Francesco Papalia Opposes New Albany Smoking Law

Hard to imagine in this day anyone could get this upset about upgrading smoking restrictions as dozens of other cities have done. Speaking in favor of the ordinance were representatives of the American Cancer Society and other public health groups.

Indian Casino Interests attacking Loni Hancock

Loni Hancock is running for the State Senate and needs your help. Earlier this week, a phony "education" committee funded by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians spent $100,000 on two mailers smearing Loni's good name as an advocate for education.

The mailers claim to be paid for by "Education Leaders for High Standards" but, according to the Secretary of State, the mailers are really paid for by six tribes that own gambling casinos -- including the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, the owners of Casino San Pablo. Why are they attacking Loni? Because Loni successfully stopped the Lytton's planned expansion of Casino San Pablo to a massive, Vegas-style casino.

The truth is, California's REAL education leaders support Loni. Loni is endorsed by the California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, and 30 current or former school board members throughout the 9th Senate District.

Loni needs your help. You can help Loni spread the truth about these attacks by talking with your friends and family in the District.

And the best way to fight back is to help get out the vote. We have an aggressive plan to turn out Loni's supporters - but we can't do it alone. Call (510) 486-8357 today to volunteer. Loni's campaign staff will follow up with you right away. Please, help Loni fight back against these deceptive attacks!

NO on 98, YES on 99

You may already have received your California absentee ballot. It could be sitting on your coffee table, or in that pile of mail. We want to remind you that the most important thing you can do today for the environment is pick up that ballot, fill it out, vote NO on Proposition 98 and YES on Proposition 99, and send it in.

If you are planning to vote at the polls on June 3, make sure to cast your vote No on Prop 98 and Yes on Prop 99.

Legal analysis of Proposition 98 shows that hidden provisions in Prop 98 would wipe out environmental regulations.

Here's how: Prop 98's language would prohibit laws and regulations that "transfer an economic benefit to one or more private persons at the expense of the private owner." The problem with that language is that courts have ruled that virtually all environmental protections technically impose costs on the affected party and transfer economic benefits to other private parties.

Therefore, Prop 98 would instantly gut a wide range of laws and regulations that protect our environment and regulate growth and development, such as:

* AB 32 regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other laws to limit climate change;
* Protection of endangered species and their habitats;
* Protection of open spaces, coastal areas, wetlands, agricultural land, and cultural and historic sites;
* "Smart growth" regulations that promote compact, walkable, and transit-oriented communities;
* And many more.

On June 3 (or on your absentee ballot), remember to vote NO on Proposition 98 and to vote YES on Proposition 99, which is eminent domain reform (prohibiting government from taking homes to transfer to private developers) without the hidden agendas and adverse consequences of Prop 98.

Because turnout is expected to be low on June 3, your vote is especially critical to stop Proposition 98 and elect environmental champions. Read more about what's at stake on June 3.