Free Republic

Gov.-elect Jerry Brown has told Lottery Director Joan Borucki her services are no longer needed. Her last day is Sunday, according to a Dec. 23 e-mail obtained by The State Worker. Look for many more changes at the tops of departments in the coming days as Brown begins to recast key positions in government. Read more: http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/#ixzz19NpQSmS2

SACRAMENTO The state Senate on Tuesday approved Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's appointment of veteran state employee Joan Borucki as director of the California Lottery, despite criticism of an expensive staff dinner held by the lottery last fall. Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, said Borucki's initial reaction was to try to shirk responsibility for holding the dinner to commemorate the lottery's $20 billion contribution to schools. "In retrospect, she's taken full responsibility, deemed it an inappropriate activity and assured us it would never happen again," Perata said before the Senate voted 32-3 to confirm the appointment. The dinner, held last...

Italian firm's takeover of state lotto operator angers lawmakers Lottery director stands by decision to OK $4.7 billion merger; says it will be business as usual. SACRAMENTO - An Italian company with a blemished history quietly purchased a U.S. firm that runs lotto and other online games in California and 24 other states - a development that has surprised and angered California lawmakers into action. But the state lottery's acting director is standing by her decision to approve California's part in the $4.7 billion merger, as the lottery and its online operator, GTECH, reassure critics it will be business as...