Homeland Security seen hampered by bureaucracy, conflict

United Nations: All Players Gained From 'Oil-for-Food' + UN oil-for-food process 'tainted' + UN Oil-for-Food Chief Sevan Had `Grave' Conflict of Interest, Volcker Says

Atlas rocket lofts spy satellite for U.S.

Feds act out terror attack scenario

Night-vision goggles still missing at Fort Lewis

US Asks Saudi Arabia to Indict or Return Terror Suspect

Jane’s warns of new terror group more radical than Al-Qaeda Click.

Russian SAMs versus the U.S. Patriot

People Smugglers Moving Terrorists Around

Armed Robots That Think For Themselves

Master List Of Dead Scientists And Microbiologists

Iranian judiciary official: Israeli spy sentenced to 10 years in prison

Human intel vs. technology

FBI Urged to Scrap $170M Computer Project

We're going to do it again, says man behind Beslan bloodbath

Nuclear Evidence Could Point To Pakistan

Local execs stole secrets for Chinese

Al-Ashwa charged with spying for Hizbullah

Somaliland frees girl jailed for espionage

S. Korea's Spy Agency Picks 7 Cases for Reinvestigation

Kenney questions PM on espionage

Tel Aviv court charges Danish citizen with spying for Hezbollah

Fidesz mayor in spy charge

Committee to List Agenda of Probe into Spy Agency's Past

N. Korea May Have Sold Uranium + North Korea May Have Sent Libya Nuclear Material, U.S. Tells Allies

Saudi intelligence a "critical problem"- US report

2.2% need vetting; US reduces visa delays

Congress was told of DoD intel plan

Fear makes counter-terrorism book bestseller

Atta "was disturbed"

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

The Governor:  Leaders and Gov. prepare to go east to lobby for state + Capitol Primed for War, Not Solutions + Walsh to Lead Gov.'s Planning, Research + Planning office leader named + Daniel Weintraub: Big bucks, trust and the tale of two governors + Other view: Discount drug plan for state falls short + State begs for transit funding + State set to push toll roads + Gov. touts special election plan to donors in Orange County Click.

Indian tribes: Applicants sought for D-Q board + Indian gaming revenue unclear about billion in transportation revenue + River Rock casino liquor license hearing delayed + Pauma taps Hard Rock for casino project. Tribe must first reach agreement with county + Tribal deals fall far short of projections. Governor predicted $300 million in revenue this year, but challenge to compacts clogs gains + Yolo won't join tribal collective of counties + Lytton chairwoman touts casino employment outlook + NIGC wants to ensure tribes receive 'fair share'

LOCAL NEWS:   If NASA approves, UCSC will have new view of universe

Vietnam Moves to Curb Bird Flu + Vietnam appeals for bird flu help + Bird flu kills Cambodian woman

Bush Takes His Social Security Proposal to Voters in North Dakota, Montana

Bush to Propose Tightest Budget of Presidency + Bush Budget to Curb Domestic Spending Below Inflation Rate

Bush: Iran 'Primary Sponsor of Terror'

Rice heads to Mideast and Europe in new role

Bush Hints Election May Facilitate Exit From Iraq Top Military Officials Say US Forces Strained

Elliott Abrams Named Deputy National Security Adviser

Ideologues poised to kill social gains, rights leader says. Dems urged to bar picks for high court chief

Rep. Doolittle, 4 others miss speech for security reasons

Laura Bush to Shepherd Program for Troubled Boys

Carlyle group prepares for next generation

State of the Union: In Speech, Bush Sketches a Bold Domestic and Foreign Agenda + Confident, diplomatic presentation of plans + A closer look at some of president's assertions + Sacrifice Of The Union

Social security: White House notes plan lacks solutions for shortfall + Republicans Say the Sales Pitch Is in the Details + Here's how Bush's plan would work + Social Security proposal finds a wary audience + Democrats' reply: Plan 'immoral'

Nominations: Prisoner Policy Put Bush's Lawyer on Rocky Road to Justice Department + GOP Sees Breakthrough in Gonzales' Confirmation + Ridge's Likely Successor Welcomed + Bush nominee parries torture queries. Would-be chief of homeland security says he did not discuss details of interrogations + Homeland Security Nominee Grilled on the Hill

Congress: DeLay Critic Removed From Ethics Committee + Fazio out of running for base-closure panel + Pombo: Ocean trust fund not likely + Lawmaker makes history: speaking Spanish in Senate. Martinez pays tribute to attorney general nominee Gonzales

Democrats: Party says it's time to stand and fight + A year later, Dean fits leadership role + Dean for DNC chairman? Yeeaarrgghh! + Sen. Clinton's frank talk on abortion

OPINIONS:

Kennedy, Harts: Pentagon still failing to protect the troops

Morford: Come See Our Brutal Democracy

Domestic, Foreign Agenda Run Counter to Fiscal Goals

Bush's Case for Equal Justice

Margaret Carlson: Sex, Politics and President Hillary

Max Boot: George Bush Talks Big, and He Delivers

Living Under the Bombs:DahrJamail

The Shi'ite Earthquake: Juan Cole

Miller & Chalabi, Together Again: Jack Shafer

Judith Miller and Ahmed Chalabi, Together Again

Ted Rall: What would Republican Jesus do? Click.

Sheryl McCarthy: So far, Boxer stages a rebellion of one Click.

Fred Cederholm: A dangerous game of global poker Click.

David Corn: The State of George W. Bush Click.

Maureen Dowd: Inherit the windbags

Click. Exploding the myth of the Bushes as an all-American family

President Warbucks rides again

Waxing messianic

Noam Chomsky: The US occupation

Molly Ivins: Noble ideas, nasty actions

Did September 11 Cause a Constitutional Paradigm Shift?

Marjie Lundstrom: Worrying signs suggest First Amendment faces second-class status Click.

Marine General: It's Fun to Shoot People + Marine general counseled for saying "it's fun to shoot some people ...

UK's ID Card Plan Could Violate Human Rights Law

Blair Defends House Arrest Plans

Controversial Ward Churchill lecture

Congress Ready to Dramatically Boost Indecency Fines

Blood for pork....

