California: Lois Capps

The State Lands Commission scuttled a proposed compromise that would have brought new oil drilling to the Santa Barbara coast for the first time in California since 1969, in what is seemingly a victory for environmental and coastal protection advocates.  However, some are arguing that the proposal, which would have mandated closure of 4 additional oil platforms off the coast within 13 years, should have gone through.
But a parade of local officials, residents and environmental activists insisted the plan would have advanced efforts to protect the coast by eventually closing four of the region's 20 platforms.

"For the first time in history, the public and the state will be able to shut down existing oil production," argued Linda Krop, an attorney for the Environmental Defense Center and one of the people behind the proposal.

Golden State Congresswoman Lois Capps applauded Sen. Joe Biden's performance Thursday night in his debate with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP's vice presidential nominee.

In fact, following party lines, the Santa Barbara Democrat didn't mention Palin's performance once in this statement:

California is slated to have a busy day at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, with four speakers representing the state - including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - scheduled to talk.

Other speakers include Reps. Hilda Solis, Maxine Waters and Lois Capps. All four legislators are scheduled to speak between 4 and 5 p.m.

Speaker of the House and Bay Area Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi spoke out Thursday during a rally about getting federal legislation approved that would guarantee equal pay for women.

"Equal pay is an issue of fundamental fairness. As families grapple with difficult economic times, it is also often about daily survival for millions of families," Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. 

Joining Pelosi was Central Coast Congresswoman Lois Capps.