California Prisoners Sue Over Solitary Confinement

Attorneys for several hundred California prisoners have filed suit against the state claiming that prolonged solitary confinement amounts to torture.

The Center for Constitutional Rights says its legal action is part of a larger movement to end inhumane treatment of prisoners in SHUs -security housing units, inside of California prisons.

Pacifica’s Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.

Ontario Livestock Auction Workers and Owner Charged with Animal Cruelty

Animal welfare advocates have released undercover surveillance footage of alleged animal abuse at a livestock auction in Ontario. Seven employees and the owner of Ontario Livestock Sales face 21 misdemeanor charges for animal abuse and neglect after an operative with Mercy for Animals infiltrated the company for seven weeks. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports.

Assembly Votes on Medical Marijuana Regulation

The California Assembly has approved the first bill to regulate California’s medical marijuana industry. The bill won approval after a heated debate on the assembly floor that saw republican law-makers raising the specter of drug cartels, kidnapping and child abuse.
Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Safety Net Advocates Protest at Standard and Poor's Over Threat on Rating

Safety net advocates protested outside the Standard and Poor's rating agency in San Francisco to highlight a dispute on the state's rainy day fund. Health and human service activists say lawmakers should use the one billion dollar rainy day fund to protect social programs. But that could trigger Standard and Poor's to downgrade the state's credit rating. Elise Guillot reports.

L.A. Teacher Charges Politics Behind His Displacement

A Los Angeles high school teacher and activist says his job is being targeted as a result of his community activism and criticism of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Ron Gochez has been teaching history at Santee Education Complex for seven years and is also running for LA City Council District 9 in 2013. The school is citing budget cuts, but Gochez says his bid for City Council against Villaraigosa’s allies is the real reason for his displacement. Amber Stephens reports.

U.C. and Urban Gardeners Square Off in Court

Attorneys for University of California regents were in court today to request a preliminary injunction against members of the "Occupy the Farm" activists who took over a plot of land in Albany at the Gill Tract last month. The University of California, which owns the land and uses it for agricultural research, says it's not open to the public and accuses the urban gardeners of trespassing. Alex Kekauoha reports from Hayward.

ACLU Sues to Stop Bunk Grammar Program for English Learners

Teachers and civil rights advocates have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Education and the Dinuba Unified School District in Tulare County to stop a controversial program for English-learning students, in which first and second grade English learners are given grammar lessons instead of reading instruction. Pacifica's Dan Fritz files this report.

Fresno Planning Commission Turns Down Jesse Morrow Mine

The Fresno Planning Commission has rejected a proposed gravel mine on Jesse Morrown Mountain, a scenic landmark 20 miles east of Fresno. The mine project by Cemex, the giant international building materials corporation, has been in the planning stages for more than a decade. It is opposed by a host of local citizen groups and Native Americans. Cemex vows to appeal to the Fresno Board of Supervisors. Vic Bedoian reports.

Ethics Commission Sets Rules for Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi Hearing

The San Francisco Ethics Commission has set a June 19th date for the start of its official misconduct hearing against Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. In an hours long hearing last night the Commission voted to decide the case based on a preponderance of the evidence rather than the stricter standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. Its recommendation will be based on a majority vote, rather than a unanimous vote as Mirkarimi had wanted, and it will allow some hearsay evidence. Mirkarimi and his wife Eliana Lopez both are expected to testify. Ultimately, the Commission's recommendation will go to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which will decide whether Mirkarimi should be permanently removed from office. Sharon Sobotta filed this report.

Protesters Turned Away at Chevron Shareholders Meeting

People from around the world came to San Ramon in Northern California to protest and attempt to participate during Chevron's annual shareholders meeting. Activists from Brazil, Nigeria, Burma and Richmond, California told their stories of pollution from Chevron's operations. Chevron turned away some proxy holders who tried to participate in the meeting. Sally Schilling reports from San Ramon.

