Valerie Gotten
Valerie G has been an editor with California Newswire for several years, is a gifted theremin player, can quote copious lines from 'Red Dwarf' and also knows where her towel is. Oddly, she does not drive, nor does she take the bus. She identifies as both human and democrat.
USC School of Cinematic Arts Announce Films for 2012 American Film Showcase
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) announced today the 29 films selected for the American Film Showcase, an international cultural diplomacy initiative that brings people together worldwide through film.
San Francisco Taxis Surpass Emissions Goal with a 49 percent reduction of GHG emissions
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee, California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Department of the Environment and San Francisco taxi industry leaders announced that San Francisco's taxis have exceeded the 2008 goal of reducing the average per-vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2012.
Bicycling Increases in San Francisco, reports SFMTA
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced that the number of people riding bicycles in San Francisco increased seven percent since last year and increased 71 percent over the past six years.
S.F. Mayor Lee’s Statement on Ninth Circuit Decision on Prop 8 as Unconstitutional
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement after the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled unconstitutional Proposition 8:
Calif. Gov. Brown Appoints Cynthia Gomez as Governor's Tribal Advisor
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointment. Cynthia Gomez, 54, of Sacramento, has been appointed Governor's Tribal Advisor and executive secretary for the Native American Heritage Commission. Gomez has been the chief justice for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Court since 2010.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Launches 2012 Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Program For Working Families
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and community partners today launched the Greater Los Angeles Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Campaign Partnership, an annual effort to help qualified low and moderate-income families claim the tax credits they deserve.
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Ronald Reagan Day
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued a Proclamation Declaring February 6th as Ronald Reagan Day in California.
S.F. Technology Leader Riverbed Signs Long Term Lease for World Headquarters in SOMA
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that Riverbed Technology, a leader in IT performance solutions, has entered into a 167,788 square-foot lease at 680 Folsom Street to house their world headquarters. Riverbed is expected to move into the building in 2014.
Calif. Senator Alex Padilla Applauds Komen for Reversing Position on Planned Parenthood
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) today applauded Komen for the Cure for reversing position on Planned Parenthood. 'I am very pleased to hear that Komen has reversed position and is now open to future funding for Planned Parenthood.'
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa and African American Leaders Celebrate African American Heritage Month
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the City Council, and business and community leaders launched a month of cultural events honoring African-American history and culture at the City's annual African-American Heritage Month celebration. This year the City of Los Angeles honored Sheryl Lee Ralph, Walter Mosley, and Dr. Keith Black.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Feb. 3, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Belia Bennett, 33, of American Canyon, has been appointed to the 25th District Agricultural Association, Napa Town and Country Fair. Bennett has served as councilmember for the City of American Canyon since 2010.
San Francisco's Castro District to Host Largest Showing of AIDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /Californa Newswire/ -- Courtesy of Under One Roof, the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood the week of February 12 – 20, 2012.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Feb. 2, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Joseph Bielanski, Jr., 61, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Community College Board of Governors, where he has served since 2011.
Calif. Gov. Brown Announces Appointments to California Emergency Management Agency
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Mark Ghilarducci, 51, of El Dorado Hills, has been appointed secretary of the California Emergency Management Agency. Ghilarducci has been a partner and managing director at Diamante Partners LLC since 2011.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Feb. 1, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday announced the following appointments. First, Kimiko Burton, 47, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the State Personnel Board. Burton has been a deputy city attorney for San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera since 2003.
Calif. Gov. Brown Appoints Terri A. Mockler to Contra Costa County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Terri A. Mockler to a judgeship in the Contra Costa County Superior Court.
Calif. Governor Appoints Charles A. Smiley III to Alameda County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Charles A. Smiley III to a judgeship in the Alameda County Superior Court.
Calif. Gov. Brown Forms Boards to Wind Down Redevelopment Agencies in Los Angeles, Merced, Stanislaus and Ventura
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today named twelve individuals to serve on four governing boards responsible for dissolving local redevelopment agencies in cities and counties where local agencies elected not to manage the task.
