California

May 8, 2008 -- SAN DIEGO -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the San Diego Airport is taking “a key leadership role” in the fight against global warming by agreeing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its major airport expansion.

San Diego Airport: Photo by teachandlearn (CC)    » read more »

05/08/2008 -- Today California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued the following statement after meeting with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers' Board of Directors:

"I want to thank the automakers for meeting with me today. I believe there is an opportunity for us to be strong allies.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Photo courtesy California Governor's office

"In fact, California may be doing more to save the U.S. auto industry than anyone else because we are pushing them to change. The automakers need to have a long-range vision and develop the technology that will make them competitive in the world arena.    » read more »

05/08/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Lance Cpl. Casey L. Casanova of McComb, MS; Cpl. Miguel A. Guzman of Norwalk, CA; Lance Cpl. James F. Kimple of Carroll, OH; and Sgt. Glen E. Martinez of Boulder, CO:

"The sacrifices made by these four extraordinary patriots will be remembered forever by the people of California. They served our country with honor, loyalty and an unwavering commitment to the cause of liberty for all. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of these brave American heroes during this time of mourning."    » read more »

May 07, 2008 _-- Chicago, IL - The day after Barack Obama's commanding victory in North Carolina and tight finish in Indiana, three superdelegates today endorsed Barack Obama. The three previously uncommitted superdelegates endorsing Obama are North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, and California DNC member Inola Henry.

Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Butte, Montana: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)

These endorsements brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 261. Senator Obama is 170 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.    » read more »

Legislation would end 19 years of litigation over the San Joaquin River

May 7, 2008 -- Washington, DC – The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) that would implement a settlement to restore the San Joaquin River and reintroduce the California Central Valley Spring Run Chinook Salmon to the river.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Photo by brothergrimm (CC)

Companion legislation was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee last fall.    » read more »

May 07, 2008 -- SACRAMENTO -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that Jiffy Lube International has improved its operations to ensure that oil and antifreeze is properly contained at its local oil change facilities.

A Jiffy Lube franchise in California: Photo by storem (CC)

“Some employees were not regularly inspecting their storage containers to prevent oil and antifreeze from spilling or leaking,” Attorney General Brown said. “Under today’s agreement, Jiffy Lube will launch a program to ensure that storage containers are in good working order to avoid spills and overflows.”    » read more »

05/06/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $65.6 million to support the California Energy Commission's West Coast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (WESTCARB) research:

"California is a leader in the fight against global warming, and this money will help us in reaching our climate change goals. It also underscores the need for continued funding to research new technologies. Over a short period of time-just four years-this carbon capture and storage project has the potential to remove one million tons of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. These are the kinds of innovative technologies that we need to win the battle against greenhouse gas emissions."    » read more »

May 01, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander, 26, of Bakersfield, California, died April 29 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.    » read more »

April 30, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. William T. Dix, 32, of Culver City, California, died April 27 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident.

He was assigned to the 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.

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April 30, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Airman Jonathan A. V. Yelner, 24, of Lafayette, California, died April 29 near Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

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05/02/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Bolander, of Bakersfield, CA:

“My heart goes out to Staff Sergeant Bryan Bolander’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of this brave Californian. Bryan’s dedication to his country and fellow citizens will never be forgotten by the people of our state. We are deeply grateful for his courage and service. Maria and I extend our deepest sympathies to Bryan’s loved ones during this difficult time.”    » read more »

05/01/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Merlin German, of Manhattan, NY:

"We are forever indebted to Sergeant Merlin German, a true patriot who gave his life to safeguard democracy. Merlin's courage and unfailing loyalty serve as an inspiration to Americans everywhere. Maria and I join the people of California in offering our deepest condolences to Merlin's family, friends and fellow Marines during this time of mourning."    » read more »

05/01/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. 1st Class David L. McDowell, of Ramona, CA:

"Sergeant First Class David McDowell's sacrifice is an example of the extraordinary determination and courage that makes our nation so strong. We are forever grateful to David for his selflessness and steadfast devotion to the defense of America. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to David's family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn his loss."

McDowell, 30, died April 29 in Bastion, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked using small arms fire. McDowell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Army, Fort Lewis, WA.    » read more »

05/01/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. William T. Dix, of Culver City, CA:

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Private First Class William Dix. His courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to the cause of liberty will always be cherished by the people of California. We send our thoughts and prayers to William's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time."

Dix, 32, died April 27 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, as a result of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Dix was assigned to the 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, United States Army, Fort Lewis, WA.    » read more »

05/01/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez's declaration of a commercial fishery failure due to a fishery resource disaster in California:

"I commend the Secretary of Commerce's decision today based on the alarmingly low number of salmon returning to the rivers of California, Washington and Oregon. The salmon industry contributes greatly to our economy and way of life, and this news couldn't come at a more critical time for the fishermen and businesses that will be hurt by the loss of the salmon season."    » read more »