Thousands at State Capitol Rally for Disability Rights

Disability rights activists gathered at the State Capitol in a show of strength a week before the primary elections. They're calling on lawmakers and Governor Jerry Brown to reject proposed cuts to funding for programs affecting people with disabilities, including proposed cuts to the home care program "I.H.H.S. and changes that could put funds for disabled college students in jeopardy. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Fierce Contest To Replace Lynn Woolsey in Congress

There's a fierce contest to replace progressive stalwart Lynn Woolsey who is retiring after serving nearly 20 years as a representative for Northern California's liberal second congressional district. Voters are choosing from a crowded field of 12 candidates. Tina Bachemin reports from Marin County.

Historic Latino Gang Truce

A truce between two of the largest street gangs in the world went into effect this week. MS13 and 18th street signed a peace accord earlier this month in the capital of El Salvador. Representatives from both gangs said the truce was a gesture of good will for the people of El Salvador at a time when the country has been ravaged by crime and violence. In Los Angeles, dozens of gang interventionists and current and former gang members gathered to lend their support for the peace process.

Pacifica KPFK’s Ernesto Arce files this report from Los Angeles.

California Voters To Decide on Modifying Term Limits

California voters will decide next week whether to modify the term limits which have been in effect for the past 22 years. Proposition 28 would decrease the length of time that a lawmaker could serve in the California legislature from 14 to 12 years. But lawmakers could serve their entire term in one chamber. Karin Argoud reports.

Dueling Medical Marijuana Proposals

A Los Angeles City Council Committee today heard debate on two dueling proposals that would severely restrict access to medical marijuana. The two measures are headed to a second committee before a final council vote. Dan Fritz reports.

57th Assembly Race Turns Dirty

Newly drawn political boundaries and a new way of electing state lawmakers is the highlight of the upcoming June 5 primary. The changes could bring Democrats total control of the state Senate. As Republicans, Democrats and independents fight over contested seats,the new primary system has resulted in same-party runoffs.

The newly drawn 57th Assembly District in the heavily Latino, mostly Democrat, East San Gabriel Valley has become a bitter contest between two former party allies.

Pacifica’s Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.

Governor Jerry Brown Accused of Making Deal with Timber Industry

Governor Jerry Brown has ignited controversy with his plan to limit the amount of money government agencies can recoup for battling wildfires and restoring fire-damaged public lands. Federal prosecutors in the Sacramento-based U.S. Attorney's office and environmentalists strongly oppose the governor's plan. Wendy Baker reports.

Middle Class Scholarship Bill Passes Key Assembly Hurdle

A bill to create a new scholarship for middle class students at California public colleges and universities passed a key hurdle at the State Capitol. The measure would slash tuition costs of U.C. and C.S.U. students by using money from closing a corporate tax loophole. Lawmakers are considering other budget proposals that would cut funding for higher education and the Cal-Grants scholarship program. Christopher Martinez reports.

Central Valley Voters Could Elect First Hmong Candidate to Congress

A Fresno City Councilman hopes to make history by becoming the first Hmong member of Congress. But Democrat Blong Xiong won’t be a shoo-in. There’s a highly competitive race for the newly reconfigured congressional district that stretches from Firebaugh to Bakersfield. Vic Bedoian filed this report from Fresno.

Brian Banks Exonerated After Ten Years

A Los Angeles County judge has exonerated 26 year-old former Long Beach Poly football star Brian Banks from a 2002 rape conviction.
Banks was wrongly convicted of the charges based on testimony given by Wanetta Gibson who says she was kidnapped and raped by the then 16 year-old standout athlete.
Gibson admitted that she lied and was afraid to come forward with the truth because her family might have to return the $1.5 million it was awarded in a settlement stemming from the case.
KPFK’s Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.

Pressure Mounts on Boxer and Obama Not to Compromise on Federal Environmental Protections

Transit and environmental advocates are joining forces to pressure federal lawmakers to defeat provisions of the Federal Surface Transportation Re-authorization bill that would gut environmental protections. Representatives of the Congressional Black and Congressional Hispanic Caucuses in the House have blasted the proposed changes, saying they would have serious impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. Pacifica's Dan Fritz has the story.

