now being negotiated in the state Legislature. But time is running out: The Legislature must reach a compromise on a lower-priced bond package sometime this month, or else an $11.1 billion plan will go to voters."
An environmentalist coalitiion has also offered their own water bond alternative.
John Howard reports in Capitol Weekly: "The environmental coalition said its plan “ensures that residents in all parts of the state would benefit proportionally from the bond. It addresses water quality and water availability in both urban and agricultural communities.”"
"According to statement released by the coalition, their $6 billion plan would contain $1 billion clean drinking water, $1.5 billion for conservation and recycling, $1.1 billion for watershed protection and restoration and about $2.4 billion for groundwater cleanup and storage. The measure is neutral on the Brown administration’s plan to build a pair of 35-mile-long tunnels through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to move northern water south."
Southern California flooding has prompted one state lawmaker to ask the governore declare a state of emergency.
Gregg Cappis reports in the LA Daily News: "“This certainly rises to a level of a major disaster for the mountain communities devastated by this weekend’s wild weather,” Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, wrote in an email Wednesday afternoon. “If approved, this would mean substantial financial assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act. I spoke with San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford earlier today who asked for our help in requesting the aid, and I am hopeful Gov. Brown will consider this urgent request.”"
Well, it's about that time in the California campaign season when celebs throw their weight behind their interests.
Carla Marinucci reports in the San Francisco Chronicle: "Rapper/entertainer Jay Z — who made waves in San Francisco on Tuesday with an ear-blasting concert at AT&T Park along with wife Beyonce– is getting into politics. Sort of."
"Vibe Magazine reports that Shawn Carter (real name) has come out in favor of California’s Proposition 47, a November ballot measure that would reduce reclassify some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. He did it his way — on stage."