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.
Calif. State Senate Passes Bill to Protect Public's First Amendment Rights and Access to Communication Services
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California State Senate on Friday passed SB 1160 authored by Senator Alex Padilla with unanimous bipartisan support 32 to 0. SB 1160 would protect California consumers by preventing the arbitrary interruption of communication services. The bill now goes to the State Assembly for consideration.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for May 24, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments: First, David Connett, 56, of Anaheim Hills, has been appointed to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for May 23, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Wednesday announced the following appointments. First, Sergio Azzolino, 42, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
California Senate Paves Way for Driverless Cars – Legislation by Senator Padilla Would Establish Safety and Performance Standards
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Senate Bill 1298, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), was passed by the State Senate today with unanimous bipartisan support. The vote was 37-0. The bill would establish safety and performance standards for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California roads and highways. The bill now goes to the State Assembly for consideration.
Calif. Governor Brown Appoints Two to Mendocino County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointments of Jeanine B. Nadel and David A. Riemenschneider to judgeships in the Mendocino County Superior Court.
Calif. Governor Brown Appoints Judy Johnson to Contra Costa County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Judy Johnson to a judgeship in the Contra Costa County Superior Court.
Calif. Governor Brown Appoints Eight to Los Angeles County Superior Court
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointments of Debra A. Cole, Halim Dhanidina, Peter A. Hernandez, Bruce G. Iwasaki, H. Clay Jacke II, Virginia Keeny, David B. Walgren and Jeffrey K. Winikow to judgeships in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Calif. Brown Appoints David A. Thompson as Assoc. Justice of Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of David A. Thompson as associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three. Thompson, 55, of Costa Mesa, has served as a judge for the Orange County Superior Court since 1998.
Calif. Gov. Brown Appoints Miguel Marquez as Associate Justice of Sixth District Court of Appeal
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of Miguel Marquez as associate justice of the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Marquez, 45, of San Jose, has served as county counsel for Santa Clara County since 2009.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for May 17, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Thursday announced the following appointments: First, Steve Beneto, 74, of Carmichael, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. He has been president of Beneto Inc. since 1979. Beneto was a member of the California State Fair and Exposition Board from 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2011.
Calif. Governor Brown Releases Revised State Budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. released a revised state budget today that protects funding for education and public safety while slashing $8.3 billion from government to close a $15.7 billion deficit and get California back on track.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief Beck Announce Gun Buyback Program Has Collected Over 7,942 Firearms in Four Years
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck announced today that 1,673 firearms were collected during the 2012 Gun Buyback, bringing the total number of firearms collected through the program to 7,942.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for May 10, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments to the State Water Resources Control Board: Felicia Marcus, 56, of Emeryville, has been appointed to the State Water Resources Control Board. Marcus has been western director at the Natural Resources Defense Council since 2008 and was executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Trust for Public Land from 2001 to 2008.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Issues Statement Regarding President Obama's Support for Same-Sex Marriage
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued the following statement today in response to President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage:
Calif. Governor Brown and First Lady Honor Lt. Christopher E. Mosko
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Lt. Christopher E. Mosko, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Free Monthly Workshops for Would-Be Urban Farmers, Covering Everything from The Ground Up, Come to Orange County
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Would-be urban farmers can learn to grow your own fresh produce, no matter what your skill level or how much space you have available, with help from the City of Irvine, the Orange County Great Park and UCCE Master Gardeners and Food Preservers. Gardening for Adults: Growing Edibles is a monthly, six-part series that will cover the basics of how to grow edibles in your garden, patio or balcony.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for May 1, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Don Dietrich, 54, of Scotts Valley, has been appointed to the 14th District Agricultural Association, Santa Cruz County Fair Board.
Calif. Governor and First Lady Honor Spc. Manuel J. Vasquez
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Spc. Manuel J. Vasquez, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for April 30, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Panorea Avdis, 33, of Sacramento, has been appointed chief deputy director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Avdis has been chief of staff to Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna since 2010.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto Continues to Take a Stand Against Stadium Violence with AB 2464
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Assembly Bill (AB) 2464, the Improving Personal Safety at Stadiums Act, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), passed two committees this week, both by a strong bipartisan margin. On Monday, the Act passed the Assembly Committee on Public Safety, and on Wednesday, it passed the Assembly’s Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee.