L.A. City Council Votes to Ban Plastic Bags

The Los Angeles City Council has given its initial approval for a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags at retail stores. The 13-1 vote begins a process to phase out the plastic bags and impose a 10 cent charge on paper bags, to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

Assembly Measure Would Restrict Shackling of Pregnant Prisoners

The California Assembly has voted unanimously to restrict dangerous forms of shackling for pregnant prisoners. Two similar measures were vetoed in the past by Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. But supporters believe this version will win gubernatorial support. Sally Schilling reports.

Gang Violence Prevention Focus of L.A. Conference

Violence prevention groups gathered in downtown Los Angeles today for the first annual L.A. Gang Violence Prevention and Intervention Conference. The gathering, dubbed Beyond Turf Wars, seeks to build on the tradition of community-based solutions to gang violence. Ernesto Arce filed this report from Los Angeles.

Yosemite Preservationists Launch Campaign to Restore Hetch Hetchy Valley

Environmental activists gathered at San Francisco's Ferry Building to launch a campaign aimed at restoring a section of the Yosemite Valley called Hetch Hetchy. Almost 90 years ago Hetch Hetchy was converted into a reservoir that supplies water to San Francisco and much of the Bay Area. Now activists are eager to restore it to its natural state. But the effort faces widespread opposition. Alex Kekauoha reports.

Committee Approves Plan to Save California State Parks

A Senate budget committee has approved a plan to keep about 50 California state parks open. Governor Jerry Brown has proposed closing dozens of parks as part of his budget reduction plan. But two Democratic lawmakers have a proposal for how to shift funding to keep parks open. Christopher Martinez filed this report from the State Capitol.

Los Angeles Considers a Ban on Tents in Parks

A re-landscaped Los Angeles City Hall park is set to re-open as early as June. Newly planted grass covers the site where activists with Occupy Los Angeles stood their ground for nearly two months. Ahead of the re-opening, city leaders are taking steps to tighten rules on tent use in parks. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

Assemblymember Wants Cap and Trade Profits To Fund School Retrofits

Oakland Unified School District administrators, teachers and middle school students gathered to support a new school energy bill that would put money back into California classrooms. Assemblymember Nancy Skinner unveiled AB 1186 at Oakland's Claremont Middle School. Karin Argoud filed this report.

Study Cites Misconceptions About Calworks Recipients

Governor Jerry Brown's May budget revisions propose to save 1.3 billion dollars by cutting and restructuring the CalWorks welfare program and subsidized child care. But some experts are warning about the effects on poor families. A new report by Public Policy Institute of California takes a look at California's welfare recipients and some misconceptions about who's on welfare. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

State Budget Cuts Threaten Growing S.F. Senior Population

Looming state budget cuts are posing a particular challenge to San Francisco seniors. They make up 19% of the city's population, the largest such percentage of any California city. Mark Mericle has more.

Immigrants Groups Urge California Labor, Civil Rights Protections

Immigrants from across California gathered at the State Capitol to urge passage of a legislative package on issues ranging from deportation to a domestic workers bill of rights. Christopher Martinez reports.

L.A. Car "Washeros" File Suit for Labor Violations

A national Latino civil rights organization has filed suit on behalf of workers at three Los Angeles area car wash businesses. MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, says workers were purposefully deprived of wages and endured routine labor violations. Ernesto Arce reports from Los Angeles.

Backers Turn In Signatures For Health Insurance Rate Reform

Consumer groups have turned in 800,000 signatures to qualify a California ballot measure aimed at stopping out-of-control increases in health insurance rates. The measure would force insurance companies to win the approval of the elected insurance commissioner before raising rates. Ernesto Arce filed this report from Los Angeles.
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Legislative Analyst Urges Less Money In Rainy Day Fund

California's legislative analyst says Governor Jerry Brown's May budget proposal, the "May Revise" makes reasonable estimates about the state's budget problems and projected revenues. He also suggests the state could put less money in a rainy day fund. Lawmakers will be struggling to close a projected 15.7 billion dollar budget gap. The proposed cuts to health and social services would disproportionately hurt communities of color. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Opponents of Peripheral Canal Call for Independent Cost Analysis

Opponents of a proposed peripheral canal to siphon water from the Sacramento River and out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta held an informational picket at the Los Angeles headquarters to the Metropolitan Water District. The group of environmental advocates are urging the state legislature to pass an independent cost-benefit analysis ahead of adoption of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports.

