Utah Judge Finds Man Charged in Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Competent to Stand Trial

Doctors challenge federal English-translation mandate

Jury selection in Bryant case resumes behind closed doors+ Jury tryouts in Kobe case tip off in court

UK: Lawyers face curbs over 'profits before ethics'

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Santa Clara County: New chief of probation named, Sheila E. Mitchell (SJM Reg)

Richmond leaders urge community to refrain from retaliation re: murder of football star (CCT Reg)

Man's 'I forgot' defense for failure to register as sex offender doesn't hold up in court (CCT Reg) + Forgetting is ruled no excuse. Sex offenders who blank out face '3-strikes'

Church officials were warned about San Jose priest (SJM Reg) + Priest abuse cases examine hierarchy (SJM Reg)

Belmont: Plea deal of 8 years for dealer in teen's `ecstasy' overdose

Sacramento: Shifting persona of John Lone Eagle adds mystery to a murder

Cruz kidnap suspect, San Jose: `I was scared'

Sacramento: Pimping suspect preyed on teen, trial told

Bank robbers: One farewell kiss, then they're off to jail

Fresno legal aide services faces changes in light of federal audit

Well-dressed man robs Larkspur bank

Oakland: 15-year-old charged in baby's death

Alameda: Cops hold man in college aide's slaying

Alameda biotech plans delayed

Manteca police arrest 3 women after a hit-and-run

Manteca home invasion a shocker

LA district attorney's office investigating Pomona council meetings re: open meeting law

San Diego man pleads innocent to child abuse, imprisonment for locking child in car trunk

Ex-Beverly Hills Bar Association leader sentenced for embezzlement

Salinas: 3 sentenced to 16 years for murder of carnival worker + Three get 16 years for slaying

Prosecutor challenges Alexander witness in Sausage King trial

Vacaville: Photos of 2 suspects in slaying released

Hayward: Women arrested in killing of ex-boyfriend

Sonoma County rapist found guilty of assault

San Leandro man confronts alleged abuse by priest after 50 years

Missing Orange County girl was murdered in 1969, DA says

Five people indicted in alleged SoCal credit score scam

Santa Rosa: Jehovah's Witness church seeks dismissal of suit over child abuse

Hayward woman wields crowbar, escapes kidnap attempt

Napa: Quilters want to stick it to thieves

High tech solution brings old Napa County courthouse records into view

Scott Peterson: Timeline at center of Peterson trial + Laci may have been online Dec. 24, expert says (CCT Reg) + E-mail record undermines prosecution (SJM Reg) + Timeline problem hinted + Peterson's odd behavior attributed to media, stress + Who was Web surfing Dec. 24?  Expert: Someone at suspect's home was Internet shopping + Developments Monday + Defense attempts to poke holes in timeline+ Defense: Peterson felt heat of family

The Governor:  Far From Left Coast, Many See Gov. as Mr. Right + Election fund freeze protested + Release of Vote Funds Is Sought Click. (LAT Reg) + Report: Overhaul savings oversold + Governor rejects teacher evaluations bill + Rail safety bill vetoed + Governor vetoes oral surgery bill. Plastic surgeons' turf stays off-limits + Major Prison Reform Eludes Lawmakers Click. (LAT Reg) + Florez's bill to aid pesticide victims heads to governor Click. + Talks sought on bridge funds Click. (CT Reg) + Internet sex offender registry awaits governor's OK + A look at Internet-accessible Megan's Law information + Phone tax for hospitals? + San Francisco's $5bn bridge to nowhere

Election Pits Dove and Hawk in Alameda County, Barbara Lee v. Claudia Bermudez (Contra's daughter) Click. (LAT Reg)

Stem Cell Initiative Attracts Backers Click. (LAT Reg)

Senate underdog Jones basks in GOP limelight Click. (FB Reg)

Machado settles dispute with FPPC over funds Click.

GOP's McCarthy bashes anti-Florez ad Click.

Dan Walters: Uphill climb for California GOP to recapture its relevance

LOCAL NEWS:  Project restores creekbed to help steelhead

Indian Tribes: Tribe disputes man's claim of leadership at Point Molate (CCT Reg) + + Richmond's casino-land plan slowed (CCT Reg) + Judge delays casino land deal in Richmond + Point Molate casino to get hearing. Council session tonight on disputed plan + One GOP convention brochure promotes unlimited-expansion of California's $6 billion Indian gambling industry Click.

