L.A. Times - California Politics

California's best years have passed, voters say

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

In a survey of 1,500 registered voters, 80% say the state is on the wrong track. Respondents express little confidence in state politicians and candidates, even as support for Obama remains high.

Frustrated at California's woes, voters are sharply pessimistic about whether the next governor will be able to move the state in the right direction, and most believe California is in the midst of a long-term decline, a new Los Angeles Times/USC poll shows.

Santa Anita racetrack played a role in WWII internment

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The extensive grounds were used as the nation's largest assembly center to house about 19,000 Japanese Americans before they were relocated to camps.

A plaque near the entrance on the sprawling grounds of the Santa Anita racetrack is the sole reminder of the track's place in World War II history as the nation's largest assembly center for Japanese Americans on their way to internment camps.

By a small margin, California voters support same-sex marriage

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A new poll finds, however, that they don't want to vote on it in 2010.

A small majority of California voters supports the right of same-sex couples to marry, but by a much larger margin, voters oppose efforts to place the issue back on the ballot next year, a new Los Angeles Times/USC poll has found.

Bill Clinton, George W. Bush cancel appearances in L.A., N.Y.

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The 42nd and 43rd presidents back out because promoters of the February panel discussion 'insisted on billing it as something it wasn't,' Clinton spokesman says

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush on Saturday abruptly pulled out of a joint appearance scheduled for this winter in Los Angeles after growing unhappy with the way the event was being promoted.

Schwarzenegger signs part of water package

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

One of the bills establishes a statewide program to measure groundwater elevations. The other adds 25 state enforcement officers to track down illegal water diversions.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger went to a scruffy field in the San Fernando Valley on Friday to sign two pieces of water legislation passed earlier this week.

CalPERS board chief urges colleagues to steer clear of investment go-betweens

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Rob Feckner asks fellow directors not to meet privately with so-called placement agents while the public employees pension fund conducts an investigation of the intermediaries' activities.

The board president of the nation's biggest public employee pension fund is urging his fellow directors to avoid private meetings with go-betweens who help pitch private-equity investments to the fund.

California Legislature tries to block steep cut in pay and perks

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The attorney general is asked to determine whether an 18% pay reduction and car allowance cuts are illegal. Capitol managers say a citizens panel that decided the reductions exceeded its authority.

The state Legislature is quietly seeking to block a steep cut in lawmakers' salary and perks.

The big state government that could

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The governor and the Legislature put together a sweeping water package through old-school negotiations, trade-offs and rewards. Now it's up to the voters to ensure funding.

The California Legislature did something right, it would seem. So did Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Carly Fiorina enters GOP Senate primary with opening shots against Barbara Boxer

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The former Hewlett-Packard executive delayed the announcement to recover from chemotherapy. She touts her business experience, the focus of a challenge by Republican Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.

Republican businesswoman Carly Fiorina formally entered the race for U.S. Senate on Wednesday, issuing a blistering critique of Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer even as she tried to blunt her own primary challenge from the right.

Southern California voters decide a range of ballot issues

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Culver City's $96 annual parcel tax hike for schools is approved. But in Long Beach, a similar measure is defeated. In Ventura, a sales-tax hike for roads and public safety is rejected, 56% to 44%.

Backers of various tax proposals were celebrating ballot-box victories Wednesday in such places as Culver City, Palm Springs and South Pasadena.