Foreclosed Properties Featured In L.A. "Blight Tour"

Members of a Los Angeles coalition led reporters and city leaders on a tour of boarded-up, foreclosed properties in South LA today. Organizers say the “Blight Tour” shows how abandoned, bank-owned properties are hurting low-income communities. Ernesto Arce files this report from Los Angeles.

Grocery Workers Take Contract Dispute On The Road

Grocery workers led delegations to stores throughout Northern California today. The United Food & Commercial Workers Union coordinated the action stopping at 24 different stores before converging together in San Jose. The action comes amid stalled contract negotiations for workers employed by Lucky-Save Mart, Raley's-Nob Hill and Safeway as well as for retirees. Tina Bachemin reports from Oakland.

Occupy A-C Transit Demands Champions Low Income Riders

Occupy Oakland and some A-C Transit drivers have announced a new campaign to make transportation more accessible for low-income riders and to reverse concessions forced on transit workers. Occupy Oakland is urging drivers to let people with recently expired transfers ride the bus anyway. Alex Kekauoha reports.

Santa Monica Nurses Prepare To Walk Out

Santa Monica nurses are mounting picket lines and getting ready to walk off the job after months of failed negotiations. According to the California Nurses Association, nurses at St. John's are among the lowest paid in the greater Los Angeles area. Nurses complain that the hospital is insisting on unsafe staffing ratios and huge cuts in their pensions. Dan Fritz reports from Los Angele

L.A. Sheriff "Jump Out Boys" Put On Leave

Seven Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies have been placed on paid leave as part of an investigation into a secret clique. Department officials learned about the Jump Out Boys from a pamphlet that talked about the group’s creed and its promotion of aggressive policing. Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.

Female Farmworkers Face Rampant Sexual Abuse

Hundreds of thousands of immigrant farmworker women and girls in the U.S. face a high risk of sexual violence and harassment. That's the conclusion of a report released by Human Rights Watch. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.

Prison Reform Group Slams Spending Proposal

The budget Governor Jerry Brown proposed earlier this week contains deep spending cuts to health and social welfare programs. But there is an 800 million dollar increase in prison spending, largely to comply with court required improvements in medical care. A prison reform group says there are better alternatives. Karin Argoud reports.

U.C. Students Disrupt Regents Meeting On Tuition Hikes

University of California students brought a U.C. Regents meeting to a halt with a protest calling for a crackdown on U.C. mismanagement, and a halt to the crackdown on students. The regents were weighing another six percent hike that would bring tuition to nearly 13,000 dollars a year in the fall. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Lawmakers Reexamine Campus Police Procedures in the Wake of UC-Davis Pepper Spray Incident

California lawmakers are taking another look at state university responses to protests in the wake of the UC-Davis pepper spray incident last November and other police responses to student protests. A slew of reports urge reforms to university procedures while student activists say the issue is important because protests will continue as the state cuts back on its investment in higher education. Christopher Martinez reports from Sacramento.

Trial Delayed For Chicano Activist Carlos Montes

A Los Angeles federal judge has postponed the trial of Chicano activist Carlos Montes until next month. His supporters say the prosecution is politically inspired. Montes doesn't deny owning a firearm, but says his possession of it was legal. Montes' attorney is hopeful that a trial can be avoided completely. Dan Fritz reports.

L.A. City Council Approves Responsible Banking Ordinance

After a delay of nearly three years, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a Responsible Banking Ordinance. The ordinance will require banks to release information about loans to homeowners and small businesses. Ernesto Arce reports from Los Angeles.

