Updates since early This Morning

California AG rejects foreclosure settlement -- Calling it "inadequate for California," the state is rejecting the latest settlement proposal with major U.S. banks over abuses that fueled the foreclosure crisis. Rick Daysog in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

Federal hearing in Kinde Durkee fraud case delayed again -- A court filing posted today said the delay was requested to give the government more time to sort through evidence collected during its investigation. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert Patrick Mcgreevy in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

California attorney general says DNA backlog is gone -- The California Department of Justice will be able to analyze routine DNA evidence in only 30 days, up to four times faster than before, Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris announced Wednesday. Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Sacramento economy has bottomed out, Sac State says -- Sacramento's economy has finally bottomed out, and a slow recovery will lead to falling unemployment, according to a forecast released today. Dale Kasler in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

Del Beccaro: GOP 'food fight' will help nominee against Obama -- Will blue California be a battleground in the November presidential election? Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert Chris Megerian in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Cal State caps pay for university presidents -- California State University trustees Wednesday unanimously approved a measure to cap salaries of new executives in the face of steep funding cuts and sharply rising tuition. Carla Rivera in the Los Angeles Times Pat Flynn UT Sandiego -- 1/25/12

Anaheim Councilman Got Illegal Campaign Cash From Hoteliers -- Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu took at least $6,800 in illegal campaign donations during his failed 2010 supervisorial campaign from partnerships organized by William O'Connell and Sjesh Patel, development partners in planned, four-star GardenWalk hotels, campaign finance disclosure forms show. ADAM ELMAHREK VoiceofOC.org -- 1/25/12

Orange County's Public Administrator Won't Leave -- Last March, Orange County's besieged public administrator, John Williams, avoided political execution by agreeing with the Board of Supervisors to retire on Monday. But despite that agreement — and an order to change the locks on his office door — Williams showed up for work anyway. NORBERTO SANTANA JR. VoiceofOC.org -- 1/25/12

CMR: Matt Cate at the Sac Press Club -- California's enormous budget problem is making it difficult for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to comply with the court-ordered reduction in its prison population, Corrections Secretary Matthew Cate told 80 Sacramento Press Club luncheon guests Tuesday. Bob Schmidt Cal Morning Report -- 1/25/12

Fox: Trouble for Brown’s Tax Strategy in Poll Numbers -- Governor Jerry Brown’s hope of clearing the field of all other tax increase measures except his own ran into trouble with the release of the newest Public Policy Institute (PPIC) poll. The poll indicates that proposals that simply tax the rich may fair better than Brown’s plan of income and sales tax increases giving proponents of the tax the rich proposals incentive to carry on. Joel Fox Fox & Hounds -- 1/25/12

Pelosi and Gingrich again trade jabs over ethics probe -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s suggestion that she knows “something” about Newt Gingrich that will keep him from the presidency drew clarifications and recriminations Wednesday. Lisa Mascaro and Seema Mehta in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Gabrielle Giffords bids an emotional farewell to Congress -- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House floor one final time as her colleagues approved her bipartisan border security bill on the day she officially stepped down from office. Lisa Mascaro in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Fed says key rate likely to stay near zero through late 2014 -- The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that it was likely to leave short-term interest rates at rock-bottom levels at least through late 2014, pushing out its easy-monetary policy even further into the future than previously indicated. Don Lee in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Thanks for the memories, Arnold? Schwarzenegger stuff available for a price -- Arnold Schwarzenegger's days as governor are long gone -- but not forgotten by political junkies, apparently. Jim Sanders SacBee Capitol Alert -- 1/25/12

 

   California Policy and Politics This Morning

PPIC poll delivers voters' mixed signals on California budget -- California voters like Gov. Jerry Brown's idea of making high earners pay more taxes, but otherwise are of mixed minds about solving the state's chronic budget woes, according to the Public Policy Institute of California's latest poll on the topic. Dan Smith SacBee Capitol Alert Anthony York in the Los Angeles Times  STEVEN HARMON in the San Jose Mercury MICHAEL GARDNER UT Sandiego TOM VERDIN AP Wyatt Buchanan in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