Defense boosts Northrop's bottom line

G.E., Halliburton Stop Doing Business in Iran + Halliburton and Iran

Halliburton Proves Expensive for US

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Election: Iraq Says It's Winning War on Terror as Polls Near + In Armored Vehicles, U.S. Troops Tell Iraqis to Vote + It's time to vote: Stock up on food, and grab your gun.  + Ominous campaign literature makes rounds + Shiite parties prepare list of potential leaders + Elections begin yearlong political march in Iraq+ Few expatriates will cast ballots + Iraq expatriate voter registration a success+ Iraqis Trickle to U.S. Voting Venues + Blitz of TV ads rolls + 25,946 Iraqis expected to vote in U.S. + New Iraqi forces face security test at polls + Allawi prepares to tough it out + Analysis: Antonio Castaneda + Critics See Hypocrisy in China's Support for Baghdad Elections + How to Assess and Understand Election Days Results and Turnout

War prisons: Prisoner Released From Guantanamo Bay

AFGHANISTAN: Soldier Shoots Dead 5 Comrades in Afghan Base Attack

MIDDLE EAST: Israeli Army 'Reducing Operations' in W. Bank, Gaza + Palestinians restrict guns. Ban on civilians carrying arms is aimed at militants

RUSSIA: Putin's rating hits all-time low as retirees continue massive protests

EUROPE: Click. What does the UK education secretary see in the controversial Opus Dei group?

EU Ministers Promise to Tackle Anti-Semitism, Nazi Symbols in Europe

AFRICA: Libya plans to shed old and begin a new era

ASIA PACIFIC: Indonesia, Rebels Talk Peace for Tsunami-Hit Aceh + Indonesia offers amnesty to rebels

Despite 'reforms,' food crisis hits N. Korea

AMERICAS: Once Lula was a hero of the left - now they heckle him off stage

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Blake: Daughter of Blake's slain wife recounts treatment of her mother + Murder on spec

The Governor:  Gov., speaker trade barbs + Analysis: Dems, Gov. ignore foes' messages. Each side keeps to its own agenda on budget woes + It's Gov. vs. Democrats in costly game of Bay Bridge tug-of-war + Editorial: Gov., lawmakers in sandbox squabble + Dan Walters: Gov., Democrats gird for mother of all political battles + Reforms dead in the water? Click. + Gov. tempers tone toward Democrats Click. + Gov. urges Democrats to tackle agenda Click. + After the love is gone + Expect Gov. to be taught a political lesson + Gov. battles libel lawsuit. British woman says Schwarzenegger groped her, lied + Reason To Wheeze over ethanol + Dissonance: Gov. Girlie-man + Capitol Battle Lines Harden + A cold eye on state pensions + Pension revamp bills exploding

Ballot plan for two key issues - expand term limits, modify political boundaries

Little Hoover Commission panelists dispute plan to overhaul prisons + Administration: Prison plan would fix 'improperly managed' system

Water board plans hearing on staff enforcement work

State regulators PUC vote to sideline rules for cellular phone companies + PUC votes to suspend phone bill of rights + Crackdown on wireless carriers suspended

Sign up soon for California tax amnesty

12th and last candidate for Matsui's seat certified

California opts out of $525 million federal ConocoPhillips pollution settlement

Foster parents should be heard, senator says Click.

Shelley: New trouble for Shelley: U.S. board orders probe. If voting money was misspent, state might have to pay it back + U.S. begins Shelley probe + Smelly Shelley must go

Indian tribes: Ballot proposal would ban urban casinos + Studies on Lake island ordered + Casino workers not breathing easily + Bay Area casino sparks inter-tribal strife + Pechanga sides against urban casino in San Pablo + Sonoma supervisor Valerie Brown ends ties with anti-casino coalition + Tribe: Casino to help growth + Feud looms over new gaming hall + Napa County joins others for a voice on Indian gaming + Indian gaming conference gets under way in Palm Springs + Casino eyes I-10/Hwy. 95 location

LOCAL NEWS:   Record rainfall spawns wildflower blooms across Southern California

Things look up for sandhill cranes, but they're not out of woods yet

Bush says Iraqi vote will set a 'powerful example' + Public opinion key for Bush in Iraq vote + Bush Says Iraq Likely to Want U.S. Troops After Vote

Bush to Take Social Security Reform Proposal to Voters in Five-State Tour

Bush: Upgrade healthcare records

Judges skeptical of suit filed over 2001 Bush energy plan

Rice vows bold agenda

Study: Tax changes could raise billions

Bush won't appeal media ownership rules

Cheney tours Nazi concentration camp

Kennedy Calls for a Phased Withdrawal From Iraq

U.S. lawmakers call for pressure on Sudan

Mexico fumes over U.S. criticism of nation's drug violence+ U.S., Mexico exchange barbs over drug war dangers

UN Nuclear Chief Urges U.S. to Join EU on Iran

Civil Service System on Way Out at DHS

HHS says it paid columnist for help

Foreign-owner SBA limits eased re: competition for federal contracts

Bush doesn't see ghosts in White House

Rush & Molloy: Campaign aide gets Jenna's vote

Lockheed Martin Wins Presidential Helicopter Contract

Congress: Bush Faces New Skepticism From Republicans on Hill + Kerry, Clinton criticize Bush on health care

Social Security: Fixing Social Security + Automated Messages to GOP About Social Security + Democrats Complain Social Security Administration Improperly Pushing Bush Plan + Don’t let them steal our security

Democrats: N.J. Dem fund-raiser sentenced to 2 years + Nixon son-in-law eyeing challenge to Hillary + Outsider looking in + Hillary Says Bush Health Plan Hurts Poor + Former Clinton Aide Ickes Supports Dean for Party Chair

OPINIONS:

Closing in on Vietnam

Paul Krugman: Little Black Lies

Robert Parry: Freedom from reality

Jonathan Chait: A deficit you can't refuse Click.

Ivins: Flip-Flopping on Social Security Linguistics

Nurturing Iraq's Non-Election

Boxer's Match

Protocol for Lying

Vietnam on speed

Of oil and elections

Cheney at Auschwitz: an insult to the memory of Nazism's victims + Cheney's green parka and boots stand out

An Election of and by Ghosts

A Deficit You Can't Refuse

Escobar: Many stakes in Iraq election

Why insurgents may be the winners

Volcker The In-'credible'

Rhetoric remains high-flown, but arguments for war have fallen apart

Greg Dyke: Two years after the war, why hasn't Blair resigned yet?

NAACP Searches for Leader

Antiwar activists fail to press their cause

Music stars ready to buttonhole leaders over poverty

Parents of Sutter, CA elementary School protest policy that students wear security badges

Professor Ward Churchill's views spark ire + 'Professor' who calls WTC victims Nazis to speak in N.Y.

