California’s previous governors, of opposing parties, nominated Michael Peevy to the Public Utilities Commission. Now the question is whether Brown will give him a record third term.
Marc Lifsher reports for The Los Angeles Times: “Gov. Jerry Brown isn't saying whether he'll renominate Peevey. The governor recently told the San Jose Mercury News that Peevey is "a strong force.... I know there's been a lot of ink poured out on this topic, but I would say he gets things done."”
“Power industry and consumer groups are split.”
“"My speculation is he will be reappointed," said Jan Smutny-Jones, executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Assn. "My sense is that the governor respects his views and listens to him."”
Two “not-for-profit” health care insurers are sitting in some mighty pricey seats at the 49ers’ new stadium.
Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross report for San Francisco Chronicle: “Blue Shield of California and Dignity Health each own Levi's Stadium luxury suites, which go for at least $2.5 million apiece.”
“Dignity, the San Francisco outfit formerly known as Catholic Healthcare West, is also the Niners' exclusive health-industry sponsor. It's spending big time to advertise in and around the new Santa Clara stadium as well as on game broadcasts. There's even a "Dignity Health Plaza" at one corner of the $1.2 billion stadium.”
On the teams opening day at the Levi stadium, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife called on the 49ers to bench a player suspected of felony domestic violence.
Bay Area News Group reports: “They said "the 49ers' continued insistence on playing Ray McDonald during his ongoing criminal investigation is a painful affront to every victim of domestic violence and sends a troubling message to our community and especially our children that 'zero tolerance' are empty words, not real actions."”
In the Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs are looking to crack the aging code.
Aaron Kinney reports for San Jose Mercury News: “At a swanky launch party this month in San Francisco, Yun declared aging an urgent problem, saying every day 100,000 people die unnecessarily of age-related illness. The Presidio gathering included proponents of life extension who believe the current limit on human life, roughly 120 years, can be pushed back several decades, or perhaps hundreds of years.”
“"Ultimately, I think we'll crack the age code and we'll hack aging," Yun announced. "And if we do, not only will health care be transformed, but humanity. At that point we'll have unlocked human capacity."”
Davis is getting national attention for being the latest town to ban military styled armored vehicles.
Adam Nagourney reports for The New York Times: ““This thing has a turret — it’s the kind of thing that is used in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Dan Wolk, the mayor. “Our community is the kind of community that is not going to take well to having this kind of vehicle. We are not a crime-ridden city.””
“The mayor added: “When it comes to help from Washington we, like most communities, have a long wish list. But a tank, or MRAP, or whatever you choose to call it, is not on that list.””
Now data crunchers at The Sacramento Bee give you the ability to see what military gear your law enforcement is using:
Phillip Reese writes in The Bee: “Most Sacramento police agencies use the program. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, for instance, acquired more than $9 million in equipment, including eight helicopters (six of which were used for parts). Only two other agencies in the state acquired gear worth more than the equipment obtained by the Sheriff’s Department, the state’s data show.”
“Police response to protests in Ferguson, Mo., have caused some, including several U.S. senators, to criticize the “militarization” of police agencies. Law enforcement officials have countered that the Public Safety Procurement Program provided them with essential, modern gear, often during lean times.”