If Not For Schools, Would Brown's Tax Hike Be A Dud? -- Governor Jerry Brown will no doubt love the headline out of the brand new statewide public poll: 68% of likely voters say they support his November initiative to raise taxes and earmark the money for public schools. John Myers Capitol Notes -- 1/25/12

Herdt: How Democrats could lose in a free-for-all -- In his three score years as a Democratic political organizer, Hank Lacayo has seen electoral reforms come and go. Timm Herdt in the Ventura Star -- 1/25/12

California lawmakers to sue John Chiang over their pay -- Democratic legislative leaders sued Controller John Chiang today for blocking their pay during last year's budget dispute, a decision that drew scorn from lawmakers last summer. Kevin Yamamura SacBee Capitol Alert Anthony York and Patrick McGreevy LA Times PolitiCal Marisa Lagos Chronicle Politics Don Thompson AP BRIAN JOSEPH in the Orange County Register Cheryl Miller The Recorder -- 1/25/12

Walters: California judges resume war over money and power -- It pits Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the State Judicial Council, along with one faction of trial and appellate judges, against a rebellious faction, organized as the Alliance of California Judges, over how to allocate pain as the courts adjust to reduced financing. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

Audit accuses high-speed rail of risky financing, contract splitting -- In yet another blow to California's troubled high-speed rail project, California's state auditor said this morning that the project's financing is "increasingly risky" and its oversight inadequate. David Siders SacBee Capitol Alert Dan Weikel in the Los Angeles Times Michael B. Marois and James Nash Bloomberg JULIET WILLIAMS AP -- 1/25/12

Bill would slam shut ‘revolving door’ at state regulator -- Once, Michael Peevey was president of Edison International and Southern California Edison Company. Today, he is president of the California Public Utilities Commission, where he regulates his former company. Is that a problem? BRIAN JOSEPH in the Orange County Register -- 1/25/12

Former GOP Sen. Sam Aanestad considering run for Congress -- Former Republican Sen. Sam Aanestad is weighing a run for the Northern California congressional seat being vacated by retiring GOP Rep. Wally Herger. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 1/25/12

Sen. Al Franken to speak at California Democratic Party confab -- U.S. Sen. Al Franken will speak live from San Diego next month as California Democrats gather for the state party's spring convention. Torey Van Oot SacBee Capitol Alert -- 1/25/12

Mirkarimi Won't Take Pay While on Trial -- San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi told reporters Tuesday that he would not take pay while he is on trial for domestic violence next month. And in a private meeting with Mayor Ed Lee, Mirkarimi said he would consider taking a leave of absence, the mayor’s spokeswoman said. MATT SMITH, TREY BUNDY Bay Citizen -- 1/25/12

Mirkarimi attorney disputes Christina Flores -- "He's got a bombastic personality and occasionally he can be a bit of tyrant," Ross Mirkarimi's lawyer says of the San Francisco sheriff. "But he is no abuser." Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Calbuzz Panel: Newt Could Win, Then Crush the GOP -- With Mitt Romney demonstrating all the verve of an attack mouse, not to mention his tax returns, off-shore bank accounts and serial flip-flops, members of our Calbuzz Consultanate are reconsidering that in-the-bag nomination they predicted just a couple of weeks ago. Jerry Roberts and Phil Trounstine CalBuzz -- 1/25/12

   Occupy

UC Davis students occupying unused campus building -- Following a noontime rally Tuesday, University of California, Davis, students spilled into an unused campus building, saying they intend to occupy it around the clock. Ed Fletcher in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

   Economy - Jobs

Santa Clara petitions renew 49er stadium battle -- The battle over a new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara seems headed to court - and, possibly, back to the ballot - after the Santa Clara City Council rejected petitions calling for a referendum to overturn an $850 million loan to the team. Michael Cabanatuan in the San Francisco Chronicle Mike Rosenberg in the San Jose Mercury -- 1/25/12

