More than 150 structures destroyed, 27,000 people evacuated in raging Ventura wildfire
From the LATIMES: "A fast-moving, wind-fueled wildfire swept into the city of Ventura early Tuesday, burning 31,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing 27,000 people to evacuate.
"At least 150 structures — including at least one large apartment complex — were consumed by flames, and many more were threatened as the fire crept about a quarter-mile away from City Hall."
"But the destruction appears to be much worse as the sun rose Tuesday, revealing fire sweeping through whole neighborhoods in the hills above Ventura."
'Out of control' Southern California fire explodes overnight, forcing thousands to flee
WaPo's TRAVIS M. ANDREWS/J. FREEDOM DU LAC/MARK BERMAN: "An explosive brush fire raced through Southern California with ferocious speed Tuesday, spreading from about 50 acres to an estimated 31,000 acres in a matter of hours, forcing thousands of residents to flee and leaving at least one person dead."
"Named the Thomas Fire, it began in a canyon near Santa Paula, about 65 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. By 4 a.m. Pacific time, the fire had advanced into the city limits of Ventura, with a population of more than 100,000, emergency officials said."
"The fire is still out of control and structures continue to be threatened throughout the fire area,” officials said in a predawn update. “Due to the intensity of the fire, crews are having trouble making access and there are multiple reports of structures on fire."
Lobbyist names California lawmaker she says masturbated in front of her hotel bathroom
Sacramento Bee's ALEXEI KOSEFF/TARYN LUNA/CHRISTOPHER CADELAGO: "A Sacramento lobbyist said Monday that Assemblyman Matt Dababneh cornered her in a hotel bathroom in Las Vegas last year and masturbated in front of her."
"The explosive allegation, which comes more than six weeks after lobbyist Pamela Lopez first publicly discussed the incident without naming the perpetrator, prompted an Assembly investigation and a sharp rebuke from Dababneh, a Los Angeles Democrat."
"This is a moment. This is a moment of collective action,” Lopez said in a press conference at her Q Street office. “I find strength in that collective action, and I find strength in their numbers. I want to stand with them and show that there is a path to stepping forward and seeking justice."
READ MORE related to Boy's Club: California Assemblyman Matt Dababneh accused of harassment, denies impropriety -- The Chronicle's MELODY GUTIERREZ; Relative: Rep. Conyers, the target of sexual harassment allegations, won't seek re-election due to health -- AP
The GOP tax bill's 'spiraling consequences' for California
NYT's THOMAS FULLER: "As Republicans in Washington work to combine their tax bills into one, economists and tax specialists on the West Coast are adding up the ways that the changes could hurt California."
"Among the most publicized is the capping of the mortgage interest deduction, which could make buying a home in California even less affordable than it is now. The abolishing of deductions for state and local taxes, which could sharply raise Californians’ tax bill, is another."
"I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Gonzalo Freixes, a tax expert at the U.C.L.A. Anderson School of Management. “It could have spiraling consequences — the economy, the real estate market, revenues to local governments — it goes further and further into things where it could have a negative impact."
READ MORE related to Death & Taxes: Taxing educational benefits is a bad idea -- National Review's FRED BAUER
Kate Steinle shooting: Defense wants gun-possession conviction tossed as well
The Chronicle's EVAN SERNOFFSKY/BOB EGELKO: "Defense attorneys who won acquittal for a homeless undocumented immigrant on murder, manslaughter and assault charges in the shooting of Kate Steinle on a San Francisco Bay pier will seek to have the sole conviction in the case dismissed as well, they said Monday."
"A jury last week found Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, 45, guilty of a lesser count of being a felon in possession of a gun in connection with Steinle’s death on Pier 14 in July 2015, after the defense argued at trial that the shooting was an accident that happened after the defendant found a stolen gun wrapped in a T-shirt or cloth under a bench."
"Now the defense says the conviction is inconsistent with the jury’s larger acquittal. If the panel believed Steinle may have been killed by an accidental discharge, lawyers assert, Garcia Zarate should not be held responsible for possessing the weapon — even though he threw it in the bay as Steinle lay dying."
Artic ice loss could spell more drought for California, Livermore Lab study finds
The Chronicle's KURTIS ALEXANDER: "Californians may have another reason to keep an eye on melting sea ice in the Arctic — at least if they’re concerned about the state’s propensity for plunging into damaging droughts."
"Alongside the obvious perils for polar bears and other wildlife, as well as the problem of rising ocean levels, the massive ice thaw thousands of miles away is triggering changes in the atmosphere that are likely to shrink rainfall close to home, according to new research by scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory."
"Their study outlines a chain of meteorological events that leads to formation of storm-blocking air masses in the North Pacific. The masses are similar to the so-called Ridiculously Resilient Ridge that kept rain from making landfall during California’s five-year drought, forcing widespread water rationing in homes, prompting farmers to fallow fields and causing the Central Valley to sink due to heavy pumping of groundwater."
