The Skinny

So, if the California Teachers Association and the Service Employees Union oppose a ballot measure, that means the state labor federation is supposed to oppose it, as well. Right? Apparently not. Despite opposition from both CTA and SEIU, the state Labor-Fed opted to back Proposition 92, which would guarantee more Proposition 98 funding for community colleges, and cap student fees at the schools. The Labor-Fed also opted to support Proposition 93, the tweak in the state term-limits law, despite objections from the hotel and restaurant employees union. But UNITE-HERE scored a victory when the Fed decided to support their efforts to repeal four gaming compacts. …

Once again, the California Medical Association has chosen Halloween as a time to include Dr. Frankenstein in a press release. Last year, they announced Dr. Richard Frankenstein’s gig as president-elect of CMA. This year, they picked Halloween week to announce that Frankenstein will replace Anmol Mahal as CMA president. But in a rare moment of restraint, we’ve decided not to make any stupid Frankenstein jokes that the good doctor hasn’t already heard a zillion times before. Congratulations, Dr. F! …

And though it’s only Halloween, it feels a lot like Christmas over in Berkeley. UCB’s Institute for Governmental Studies announced a $250,000 gift from Darius Anderson and his wife, Sarah. “This wonderful gift from Darius and Sarah will enrich our programs in ways that will assist students, researchers and the public,” said IGS Director Jack Citrin.