Chinese government takes over Zhao funeral arrangements

The Left Loses College Kids

CONNECT THE DOTS....

UC's women scientists

Stardom: When PARODY Isn't FUNNY

The Parrot In The Bathroom

Friday fishwrap: Zodiac flick?

Click. Poker's popularity with teens troubles schools, groups.

Rice and the New Black Paradigm

Melon heir avoided spotlight

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Move Over Shakespeare at Cinnabar Theatre

Improv movie making: 24 hours from action to finish

Robert Dwan, Groucho Marx's TV director, dead at 89

Youth get taste of jazz life from Oakland group

Woman discovers roots on internet

Time off that will do you - and Mother Nature - good

Museum extravaganza in Madrid

The 'indie' label as a catchall

The French New Vague

Stiller, Standing

Old vodka whacks its rivals

Archaeological Digs!: Dig and Tour Opportunities for 2005

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette - Colette & Claudine

Tolkien Gets Ringing Endorsement

Cybersex: Seek and ye shall find

Debut for unknown Beethoven work

Ringo Drums Up Superhero Project

Black Baptists forge agenda

Turin Shroud is not medieval forgery, says US scientist

Film review: Aliens of the Deep

Ecologists See The Primeval Wood For The Trees

Universal Translator Might be Needed to Understand ET

The man who shaped modern America

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Election: Divided Kirkuk a rich political prize. Kurds hope to win control of city -- and its oil wealth + Iraqi expatriates' votes unlikely to make much difference in historic election + A Tale of 2 Iraqis Ahead of the Vote + Election Putting Neighboring Nations on Edge + Iraqi elections pose strategic headache for Syria + Iraqi, citing inclusion, suggests official jobs for those who boycott vote

War prisons: AP: Gitmo soldier details sexual tactics + Interview: Attorney Scott Horton: Bush Team Has Revived Nazi Ruses Rejected at Nuremberg  + Britons detained in Guantanamo freed without charge by anti-terror police + MPs condemn house arrest plan to 'control' terror suspects

MIDDLE EAST: Israelis, Palestinians meeting. Officials discuss Sharon-Abbas talks, possibly in 2 weeks + Israel, Palestinians renew political ties + Palestinians ban citizens from carrying weapons + Arabs have right to buy Jewish land, Israeli Attorney-General says

King Fahd removes chairman of the intelligence department from his post

RUSSIA: Terrorists seize apartment block in Russia's south + Putin tries to buy peace with 50% pay rise for the police

ASIA PACIFIC: Tibetan Monk's Death Sentence Is Commuted to a Life Term

Japan: Ruling Is Bad News for Foreign Workers +

TSUNAMI: Red Cross Says It Has Enough Tsunami Money to fund recovery effort for 10 years

AMERICAS: State Dept. warns Americans about traveling to Mexico. Drug-related killings and kidnappings surge along border

250,000 Join Protest Against Ecuador's President

Colombia: Guards Kill 7 Inmates After Blast at Prison + Mass break-out at Colombian jail

Canadian military will play increased global role: PM

Nicaraguans seize missile during sting

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

The Governor:  Gov. accuses Dems of stalling. He threatens to take agenda for change directly to the people + Critics blast Gov.'s reorganization plan + Plan to reduce boards bashed + Some GOP House members have doubts about Gov.'s redistricting idea + Gov. asks White House for help to aid storm areas + Redistricting changes needed + Meal-break rule called power grab + Sorry Arnold, No Two-Picture Deal + Gov., Democrats Argue Over Budget + Governor's finance chief cheerfully lays out gloom +  Quit stalling, Gov. tells Legislature + Poll: Gov's popularity erodes + Democrats do nothing, Gov. says + Public's Renewed Focus on Education Could Teach Gov. a Lesson + Governor's glow fades as school concerns rise + Panel Backs Gov.'s Parole Board Picks +Daniel Weintraub: Lessons for California from Oregon's pension debacle + Pension crossroads

LOCAL NEWS:  Underfunded national parks must turn away children, study says + Parks teaching needs not being met

Bush hails mere act of voting a victory for Iraqi democracy

War Costs for US Push Past $200 Billion + How Bush Got Iraq War Cost So Wrong

Kennedy Calls for Troop Withdrawal, Says Military Is Fueling Insurgents

Secretary of state close to Bush, expected to have clout overseas + Rice expected to take first official trip

World leaders mark Auschwitz liberation

Sens. to Introduce 'Stop Government Propaganda Act'

U.S. Seeks to Create UN Tribunal for Darfur Crimes, Sidestep World Court

Paying boosters wrong, Bush says

Bush pushes computerized medical records

Michael Lind: How the US became the world's dispensable nation Click.

Senate panel OKs nominee for attorney general. Straight party-line vote reflects tension over Gonzales' bid

Contentious Defense Official Douglas Feith to Depart

Appeals court to revisit Cheney lawsuit

GOP head wants Giuliani to run vs. Clinton

USDA chief presses Japan on beef trade

Energy nominee plans to keep holdings+ Nuclear Waste Dump Timeline Is Updated

Homeless Count or Are Counted + Counting Homeless a Tough Task

Iraq crisis dominates Bush press conference

Why Bush is coy about his Irish links

As Texas judge, Gonzales heard donors' cases

Social Security: Privatizing Social Security: 'Me' Over 'We' + Race And Social Security: Cynical Politics + Social Security Battle Could Make Bush a Retiree

Congress: Need cold pills? Senate plan would require ID + Woolsey, 24 Dems, ask Bush to withdraw GIs + GOP Congressman Renews Push for Immigration Curbs + Lawmakers call for stepped-up pressure on Sudan + Kerry battling Bush on health care plan + Kennedy calls for troop withdrawal in Iraq+ Senate doctors share interests, not styles + House votes to tighten rules on Congressional Gold Medal awards + Congress shows sadness, division on Iraq+ GOP lawmakers urge IBM-China sale review U.S. government puts 9/11 record online + Meth is targeted in bill by Feinstein + Congress Puts Spyware on Hit List + Talk Simmers in Congress of Plans for Withdrawing U.S. Troops

Democrats: Daily News Exclusive: Hil vs. Pirro in '06?

OPINIONS:

Boxer's spine gets her cut off at the knees

Only chaos is sovereign

Destroying Babylon

Bullets and ballots

BLUMENTHAL: THE TROOPS ARE EXHAUSTED

The Iraq Election: Another Dead End?  

