"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told Bush administration officials Monday that he
is tired of the Pentagon treating the California National Guard like a stepchild by using its equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan without returning or replacing it," reports Zachary Coile in the Chron.
"The Republican governor, in a visit to Washington for the annual meeting of the National Governors' Association, said the California National Guard is missing about half of its equipment - from humvees to radios. That could leave California at risk in an earthquake, fire or other emergency, Schwarzenegger said.
"'
It's not fair to the states for the federal government to go into a war and then to take from us the equipment,' he said after meetings Monday with President Bush and Cabinet officials. '
Every time our National Guard leaves, they take with them equipment but they don't bring it back.'"
Frank Davies
wraps the D.C. trip. "Concluding a busy, two-day trip, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday that he lobbied federal officials for mortgage relief for California homeowners, the continuation of a border security program and more money for roads and levees, "even though that's not a very sexy issue."
"The governor did not say he received any assurances on these issues, but was optimistic that 'progress was made.'"
"Dogs and driving don't mix, according to a Central Valley lawmaker who has introduced legislation that
would make it illegal for motorists to keep pets on their laps," writes E.J. Schultz in the Bee.
Apparently, Mr. Maze has become comfortable being part of
what he calls "the nanny-state government of the nation."
Either that, or it's part of the broader GOP crackdown on being
Paris Hilton.
"'If you have an animal that gets in your face or gets tangled up in your steering wheel while you're driving, you can't properly control (the car),' said Assemblyman
Bill Maze, R-Visalia, who introduced the bill last week.
"Assembly Bill 2233 does not detail how drivers would keep pets -- defined in the bill as "live animals" -- in their place. Maze suggested using a cage or having another passenger hold them."
Hey pal, if we had access to "another passenger" we wouldn't need the damn lapdog in the first place.
"'You could end up having an animal sitting in the seat beside you,' he said. 'It just cannot be on your lap.'"
Steve Harmon
takes a look at the Jeff Denham recall.
"The sprawling 12th Senate District is known for its pastoral hills that sweep from the Central Valley to the Monterey County coastline -- from Modesto to Salinas -- in a perpetual nod to the state's agricultural heritage.
"
But here also is the center of raw political maneuvering featuring so much of what defines Sacramento: a legislative leader throwing around his power, gerrymandered lines being used for political advantage, a term-limited legislator seeking his next office, charges of betrayal and intimidation, and the balance of power that even the shift of a single seat could bring.
"The political nastiness happening here amid the bucolic peach trees and almond groves is a highly charged recall campaign, led by no less than Senate President Don Perata, D-Oakland, to oust Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Modesto, who stunned legislative Democrats last year when he joined with 13 other Republicans in a bitter 52-day stalemate over the state budget.
"At the heart of the recall -- more than any one thing Denham did -- is the opportunity the district represents for Democrats. They would love to claim the seat. It would move them within one vote of a two-thirds majority -- enough to pass a budget or taxes without GOP support."
"A labor
agreement aimed at keeping Vallejo's general fund from going broke fell apart Monday, prompting top administrators to recommend the city file for bankruptcy protection," reports Sarah Rohrs in the Merc News.
"The city faces a $6 million shortfall, with top staff members saying the general fund will run out of money by the end of March. However, Mayor Osby Davis said Monday he will work to try to salvage the accord that city staff members were close to reaching with public safety unions Friday.
"But that changed Monday.
"City Manager
Joe Tanner said that despite the unions working "diligently" to help find a solution, no deal was reached and the city would run out of money by March 31.
"Chapter 9 bankruptcy would allow the city temporary protection from creditors while officials devise a plan, subject to court approval, to regain fiscal stability."
"State Sen.
Tom McClintock has yet to declare he will run for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Roseville Republican
John Doolittle. But the campaign of former Rep.
Doug Ose is already preparing a television advertising blitz should McClintock enter the field," reports David Whitney in the Bee.
"Spokesman
Doug Elmets said the Ose campaign will launch a $500,000 ad campaign immediately upon McClintock's anticipated announcement. The ads will tout Ose's credentials rather than assail McClintock, Elmets said.
"'Doug Ose is committed to this race and to making people aware of his views,' Elmets said. 'He's got the resources it will take to get his message out.'
"The new ad campaign comes on top of a series of television and radio ads Ose launched two weeks ago announcing his candidacy.
"McClintock, a leading California conservative and a former GOP gubernatorial candidate, announced last week that he is seriously considering a run for the Doolittle seat. But he has given no indication of when he may decide."
Finally, you can now get Senate Pro Tem
Don Perata's
Dodge Charger without stealing it. The car,
stolen and recovered last December, is now for sale on eBay.
The car comes complete with 22-inch Panther rims, rear spoiler and was "Adult (Senator) owned," according to the seller.