OC COPS endorse Michele Martinez for California Assembly
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Michele Martinez's Campaign for California State Assembly announced the endorsement of the Orange County Coalition of Police and Sheriffs (OC COPS) today.
S.F. Mayor Lee Celebrates Opening of Dropbox HQ in SoMa with Estimated Space for more than 500 New Jobs
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Dropbox CEO Drew Houston today officially opened the new office of Dropbox, a tech company that provides a sharing service for users to store photos, documents, and videos. The company's new headquarters is located at 185 Berry Street, occupies 87,000 square feet and provides space for future growth.
S.F. Mayor Lee and Supervisor Olague Announce Increased Investment in the Fillmore
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee and District 5 Supervisor Christina Olague today celebrated the arrival of seven new businesses in the Fillmore, announced a dramatic 21 percent decrease in the vacancy rate from 35 percent to 14 percent in the Fillmore and highlighted several City programs aimed at continuing the momentum in the Fillmore.
Consulate General of Japan Presents San Francisco with Akebono Flowering Cherry Trees
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Monday, S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined Consul General of Japan Hiroshi Inomata and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to celebrate the United States-Japan Cherry Blossom Centennial by planting a ceremonial cherry blossom tree in Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden.
Calif. Governor and First Lady Honor Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Lance Cpl. Ramon T. Kaipat, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Calif. Gov. Brown Sets Ambitious New Goals to Green State's Buildings, Save Taxpayer Dollars
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- In a move that will shrink the state's environmental footprint and save millions of taxpayer dollars, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued a sweeping executive order today directing agencies and departments to take immediate steps to green the state's buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
California Genetic Privacy Bill Moves Forward – Padilla's SB 1267 to Protect a Person's DNA
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California's Senate Judiciary Committee today passed Senate Bill 1267, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The bill would establish the California Genetic Information Privacy Act. The measure now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for April 23, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Monday announced the following appointments. First, David Cole, 45, of Roseville, has been appointed retail recruitment manager at the California State Lottery. Cole has been the owner of James David Cellars since 2007 and was business area manager for Wells Fargo Bank from 2003 to 2008.
Calif. Gov. Brown Issues Statement on CDCR's Plan to Improve California's Prison System
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Monday issued this statement following the release by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) of 'The Future of California Corrections: A Blueprint to Save Billions of Dollars, End Federal Court Oversight, and Improve the Prison System':
Calif. Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Earth Day
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On Sunday, April 22, 2012, California Governor Brown issued the following Proclamation Declaring Earth Day:
Padilla Bill to Comply California with Federal Voting Rights Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) today announced that his bill, SB 1233 (Padilla) was passed by the Senate Elections Committee. The bill would require ballot initiative petitions to be provided in other languages. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Senate Education Committee Approves Padilla Bill to Protect California School Children
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Calif. Senate Education Committee today approved SB 1530 authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). The bill expedites and elevates the dismissal process for teachers and other certificated employees whose misconduct is serious and egregious. SB 1530 won the unanimous support of the committee. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
Calif. Bills to Protect the Public's Access to Communications Services Passed by Senate Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The California Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee today passed SB 1160 and SB 1161 authored by Senator Alex Padilla with unanimous bipartisan support 13 to 0 and 12 to 0. SB 1160 would protect California consumers by preventing the arbitrary interruption of communications service. SB 1161 would affirm California's growing role as the leader of the global Internet economy.
Calif. Governor Brown Seeks to Eliminate More Than 700 Unnecessary State Reports
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Calif. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released a list of more than 700 unnecessary bureaucratic reports currently required by law and called on the state legislature to eliminate them in order to streamline government and reduce waste.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s Green Fuels Bill Passes Key Hurdle
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- California Assembly Bill 1900, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), a bill that would change the state's rules on Renewable Natural Gas, passed the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce on Monday by a vote of 11-1. The bill would change the rules for Renewable Natural Gas (also known as biomethane), a natural, renewable-energy source fuel. Current rules have been described by many as bizarre or simply counter-productive.