School days: Bailed-out Vallejo schools start year (CCT Reg) + Lead found in water at Novato school + San Francisco Dream Schools open doors on a new era. One problem: Mandatory ties in short supply + Many Newark schools deal with changes + Problems mar first day of school in Vallejo + Court case opens in fight over Santa Cruz area school closings + State Data to Show How Well Schools Met Academic Goals Click. (LAT Reg) + New fall classes too few to cure college-fee pain + Details on New SAT, Debuting in 2005

San Jose City Hall costs spur new court challenge (SJM Reg)

San Jose: Coyote Valley infrastructure costs examined (SJM Reg)

Santa Clara County: Sen. Bryon Sher leaves environmental legacy (SJM Reg)

Homeowners losing ground on insurance

Compromise sought over Klamath

Berkeley battles over prostitution measure + Sober forum, street theater on prostitution ballot issue. Measure on relaxing enforcement shaping into hot election item

San Francisco: Greek God found in Crocket Bar + 200 BART workers on terrorist patrol + Permits delayed on Natoma tower + Richard Sklar named PUC panel member

High-rises planned on Richmond toxic site. Developer says fans will disperse fumes + Rotten egg smell and brown dust.  Life in Seaport -- next door to a plant making pesticides

Oakland losing deal for fuel tax

11th-hour talks can't save jobs of  Oakland city workers

Health workers walk out of Alameda County Med centers + Medical workers protest staff cuts. More than 500 walk off the job at hospitals, clinics

Alameda biotech plans delayed

Bullet train (S.F. to L.A.) study comments close today

Fetzer's Valley Oaks poised for upgrade

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Has First Drop Since February; Factory Index Slips

Harrah's, Caesars looking to sell four casinos

Mutual funds reveal their votes in corporate elections

Hollinger's Black `Victimized' Company, Independent Committee Report Says

California getaway: Markleeville's lures include hot springs

Theater lab exploring issues of religion

Breakaway Episcopal parishes reject refusal to surrender churches

Latin grammys

Free gin for UK juniper spotters

Hunting for the long-lost sleeping Buddha of Bamian. In 629 A.D., a pilgrim described a 1,000-foot-long statue

Roswell UFOs And Billy The Kid's DNA

Bisexual Viking idol marks ancient circle

Adam Gopnik on wine

Mozart may have had Tourette's syndrome

Leonardo of Liverpool

Inheritor of Bacon's fortune went on 11-year spending spree

Colombia to gatecrash hippos' pool party with tourist park at Escobar's hacienda

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

The Governor: Gov. offers glitter and a moderate voice + 'Girlie man' insult a rally cry for GOP  + Gov. to keep Bay Bridge construction afloat + Governor Is Sprinting for Donations Click. (LAT Reg) + Arnold & the Tabs Click. + Maria is no novice Click. + State trying to reform how it gets aid to families (CCT Reg) + Corbett bill to protect disabled

Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: San Francisco's paradox + Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: In 1987, an attempt to bring back the valley

Rising star Kevin Shelley faces cloud in Capitol (CCT Reg) + Controversy could stall Shelley's political ambitions (SJM Reg)

Indian tribes: Despite furor, don't bet on deluge of urban casinos, experts advise

LOCAL NEWS:  Glamour goats find out who's fairest one of all

Roundup highlights fight over resources

Annadel State Park blaze burns 6 acres

Bethel Island dock owners challenge fees (CCT Reg)

San Jose may raise household pet limit (SJM Reg)

UFW supports new federal legislation re: immigrants

School days: Tuitions rise for Catholic education + School Achievement Reports Often Exclude the Disabled + Paramedic program closed at Columbia College starts in January at Stan State +  Dream Schools strive to raise bar for kids. Innovative methods come to Bayview + Santa Cruz: Disbanded charter students are now being homeschooled + Cal Berkeley fears cuts will threaten rankings. Higher fees, frozen salaries may weaken top academic status Click. + State-of-the-art Beckman High opens today for students in Orange County Click. (OC Reg) + New head's goals will be tall order for MIT

New Valley of the Moon home for children going up near Oakmont

Most East Bay hospitals could suffer serve earthquake damage

Corporate refugee energizes Russian River chamber

Fremont businesses wary of possible tax

Livermore: Downtown group brings new life to historic building

Pleasanton seeks plans for park

San Joaquin looking to save babies by using fire stations

Result of spring sickout: suspensions. 24 S.F. General workers dinged 5 days for action that upset city

Sierra to gain unified voice and strategy if governor signs conservancy bill

Growers' chief, union unite for illegal workers bill Click.

Farm worker says father, 53, didn't have to die of heatstroke Click. (LAT Reg)

Costs and Cutbacks Squeeze San Bernadino Hospital  Click. (LAT Reg)

Do Treatment Plants Effectively Remove Drugs, Hormones From Wastewater?