U.C. Police Evict "Occupy the Farm"

University of California police from eight different campuses today converged on a small plot of agricultural research land owned by UC Berkeley. They came to eject occupy protesters who had begun farming a portion of that land – it is a protest against the university’s plans to develop it, and a push to preserve space for sustainable urban farming. Brian Edwards-Tiekert has the story:

Governor Jerry Brown Proposes Deep New Cuts In Budget Revision

California Governor Jerry Brown has released his new budget plan. It contains massive cuts to health and welfare programs to fill a budget gap now estimated at 16 billion dollars. Even with the proposed cuts, the budget relies on a November ballot measure to temporarily raise taxes. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

Low Income Advocates Denounce Proposed Hike In L.A. Parking Fines

Advocates for low-income Los Angeles residents are fighting a proposal by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to increase parking fines in the city BY 10 dollars to help balance the budget. Ernesto Arce reports.

Protesters Stage Die-In For LAPD Shooting Victim Dale Garrett

One year after Dale Garrett was shot and killed by police officers in downtown Los Angeles, community groups have staged a die-in in memory of Garrett and other victims of police violence.
The protesters are angry with Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck for not punishing the officer that killed Garrett. Pacifica's Dan Fritz reports from Los Angeles.

Lawmakers Unveil Plan To Save State Parks

Democratic lawmakers are proposing a plan to save dozens of state parks slated for closure under Governor Jerry Brown's proposed budget cuts. Nonprofits would assume responsibility for maintenance and other duties. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

Attorney General Urges Homeowners Bill of Rights

Distressed homeowners gave emotional testimony at the State Capitol where Democratic legislative leaders have set up a special joint committee to press for two anti-foreclosure bills. Supporters are calling the bills a "Homeowners Bill of Rights", and say they're commonsense protections that shouldn't be controversial. But that hasn't kept the banking lobby from putting up a stiff fight. Brian Edwards-Tiekert reports.

Labor Leaders Denounce Recall Effort Against Oakland Mayor

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan gathered with labor leaders and other supporters who spoke out against the efforts to recall her. The gathering followed reports that the recall effort is faltering. Alex Kekauoha filed this report from Oakland.

Anti-Foreclosure Activists Target Bank of America in Los Angeles County

Activist groups across the country are rallying against Bank of America demanding that government officials hold it accountable for the foreclosure crisis. Thousands of people gathered outside of Bank of America’s annual shareholder meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday. Meanwhile, home defenders and grassroots organizations in California have targeted local shareholder meetings. Dozens of people rallied outside of a Bank of America meeting in downtown Los Angeles. It’s part of a series of actions that began last night with activists visiting the Pasadena home of a Bank of America executive. Occupy LA members say they want to show decision-makers at the financial giant the human face of the crisis. Pacifica’s Ernesto Arce was at a foreclosure symposium hosted by the ACLU, MoveOn.org and Occupy LA last night. He files this report from Pasadena.

SF Teachers Set For Strike Vote

San Francisco public school teachers take the first of two strike votes tomorrow. School officials want to cut $30 million dollars from teacher salaries and benefits and has declared an impasse in contract negotiations with unions representing some 6,000 teachers. Sally Schilling reports.

San Onofre Nuclear Plant to Remain Idled Following Radioactive Leak

The Southern California nuclear power plant that was taken offline in January due to equipment failures that led to a small radioactive gas leak will not be re-opened next month. According to a Southern California Edison statement released today, the power company initially reported June as the re-opening date for the San Onofre nuclear plant for "administrative purposes." Dan Fritz reports from Southern California.

State Senate Committee Urges Amendment To Overturn Citizens United

California lawmakers took another step towards endorsing a constitutional amendment that would overturn the U.S. Supreme Court "Citizens United" ruling. That decision opened the floodgates to unrestricted and undisclosed campaign spending by corporations and the wealthy. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

Health Workers Rally Against LA Schools Layoffs

Health and human service professionals at Los Angeles Unified School District are asking the school board not to go through with proposed layoffs. The United Teachers of Los Angeles says more than 90 critical staff
members received layoff notices. The union and its members say these school nurses, teacher librarians, campus social workers and others provide life-changing and even life-saving services. Ernesto Arce files this report from Los Angeles.

Oakland Set To Impose Tougher Requirements On Banks That Neglect Foreclosed Properties

The City of Oakland is trying to crack down on banks that neglect properties they’re in the process of foreclosing on. Brian Edwards-Tiekert reports.

