John Mockler, one of the most influential voices on California education policy for more than 40 years, died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 73. The architect of Proposition 98, the 1988 initiative that sets state support for public schools, Mockler also served as executive director of the State Board of Education and Gov. Gray Davis’ cabinet secretary for education.
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger poses with his official portrait after it was unveiled at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The photograph-like giant image of the former governor was done by Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein and will hang on the third floor of the Capitol. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to the Capitol today for the first time since leaving office as governor nearly four years ago to unveil his official – and massive – executive portrait. The big painting — it’s about seven feet long by five feet wide — will be the largest portrait of a governor hanging on the walls of the state Capitol.
Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, reversing an earlier position, says he has joined a group opposing online gaming because of concerns that young people could be harmed. “I was once on the wrong side of this issue – speaking for and supporting internet poker – but I have since learned about some of the tactics used by online gaming companies to lure young people,” Brown wrote in an open letter.
Willie L. Brown Jr. Former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown made it official Tuesday, hosting a ceremony celebrating the western span of the bay Bridge bearing his name. Brown, who turns 80 on March 20, chose the day because it would have been the 105th birthday of his mother, Minnie. “I’m deeply honored,” Brown said a at a podium in front of Treasure Island’s Administration Building with “his” bridge over his left shoulder and San Francisco’s’ skyline behind him. (AP Photo: Eric Risberg)
Toni AtkinsFor Toni Atkins, a coal miner’s daughter and the first in her family to graduate from college, the road from Virginia coal country to San Diego to Speaker of the state Assembly has been long and winding. She’ll be leading the lower house despite concerns – at least in the north state – that an old tradition over equitable leadership distribution between Northern and Southern California. (Photo: League of California Cities)