Dark Chocolate Helps Blood Flow, Scientists Find

Move over Atkins, merits of low-GI diet proving sweet

Was Venus alive? The signs are probably there

Britons attack US cloning ban bid

Acid oceans spell doom for coral

Immune response turbo-charged

Heart Attacks More Likely for People With High Blood Pressure in Cold Weather

King Kong vs. Godzilla at the Microbe Level: Scientists' Creepy Movie Shows Spidery Virus Moving in for the Kill

Study: Smokers Who Have Heart Scares Making No Progress in Quitting

DIET: Raw Food, Oldest Cuisine Catching On; Its Health Benefits Debated

The hunt is on for radioactive fuel rods that went missing from a former reactor near Eureka. It's the third case of disappearing fuel rods in the country since 2000

Africa coup: Margaret Thatcher dotes on her wayward son but she’s also made him suffer + Britain helped to foil Africa 'coup' plot + How new Africa made fools of the white mischief-makers + Britain dragged into coup plot as rumors swirl over London meeting

Hunt for militants steps up as Pakistan takes on al-Qaeda

Holocaust In a Suitcase

Spying: Time to Think Outside the Box

Intelligence Agencies Pose Complex Conundrum

New York subway bombers had 8 targets + PAIR FLIPPED OUT OVER GHRAIB JAIL ABUSE

FIGHT STUFF FOR FLIGHT CREWS

PAKISTAN LOSING GRIP ON EXTREMISTS

Online Statement: Al-Qaida-Linked Group Says Vatican Not a Target

Pakistan Arrests Suspect in Assassination Attempts on President

CONNECT THE DOTS....

The Governor: Bill flurry to reveal Gov.'s politics (SJM Reg) + Labor-friendly bills face Gov.'s scrutiny + Dems confront Gov. with tough choices over final bills + Bills approved this week by the Legislature + Democrat bills are ready for Arnold's judgment day + Legislature Wraps Up Difficult, Humbling Year + Dems hold Gov. in check. Schwarzenegger's next moves will set tone for future relations + Democrat bills are ready for Arnold's judgment day Click. + Arnold to grapple with 1,000 would-be laws Click. + A Look at Some of the Key Bills Passed Click. (LAT Reg) + Some in the North Suspect Southern California Bias in Gov. Click. (LAT Reg) + Trojan horse alive and well in Sacramento Click. (OC Reg)

Bay Bridge future falls into limbo Click. + Bridge impasse prompts blame Click. (CCT Reg) + Bridge contract extension sought. Construction may be halted if bidder doesn't go along

Coming to terms + Burton makes abrupt exit

Jerry Brown sets his sights on Attorney General's office

Dan Walters: Shelley's in quicksand, but double standard helps him + Shelley's career is a study in contradictions. Stellar past at odds with tales of bad temper and tainted funds

Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: CALVIN says the dam can go + Editorial: Hetch Hetchy reclaimed - The dam downstream

LOCAL NEWS:   Risk levels vary by neighborhood (SJM Reg) + Sacramento fails to fix Bay Bridge funding woes (SJM Reg)

School days: Dean wooed by SJSU backers rumored in Santa Cruz hunt (SJM Reg) + Flaws mar efforts to hold schools in state accountable (SJM Reg) + Closing gaps on path to diploma + Christian college opens doors Monday in Rocklin + Which SAT should junior take? + Educational goals may be too ambitious + Federal rules set lofty aims, lack flexibility + Educating Santa Rosa + Tracy district working on facility price plan + Cal State Monterey Bay takes on the ‘sophomore slump’ + Food joins academic menu in Berkeley school district. Credits, not calories. Chez Panisse founder cooks up new 'core curriculum' + Federal officials curtail charter school data. Education office cites 'technical,' financial reasons

Branching out: Valley is hot spot of bank expansion

Marin: Opposition to sales tax plan more muted than in 1998

Inverness couple leaves $277,500 to Marin Ag land trust

Daniel Weintraub: Is there a health crisis? Numbers tell another story

Oakland: Truckers aim to haul more money home

Indian tribes: Beyond tribal gaming + Blue Lake Rancheria not alone in push to diversify + San Pablo casino enticing to retirees. Shorter ride on bus would leave extra time for gambling

Political bruises linger from Rohnert Park recall fight

Stanislaus County money problems date back 3 to 4 decades

In-home workers to get a pay raise

Dublin: New water meters could mean higher bills

Alameda County Medical center's staff to walk out

Health care shortcuts don't pay off

Stockton: Farmers to get recovery advice

Santa Cruz: Task force to meet to discuss dump sites + Santa Cruz mayor set to defend grocery workers + Dan Harper: A rejuvenated river might rejuvenate downtown S.C.

Napa: Off the air? Politicians' shows may be on hold + Environmentalists, boaters at odds over Napa River docks

The changing face of American Canyon

Los Angeles County Feels Symptoms of Health Crisis Relapse Click. (LAT Reg)

Paid family leave program rivals rigors of birth for some Click.

Businesses take pledge not to hire illegal immigrants Click.

Fear, hope flow from water ruling re: San Joaquin River Click. (FB Reg)

Rocky Mountain Elk Make Tracks to California Click. (LAT Reg)

Asbestos exposure found in El Dorado pets Click.