The War Party's Atrocity Porn

Neocons Owe Hersh an Apology

Stupidest guy on the face of the earth resigns

Stardom: Hell, Why Not Send Arnie Instead of KILLER ROBOTS?

As Shiites inherit Iraq, the Arab world trembles

Iraq's election of ghosts

Vote or no vote, we will kill you

Zarqawi vs. Sistani

Can't count on president

Gore Vidal on Bush Cheney Conspiracy

Election:  Politics popular in Shiite areas + Police Protests Raise Pre-Vote Fears in Najaf + Vote is at risk of inflaming, not taming, the region

War prisons: UK: Don't comment on abuse case, judge tells politicians + Photo-lab worker tells TV show of new Iraq abuse pictures + Soldiers' trial told of orgy of looting + Danish troops charged with abuse

AFGHANISTAN: Bomb Misses a Top Warlord in Afghanistan

IRAN: Intel on Suspect Iran Imports Was Flawed-Diplomats + Straw says Bush backs diplomatic approach to Iran
No common ground with Iran regime, says Rice + India, Pak closer to accord on Iran pipeline: Ayer + Paris, Moscow eye-to-eye on Iran, Iraq and Mideast

MIDDLE EAST: Palestinian Security Forces Deploy in Gaza + Israel will strike if Abbas fails

RUSSIA: Russian diplomats in Finland involved in outrageous sex scandal

Parents of Russian Massacre Victims Protest

EUROPE: Ukraine's Yushchenko prepares to take power, Western course + Ukraine's new chief plans trip to Moscow. Yushchenko to visit Kremlin, Europe after inauguration

Irish appeal court quashes only Omagh bombing conviction

Straw urges Europe to end ban on arms sales to China

ASIA PACIFIC: Military-backed militia sets up Aceh relief effort. Critics fear Laskar group, used in unrest in East Timor, will undermine cease-fire

China Confronts Its Daunting Gender Gap

North Korea Lets In Rescue Ship From the South

AMERICAS:  Mexico evaluates proposal for expatriate voting in 2006

Spain Trial Yields Gruesome Details about Argentine "dirty war"

Randolph T. Holhut: ''The good gringo", the story of Paul Bardwell Click.

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

The Governor:  Gov. makes inauguration appearance + Gov. Draws a Crowd in Capital Visit + As Private Jails Reopen, Critics See Long Arm of the Lobbyist close to Gov. + Medical Board Faces Revision or Death + Can Gov. fight spending monster without becoming a monster himself? + Assembly speaker attacks Gov.'s spending plan + Speaker: Gov.'s budget a product of 'right wing think tanks' + More speaker attacks + State workers blast Gov.'s plan + CalPERS fights on pension proposal + Democrats team up to tackle budget

Little California public work goes overseas. Auditors say $9.7 in 3 years

State is tops in recreational boats

Dan Walters: It's official proof that California's tax system is a corrosive mess

Input sought by California Law Revision Commission on homeowners groups

Battle is building over update of state's construction code Click.

Legislature: Bill would add exams for disability pensions + Senate Fellows applications sought

Stem cell panel: Stem cell holdings criticized + East Bay v. Palo Alto fight on stem cell research

Indian tribes: D-Q University, California tribal college: End of the road? +  Feinstein to attempt to block big tribal casino in San Pablo + Alameda council adds voice to casino outcry + Horse racing industry fearful of Indian casinos + Investigation targets off-track betting books at tribal casinos

LOCAL NEWS:  Visitors cap at one   option for Yosemite Click.

Mystery oil spill from Santa Barbara to Huntington Beach draws UC Davis team

Sacramento & north: 3 landowners question ballot plan for arena + W. Sac plans riverside growth + Wi-Fi's new hot spots + R.E. Graswich: Polls apart: Arena survey results aren't being released like last time + Bishop finds peace in work with tribes in Arizona + Yolo cities express interest in joining SMUD + Davis to hold 2nd housing workshop + SACOG chairman takes his post + Tsunami benefit in Davis

San Francisco, San Mateo: Old St. Mary's celebrates 150 years as part of evolving city + Business pushes S.F. 'to get things done', want to overhaul civil service rules + Admissions dispute at Laguna Honda. Doctor says new policy shortchanges elderly residents + Nonprofits face huge federal cuts + Bush protesters fill city streets + Board to have say in parties at Cow Palace + Friday fishwrap: Ploys, plays, pros

Alameda: UC Berkeley growth plan could trigger city lawsuit + Berkeley mayor says he'll seek compromise before filing suit vs. UC + Oakland women to get free home-buying advice + San Leandro extends ban on new marijuana clinics + Lee joins group headed for Darfur + Fremont Muslims embark on holy journey + Heavy fog blamed for multiple collisions + Park police credit cell phone for finding lost hiker + Utilities board picks site for Fremont water valve + Livermore home remains no-fly zone + Homeless find hope at migrant facility + Trash in the Tributaries

Santa Clara: Less affordable housing, more open space in Silicon valley + In an instant, lives full of promise take tragic turn, Tammie Chen dies + More City Hall e-mail fallout + Council contender eats his words + Root rot claims landmark from '60s + Beach hotel plan draws fiery response + Resignation leaves void in councilman's district + Bay Area activists protest `coronation' with songs, parody + Mercury News sues San Jose for release of city employee salaries + Chung: Pro, con of bridge suicide project + $1,000 checks distributed to residents displaced by fire + Charity ball feeling effects of tsunami aid + Bay Area Extra

Contra Costa: New signs fail to halt Vasco crashes in fog + Richmond assistant city manager resigns + Danville nears goal for O'Neill tribute + Buchanan Field not likely to move

Marin: Mosquito control chief faces heavy opposition + Marin schools decry Gov.'s plan + Inauguration wows Marin Republicans + MALT buys 714-acre West Marin dairy + Outage turns Santa Venetia cafe owner off + Cooking up a mess of kindness + Branson launches program on ethics

Sonoma: Latest plan for SR landmark + Petaluma: Search begins for new bus yard + Rancho Adobe fire district cuts hours, jobs + City trash rate hike draws fire + Petaluma council to outline goals for new year + Adobe Creek salmon run thrills students + Mentors lend an ear to youths + SR, county seeking contract for towing + In RP, plans for Wilfred Avenue interchange

Napa: Locals protest inauguration + Click.  Napa candidates tout credentials, suggest ways for easing city's budget woes + Union may ask customers to boycott some markets

Solano: Vallejoan heartened, inspired by events + In Benicia and elsewhere, Californians stage protests + Benicia closer to pact on playing fields + Local News Briefs + Damelio reschedules three appearances

Monterey: Residents revel in being witness to parade of support, protest

Central Valley: Merced posse a highly visible representative of valley contingent in D.C. + Drivers find rocky going on highway after spill+ Lunch cut may not last too long+ Patterson backs 'big box' law + Homeless count to help county grasp magnitude + Water decisions juggled + A Journey of Faith+ D. Dates, former Bee manager+ Ex-Stan State professor helped troubled children+ News & Notes+ Around the Region+ Community Briefing + Guard unit not coming to Castle; everyone pays + San Joaquin Valley misses particle pollution deadline again Click.