OP-ED: Sexual misconduct: Transform the Capitol's patriarchy
GLADYS LIMÓN in Capitol Weekly: "As a statewide women-led alliance that advocates at the Capitol to create equity-focused policies for healthy, sustainable communities, we rise with the nearly 200 women who have signed a letter denouncing a culture of rampant sexual abuse and violence in and around the Capitol."
"We condemn both those whom have engaged in such intolerable conduct, as well as the individuals whom over years have enabled such violence by failing to meet their moral and legal obligations to end it."
"The pervasiveness of sexual harassment and assault has thankfully become a subject of public debate across the nation, including at the California Legislature. Last week, the Assembly Rules Subcommittee on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention and Response conducted a hearing to discuss how to reform an institutional culture that has failed at deterring sexual harassment and assault."
READ MORE from Capitol Weekly: OP-ED: A pathforward on Race in California -- CHRIS RINGEWALD in Capitol Weekly
Where they stand: Leading Democratic candidates for California governor offer visions for education
EdSource's LOUIS FREEDBERG: "California voters interested in the future of education in California will make a pivotal decision when they go to the polls twice next year to elect a successor to Gov. Jerry Brown, whose record four terms are drawing to a close."
"The primary election will be held exactly six months from now (on June 5, 2018). The general election will be held on Nov. 6. The four leading Democratic candidates to replace him are Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Assembly Speaker and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin and former State Controller and current State Treasurer John Chiang. Because of Democratic dominance in statewide elections, it is a virtual certainty that one of them will be elected governor."
"In the latest PPIC poll of registered voters, conducted between Nov. 10 and Nov. 19, Newsom was still leading the field, although narrowly. He received 23 percent voter support, compared to 18 percent for Villaraigosa. Chiang got 9 percent support, and Eastin 6 percent. But large proportion of voters — 30 percent — are undecided. The two leading GOP candidates — businessman John Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen — received 9 percent and 6 percent support respectively."
READ MORE related to Education: Coding lessons take spotlight this week across California and beyond -- EdSource's CAROLYN JONES; 24 ideas for improving the Local Control Funding Formula -- EdSource's JOHN FENSTERWALD; Jerry Brown's dilemma: fix school funding formula now or watch others do it later -- EdSource's JOHN FENSTERWALD
Dangling a carrot for patients to take healthy steps: Does it work?
California Healthline's ANNA GORMAN: "Patricia Alexander knew she needed a mammogram but just couldn’t find the time."
"Every time I made an appointment, something would come up,” said Alexander, 53, who lives in Moreno Valley, Calif."
"Over the summer, her doctor’s office, part of Vantage Medical Group, promised her a $25 Target gift card if she got the exam. Alexander, who’s insured through Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program for lower-income people, said that helped motivate her to make a new appointment — and keep it."
READ MORE related to Health Care: CVS-Aetna merger a bid to bring down costs, gain competitive edge -- California Healthline
A bold new legal defense for Trump: Presidents cannot obstruct justice
WaPo's SARI HORWITZ/PHILIP RUCKER: "The brazen assertion Monday by one of President Trump’s lawyers that a president cannot be found guilty of obstruction of justice signaled a controversial defense strategy in the wide-ranging Russia probe, as Trump’s political advisers are increasingly concerned about the legal advice he is receiving."
"Trump tweeted over the weekend that he knew then-national security adviser Michael Flynn lied to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador before firing him in February — and before FBI Director James B. Comey said Trump asked him to be lenient while investigating Flynn. Experts said the president’s admission increased his legal exposure to obstruction-of-justice charges, one of the core crimes under investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III."
"But Trump’s personal lawyer John Dowd sought to excuse the president’s tweet in part by telling Axios and NBC News on Monday that the “president cannot obstruct justice because he is the chief law enforcement officer under [the Constitution’s Article II] and has every right to express his view of any case."
READ MORE related to KremlinGate: Prosecutors say longtime Manafort colleague has 'ties' to Russian intelligence -- WaPo's ROSALIND S. HELDERMAN/SPENCER S. HSU; Claim that Trump can't obstruct justice has little support among scholars -- The Chronicle's BOB EGELKO; No, Michael Flynn didn't violate the logan act -- National Review's RICH LOWRY
GOP tax plan a mixed bag for tech firms, though experts say good outweighs bad
The Chronicle's MARISSA LANG/THOMAS LEE: "Throughout the first year of President Trump’s tenure, Silicon Valley corporations and executives have made their opposition to a number of the administration’s efforts clear, weighing in on immigration, net neutrality, education reform and climate change."
"But on Monday, just days after Senate Republicans passed a massive bill that would overhaul the American tax system, tech firms remained largely silent."
"Some experts said this may be because tech companies were still reading the tea leaves, trying to determine how the bill, a massive 479-page document, could affect them in the coming years."
Stockton lawyer pleads guilty to conning immigrants out of more than $370,000
Sacramento Bee's STEPHEN MAGAGNINI: "Stockton-based immigration lawyer Yehlen “Mary” Dorothea Brooks has pleaded guilty to 15 counts of grand theft for defrauding dozens of immigrants seeking citizenship, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Monday."