The incredible expanding case: After a year, Bryant goes on trial

Coca Entrepreneurs Create Plant Immune to US Attack

Conflict-of-interest law for arbitrators upheld by court

Warranty, quitclaim deeds serve different purposes

Houston: Errors spark new review of DNA cases; analysts could be charged

Mexican high court is asked to take genocide case

Judge revokes citizenship for accused Nazi guard, 84

Skinheads who attacked kids sued in federal court

Lawsuit Challenges Missouri's Ban on Sexually Oriented Billboards

Two Florida Probation Officers Appeal Their Firing After Ex-Convict Charged in Murders

The Governor: Gov. to veto immigrant driver's license bill + Convention offers Gov. national stage and risks + Energy bill makes way to governor + State overhaul plan overstates savings, analysis shows + Key bills given final approval

Election money off-limits to Shelley + Secretary-of-state controversy freezes U.S. voter-access funds (SJM Reg) + Finance director awaits audit of Shelley's spending

Legislature: Legislature OKs disputed license bill + Plan to keep Bay Bridge work alive sent to Assembly + Senate approves 4 casino deals throughout state + Assembly OKs Mt. Tam ranger bill + Workers' comp rate bill dead + Lawmakers send bill restricting foreclosures to governor + Stopgap plan to keep bridge work going fails as lawmakers leave + Bay Bridge rebuilding in doubt (SJM Reg) + Legislators, governor in Bay Bridge stalemate, No deal reached on who should pay -- cost likely to rise + Offshore firms keep tax breaks + Marjie Lundstrom: Statewide ban on beach smoking just a matter of time + Vasco Road double-fine bill stalls + Reporters would get better access to inmate interviews under bill + Lawmakers Vote to Allow Drug Purchases From Canada Click. (LAT Reg) + Bill to give Orange County more cash goes to governor Click. (OC Reg) + Car insurance slackers targeted Click. + Burton's curtain call. Senate leader forced out by term limits, combined political savvy, bulldog mentality to become Sacramento legend

State tax agency offers easiest form: Just sign here Click. (SJM Reg)

Senator appeals to federal judge to halt prison guard union's power

Workers' comp reforms spur physician networks (CCT Reg)

Indian tribes: Tribal casino resort proposed near Gilroy (SJM Reg)

California's garage sale draws horde of bargain hunters

The buzz: Haves and have-nots of stem cell research measure

LOCAL NEWS: 

Sebastopol: Blueberry lovers descend on farm to save bushes from bulldozers

Mt. Diablo conservationists to receive honors

Detroit Fights California Bid to Open Car Pool Lanes to Fuel-Conscious Import

Editorial: A Sierra conservancy?

Bearing arms goes with the territory in Modoc County (CCT Reg)

2 arts programs in San Jose eliminated

School days: Elk Grove schools get new leader + Faculty book resales raise ethical issue + Pleasanton school funds debate goes on + Modesto schools back down on tests + Stan State's finance program brings France a little closer + CSUH receives high marks + USC agrees to make trams more accessible to disabled + Laws will demand equal access. Legislators approve 4 bills to help poor schools improve

Alameda County Medical center is cited for two violations

Island biotech plans delayed

Ft. Bragg swim center gets $1 million from foundation

LA Episcopal diocese demands property from breakaway parishes

Paralyzed Willits teen refuses offer to buy guns

Port of Oakland may ban contractors who sue frivolously in business community

New Benicia neighborhood offers affordable housing

Lawmakers Vote to Allow Drug Purchases From Canada Click. (LAT Reg)

Bill to give Orange County more cash goes to governor Click. (OC Reg)

Car insurance slackers targeted Click.

State tax agency offers easiest form: Just sign here Click. (SJM Reg)

Bill to let troops wed from abroad sent to governor Click.

Alameda County Hospitals: Nurses set one-day strike to protest plan to cut staff Click.

Environmentalists, boaters at odds over Napa River docks

Napa: Bad economic times force nonprofit coalition to lay off executive director

San Francisco: Housing lottery: 1,600 vie for 36 units. Seniors eager for new apartments in Outer Mission + Newsom, volunteers canvass needy areas

ISRAEL SPY IN PENTAGON: Israel Spy Nest: The Net Widens + Israeli Spy May Have Shaped US Policy + Israeli sources: Alleged Pentagon spy had regular work ties with us + Top analyst may have passed secret papers on Iran + PAPER: FEITH MAY HAVE SUPPLIED INFO TO ISRAEL IN THE 80'S