Central Coast: Santa Cruz protesters question Bush’s mandate + Watsonville protesters rally against war, for environment + Criticism flies over new UC position + Mayor pans conference center report + Demand for Watsonville library’s computers answered with Wi-Fi Web access + Capitola wants to operate as a business + Coast Lines

Southern California: Thousands raised for Hahn defense + Mayoral hopefuls stump for business + History buffs fight proposal to move train depot + Political vipers + LA cracks down on foster care abuses + Search ends for boy believed drowned in fast-moving SoCal creek + Actors unions reach three-year contract agreement with producers + Orange County diocese launches long-awaited expansion + L.A. candidates Debate Economic Issues + Hahn's Legal Bills on the Rise + Controversial Chief Investor in Tenet Hospital Sale to Be Replaced + Penalties Grow in L.A. Ethics Probe + Villaraigosa Announces Plan for Affordable Housing + Glendale Retail Project Clears a Legal Hurdle + LA councilman Cardenas to Pay FPPC Fine

Nuclear threat puts Iran at top of list, Cheney says. Israel might act first, vice president warns + U.S. Adds Israel to the Iran Equation

World media: Bush inaugural a jolt

Wolfowitz: Iraqi Deaths Show US Strategy Works

Bush to Boost AIDS Funding; Critics Say More Needed

FCC's Powell to Leave Agency in March -- Source

Norwegians confused by Bush's apparent Satanic salute

Senate confirms two Bush Cabinet nominees

Bush Administration Issues Final Rules for Medicare Drug Benefit

US to Be Aussie Nuclear Dump

Medicare to Give Employer Drug Subsidies in 2006 for 9.8 Million Americans

EPA Offers to Limit Fines to Factory Farms in Exchange for Data

Government to Allow Oil Exploration in Ecologically Sensitive Alaska Area

Inauguration speech: President taps into religion, American idealism + Resolute Bush pledges to spread democracy + Aggressive agenda forged in fire of 9/11+ Christian right marks start of `a good 4 years' + Black churches: Bush speech tests faith of an L.A. pastor + Bush puts his own spin on 'freedom'. Left's mainstay word recast in economic terms, analyst says + Putting Democracy First May Test Key Relationships

Social security: Social Security lessons + White House Looks to Sweeten Social Security Plan + Social Security Reform Tops Hispanic Agenda

Vote fraud: Washington judge refuses to speed up GOP challenge + Ohio AG wants to sanction those attorneys who fought vote fraud + Ohio's GOP Attorney-General launches revenge attack on Election Protection legal team + Bush/Rove's new Ohio attack is about revenge, intimidation and contempt for American democracy

OPINIONS:

Wm Blum: Imperial wonderland

Schorr: A spin cycle out of control

PEGGY NOONAN ON BUSH SPEECH

Morford: Suffering From News Fatigue? 

No Country Left Behind

What Chance for Reality?: Alan Bock

Kirkuk at the Crossroads: Aaron Glantz

Bush: The Crusade Must Go On Click.

Abdicating the Moral High Ground

Super Zero: Mr. Uncredible Bush goes on the warpath

W and Dostoevsky: Justin Raimondo

Next stop, Tehran

What's the lesson here for the Dems?

A fire is lit that could burn us, too

Freedom's call may lead us in wrong ways

Our self-interest; thus, the world's

Just Shut Up, John Kerry!

The idol worship of George W. Bush

Condoleezza Rice's academic background

Once They Were Cults: Bush's Faith-Based Social Services

Jenna's hand signal means "Hook 'em horns" in Texas, "bullshit" in sign language. Click.

Anthony Kennedy Shriver to run for Florida governorship? Click.

Greg Palast: Oaf of office

Robin Cook: Fireworks in Washington, despair around the world Click.

Krugman: The free lunch bunch

FBI fights for limited document searches re: FOIA requests

Loud, peaceful protest interrupts Bush speech. Code Pink activists access VIP section -- and get expelled

A.C.L.U. Will Consider Disciplining 2 Officials

Crumbling Catholic Mission Holds the Sacred Heart of a Town's Past

Paul Liberatore: Entertainment milestone for Marin Center Presents

'Da Vinci Code' to Be Shot Inside Louvre

Hollywood heads to the hills as Sundance film festival begins + Shall We Do the Tech Sundance? + Sundance kicks off on political note + REDFORD OPENS SUNDANCE 'FESTIVAL OF DISSENT'

Loyalty Prevails Over Money in Guggenheim Showdown

George Orwell - Orwell on Orwell

Possible da Vinci workshop uncovered

All is forgiven: Chew-happy dog saves owner in Spokane fire

Stiller, Standing

Looking for the site where Richard III really died

Original Picasso sells on Costco site

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Election: Rebel editor now stumps for votes. Election campaign picks up steam despite violence + New Yorker journalist corroborates murder allegations against Iraq's prime minister

War prisons: Judge tosses 1 Guantanamo suit; 2nd case in the works + Britons accused of abuse. Basra prison photos show graphic scenes of inmates wronged + British Leaders Seek to Contain Damage From Iraq Abuse Photos + What Is Wrong With Torture: Engelhardt/Schell + 'We were only following orders'. But whose orders? + Abuse 'was not confined to one camp' + Britain slow to learn from Abu Ghraib

MIDDLE EAST: Security talks on again in Mideast. Palestinians offer plan to curb rockets + Hundreds of Palestinian security forces head to north Gaza to stop attacks + U.S., Israeli Pressure Prompts Official's Exit as head of UN relief agency for Palestinians + Two Palestinian boys killed by IDF gunfire in Jenin and southern Gaza + Hamas v. Abbas: A profile of the Qassam Brigades, the lethal wild card at the Mideast peace table

RUSSIA: Oil politics and the mockery of democracy

EUROPE: Poland's ruling party likely to fall amid scandals

ASIA PACIFIC: Chinese villagers revert to communism with hefty dose of capitalism

Moscow stands firm on Korean standoff

AMERICAS: COLOMBIA: Calling All Bounty Hunters

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Bostonians Wary Amid FBI Manhunt, Possible Threat + 6 sought after tip alleging 'dirty bomb' + San Diego area is origin of terror inquiry Click.