"In return for a guilty plea offered in San Joaquin County Superior Court, she is expected to receive a five-year split sentence to be served locally. The plea agreement also requires her to pay $371,709 in restitution to the victims, which could number more than 100, the attorney general’s office said."
"Brooks, 53, was licensed by the Kansas State Bar until she was disbarred in March 2015, according to the attorney general’s office. Despite losing her license, Brooks continued to offer her legal services in the Stockton area without disclosing she was no longer an attorney."
Report blasts CalPERS' environmental and social 'activism'
Sacramento Bee's ADAM ASHTON: "The nation’s largest public pension fund is leaving money on the table by favoring environmental and social causes in its portfolio, a business-backed nonprofit argues in a study it’s releasing Tuesday on the California Public Employees Retirement System."
"The report by the American Council for Capital Formation criticizes CalPERS’ sustainable investing strategies, which include engaging with companies to encourage them to address climate change, pressuring companies to diversify their boards of directors and investing in certain funds that nurture companies with those priorities."
"The report argues those strategies have not paid off and that CalPERS would do better to focus solely on making money to protect the pensions of 1.8 million California public workers and retirees."
Suspected neo-Nazi rejects deal for attacks at Capitol
Sacramento Bee's DARRELL SMITH: "William Scott Planer, the white supremacist arrested along with counter-demonstrators on assault charges stemming from a violent June 2016 riot at a neo-Nazi rally at the state Capitol, rejected prosecutors' deal offer Monday afternoon setting up a preliminary hearing on the allegations."
"The offer from Sacramento County District Attorney's prosecutors would have Planer, 35, serve the low term of four years on two assault counts. Prosecutors, citing video footage of the skirmish, allege Planer attacked counter-demonstrators with a pole or stick. Planer, through defense attorney Danny Brace, countered with an offer that he be released with his time served in Sacramento County custody - 87 days."
"Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Sweet set Planer's preliminary hearing for Dec. 27. Planer remains held in lieu of $600,00 bail at Sacramento County Jail."
Gordon Ramsay makes over 19-year-old downtown Sacramento BBQ joint
Sacramento Bee's KALIN KIPLING: "One downtown Sacramento joint got a makeover last weekend, thanks to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay."
"In a new reality television show on Fox, “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell & Back,” Sandra Dee’s Bar-B-Que & Seafood, 601 15th St., undergoes an overhaul of its look, food and service, according to the Sacramento Business Journal."
"Over 24 hours, the famous chef descended on the 19-year-old restaurant to identify and solve problems at the business."
READ MORE related to Economy & Development: To the average worker in Southern California, want to double your salary? Consider aerospace -- Daily News' KEVIN SMITH
High housing prices are forcing hundreds of Sacramento State students into homelessness
Sacramento Bee's DIANA LAMBERT: "A $200 a month rent increase pushed Sacramento State senior Elizabeth McGuire into homelessness on a recent Sunday afternoon."
"Now, here I am with no money, no place to live and no car,” she said. “I was really lucky because I have a good friend who said I could stay on her couch."
"McGuire, 45, is among the 3,600 or so students at Sacramento State that campus officials estimate are homeless, based on a California State University study. The report found that one in 10 students in the system are homeless and that one in five are food insecure, according to Sacramento State spokeswoman Dixie Reid."
READ MORE related to Housing & Homelessness: First major housing project revealed for Sacramento's downtown railyard -- Sacramento Bee's RYAN LILLIS; SF mayor, supervisor feud over use of site for housing -- The Chronicle's RACHEL SWAN
Targeted wildfire alerts 'very well could have' saved lives, California lawmaker says
Sacramento Bee's ANGELA HART: "When a fast-moving wildfire flared up in Lake County early on Oct. 9, emergency officials quickly issued an emergency alert, blasting thousands of cell phones with mandatory evacuation orders and notifying area residents that they could soon be trapped by flames."
"Just south, in neighboring Sonoma County, a series of wildfires that ignited previous day were burning whole neighborhoods. Local emergency officials had decided against sending out mass alerts, citing concern over creating confusion and chaos on critical roadways. Officials also questioned what good it would do, with widespread damage to cellular and power infrastructure."
"The Lake County wildfire, though less destructive than other nearby blazes, killed no one, state fire officials believe. The Sonoma County fires killed 24 people, with an additional 20 deaths in Napa, Mendocino and Yuba counties."
READ MORE related to Environment: Wildfire emphasize need to improve emergency alert systems -- The Chronicle's LIZZIE JOHNSON; Thomas fire in Ventura County burns more than 48 square miles, 150 structures -- AP
LaVar Ball reportedly pulls son LiAngelo Ball from UCLA
Daily News' THUC NHI NGUYEN: "LaVar Ball was always vocal in saying all three of his sons will only spend one season in college before going to the NBA. His second son, LiAngelo, didn’t even make it one official game in a UCLA jersey."
"The famous patriarch of the Ball family told reporters Monday he will be pulling LiAngelo, a freshman guard at UCLA, from the school in the midst of an indefinite suspension stemming from a shoplifting scandal in China last month."
"After the news was first reported by TMZ, LaVar told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman “we are exploring other options with Gelo."