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: My Space Gone MAD

Masterpieces of the garden

Jane Withers hopes to create museum for Hollywood memorabilia

Round Valley musician returns to her roots

Fremont to host quilt show

Oakland museum's Vietnam War exhibit opens old wounds

The Red Hat Ladies

Hell On Wheels

A tamer MTV awards show is hinted at, but with this crowd, there are no promises

Spain: Controversy surrounds opening of Garcia Lorca's grave

Fiddle Tunes of the Old Frontier

Fortress New York takes post-9/11 play to its heart

Hollywood hell

Bloody chambers

Drawing pains

Vatican returns icon to Russia+ Pictures of Virgin of Kazan icon

Hundreds of thousands gather for fifth Budapest techno parade

Paris fame's has gone to her head

Ben Widdicombe's Gatecrasher: Wek's a fashion no-show

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Agencies crack down on cyberfraud

DOJ Accuses Six With Crippling Rivals' Web Sites

Pharmacists sue drug makers for charging too much in U.S. and price-fixing

FBI Helps Probe of Blast at Stem-Cell Lab

Houston crime lab finds boxes of lost evidence. Fetus, body parts, other items from 8,000 cases

Kobe Bryant trial opens with first wave of jury selection + Prosecutors scolded by judge in Bryant trial. Challenge to DNA evidence at issue

Judge voids late-term abortion ban. Federal law declared unconstitutional for excluding exemption

Witnesses testify re: assassination of Archbishop Romero

Feds bust DDoS 'Mafia'

Golden Triangle puts its poppies to sleep

Wm Kennedy Smith case. Accuser: I was dragged to his home, raped

Famous, Wealthy Criminal Defendants Can Hire High-Priced Lawyers, But Do They Also Face Disadvantages?

Kentucky High Court Vacates $15 Million Damage Award Against Ford

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Arrest of Curtis Alan McCutcheon, a computer technician employed at the Marin Civic Center, for transmitting porn, leads to arrest of 2 others re: sex assault of 3-yr-old and pictures taken Click.

Richmond: No revenge, pleads slain star athlete's family + Teen held in athlete's death given 'escort' in juvenile hall

Contra Costa jury rules drowning death accidental in case where deputies pursued fleeing suspect into lake (CCT Reg)

Testimony: Three defendants seen near elderly murder victim's house in Mountain View (SJM Reg)

9th Circuit to rehear murder case (Stockton D.A. made deal with informant, didn't tell defendant)

Oakland: No contest plea in fatal drunken-driving crash that killed Congolese dancer Casquelourd

Richmond: Man found shot dead inside idling car

Antioch woman accused of abducting her own 3-yr-old pleads not guilty

Governor OK with murderer's parole. Woman claimed self-defense in '86 slaying of boyfriend

Trial of three in Livermore teen's slaying (Jenna Simons Nannetti) delayed to '05 + More

Feds probing theft of guns in Millbrae + Owner of stolen guns says theft could have happened years ago. His last check of weapons was in December 2001

San Francisco investment bank Weisel to pay $12.5 million on SEC charges + Banks settle in conflict probe

California Supreme Court: Class-Action Lawsuits for Overtime Pay Allowed Click.

Promotion means yet another Ross fire, cop chief

Parolee in San Rafael assault arrested after robbery in Petaluma

Web setup will end long wait at Sacramento immigration office

Santa Rosa: 2 homeless men arrested in slaying

LA police officer charged with alleged extortion

Modesto boy, 16, dies in shooting

3 Merced County cities adding Tasers to arsenals

Man charged with 2 felonies in Bear blaze

Two Florida firms to pay $1.89 million to settle telemarketing fraud suit re: credit counseling

Los Angeles jury recommends more than $500,000 to woman who says she was enslaved by couple

Vandals hit Fremont home of Sikhs again

Fullerton man convicted of killing 2-year-old daughter

Monterey man detained in Bahamas over gun in luggage

Alleged statutory rape victim sues prosecutors, says she won't cooperate (Orange County assistant sheriff's son is suspect)

DA searches office of First Latino, a Vista organization, group pays off loans Click.

Jury Awards Ex Culver City Policeman $4.1 Million in Ephedra Case Click. (LAT Reg)

Sonoma executions: Photos capture couple's final days + Tale of two seasides: Murder jolts coast's laid-back lifestyle

Scott Peterson: Defense challenges Internet search dates + Wiretap missed some calls (CCT Reg) + Defense revisits reason for fishing trip (SJM Reg) + Frey done; Peterson trial gets technical + Witnesses: Peterson wiretaps not fully functional + Laci's mom pleads for reimbursement + Damage control for the defense + The Peterson File + Developments Thursday

The Governor: Gov. orders consolidation of state computer centers + Defining Time for Gov. Click. (LAT Reg)

 San Pablo Casino: San Pablo casino won't get OK in 2004. Gov. gives up after lawmakers oppose compact + Legislators deal delay to casino + Gov. delays casino plan push (CCT Reg) + Gov. backs off on Bay Area casino + Gov. gives more time to lawmakers

LOCAL NEWS: Elk Grove: Cosnumnes Preserve gets funds for wildlife habitat

'Secure Flight' Replaces CAPPS II + New Passenger Profiling System To Be Tested Click. (LAT Reg) + GAO WILL PROBE NEW AIR TRAVELER WATCH LIST