Calif. Senator Alex Padilla Severs Ties with Susan G. Komen for the Cure
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) today announced his decision to sever ties with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For the past few years he has lent his name as a 'Pink Tie Guy' in Los Angeles County. Padilla said his decision was in direct response to the Komen organization severing ties with Planned Parenthood.
S.F. Mayor Lee Breaks Ground on Cruise Terminal, Major Project for 34th America’s Cup
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin M. Lee on Tuesday broke ground on the long-awaited Port of San Francisco's James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27. Last week, the Board of Supervisors upheld the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the new Cruise Terminal and 34th America's Cup events in San Francisco, allowing for construction to begin immediately.
S.F. Mayor Lee Appoints Bevan Dufty to Lead City Efforts on Homelessness and Housing Opportunities
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee on Firday appointed Bevan Dufty as the Mayor's new Director of Housing Opportunity, Partnerships and Engagement (HOPE), addressing homeless services and better outcomes for individuals who are homeless or live in supportive housing.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 27, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Friday announced the following appointments. First: William Edgar, 72, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. He has been the co-owner of Edgar and Associates, an accounting services firm, since 1999. Edgar was contract executive director for the Sutter-Butte Flood Control Agency from 2007 to January 2012.
Calif. Governor Brown to Deliver 'Call to Action' in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. asks Los Angeles business leaders to stand with him on two major priorities for 2012: passing his balanced budget plan and persuading the legislature to enact his 12-point pension reform proposal.
Calif. Senator Padilla to Speak at University of Southern California Latino Leaders Fireside Chat Series
VAN NUYS, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee to be keynote speaker at the University of Southern California (USC) this Friday, January 27 at 12 noon in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, Rosen Family Theatre, Room 227.
San Francisco Mayor Lee Celebrates Central Market Milestone
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that businesses are beginning to take advantage of the City's Central Market/Tenderloin Payroll Expense Tax Exclusion.
San Francisco Receives 2012 Sustainable Transport Award from the Institute for Transportation and Developmental Policy
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin Lee on Wednesday announced that San Francisco received the 2012 Sustainable Transport Award from the Institute for Transportation and Developmental Policy, for the City's innovative parking management system and cycling and public space improvements.
Calif. Governor Brown Releases Package of CEQA Reforms
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- As part of his ongoing efforts to spur job creation, streamline regulations and boost renewable energy, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released a package of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reforms that will simplify and expedite the approval process for key job-creating projects in California.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces Initiative to Boost Small Business and Create Jobs
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin M. Lee on Tuesday announced that he will make $1.5 million dollars immediately available to small businesses in San Francisco through the City's successful Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to support business expansion and job creation.
Five More Calif. State Assemblymembers Announce Support for Tom Calderon
MONTEBELLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- State Assemblymembers Marty Block, Mike Gatto, Ricardo Lara, Henry Perea and Norma Torres announced their support of Tom Calderons campaign for Sate Assembly today. To date, Calderon has been endorsed by over 20 members of the California State Legislature.
Mayor Villaraigosa Announces Reopening of Six Business Source Centers Across Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced on Monday that six newly improved BusinessSource Centers are reopening across Los Angeles. The BusinessSource Centers are part of the Mayor's strategy to create a healthy environment for job creation in Los Angeles.
S.F. Mayor Lee to Lead New Innovation and Technology Task Force of U.S. Mayors
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced the formation of a Technology and Innovation Task Force at the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) that will demonstrate how cities can support growth of technology and new economy jobs and foster innovation in local governments through technology and transparency.
Congresswoman Janice Hahn Endorses Calif. Assemblymember Isadore Hall
COMPTON, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Congresswoman Janice Hahn announced her endorsement of Assemblymember Isadore Hall’s campaign today. Hall is running for reelection in California’s newly created 64th Assembly District. Hall is a former two-term President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees. He was elected to the Compton City Council in 2003 where he served in various leadership positions including Mayor pro Tempore.
Calif. Assemblymember Hall to Honor Los Angeles County Reserve Sheriff Deputy Shervin Lalezary
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III (D – Los Angeles) will lead fellow legislators in honoring Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff Shervin Lalezary for his acts of bravery during a ceremony in the Assembly Chambers on Thursday, January 19, 2012.
