by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Under current law, prosecutors can incarcerate domestic violence victims to make them testify against the perpetrator.  Unfortunately, this has the effect of scaring many victims out of testifying. The practice was previously banned for sexual assault victims. Well, today, consider that practice an historical one for domestic violence victims as well:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) today signed into law a bill that victim advocates believe will result in more women coming forward to law enforcement after falling victim to domestic violence.  Senate Bill 1356, authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), protects domestic violence survivors from the threat of incarceration when they refuse to testify against their abuser in court.   The law mirrors an existing statute for sexual assault victims.

Full Press release over the flip

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Shocking news out of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom is setting up an exploratory committee to run for Governor! Not shocked? Well, I guess that's to be expected. Interestingly, this was the first year that Gavin took the stage at SF Pride and was actively involved. In previous years, he would hang out in the background. But, good on him for stepping up this year.  From the LA Times:

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who built a national reputation pushing cutting-edge -- and controversial -- policies on same-sex marriage, healthcare and other issues, today launched an exploratory bid for governor.

His move placed the 40-year-old, two-term mayor out in front of a large Democratic field eyeing the race to succeed Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is barred by term limits from running again in 2010. Newsom said he expected to decide by year's end whether to proceed with a full-fledged candidacy. (LAT 7/01/08)

I must admit that I am a bit surprised about the timing. He was slightly less obvious about his ambition than Jerry Brown, who practically begged for votes based on his experience. Get ready for a long battle, folks.

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

If you're looking for more evidence of John McCain being out of step with California,look no further than his own supporter, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whotold Meet the Press this morning he opposes the proposed gay marriageban, while McCain recently voiced his support for it. This also comeson the heels of a high profile disagreement between the two overoffshore oil drilling.

Schwarzenegger also told Tom Brokow this morning that he is disappointed by the gridlock in Washington and wants to see the parties work together, the Associated Press reports, advice they could probably use in Sacramento as well.

In case you missed, we're back to the 1-10 series for ballot measures,as Secretary of State Debra Bowen recently assigned number to thepropositions, Capitol Alert reports. Some highlights: Proposition 1 onhigh speed rail funding, Proposition 2 on the treatment of farmanimals, Proposition 4 on parental consent for abortion (the thirdattempt), Proposition 8 banning gay marriage and Proposition 11 onredistricting.

There's more...