A Gandhi preaches peace in Mideast

Paris zoo workers strike over rat infestation and safety of animals

Greenspan Says Time Is Short to Avoid `Painful' Shocks to Retiree Programs

Now It's Official: U.S. Growth Slowed

Despite burst bubble, S.J. leads nation in income (SJM Reg)

Krispy Creme is too good to be true

China gaining on India's IT lead

NYSE Seat Is Sold for Lowest Price Since 1996

Salinas artist's canvas is classic automobiles (CCT Reg)

San Francisco Ferry Plaza Marketplace is a bounty of taste

Grant to help dig up Oakland Chinatown's roots

Wonder Woman and film festival come to Livermore

At 40, London's Notting Hill Carnival confronts middle age

Siberia's spectacular Baikal Lake gets own tourist railroad

The painting on the front line of modern art restoring

Bow ties, Bentleys and Bollinger

Drawings of Spanish civil war exhumations on display

Review of The Motorcycle Diaries re Che Guevara + Film review: Here's the myth, where's the man?

The decline of a superstar Robert Redford

Book Group: From 'sick lit' and 'chick lit' to 'Xeno lit'

The Shanghai connection

Current Cinema: Married Life

UFO's In Ancient Art

James Fenimore Cooper, Mark Twain

The Columbus Letter

Ancient nuclear blasts and levitating stones of Shivapur

Israel: Second Temple village recovered

Yimou's mythical `Hero' deserving of worship

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Pinochet loses immunity

Russian crashes: Black boxes switched off immediately, no data + Fear of terror in Russian skies + Russians Caught Between Unacceptable, Unbelievable + Business as Usual at Moscow Airport Where Doomed Airliners Departed + A Look at Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders

US admits 'bounty hunter' contact

Cleric Hamza arrested

Australia gets tooled up with cruise + Australia Risks Asian Ire with Long-Range Missiles

US spends $90m to protect planes

Click. Al-Qa'ida Statements Collection

Pentagon Official: 'Half of Govt Secrets Shouldn't Be Secret' + Ludicrous, Lethal Government Secrets Cited + Agencies misuse classification authority, managers say + DoD Reviewing Information Classification Decisions + Amid calls for more sharing, U.S. stash of secrets grows + Overclassification overdone? + U.S. government secrets reach new high + Secrecy Report Card

KGB Involved in Murder of British Queen’s Cousin Mountbatten

Michigander Hoekstra Picked to Lead Intelligence Panel

Senate Names Intelligence Panel

Accused doctor in Japan sues govt for 43 mil. yen over detention

Industrial Espionage by Foreign Competitors Increasing

Camera phones test security

Japan to try again with spy satellites

NORAD commander ponders co-operation with Canada + NORAD Commander Urges Anti-Terror Effort

Canada's Stealth Defense Policy

Hamdi says he was trying to leave Afghanistan when captured

Jakarta police unveil anti-terror squad

New Research Set to Reveal Similarities Between Terrorists and Tourists Click.

What Really Happens to Foreigners Kidnapped in Iraq

Experts: Aviation security outdated

Sir Mark Thatcher: 'The charmless Mark' + Oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, a country that leaves its terrorized people in poverty

Mark Thatcher 'was planning Texas move' + How former PM's son became embroiled in mystery of plot to oust brutal despot+ Joseph Harker: What is Peter Tatchell's problem?

Anti-Ballistic Missile Misses Target in Second Test off California in Recent

Panama Pardons Four Anti-Castro Figures Despite Cuban Threats to Sever Relations Over Move

LEAKGATES 

9/11 COMMISSIONER: THREAT OF AIRPLANE SUICIDE BOMBING HAS INCREASED

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Crematory Operators, Families of Deceased Settle Suit for $80 Million in Georgia

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Tip leads to conviction of Carranza in 1975 murder (CCT Reg)

Castro Valley Jane Doe case: Letter writer sought as 'person of interest' (CCT Reg)

West Marin fired up over pepper-spraying by two federal park rangers

Nurse's theft conviction overturned because based on barred videotaped evidence (SJM Reg)

Feds accuse Beverly Hills brokerage of fraud over trading practices

Walnut Creek scam bilked  investors

Migrant workers to get refunds on rent charges

Sacramento: Depressed pair wins dogfight. Court restores $18,000 award

Sacramento: Murder victim John Lone Eagle's business deals scrutinized

Yuba judge's fate still undecided

Healdsburg mother pleads innocent in child's heatstroke death in van

Judge Sabraw in key abuse case rules on church's duty

Concord: 2nd officer on leave in profiling case

Shot in chest, Vallejo victim drives to the hospital Click. (LAT Reg)

San Francisco: High court to rule on role of City Attorney in City's bribery suit vs. tech companies + Judge delays hearing on teen's sentencing in hate crime case + Family boosts reward in researcher's death