Gov. Brown: State of the State 2012 – 'California on the Mend'
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In his 2012 State of the State speech, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. said California is “on the mend” and laid out an ambitious agenda for economic growth in the year ahead. The full text of the speech follows: (Remarks as prepared)
California Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 17, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, John Banuelos, 67, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission. Banuelos worked at the California Conservation Corps from 1997 to 2004 and from 1977 to 1992 in multiple positions, including program and evaluation manager.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown issued a Proclamation declaring January 15th 2012 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Michele Martinez for California Assembly hosts Campaign Headquarters Opening
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michele Martinez announced today that she will host a grand opening event this Saturday, January 14 at her new campaign headquarters in Santa Ana. The office is located at 217 N. Main Street, #116, Santa Ana, CA.
Secretary Salazar, Gov. Brown Expand Partnership to Expedite Renewable Energy Projects in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed an agreement to expand a state and federal partnership that has, over the last two years, paved the way for more than a dozen utility-scale solar energy projects and more than 130 renewable power projects in California.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 11, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Nathaniel Kirtman III, 40, of Sherman Oaks, has been appointed to the California Lottery Commission. Kirtman has been senior vice president of publicity for NBC Universal since 2009 after serving as a vice president from 2006 to 2009.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces City’s Plan to Ensure Continued Job Creation, Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Supervisor Malia Cohen today introduced a resolution at the Board of Supervisors to ensure that major redevelopment projects, such as Mission Bay, the Hunters Point Shipyard, and Transbay as well as affordable housing projects under the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency can continue after the State required their elimination.
Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Beck Release Gang Reduction Stats
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck today announced the 2011 results of the City's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program including a successful 2011 Summer Night Lights (SNL) program resulting in a 35 percent reduction in gang related Part 1 crimes for all SNL sites.
Calif. Senator Padilla Announces Legislation to Prohibit the Sale of Tobacco Products within 600 Feet of a School
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) today announced that he will move forward with Senate Bill 331, which would prohibit new tobacco retailers from locating within 600 feet of a school.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces HIV/AIDS Funding in City's Budget
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Today San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined by Supervisors Scott Wiener, David Campos and Christina Olague announced the introduction at the Board of Supervisors a $1.8 million budget supplemental for HIV/AIDS care and treatment funding to protect essential services to the City's most vulnerable despite severe budget shortfalls.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for Jan. 9, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ –- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Denise Brown, 60, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Calif. Senator Padilla to Introduce Legislation to Require Increased Support for Health and Education of Student-Athletes
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On the same day as the college football national championship game, California State Senator Alex Padilla announced he will be introducing legislation that would require that student-athletes injured during their college career be provided the necessary medical and financial support to complete their degree.
San Francisco Mayor Lee Appoints Christina Olague as District 5 Supervisor
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee today appointed Christina Olague as District 5 Supervisor, filling the vacancy left by Ross Mirkarimi. 'Christina Olague is my appointment for District 5 Supervisor,' said Mayor Lee.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces Major Expansion of One of San Francisco's Top Employers
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Friday, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee announced that Salesforce.com is again expanding and creating more jobs in San Francisco, entering into the largest long-term lease in the City in more than a decade. Salesforce will occupy 400,000 square feet of office space at 50 Fremont, which when fully occupied, will accommodate 2,000 employees.
S.F. Mayor Lee Announces First of Its Kind Partnership With the Code for America to Bring Greater Innovation to San Francisco...
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced today a partnership with Code for America to launch the world’s first Civic Startup Accelerator. Based in downtown San Francisco, the Code for America Accelerator will support entrepreneurs that launch companies to make City government more responsive, efficient and connected.
S.F. Mayor Lee and Chief Suhr Announce San Francisco's Historic Crime Rate Drop
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- This week Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Police Chief Greg Suhr released the year end crime statistics showing continued historic low crime trends for the City of San Francisco. Mayor Lee and Chief Suhr announced that 2011 violent crime rates in San Francisco are down 6 percent from last year.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief Beck Announce 9th Consecutive Year of Crime Reduction in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck today announced the City's 2011 year-end crime statistics that showed violent crime and property crime were reduced across Los Angeles for the 9th consecutive year.
