[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

The Bakersfield Californian urges a no vote on Proposition 98 and a yeson Proposition 99, arguing that the first measure would lead to an "avalanche of lawsuits involving government, developers and landowners." The Californian also criticizes 98's abolition of rent control and potential to harm the environment.

Legislative Democrats are trying to be reasonable about how to increase revenues this year, with a myriad of proposals targeting strip clubs, six packsof beer, even plastic bags, the Los Angeles Times reports. If theRepublicans cannot accept these tiny bites, they should at least agreeto repeal the mortgage deducation for $1 million vacation homes.

Recalls have the tendency to be wasteful endeavors no matter what party is pushing them,the LA Times editorializes today. The Times supports Senate Pro Tem DonPerata's decision to stop pursuing the "dump Denham" effort, which mayhave served as a distraction during budget negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Bee reports that Denham will continue campaigning, even though support for the recall has been pulled. I guess when you're that unpopular, you can't take anything for granted.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

As California newspapers go, the Bakersfield Californian is firmly in the conservative column. I'm not talking the nonsense editorials that appear in the Orange County Register or the ones penned by uber-right editorial writer Chris Reed in the San Diego Union-Tribune. But the Bakersfield Californian generally reflects the political views of the Central Valley. In other words, pragmatic conservativism.
 
That's why it's fascinating to see the newspaper juxtaposing the positions of two conservative members of its legislative delegation and their votes on closing the yacht tax loophole. 
 
The paper notes: "When closing the yacht loophole came before a committee earlier this year, Fuller voted to end it. However, she abstained when it came to a full Assembly vote. She told The Californian she saw the issue as another case of taxing businesses and the rich, when state spending should be cut instead.

There's more...

by Bob Brigham [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Via Newseum, here's how Barack Obama's victory over Hillary Clinton in South Carolina is playing above the fold in today's California's Sunday papers:

Bakersfield Californian: Obama routs Clinton in S.C.

North County Times (Escondido): Obama romps in South Carolina

LA Daily News: Obama defeats Clinton in rout in S. Carolina

LA Times: Obama easily captures strongest win yet in S.C.

Modesto Bee: Obama crushes Clinton in South Carolina primary

Sacramento Bee: Obama's big win sets up next fight

San Diego Union-Tribune: Obama thrashes rivals in S.C.

San Francisco Chronicle: OBAMA WINS BIG IN S. CAROLINA

Orange County Register: Obama runs away with S.C.

Contra Costa Times: Obama nets huge win in S. Carolina

More after the flip and please use the comments to let us everyone know what you're doing and seeing locally.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Former California Governor Pete Wilson has endorsed Rudy Giulianiin the 2008 presidential race, reports the Bakersfield Californian.It’s a big one for Giuliani—assuming, of course, he’s trying to ditchthe Hispanic vote.

Inside Bay Area is taking a look at how absentee ballots have front loaded the primaries in California, which were moved up to February 5. Voters have the option ofsubmitting absentee ballots up to six weeks before the primary date, afull week ahead of Iowa’s primaries. Meaning that election seasonshould be just around the corner.

The US Senate is preparing to pass legislation expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, having voted 69-30, a veto-proof majority, to end debate on the bill,reports the Washington Post. The House, however, lacks such a majority.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to take up to the legislation“again and again and again” if Bush refuses to sign it.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

The struggling San Jose Mercury News has reportedly cut about 35 news positions today, including its veteran Sacramento political reporter Kate Folmar. Today's action is yet another sequence in a disturbing trend that has hit just about every newspaper in the state capital, from the powerful LA Times to the one-person bureau at the Bakersfield Californian.
 
Kate has been covering Gov. Schwarzenegger for the past several years. She's penned some in-depth pieces (the latest opus being a critique of the Governor's staffing and salaries). She also provided some of the best coverage of the 2005 special election. Lately, she's teamed up with Anthony York of Capitol Weekly and John Myers of KQED to do a weekly podcast of Sacramento political events.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

What are you getting for Earth Day this year? If you're California, here's lots of toxic military debris to make your celebration complete. What a holiday! Also, Senate pro Tem Don Perata introduces a batch of environmental bills here, while the Oakland Tribune provides a reminder of what federal environmental protections used to be like when there was an administration that actually cared about the environment. And finally, the Bakersfield Californian offers up 38 helpful tips "to be kind to Mother Earth." Tip #39: put the Orange County Register opinion section on the fic-tion shelf where it belongs. Another good way to celebrate Earth Day would be to visit this link and vote for Charlie Brown. An early endorsement via Democracy for America's All Star poll certainly wouldn't hurt Charlie's fundraising efforts and rumor has it that Mother Nature prefers a Democratic Congress. Them's fighting words. Republican State Senator Sam Aanestad and Democratic State Senator Ron Calderon were none too pleased with this editorial in the Bee critical of their plan to allow psychologists to prescribe medications. Their response: "We would urge The Bee to read the bill and do its own research. We are confident The Bee would change its opinion it formed 10 years ago and regurgitated again in its editorial."