In the News

by Jack Shinar

The California Horse Racing Board drew more political heat May 9 when a state Senate budget sub-committee pulled the regulatory agency's $10.8 million funding for the 2007-08 fiscal year.

The action seems mostly related to the CHRB's refusal of Bay Meadows' request to waive a commission mandate requiring installation of an all-weather racing surface by the end of the year. Sen. Leland Yee, whose district includes Bay Meadows, made the request formally to Sen. Michael J.

OUR VIEWS

The boards that direct California's public universities are supposed to serve the public interest - and serve it openly. The Legislature needs to pass SB 190, which would close a loophole in the state's 1967 open meetings law that lets the boards spend millions away from the public eye.

SB 190 would end the practice of the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees meeting in secret to approve executive salaries and perks.

He served time for murder and left prison an Episcopal priest. He felt redeemed but wasn't sure others would forgive him. Now he's living the life he prayed for.

By Cynthia Hubert - Bee Staff Writer

From the back seat of a parole officer's car, James Tramel stared at the cinder block buildings that had been his home for so many years.

He watched as California State Prison, Solano, faded into the distance, and he pondered the future.

It was March 2006.

James Russell Tramel was Father Tramel now.

SACRAMENTO - On a unanimous vote, the State Senate approved legislation to bring greater transparency and public access to executive compensation actions at both the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU).

Senate Bill (SB) 190, authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), will require all executive compensation packages to be voted on in an open session of a subcommittee and the full board.

Chronicle Sacramento Bureau

Sacramento -- The state Senate approved legislation Thursday that would require compensation packages for top executives of the state's university systems to be voted on in public. It would also mandate that all elements of compensation be fully disclosed.

The bill, authored by Sen.

A resolution recognizing the diversity of languages and cultures in California has passed the state Senate, making way for to May to be declared World Languages and Cultures Month, the office of state Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo reported today.

The resolution is intended to encourage schools and colleges in the state to promote and celebrate language access and education.

"Proficiency in more than one language enhances communication and strengthens positive interactions among people around the world," Yee said in a statement.

By ALEC YOSHIO MacDONALD
Nichi Bei Times Contributor

Earlier this month, talk show host Don Imus made racist and sexist remarks about the Rutgers University women's basketball team, and CBS Radio fired him eight days later.

Now the Organization for Chinese Americans (OCA) is waiting to see if CBS Radio will take equivalent measures against two more of their on-air personalities who crossed a similar line.

Jeff Vandergrift and Dan Lay, hosts of the New York morning show "The Doghouse with JV & Elvis" on WFNY 92.3 FM, recently broadcast a si

By: Josh Weaver

Senate Bill 190, which has been labeled the Transparency Bill, cleared a "major hurdle" Monday as it was unanimously approved by the Appropriations Committee, according to a press release from the office of state Senator Leland Yee.

Communications director for Sen. Yee, Adam Keigwin, said they are especially pleased with the unanimous vote considering a similar bill, AB 775, did not pass the Appropriations Committee last year.

"For us to pass this bill through this year unanimously is quite exciting," Keigwin said.

By Gregor Hunter

The University of California has budgeted $6.9 million to spend on restructuring administrative procedures in light of previous controversies over undisclosed staff compensation packages that were brought to light in 2005.

The UC intends to conduct a full review of administrative operations to find a way to minimize cost and to save money for students, according to a press release.

The university also wishes to increase oversight mechanisms, improve customer service between the Office of the President and the various UC camp