San Jose moves to end redevelopment agency -- With little choice in the matter, San Jose officials Tuesday took final steps to end what had once been the California's second-largest redevelopment agency, turning its remaining debt-payment functions over to the city. John Woolfolk in the San Jose Mercury -- 1/25/12

San Jose council moves to end its pensions -- San Jose city leaders took initial steps Tuesday toward ending their own state-run pension plan as they continue seeking workforce retirement concessions. John Woolfolk in the San Jose Mercury -- 1/25/12

Apple has another blowout quarter -- Red-hot iPhone and iPad sales helped Apple supercharge its first earnings report of 2012 with a breathtaking 118 percent jump in profit, leaving the tech giant with nearly $100 billion in cash and strong momentum on the increasingly crowded digital playing field. Patrick May in the San Jose Mercury -- 1/25/12

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee seeks $1 million loan fund -- Ismael Diagne has gone from a valet and bellhop at a hotel at Fisherman's Wharf to owner of a company that imports traditional teas from his native Senegal. John Coté in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Supes give thumbs-up to Cup's key report -- Organizers for the America's Cup cleared a major hurdle Tuesday, but it wasn't a smooth ride. Stephanie M. Lee, John Coté in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Dodgers Auction: Who Should Own the Team? -- In a perfect world the next owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers would have deep pockets, deep L.A. roots and a deep commitment to better security for fans and the neighborhoods surrounding Dodger Stadium. Paul Teetor LA Weekly -- 1/25/12

List of Dodger Bidders in the 2012 Sale by Frank McCourt: Wall Street Jerks and Baseball Lovers -- Here's the known, and rumored, list 15 of exceedingly rich Wall Street one percenters, fabulously wealthy moguls and hardcore baseball lovers who may -- or may not -- have made secret, non-binding $1 billion bids to buy the Dodgers before the January 23, 2012 deadline expired. Jill Stewart LA Weekly -- 1/25/12

   Education

California colleges enroll thousands who don't meet requirements -- Think you don't have the grades or test scores for the University of California or California State University? Sure you do! The state's public universities admit thousands of students every year who do not meet minimum admission requirements. Matt Krupnick in the San Jose Mercury -- 1/25/12

Cal State trustees to consider cap on raises for new executives -- The chairman of California State University’s governing board said Tuesday that he will propose capping raises for new executives at 10% in the wake of stinging criticism over recent salary decisions. Carla Rivera in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Fensterwald: Big backing for Brown’s tax increase -- Brown is drawing the most support from voters who favor first and foremost protecting K-12 education: 62 percent of likely voters said they’d pay higher taxes for that purpose; less than half said they’d support higher taxes for health and human services (49 percent), higher education (46 percent), or prison and corrections (only 12 percent). John Fensterwald educatedguess -- 1/25/12

Baron: Sacramento school a case study for NCLB waiver -- Reforms alone can't erase "failing" school stigma. Kathryn Baron TopEd -- 1/25/12

State asks judge to toss illegal school fees case -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, the California State Board of Education, the state Department of Education and the attorney general's office all want a judge to drop a lawsuit that seeks to hold the state accountable for school districts that illegally charge students to participate in classes and extracurricular activities. Corey G. Johnson California Watch -- 1/25/12

Cost-cutting changes set for LAUSD -- Superintendent John Deasy is taking the first steps in restructuring Los Angeles Unified, with a plan that would thin the district's administrative ranks and redirect resources to improving classroom instruction. Barbara Jones in the Los Angeles Daily News Howard Blume in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

   Health Care

Disbanding of nursing board raises questions about public protection -- The state Board of Registered Nursing ceased to exist this year due to an October veto by Gov. Jerry Brown, and now stark disagreement is emerging over whether the public is adequately protected from nurses who need drug treatment or limits on their practice or to be stopped altogether. Christina Jewett California Watch -- 1/25/12

