The so-called "new Democrats" are getting better organized and flexing their muscle.
From CAPITOL WEEKLY's NIK BONOVICH: Moderate Democrats are nothing new — they have been around for decades."
"In the 1980’s a group of moderate, business-friendly Democrats called the “Gang of Five” unsuccessfully tried to unseat Speaker Willie Brown."
"Today, they are more organized and go by the name “New Democrats.” Generally, a New Democrat is one who, like Republicans, is business-friendly on some key issues, such as taxes and regulation, and skeptical of some environmental controls that curtail economic growth. But they stick with their Democratic, labor base on critical votes."
READ MORE from Capitol Weekly: Oral history: Lobbyist George Steffes -- Interviewer Lou Cannon.
Speaking of Obamacare, the President is reaching out to Republican leaders -- with whom many he is on thin ice.
LA Times' LISA MASCARO/NOAH BIERMAN: "President Trump threw his weight Monday behind a measure to fix parts of Obamacare, the first time he has voiced approval of a specific legislative approach to do so and an abrupt turnaround on a bipartisan effort to preserve key elements of the healthcare system that he has sought to repeal."
"Trump’s backing of what he repeatedly referred to as a “short-term fix” to ensure “good healthcare” came during freewheeling remarks in which he sought to mend relations with GOP leaders, even as he kicks a growing list of complicated issues to Congress, including immigration and the Iran nuclear deal."
"Appearing with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after a White House lunch, Trump pledged to try to at least partially rein in his former strategist Stephen K. Bannon, who has vowed to challenge incumbent Republicans in 2018, especially those who back McConnell as leader."
As firefighters get the upper hand in blazes, a crew member is killed
The Chronicle's LIZZIE JOHNSON/MARISSA LANG/JENNA LYONS/KEVIN FAGAN: "Even as an army of firefighters gained a firm upper hand on the wildland blazes that have flattened huge swaths of Wine Country, the disaster took its first fire crew victim Monday: a firefighter helping keep the stubborn Nuns Fire away from homes."
"The unidentified contract firefighter died just before sunrise near the northern edge of the fire, northwest of Yountville, when the water tanker he was driving downhill on Oakville Grade near Highway 29 rolled over. His death brought to 41 the number of people killed in the Northern California wildfires that started Oct. 8."
"The firefighter was among 11,000 firefighters from around California and beyond who have been working the lines. They made striking progress Monday containing the infernos: In Sonoma County, the Tubbs Fire is at 36,432 acres and 75 percent contained; in Napa County, the Atlas Fire is at 51,064 acres and 70 percent contained; and the Nuns Fire, which is straddling the Napa-Sonoma county line, is 51,512 acres and 53 percent contained."
READ MORE related to The West is Burning: Wildfires create worst crisis for PG&E since San Bruno gas disaster -- McClatchyDC's STUART LEAVENWORTH/DALE KASLER; Power lines and electrical equipment are a leading cause of California wildfires -- LA Times' IVAN PENN
Jesus Campos, Vegas security guard shot just before Stephen Paddock's murder spree, appears to have disappeared.
LA Times' MELISSA ETEHAD/RUBEN VIVES/JAWEED KALEEM: "The story seemed straightforward: The unarmed security guard approached Stephen Paddock’s room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, distracting the gunman and potentially saving lives."
"With a gunshot wound to his leg, he helped point officers to the gunman’s location and stayed behind to evacuate hotel guests."
"He was hailed a hero by many, even as the story changed. Twice."
Female lawmakers, staffers and lobbyists speak out on 'pervasive' harassment in California's Capitol
LA Times' MELANIE MASON: "A state legislator who was groped by a male lobbyist weeks after she was sworn into office. A legislative staffer-turned-lobbyist who for years would only wear pantsuits in order to project a “business-only” air. A government affairs director who faced inappropriate advances from an associate in full view of male colleagues who seemed oblivious as it happened."
"As Hollywood takes a hard look at itself in the wake of the spiraling Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal, the women of California politics are publicly declaring: Us too."
Woodland teacher placed on paid leave after kneeling during national anthem at school rally
Sacramento Bee's BENJY EGEL: "A Woodland High School chemistry teacher was removed from the school Friday for kneeling while the national anthem was played at a school assembly."
"Windy Pappas had posters reading “Black Lives Matter” and “It’s okay to disagree with any sign here!!!” as the national anthem played during Woodland High’s rally to kick off homecoming week on Friday morning. She was dressed in school colors – orange and black – and had her right hand over her heart as she kneeled, based on a photo circulating on social media."
READ MORE related to Education: Snapchat threat targeting VNHS deemed 'non-credible' -- Daily News
Commentary: Fixing Obamacare: It can be done
Capitol Weekly's DAVID PANUSH/JOHN KABATECK: "Health care is something that should transcend political parties, ideological doctrines and beltway politics. As crazy as that sounds, Democrats and Republicans have found ways in the past to bridge the partisan divide on major health policy issues such as insurance for low-income children, the expansion of Medicare to include drugs, and changing the way Medicare pays for health care services that emphasize value."
"There’s no reason we can’t do the same to fix the Affordable Care Act, stabilize the marketplace and improve affordability and choice."
"Nearly 8 in 10 Americans say President Donald Trump and his Administration should be trying to make the health law work, according to a recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Indeed, since the “Repeal and Replace” debate in Congress began 10 months ago, the health law is more popular than ever with 52% saying they hold a favorable view of it."
The LADWP repsonds to concerns about lithium in Valley's water supply: Here's what they said.
Daily News' SUSAN ABRAMS/ELIZABETH CHOU: "A local physician studying the health effects of a massive natural gas leak at Aliso Canyon said Monday he warned the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that high levels of lithium were present in tap water in the San Fernando Valley."
"Dr. Jeffrey Nordella, a physician who practiced in Porter Ranch and who had been testing patients who live near the site of the massive 2015 Aliso Canyon natural gas leak, said he notified the LADWP of the lithium levels on Oct. 12, two days before he presented his findings to the public."
"He said he sent them two separate e-mails."
How should millions in federal funds be spent in LA communities? The city wants to hear from you.
Daily News' ELIZABETH CHOU: "Angelenos will have the opportunity in Pacoima on Tuesday evening to tell the city how it should spend millions of dollars in federal grants that assist low-income residents, as well as fund upgrades to baseball fields, street lights and other public amenities."
"The meeting is the first of three scheduled for this month, and will take place 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the El Nido FamilySource Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd."
"The federal funds under consideration are part of the Community Development Block Grant, a steady source of money that local governments have used to improve the quality of life, assist those facing financial hardships and improve the economic circumstances of their residents."
How to save $30 on Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest for Halloween this year.
Daily News' MARLA JO FISHER: "If you want to save money on the Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest, ponder this: If you go on Halloween itself, you can save $30. Seriously. If you buy online in advance, admission including the maze pass costs $107 on Saturdays, Oct. 21 or 28 – but it’s only $76 on Oct. 31. Gee, that’s enough to pay for parking and maybe buy one French fry. Learn more: sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/fright-fest-night"
And speaking of frightening, North Korea just might have the capability of using an atomic weapon against the mainland United States. Might.
LA Times' RAOUL RANOA/ANGELICA QUINTERO: "Although recent missile tests indicate that North Korea has made advancements in missile technology, it’s unknown whether its missiles can deliver an atomic weapon to the continental United States."
“The bottom line is we don’t know,” said Ted Postol, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor emeritus of science, technology and international security. “I believe it’s unlikely they can deliver an atomic bomb to the United States at this time, but we can’t rule it out.”
