Free Republic

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's fast-tracked legislation to gain control of Los Angeles area public schools faces a key Senate vote today, just days before the legislative session runs out. But even as lawmakers race against the clock, nearly all observers say approval has been virtually assured by an intensive lobbying campaign and the nearly unprecedented support of a powerhouse coalition of political leaders. While few in the Capitol halls say they are publicly willing to discuss - or even acknowledge knowing about - any specific political favors being traded to keep the mayor's legislation moving, most agree the wrangling has been...

Children under the age of 8 must be restrained in a child seat while traveling in a vehicle, under a bill sent Thursday to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill's author, Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, said her measure would bring California in compliance with recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board. Vehicle-related accidents are the highest cause of deaths for 6- and 7-year-olds, she said. Existing state law requires that children younger than 6 years old or less than 60 pounds sit in a booster seat. Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, described the measure as government "nannyism." The 6-foot-4 lawmaker said...