Sonoma executions: Reward offered + Drifter cleared  + Man questioned in killings not a suspect, officials say + Cops try to allay fears over slaying despite lack of progress + Wisconsin man passes lie-detector test

Scott Peterson: Phone calls reveal lies (SJM Reg) + Witness once believed coconspirators in Laci case + Peterson investigator sought co-conspirator +  Supporters misled about whereabouts

The Governor:  Gov.'s alleged retaliation backfires + A long to-do list in Capitol. Bills on energy. Canadian drugs, jobs await votes + Gov. faces decisions on Sierra conservancy, Wal-Mart bills + Gov.'s textbook rental idea eyed for colleges Click. + Maria Shriver appointed to chair volunteer program + Gov., Shriver to launch service corps + Plan would trim CHP lunchtime pay + Gov. planning strong Bush pitch + Gov. ready for his close-up at GOP convention + GOP candidate Krueger, 7th Dist, gets Gov.'s support + Gov.'s a Master of Mixing Messages Click. (LAT Reg)

The Governor:  San Pablo Casino deal on the line: California on Path to Become Nation's Gambling Capital + Legislators may not ratify pact for San Pablo casino. Administration fails to win converts in party caucuses + Legislators unwilling to gamble (CCT Reg)  + Casino pacts could unravel under scrutiny (SJM Reg) + "Anonymous" tribe ready to battle governor

Gov. faces legislation: Governor's last-minute proposals draw criticism (CCT Reg) + Governor's timing questioned on late proposal (SJM Reg) + Peter Schrag: K-12 education - Fumbling in the governor's office + Other view: Unkindest budget cuts to the needy + Gov. expected to veto licenses for illegals + Ford Seeks Veto of Carpool-Lane Shift Click. (LAT Reg) + New CHP contract Click. + Governor's timing questioned Click. (SJM Reg) + Price of school books target of Senate bill (CCT Reg) + Assembly signs off on bill to ban foie gras (SJM Reg)

State's bond rating rises

Editorial: Bye-bye, loophole foreign tax loophole

Perata picked: Senate Dems pick Perata to lead + Oakland's Perata to take Senate reins. Northern California retains enormous clout in Legislature + Narrow win for Perata + Dan Walters: Odd, hard-fought campaign decided Senate leadership fight

Legislature: Crucial legislation needs to be resolved before term ends (SJM Reg) +  Legislature OKs offshore data privacy bill (SJM Reg) + Assembly bill shifts corrections spending toward education (CCT Reg) + Assembly OKs focus on inmate rehabilitation + Back-road speeders hit twice with fines,e.g. Vasco, Altamont Pass + Assembly OKs bill allowing public to track sex offenders via Internet + Sex-offender law goes to governor+ Legislature acts on bills + Bill would require residential water meters in Sacramento, other communities + Senate OKs smoking ban in vehicles with children Click. + Driver license plan for immigrants hits legislative rush hour Click. + Assembly panel halts surplus-land sale plan Click. (RP Reg)

Secretary of State Shelley admits to being tough

McClintock Looks Into Bid for Lt. Gov Click. (LAT Reg)

LOCAL NEWS:  Fire-control goats might get to stay in Mill Valley

Oakland: Expert condemns abuse of elephant at PT Barnum Circus

Indian tribes: Orange County city shoots down idea of Indian casino + Ex-finance director backs Indian-supported Prop. 70

School days: Santa Clara schools could close, merge (SJM Reg) + Parents urge Los Altos to drop day care restriction (SJM Reg) + San Jose District considers closing schools + Tracy trustees OK $42 million deal to repair school + Colleges to offer file-sharing services + Community college fees increased by state + College fees rise to $26 per unit + Click. (CCT Reg) Fremont board begged to reconsider dismissals in hazing case + Former state superintendent Delaine Easton to teach education at Mills College + San Francisco school board debates need for 'more efficient meetings'.  Member's proposal would cut back time for discussion + Group to battle schools over tests + Narconon banned from S.F. schools. Anti-drug teachings tied to Scientology called inaccurate + Ex-finance chief, others call for San Juan inquiry re: pensions + School recess a victim of budget cuts + Charter schools expelled: Statewide probe displaces 50 local students

San Jose City Hall scandal could cost $3 million (SJM Reg)

Rohnert Park: Recall of officials loses by wide margin. Casino foes began initiative against 2 council members

San Francisco: Former Supervisor Tony Hall complains Conroy left him a dusty mess at Treasure Island + Housing agency 'troubled' again. Finances land S.F. authority on federal list+ Green candidate Terry Baum asks court to put name on ballot + Hetch Hetchy project may be done early + Chief aide to run treasure's office + Newsom creates Bayview task force. City departments, state agency join to combat violence + Healing the Bayview + Tackling the crack + Newsom swears off future flashy photos + Gossip

