The California Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, has ruled that illegal immigrants can qualify for in-state tuition at California's public colleges -- a ruling that immediately drew fire from a number of groups.
From the LAT's Maura Dolan and Larry Gordon: "The ruling is the first of its kind in the nation. California is one of 10 states that permit undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition, which can save them $23,000 a year at the University of California."
"Throughout the country, the California court decision
will have reverberations," said Daniel J. Hurley, director
of state relations and policy analysis for the American
Assn. of State Colleges. He predicted that it would
discourage challenges to similar policies in other
states."
"Federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving
college benefits based on residency and not provided
to all citizens."
As ballot counters continue to plug away in the super-close attorney general's race, the state's political watchdog has confirmed that it is eyeballing Steve Cooley's gift-taking. The Chronicle's Marisa Lagos has the story.
"As the vote counting in the attorney general race continues -- as well as bickering among the campaigns -- we have some real news to report: The state's campaign finance watchdog confirmed today that it has launched an investigation into Steve Cooley's gift-taking in recent years -- a practice detailed in The Chronicle."
"The FPPC's investigation, however, is not an indication that the agency believes Cooley has done anything wrong."
"A complaint against Cooley, the Republican district attorney from Los Angeles, was filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission back in October by the campaign of his rival, Democratic San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris."
Speaking of ballots, Democratic incumbent Jerry McNerny has declared victory in the 11th Congressional District, but GOP rival David Harmer isn't throwing in the towel: He went back to D.C. to attend the Republican orientation meeting for new lawmakers.
The Contra Costa Times' Lisa Vorderbrueggen reports: "“Since we don’t yet know whether I’ll become a new member of Congress, I’m participating with a unique blend of apprehension and hope,” Harmer wrote in a fund-raising appeal email late this afternoon."
"As of today, McNerney holds a slim 1,751-vote lead over Harmer, or 0.76 percent of the total vote. McNerney declared himself the victor last week, calling it statistically unlikely that Harmer could close the gap with the remaining uncounted votes. Harmer has refused to concede."
Back at CalPERS, the mighty pension fund says it is halting its decade-old habit of publicly criticizing low-performing companies in whom it has investments -- a variation on the old don't-throw-rocks-if-you-live-in-glass-houses theory.
From the LAT's Marc Lifsher: "Instead of posting an annual "name-and-shame" Focus List, the California Public Employees' Retirement System now plans to privately contact corporations that it is unhappy with..."
"The $220-billion CalPERS, Feckner said, opted for the new approach after research showed that many of the companies in its portfolio already have been moving toward improved corporate governance practices that are in line with pension fund's interests."
Jiulia Roberts -- whoops, make that Erin Brockovich -- is heading back to the beleaguered town of Hinkley where, once again, there are pollutants in the local water supply. Joe Nelson of the San Bernardino Sun has the story.
"Brockovich, who in the 1990s led the charge in a landmark legal settlement against Pacific Gas & Electric, also plans on rallying Hinkley residents for a community meeting after Thanksgiving."
"There's definitely some questionable things happening, and someone's been asleep behind the wheel," Brockovich said in a telephone interview Monday. "It's a shame for this community to know they are sitting ducks." The civil case fueled by Brockovich's tenacity inspired the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich," which won actress Julia Roberts an Academy Award for her portrayal of the title character."
Shifting to the Bay Area, the Bee's Dan Walters looks at the politics behind Gavin Newsom's plan to delay his swearing-in as lieutenant governor.
"Newsom, however, appears inclined to delay his swearing-in for about a week, because four new San Francisco supervisors won't take office until Jan. 8 and they are ever-so-slightly less liberal, at least to anyone outside the city, than the supervisors they are replacing."
"Thus, the reconstituted board would be more likely to appoint an interim mayor who's more compatible with Newsom, considered to be a moderate by San Francisco standards, than the lame-duck board, whose outgoing members include Newsom's left-wing nemesis, Chris Daly. The interim mayor, whoever it turns out to be, could run for a full term as the incumbent next year."
And as we come to the end of the road, we peer into our "Fog of War" file to find the case of an Australian soccer club that published a touching remembrance of those who gave their lives in World War II. But there was one problem -- they mistakenly put Nazis on the cover.
"The shocking image was on the front cover of Airdrie United's magazine for Saturday's Scottish League Division Two clash against Livingston. Club officials insisted they thought it showed Australian soldiers."
"But the snap actually features nurses handing out water to grinning German soldiers on a train during World War Two. On the photo are the words: "Lest We Forget" plus a PoppyScotland logo and the slogan: "Supporting Our Heroes."
Hande Hoch! Back to the drawing board...