Great Park Artisan Food and Arts Festival comes to The Orange County Great Park April 28, 2012
IRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Enjoy an all-day celebration of artisan food, sustainable gardening and creative art at the Great Park's first ever Artisan Food and Arts Festival on Saturday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m at The Orange County Great Park. Local chefs and artisans will be on hand to demonstrate delicious fresh dishes from local foods, bread baking, jam, cheese and soda making, and refrigerator pickling.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for April 13, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Mark Cowin, 53, of Sacramento, has been appointed director of the California Department of Water Resources. Cowin has served as director and acting director of the California Department of Water Resources since 2010.
California Professional Firefighters Association Endorses Tom Calderon for Calif. State Assembly
MONTEBELLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Tom Calderon's campaign for Calif. State Assembly announced the endorsement of the California Professional Firefighters Association today. Calderon's public safety endorsements also include the Los Angeles County Firefighters (IAFF Local 1014), Montebello Firefighters Local 3821, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs.
NWPC, PODER PAC, WIL, WPC Women's Organizations Unite Behind Michele Martinez for California State Assembly
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Michele Martinez's Campaign for California State Assembly announced the endorsements of the California Branch of the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC), PODER PAC, Women in Leadership (WIL) and the Women's Political Committee.
L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa Signs Development Reform Ordinance Cutting Red Tape
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed the Multiple Approvals Ordinance on Monday, cutting red tape and simplifying the development review process. Under the new ordinance development projects that require multiple approvals from the City of Los Angeles will now have one deadline rather than multiple expiration dates for individual entitlements.
California Gov. Brown Announces Appointments for April 11, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments. First, Dale Brodsky, 60, of Orinda, has been appointed to the Fair Employment and Housing Commission.
Calif. Governor Brown Announces Appointments for April 10, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Tuesday announced the following appointments. First, Brian Annis, 43, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary for transportation at the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency.
Calif. Senate Committee Approves Padilla Advanced Manufacturing Bill
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The Senate Governance and Finance committee today approved Senate Bill 1128 (Padilla) on a 7 to 0 vote. The bill would encourage investment, job creation and economic growth in California by allowing sales and use tax exemptions on the purchase of manufacturing equipment in the advanced manufacturing sector. The bill will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Santa Ana Firemen's Benevolent Association Endorses Michele Martinez for State Assembly
SANTA ANA, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Michele Martinez's Campaign for State Assembly announced the endorsement of the Santa Ana Firemen's Benevolent Association today.
Los Angeles County Young Democrats Endorse Tom Calderon
MONTEBELLO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- Tom Calderon's campaign for State Assembly announced the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats (LACYD) today. Their membership voted on the endorsement at their March 31 meeting in Long Beach.
California Autonomous Vehicle Bill Moves Forward: Senator Padilla Bill would Establish Standards for Testing and Operation
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CA Senate Bill 1298, authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), passed the Senate Transportation Committee today on an 8 to 0 vote. The bill would establish safety and performance standards for the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads in California.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto's Water Conservation Bill Clears First Committee
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- A key water-conservation bill introduced by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) passed the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee today by a vote of 11-1.
Los Angeles-based Dance Company Jazz Tap Ensemble Tours Africa With U.S. Department of State's DanceMotion USA
LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Brooklyn Academy of Music will send Jazz Tap Ensemble, a Los Angeles-based dance company, to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to tour as part of DanceMotion USA(SM), April 9 - May 5, 2012.
Calif. Governor and First Lady Honor Cpl. Alex Martinez
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Cpl. Alex Martinez, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Calif. Assemblyman Mike Gatto's Bill to Bring Back Vintage License Plates Clears Significant Legislative Hurdle
SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ -- CA Assembly Bill (AB) 1658, a bill by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D–Los Angeles) that would allow car enthusiasts to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for 'classic' California license plates, passed its first legislative hurdle on Monday.
