California: Rusty Areias

Mon, 12/01/2008 - 22:05

Legislators optimistic as state budget woes loom over swearing-in

STATE CAPITOL - For at least a few hours, Republicans and Democrats alike exchanged well wishes and paused to acknowledge the significance of elected office, with swearing-in ceremonies in both the state Senate and Assembly chambers Monday.

Before the formal swearing in of 24 new Assembly members and 11 new state Senators, family members and friends crowded the chamber floors, while the new and returning politicians made acquaintances with fellows on both sides of the aisle.

Tue, 11/11/2008 - 12:43

Former governor Davis celebrates, takes high road on current government

SACRAMENTO - Amid a backdrop of huge budget deficits, talk about the car tax, and voter perception of dysfunctional state government, former Gov. Gray Davis was able to celebrate Monday night.

Though current statehouse conditions eerily mirror those that got Davis recalled in 2003 - and replaced with current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger - the former Democratic state assemblyman, controller, lieutenant governor and governor bypassed an opportunity to criticize current officeholders.