Due to a looming project that absolutely must be completed, we’re taking a break until Monday, September 9—unless, of course, there’s breaking news or something so pressing that it would be a clear dereliction of journalistic duty not to give you the heads up.
We will return next Monday in full force.
In the meantime, as we go out the door, here are a few links that you might want to check out:
WHY IS JERRY BROWN SO OBSTINATE ON THE PRISON PLAN ISSUE? asks the Sacramento Bee’s Dan Walters. Good question. As Walters points out, State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg’s plan is FAR less expensive and far more creative—and potentially a route to reform. So why is Jerry digging in his heels? Calling all FOJs—Friends of Jerry. Talk to the man!
SHERIFF’S CHALLENGER PAUL TANAKA talks to the Los Cerritos News.
A bunch of EARLY RELEASES FROM LA COUNTY JAIL to free-up space, writes the LA Times’ Jack Leonard and Abby Sewell. WLA wants to know why the Sheriff hasn’t taken a leadership position on pre-trial release (See VERA Institute report) instead of all this early releasing.
(Sheriff challenger, Bob Olmsted comments on the matter on his Facebook page, and challenger Lou Vince tweets about it.)
PS: Did we mention that DIANA NYAD is a goddess? Consider it mentioned. For this summer at least, the toughest athlete in the world is a 64-year-old woman.
Jellyfish tremble at the very sight of Nyad.
Why is Governor Jerry Brown so obstinate on the prison plan issue?
Gov. Brown is looking forward to running in at least one more election. He would prefer to do it without the Prison Guard union spending their money to knock him down.
So if State Sen. Steinberg wants to draw the wrath of the Prison Guard union, then Gov. Brown wants to make sure he’s not caught in the same room.
Why isn’t Sheriff Baca taking a leadership position on pre-trial release in Los Angeles County, considering it may free up space for people who have already been found guilty to serve a little more of their sentences?
Sheriff Baca may desire to help, but first he wants to win another election. Baca doesn’t want the bail bond industry to beat their excess profits into swords against him. Baca would rather the bail bondsman plow their profits into a shared vision of a reelection victory.