UN put in charge of coordinating tsunami warning system

Biden describes Gadhafi's stated motives

Iran Launched Hunt Operations to Find US Commandos

Cleric accused of handing $20 million check to bin Laden

Richard Bernstein: EU vs. U.S. vs. China - Partnership paradoxes

Sharon urges Russian President Putin not to sell advanced missiles to Syria

Smoke Signals for Explosives

The dangers of silencing Saudi dissent + Saudis caught in a vicious cycle

Bulgarian Official Vows Govt to Open Communist Secret Services Archive

DOE weighs random polygraph tests

Lincoln avoided alleged preinaugural plot

In Age of Security, Firm Mines Wealth Of Personal Data

Zimbabwe breaks up South Africa spy ring

Russia scraps two Soviet-era subs

Intelligence agents reappointed by Burma junta

Saudis Cleared in 9/11 Cases

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Southern California: Former Inglewood officer speaks after winning $1.6 million award in discrimination suit + Michael Jackson's defense asks that accuser not be called 'victim' + Friend says Blake was determined to keep baby from Bakley + Former PTA president pleads guilty to having sex with minor + Judge moves L.A.'s overbilling case against Fleishman-Hillard to another county + Man who alleged faked death to avoid molest charges will be returned to California + Deukmejian presents results of probe into corpse-selling scandal at UCLA + Answer to Scandal: Barcodes in Cadavers+ Buyer of missing Arizona couple's boat faces separate theft case + Fire at Kern County oil refinery injures three workers + Council Wants Inattention Ruling Erased From Books as Legal Precedent + S. B. Wants Bribery Trio Squeezed + Troubled Life Led to Tragedy + Author Testifies on Role in Blake Investigation + OC: Tape Gives Two Sides of Defendant + Simi Teen Gets 9 Months for Racial Attack + Closed Court Sought for Young Jackson Witnesses + Ex-policeman says Robert Blake wanted to 'whack' Bonny Bakley + Jury recommends San Marino police should pay millions to coach re: false arrest for molestation + 'Bumfights' producers may face jail time Click.

The Governor: British judge rules libel case vs. Gov. will go ahead + 'Stooges' remark draws few yuks + Amid Broken Promises, Many Begin to Doubt Schwarzenegger + Gov. caught in a trap set by his own promises Click. + Gov.'s Budget Reforms On The Ballot? Click. + Senate Democrats plan their own bold budget ideas + Perata says Democrats will come up with bold ideas to counter Gov.

State offers amnesty for back taxes. Up to $600 million expected to make a small dent in deficit

Armed with new report, senator will reintroduce health care plan + State health care for all gets support

Workers’comp injured hold protest

Home-care standoff

Analyst: Coastal land may be lost

3 more file to run for Matsui's seat

CalPERS Web site draws fire

Study: Kids' mental health care mixed

Survey: Record number of Californians, young and nonwhite residents voted in 2004

Ax poised over California military bases

Caltrans delay cost millions

Truck toll routes pitched as traffic cure

Indians: Battle over San Pablo casino is heating up + The IRS probes use of tax-exempt bonds for the Cabazon Band's new Indio resort Click. + Governor's proposed budget would double gambling panel's staff Click.

LOCAL NEWS:  About 1,500 jumbo squid wash onto Southern California beaches

Sacramento & north: El Dorado supervisors to discuss bike plan + Talks to begin on Kings arena plan + County's mental health outlook brighter than most + Obituary: Founder put her heart into taco houses + Woodland man dies in truck crash + Two accidents - one fatal - near levee + Supplement firm backs sports event

San Francisco, San Mateo: Thousands expected at anti-abortion march. Lower-key approach tailored for area; counterprotest set + Mayor Newsom in D.C. den of Republican lions. He brushes off Democratic criticism while making rounds + San Mateo: Power line drops in protected habitat. PG&E delayed in repairing outage for 25,000 customers + New audit committee gets rules panel OK + D.C. hotel workers OK pact, synchronized contract with S.F. now abandoned + Golden Gate officials angry with filmmaker who recorded suicides + San Francisco, frustrated by rising homicides, tries handgun ban + New S.F. jail plagued by problems + Old 'relic' still in use + Caen: Delete when the weirdness mounts + Amid deficit, S.F. weighs tsunami aid

Alameda: Trucks-only toll lanes urged for East Bay by think tank + Berkeley Council OKs 115-foot downtown building + Oakland council postpones Police Dept. audit + S.F. police staffing reaches 'crisis' + Dublin considers joining ADA fight

Santa Clara: Police called heroes in San Jose apartment fire Popular Indian diner in trouble + Residents escape S.J. blaze + Studies: Kids benefit from flu shots + Herhold: Executions are twisted logic + Settlement in trail dispute + Produce pilfering + East P.A. questions cost of landing grocery store + S.J. Unified to weigh school closings tonight Pulling the plug on Powell scuttlebutt + Cultural players honored at Tech + Roadshow: Study urges toll lanes for rigs

Contra Costa: Half-dozen crashes on fog-shrouded Vasco Road + Controversial Alamo house proposal still undecided + Richmond sets schedule for its seismic repairs + Landmark Walnut Creek restaurant to bid adieu + Pleasanton's welcome will grow warmer + San Ramon Plan for 60 new houses moves ahead

Marin: Sausalito: Pact on developing Fort Baker. City and National Park Service agree to limit number of rooms in the project + Deal sets up $55 million overhaul at Fort Baker + CEQA Review Required For House On Creek By Tomales Bay Association + Officials leery of man who shot film of GG Bridge + Board cautious about Sutter's hospital plan + Boy, injured dog reunited after ordeal in Mexico + Sausalito raises tax on hotel rooms

Sonoma: Rohnert Park residents face big hike in sewer rates + Ukiah seeks to limit medical pot