CSU Trustees Approve Pay Hikes Via Nonprofits

The California State University Board of Trustees has approved a plan to give pay raises to some University Presidents, but instead of using public money, private non-profit foundations will foot the bill. The shift comes after mounting public pressure on the University to stop executive pay raises. Faculty union representatives criticized the new plan, saying it still diverts money that could be used for academic programs. Last week the union voted to authorize a strike later this year over a contract dispute, and student supporters began a hunger strike. Dan Fritz reports from Long Beach.

Assembly Committee Debates Funding For Middle Class Scholarships

Funding for a middle class scholarship at California's public colleges and universities was debated at the State Capitol. The measure by the Assembly Speaker would close a tax loophole for out of state businesses to fund scholarships for students whose families earn between $80,000 and $150,000 per year. Christopher Martinez reports. 

Fatal Beating of Homeless Fullerton Man Showed In Court

A preliminary hearing to determine whether Fullerton police officers should stand trial in the beating death of a homeless man opened today in Orange County. Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli were charged with beating Kelly Thomas in July 2011. Prosecutors opened the hearing by showing a gruesome video of Thomas's beating  Ernesto Arce reports.

San Mateo County Supervisors Set To Approve New Spending For Jails

San Mateo County Supervisors are expected to vote for initial design funding for a new county jail. Opponents say the county instead should spend money on programs that keep people out of jail. John Hamilton has the story.

Occupy The Farm Activists Face Off Against University of California

In the San Francisco Bay Area, a group calling itself “Occupy the Farm” is bracing for a confrontation with forces from the U.C. Berkeley, which owns the tract of land on which the occupiers have set up tents and crop rows to promote food justice and urban agriculture. Brian Edwards-Tiekert has more.

Update: Occupy the Farm has released a statement saying, in part, they’re willing to break down their camp if the University puts in writing that there is enough room for both the farming activists and U.C. researchers.

Shareholder Activists Target Occidental Petroleum

Activists crashed Occidental Petroleum’s annual shareholder meeting in Los Angeles today. About 50 members of Good Jobs LA and its labor and community supporters demanded that Oxy pay its fair share of taxes and fulfills its environmental responsibility.Occidental Petroleum officials said the shareholder activists who gained entrance to the meeting were out of order. They left soon after making their demands heard. Pacifica’s Ernesto Arce has more from Los Angeles.

Documents Show Federal Spying On Occupy Activists

A new batch of documents is out on the Department of Homeland Security surveillance of Occupy activists. Brian Edwards-Tiekert spoke with a write for Truth-Out which formally requested the information.

U.C. Report Counsels Mediation, Not Force For Occupy Protests

University of California officials have released a report on campus response to protests and civil disobedience. The report comes in the wake of last year's incidents of pepper-spraying at UC Davis and baton beatings at UC Berkeley. Christopher Martinez reports. 

S.F. Bay Area Religious Leaders Urge "Transit Equity"

Religious groups met this morning for a vigil at one of Oakland's busiest transit sites. The groups were speaking out against the proposed "Plan Bay Area", which local officials are crafting to determine transportation and housing development over the next 25 years. Opponents say the plan neglects low-income residents dependent on public transportation. Elise Guillot files this report.

Rights Groups Want Justice Department Probe Of Border Patrol Killing of San Diego Man

Immigrant and human rights groups are demanding that Attorney General Eric Holder open an investigation into the death two years of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas at the hand of border patrol agents. The 42 year old San Diego father was undocumented and had lived in the U.S. since he was 14. A new video has come to light showing Hernandez Rojas being beaten and tasered by the border patrol officers. Ernesto Arce filed this report.

Proposition 29 Supporters Charge Tobacco Industry Funds Deceptive Ads

Today in San Francisco, anti-cancer groups rallied outside the State Building in support of Proposition 29 – a measure on the June Ballot that would rase hundreds of million dollars per year for cancer research by increasing taxes on tobacco products. They say they’re massively outspent by a deceptive “no” campaign financed by the tobacco industry. Brian Edwards-Tiekert has more.