PACE program a new approach to senior health care -- Juggling Maria Inez Gamez's medications and care became too difficult for her granddaughter and other family members, but the family didn't want to place her in a nursing home. Victoria Colliver in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Changing laws affect gay people’s health, for better and for worse -- Joe Alfano got married twice in four years – to the same person. Heather Gilligan HealthyCal.org -- 1/25/12

   Environment

Wandering wolf OR7 tracked in same area as California's last wild wolf, in 1924 -- California's new wild wolf resident generally has been on the move since arriving one month ago. But the wolf known as OR7 has spent a lot of time lately in the same region where the state's last known wild wolf was killed in 1924. Matt Weiser in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

SoCal Shines Brightest in Solar Rankings -- The Bay Area likes to tout its clean, green reputation, but when it comes to installing solar, Southern California shines brightest. San Diego and Los Angeles lead the state in rooftop solar installations, according to a report released today by Environment California’s Research & Policy Center. Lauren Sommer KQED Climate Watch -- 1/25/12

Rooftop solar capacity soars in Sacramento, report shows -- Rooftop solar power installations nearly tripled in Sacramento during the past two years, making it the fastest-growing solar city in the state. Rick Daysog in the Sacramento Bee -- 1/25/12

   Also..

L.A. County Board of Supervisors seek jail alternatives -- Reluctant to invest $1 billion to rebuild Men's Central Jail, the county Board of Supervisors sought alternative proposals Tuesday to address the growing inmate population. Christina Villacorte in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 1/25/12

Judge Strips Power from Oakland Police -- A federal judge has granted significant decision-making powers to the monitors charged with overseeing court-ordered reforms at the Oakland Police Department, a move that brings the department one step closer to a federal takeover. SHOSHANA WALTER Bay Citizen Henry K. Lee in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Tony Bennett's special San Francisco Valentine's performance -- Tony Bennett is bringing his heart back to San Francisco on Valentine's Day to celebrate the 50th anniversary year of his signature tune. Carl Nolte in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 1/25/12

Lopez: A peculiar parking pattern -- A high number of cars parked at downtown L.A. meters carry disabled placards that let owners park for free. Steve Lopez in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

   POTUS 44

McManus: Obama's common touch -- It was a blue-collar State of the Union speech, aimed at the swing voters the president needs to woo. Doyle McManus in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

   Beltway

President Obama says all must pay 'fair share' of taxes -- Republican candidate Mitt Romney's low rate highlights the gap between investors and wage-earners. Christi Parsons and Kathleen Hennessey in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Obama: The reluctant populist -- Barack Obama has always been a reluctant class warrior — but his State of the Union address showed he’s staking his reelection on an economic populist message more raw than anything he campaigned on four years ago. GLENN THRUSH Politico -- 1/25/12

Republicans blast Obama for 'efforts to divide us' -- The official GOP response to the State of the Union speech also calls the president's policies 'pro-poverty.' Kathleen Hennessey in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Focus group suggests State of the Union speech was well-received -- As President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, a group of 50 swing voters armed with dial meters recorded strongly favorable reactions to his proposals on taxes, renewable energy, overcoming partisan divisions and defending the middle class, according to the pollsters who supervised the study. David Lauter in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Romney's tax returns sit uneasily with Florida voters -- 'Get a real job,' suggests one voter after learning of the candidate's high income. Others are bothered that he equivocated before releasing the information. Mark Z. Barabak and John Hoeffel in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12

Romney tax returns highlight tax code's breaks for rich -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's tax returns reveal a sophisticated low-tax investment strategy that includes offshore funds and a now-shuttered Swiss bank account, contributing to a fortune that has emerged as a potential liability in his quest for the White House. Ralph Vartabedian, Tom Hamburger and Matea Gold in the Los Angeles Times -- 1/25/12