Napa: Study shows promise in fight against sharpshooters

Solano: New math: Division of students + Fish and Wildlife exits M.I. in May + Teams assembled to solve school problems + Administrator no-shows at Roundtable meeting + Council at odds over police station + American Canyon City Council + Local News Briefs

Monterey: Board ponders leadership options + Animal rights group takes credit for deer release + Local dentists bring smiles to Cambodia + + Alisal teachers protest no contract + Pacific Grove city attorney put on defense

Central Valley: Hookups to water system going up + Twist in Carmen Sabatino saga: Are CEO and Simon behind charges?+ Officers' funerals should sound unique + Helping in a time of need + Rising home values to benefit troubled fire district + Sports complex a budget buster + Outsider to audit Patterson finances+ Vernal pool meetings next week + Children's Hospital expansion planned+ News & Notes+ Around the Region+ Community Briefing + Wasco inmate shot with foam projectile, Walmart applies to expand in Fresno, Tulare teens shoot police officers + Abundance of rain stocks Hogan Reservoir for year + Manteca may be fined for pollution violations

Central Coast: Santa Cruz Coast Hotel opposition speaks out at forum + Family of famed rocker Ritchie Valens plans concert in Watsonville marking 1959 plane crash anniversary + Report says county is ‘financially fit’: Expert calls study ‘absurd’ + County tops in state for funding mental health care + Live Oak board seat finally filled + Double Shot comes to Boardwalk + Semi-truck full of squid overturns, knocking out power to Aromas residents + Elkhorn Slough gets new land + A tame gross-out game at Watsonville youth center + Surfer survives trip to Thai island of Phuket + Watsonville designer sees change for the better in industrial area + Coast Lines

Southern California: Villaraigosa's Campaign Tries to Recapture Spark + Line Drawn in Sand Over Playa del Rey Dunes Project + L.A. Monolith Mural in Need of a Face-Lift + MTA Panel OKs Proposal to Expand 710 Freeway + OC: Hearings on Sale of 4 Hospitals Start Today + Thousand Oaks: Former Candidate Settles Case + Hahn Proposes Bond for Affordable Housing + Film Fest Fades Out of Pomona + LA: Audit Says Foster-Care Unit Should Lose Its County Pact + OC: Roman Catholic Church Forms 2 New Parishes + L.A.'s Air War + 'It's wrong-way L.A.' + Mayor pushes bond on housing + Mayoral hopefuls meet + $3 billion San Gabriel Mountains toll tunnel urged + City panel OKs plans for hotel tax breaks + Hardball politics

Bush launches term with vow to spread freedom + Ailing Chief Justice, Looking Frail, Swears in Bush + Text of inauguration speech + Golden State tops list of gala donors

Americans Oppose Invading Iran

Cheney: Cheney expresses concern that Israel may attack Iranian nuclear targets + Cheney thought Iraq would recover quickly + Cheney admits miscalculation with Iraq

Supreme battle likely over justices

Health nominee ready for Medicaid changes + States press Bush, Congress on Medicaid

Rice: Cabinet Votes Stall in Senate+ Dems seek Senate debate on Rice. Panel votes approval, but Boxer pushes to extend discussion + Senate Democrats extract promise from Rice + Sneider: Rice taps Stanford expert for post + Rice: Geneva Conventions Don't Apply to Terrorists

Gonzales: Senate panel delays vote on Gonzales. Attorney general designate still likely to be confirmed + Gonzales: CIA Exempt From Torture Ban

Bush appoints two to NRC

Cabral sworn in as U.S. treasurer

GOP Sees Outreach Potential in Agenda

Medicare coverage expands to surgically implanted heart-shocking devices

Airline Drinking Water Flunks EPA Tests

Life insurers fighting major Bush initiative

Techies Talk Tough in D.C.

Congress: Specter committed asbestos liability bill + Congresswomen endorse abortion opponent Roemer for DNC chairmanship

Democrats: Kerry, Democrats on hand for inaugural + Dean gaining early momentum in DNC race + Sen. Clinton urges use of faith-based initiatives + Michael Moore's bodyguard arrested on gun charge at JFK

Vote fraud: Early exit polls overstated Kerry results, media group says

OPINIONS:

Condi Rice, steady on toward disaster

Boxer on the offensive

It's all about the victory

New slant on a Teflon presidency

Bush's Democracy Project

A nation of religious illiterates

What will Bush's legacy be?

Same man, different president

Dying for Sycophants: Paul Craig Roberts

Bush: Unfazed...or Unhinged?: Teresa Whitehurst

Scheer: Pomp and Improper Circumstance

Bush the master of delusion

Ellis Henican: A party that's beyond belief Click.

Maureen Dowd: Don't know much about algebra

Lifestyles of the Rich and Heartless

Bush legacy. Is Jeb next?

Ivins: Henhouses stuffed with foxes

What Is Driving The Rise In Over The Counter Drugs?

New York Apartment Buyers Face Powerful Co-Op Boards

Verizon's Deferred Tax Liabilities Too High?

Junk queen tries stocks

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Weill Cornell Team Develops Fast-acting Anthrax Vaccine

Marin Weekend: Grab some crab - and don't forget the wine

Pilgrims 'stone Satan' as Muslims mark Adha festival

Michael Moore nominated for "Fahrenheit 9/11" by Directors Guild

Guggenheim Loses Top Donor in Rift on Spending and Vision

Ancient Hominid Found in Ethiopia Is Yielding Teeth Like the Apes'

Jacqui Parker has got it going on

Jazz Great Endorses Reading the Paper 'Round Midnight, and at Other Times

Nanny cleans up at theatre awards nominations

Former Nazi camp to host Israeli opera

Blackpool Pleasure Beach launches school for magicians

'Look at me - I'm dying!'

Sundance Online Adjusts Focus

Rush & Molloy: Paris vs. porn seller: Girl gone wild?