May Day Protest Targets L.A.'s American Reclamation

Thousands of people took to the streets throughout Los Angeles to mark May Day.Occupy Los Angeles regrouped and converged at Pershing Square in downtown LA after organizing a Four Winds car and bike caravan originating at sites in the north, south, west and east of the city. Earlier in the day, the LA County Federation of Labor held a rally on behalf of workers at American Reclamation, a waste and recycling plant in north Los Angeles. The largely immigrant workforce say company management has a total disregard for employee safety and the environment. Ernesto Arce files this report from Los Angeles.

Nearly A Million Signatures Submitted For GMO Labeling Initiative

Backers of a measure to require genetically modified food sold in California to be labeled turned in nearly a million signatures -- far more than required. Sally Schilling filed this report from San Francisco.

Rally Urges No More State Cuts To Child Care Subsidies

Hundreds of parents, teachers and young children rallied on the steps of the State Capitol to protest cuts to early childhood education. The group "Parent Voices" brought people from around the state for a rally and lobby day they call "Stand For Children". Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

Barbara Lee, College Presidents Urge Student Loan Interest Rate Freeze

Oakland Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined local Bay Area university and college presidents to condemn a looming rate increase on student loans. Unless Congress acts by July 1, interest rates on subsidized student loans will double to 6.8%. Alex Kekauoha reports from UC Berkeley.

CSU Faculty Vote For Strike Authorization

Faculty, librarians and other workers at California State University campuses across the state have authorized a strike to begin in the fall. The California Faculty Association says 95% of the members who voted, gave strike approval. Union leaders made their announcement from Cal State University, Long Beach, where Pacifica's Dan Fritz filed this report.

Fresno May Day Focuses On Immigrants

Fresno's May Day rally focused mainly on immigration rights. A diverse crowd numbering several hundred celebrated with speeches and music in Courthouse Park, the scene of the Occupy Fresno movement for the past half year. Vic Bedoian filed this report.

May Day Protests Planned

May Day protests are planned throughout the state by immigrant rights activists, unionists and members of the Occupy movement. Brian Edwards-Tiekert has this round up.

San Jose Immigrants March On May Day

San Jose immigrants rights and union activists staged a May Day march culminating at San Jose City Hall. Alex Kekauoha reports.

Assembly Committee Approves Middle Class Scholarship Bill

A bill to create a middle-class scholarship for students at California colleges and universities moved forward after a unanimous vote in an Assembly committee. The bill is a response to sky-rocketing state college and university tuition in the wake of massive state cuts to higher education. Christopher Martinez reports from the State Capitol.

Norcal Nurses Walk Off The Job At Sutter Hospitals

Nurses at Northern California Sutter Hospitals walked out today in protest against stalled contract negotiations. Thousands of nurses were on the picket lines outside hospitals in Oakland, Berkeley, Vallejo, Burlingame and Antioch. The nurses accuse Sutter of demanding too many concessions while top executives get raises. Tina Bachemin reports.

LAX Workers Stage Strike

A dozen protesters were arrested outside Los Angeles International Airport during an act of civil disobedience in support of airport workers out on strike. Union supporters joined non-union airport workers who walked off the job over work safety complaints and allegations of retaliation for trying to form a union. Dan Fritz reports. 

Santa Rosa Marks May Day With "Flash Naps"

It was a busy May Day for activists in the Northern California city of Santa Rosa -- starting with a demonstration during the early morning rush hour and ending with a march and rally late in the afternoon. Karin Argoud filed this report from Santa Rosa.

Occupy Oakland Clashes With Police On May Day

In Oakland, May Day protests began at 8:30 am. Three separate "flying pickets" sought to shut targeted institutions, including banks, government offices and business associations. By mid-day, police had called in mutual aid from five other agencies and began arresting protesters in scattered skirmishes. Brian Edwards-Tiekert was there.

San Francisco Labor, Immigrants, Unions Mark May Day With Protests

San Francisco ferry workers marked May Day with a strike. City unions, immigrants rights and Occupy activists staged other events throughout the city. John Hamilton reports.