East Bay: Scam suspect tied to St. Mary's pledge. Real estate scheme lost millions for investors

Oakland: S.F. lawmaker covets Oakland airport's jet fuel taxes + Kibby's bar agrees to shape up

Alternative fuel efforts in Riverbank highlighted

CEO hire gets former Modesto mayor all fired up

Port of Sacramento to lose a key business

Mayor wants L.A. water agency out of Utah power plant project

Sacramento Supervisors agree to audit of two major departments

Marin: Large home approved on appeal

Marin County knocks health-care report on Marin County hospital

Tiburon illegally rezoned land for library, suit claims

Budget passes in San Anselmo, but questions remain over tax

King City gets loan from Monterey County to stay alive

Napa: Lutheran pastor takes his own life

Advocates say Santa Cruz County’s mental-health services are strapped — and that Proposition 63 could help

Watsonville council OKs senior housing project

New CHP contract Click.

Governor's timing questioned Click. (SJM Reg)

Insurers cautiously re-enter workers comp market Click. (CCT Reg)

Nurse shortage growing critical Click.

Los Angeles: No Quick, Cheap Fixes for Healthcare Click. (LAT Reg)

Water, not energy is state's crisis Click.

L.A. Mayor Hahn Halts Coal Plant Investment Click.

Orange County Workers Win on Pensions Click. (LAT Reg)

Edward Wasserman: Ironies abound in Novak-Plame case Click.

The Governor: Gov. inks 2,500-slot casino deal + Gov. gets bill on worker notification before monitoring e-mail + Minimum wage bill headed to Gov.+ Bay Bridge deal may be coming Click. (SJM Reg) + Clean-air program consensus reached Click. (FB Reg) + Corbett bills to protect disabled, consumers + New tack proposed on solar power + Governor wins back supporters

California's Rating on $42.7 Billion of Bonds Raised Three Levels by S&P

Close battle to succeed Burton. Senate Democrats vote today -- Perata is a top candidate + Senate OKs Sierra conservancy bill + Ford chief sets roadblock for hybrid auto bill + Assembly OKs return to June primaries + Senate bill OKs a safer way to buy your home + Dan Walters: Last-minute crush is lobbyists' annual moment of truth + Daniel Weintraub: Lawmakers sit on study praising offshoring jobs + Bill would limit hospital charges to the uninsured Click. (CCT Reg) + Offshore Jobs Bill Is OKd Click. (LAT Reg) + Bill seeks to curtail offshoring of jobs Click. (CCT Reg) + Last-Minute Push for a Bill to Undercut Prop. 64 re: shake-down lawsuits Click. (LAT Reg) + Assembly passes bills curbing kids' steroid use (Click. CCT Reg) + Bill to ban smoking on state beaches fails Click. + Group wants to put school property tax to voters Click. (CCT Reg)

Indian tribes: Gov. agrees to Bay Area casino (SJM Reg) + Las Vegas closes in on San Pablo (CCT Reg) + Hints of jitters over San Pablo casino plan. Expansion may mean more jobs -- but what else? + Two other tribes bent on Bay Area casinos (CCT Reg) + Lytton Rancheria of California Compact + Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Compact + Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Compact + Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians Compact + Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians Compact + 2 East County tribes propose partnership in a casino deal Click.

Shelley is accused of vulgarities

Westly proposes change in strategy at CalPERS

Workers' comp costs surge in '02

LOCAL NEWS: Collective bargaining should not supersede state laws re: criminal investigations, rights of accused

San Jose refuses to release employees' salaries (SJM Reg)

Peninsula Trust buys coastal bluff land for trail near Half Moon Bay (SJM Reg)

San Francisco: SAN FRANCISCO / Newsom's latest round of appointments + Feud over nonprofit funds in Chinatown + Gossip

Oakland: City threat to shut problem bar. Neighborhood residents lead effort to crack down on drugs, public urination + Claremont workers to picket hotel, spa

School days: Some 8,000 new students welcomed to Cal + Tracy: $42 million offer up for a vote + Mission San Jose water polo left high and dry + More and more, adults are the ones heading back to school + Children left behind + Physics professor awarded $200K

Neighbors of Fruitvale bar say they're fed up

Livermore: Wine industry stakes claim at new ag center

Rohnert Park votes today on council recall

Capable hands have steered Stanislaus County, but need for new CEO echoed at top

Livermore Ag facility connected to wine industry

Monterey: Desal plant has $250 million price tag

Napa: Robert Redford lends support to Land Trust preservation efforts + Looks like a buyers' market for grapes

Campaign donor curbs sought in Placer County

Domino Effect Feared From Closures of L.A. Emergency Rooms

Stockton: 'Emergency' water dries up for farmers Click.

$490-Million Project Will Improve and Widen Garden Grove Freeway Click. (LAT Reg)