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Election: Slates Still Blank for Iraqi Voters + Push for Sunni voters enters critical days

War prisons: Guantanamo Prepares for Renovations + Pictures of Abuse in Iraq Stun UK Court Martial + The Nuremberg Principles, Iraq and Torture + Lawyers Describe Guantanamo Detainees as Emaciated, Abused

MIDDLE EAST: 2 killed in Gaza bombing. 8 Israelis wounded in defiance of Abbas' call to halt attacks + Abbas and Militants Meet in Gaza + Sharon to Resume Security Talks With Palestinians, Seeks `Tangible Steps'

Report raps Israeli banks for Holocaust funds holdup. Parliament also criticizes authorities

ASIA PACIFIC: China Plays Down Death of Ex-Leader

AMERICAS: Colombia: Two Men Ruled Guilty of Murdering Archbishop

Mexico: Former Mayor, 2 Sons Found Shot to Death

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

The Governor:   Gov.: Starve state's 'monster' + Gov. uses private funds to pay for his trip to D.C. + Unions Protest Gov.'s Proposals + Officials Launch Salvos at Gov.'s School Budget + Peter Schrag: Hybrid democracy, cruise control and 'Caesarism' + A Man of the People ... People Who Pay + Democrats: Gov.'s budget would hurt some needy + Victory at polls wasn't enough Click. + Proposal to reform Medi-Cal gets little fanfare Click. + In the name of prison reform + Trying to Shore Up Limits on Fundraising + Meeting to address worker pay

Probe of State's Oil Is Sought by Controller Click.

Johnson will not take on Matsui

Shelley probe might come quickly

CalPERS prepares pension defense

Injured workers organize group

Nurses rally for staffing

Dan Walters: California bracing for more military base closures, but so what?

Stem cell directors disclose financial data. Despite biomedical ties, they pledge no conflicts of interest + Stem cell research eyed at UC Merced + Chair, vice chair of California stem cell agency are millionaires + State leads nation on stem cells

Connerly retiring as UC regent -- leaves controversial legacy

Millions of dollars of state's crops damaged in storms

LOCAL NEWS:   Kaiser doctors take time to help Sri Lanka

LA Zoo gets rare pangolin confiscated from tourists

PG&E to alter power rates?

Sacramento & north: Blanas steps down from arena fray + County child support collection rises + Growth prospects bright, SMUD told + San Juan may have to close more schools + R.E. Graswich: Reliance on private funding spurs Yee to lead cheers for arena plan + Grants to aid Latino community + Board: Seek funds to aid seniors

San Francisco, San Mateo: Film captures suicides on Golden Gate Bridge. Angry officials say moviemaker misled them + Supes committee OKs tsunami relief funds. But key officials say S.F. can't afford $1 million effort + Expert says areas of San Mateo Co. face landslide risk + Changes to affordable housing law urged+ Tanforan structure complete+ Three deals break mold re: inclusionary housing law + Beach patrol+ Peering at Aaron Peskin

Alameda: Berkeley: Regents panel approves Cal growth plan. City Council immediately votes to sue, as last resort + Oakland Mayor plans anti-crime curfew + Oakland: Public herbicide ban may be partly lifted + Albany council votes on possible street closures + Berkeley considers road diet for Marin Avenue + Airport drops new parking garage plan + Tech students may miss capitol trip + Fremont searching for a new fire chief + Day laborer dies in chipping accident + Lions Center for Blind may stay open + Refuge for women, kids gets $50,000 donation + Brown: Oakland on its way + Newark wants feedback on sale of school + Factory's permit renewal up to Union City residents + Fremont man receives honor decades later + Businesses bank on tapping niche market

Santa Clara: San Jose: Councilman quits amid charges. Gregory pleads no contest to 11 corruption counts + Mayor to recommend election to fill seat + Valley pessimistic on economy 56 evacuated after fire sweeps SJ apartment building + Embattled S.J. councilman quits + Chinese music draws crowds + Downtown library branch to reopen on Saturdays Carbon monoxide poisoning kills San Jose woman Students to attend D.C. gala + McGovern to highlight rally + Herhold: Council's pay-to-play culture remains When expectations and reality collide + Alcohol rehab center closes + Roadshow: 'Popular' argument about BART

Contra Costa: A new look at urban limit line + Old Ranch II homes get nod from San Ramon commission + Vessel sanitation ordinance approved + Shepherd's Gate closer to Brentwood

Marin: Mill Valley family's mission. Their Sri Lanka vacation turned into relief effort + Fairfax saves 7 acres of open space + Environmental prize awarded

Sonoma: Making a splash in Wine Country + Petaluma garbage rates may soar + RP water, sewer rates may jump 24% or more + Rancho Adobe to consider closing station + Healdsburg to recoup money from electric bills

Napa: Napa gift store Le Cadeau to close in March + Napa Council gives OK to Mondavi Highway, Calistoga says no + Chardonnay Golf Club mired in debt closes, buyers step forward

Solano: Benicia Council splits votes on commission appointments + Nurses from Vallejo join protest in Sacramento over ratio laws + Local News Briefs + Flyway festival celebrates birds with art show, outings and expo + Reception to welcome Ubalde to SCC board

Monterey: Researchers studying effects of carbon dioxide on ocean + Two suits challenge Rancho San Juan + CALLAHAN WILL BE OUT IN JUNE + UNIFIED TRANSIT CENTER PROPOSED + Council opposes hotel tax hike + Palo Corona park access will be limited + Salinas group helps rebuild Indian village

Central Valley: Report: Valley's economy lagging + Study: Central Valley plagued by high unemployment + Thousands honor officer shot in Ceres gunbattle + Veneman lands on feet with U.N. appointment + Restoration in Giant Sequoia National Monument to begin + Youth to witness inauguration+ Weekend lunch handout will stop after budget cut+ Annan makes Veneman pick official+ Turlock's tricky task: Ways to cut the budget+ San Joaquin moves quickly to find a new sheriff+ Hazy days spark 'burn discouraged' alert+ Chilly Day Spent Trimming Away Among TreeTops of MJC Orchard+ Preparing for surgery+ The Long Blue Line+ News & Notes+ Around The Region+ Community Briefing

Central Coast: Friends fear the worst: Live Oak resident visiting Thailand hasn’t been heard from since tsunami hit + Crowd backs hotel expansion + City plans ceremony for Catz + College grad rates scrutinized + Judge agrees stabbing suspects could be gang members; charges move forward + Orion deal magnifies firm’s reach + Two local water agencies earn kudos + Coast Lines

Southern California: Democrats Won't Back Candidate for Mayor in L.A. + Voters Will Get a Chance to Weigh In on Possible Merger of Airport Police, LAPD + PR Firm Gets Final Notice from LA on Bills + Move to Protect Health Funds OKd, County will hire 100 psych workers + LA tax Hike Measure Advances + Placentia's OnTrac Opens Its First Railway Overpass

School days: Oakland: Castlemont music program gets boost + Modesto college prep enrollment policy OK'd +