YubaNet.com

Palin Announces No Second Term

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:57:23 PST

Nah, only dead fish "go with the flow".

Sarah Palin

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:23:14 PST

Sarah Palin - cartoon by Taylor Jones

The Seaweed Rebellion

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:37:08 PST

A group of 70 people, including environmentalists, seaweed harvesters, recreational anglers, abalone divers, and Native Americans, gathered at the city hall in Point Arena on Saturday, June 13 to begin the "Seaweed Rebellion" to halt or at least slow down the corrupt fast-track Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process being pushed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and "Big Green" environmental groups.

Liesl Gerntholtz and Gauri van Gulik: Beyond the Burqa

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:25:20 PST

President Sarkozy of France has reignited the debate about how Muslim women in Europe should dress by calling for a ban on clothing that, as he puts it, imprisons women and undermines their dignity. But in this burqa debate the voices of Muslim women are strangely absent.

Child's death in python's grip renews call for ban on private ownership of dangerous reptiles

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:38:09 PST

Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife advocacy organization, is calling on Florida legislators to immediately ban the ownership of dangerous reptiles after a 2-year-old girl was killed by a python kept as a pet in Sumter County. According to media reports, the illegally-kept 12-foot Burmese python broke out of its cage and strangled the girl in her bedroom.

Government Further Delays Release Of Crucial CIA Inspector General Report

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:13:34 PST

After agreeing three times to release an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report on the CIA's interrogation and detention program and then reneging, the government announced today it will not release a reprocessed version of the report before August 31. The CIA had agreed to release the OIG report by June 19, 2009. It then requested two extensions - to June 26 and then July 1.

Placer County to Close Friday for Holiday, Monday to Cut Costs

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:07:25 PST

Placer County offices will be closed Friday, July 3 for the Independence Day holiday and Monday, July 6 as a cost-saving measure.

Martha Rosenberg | Doctors Boo Obama in Chicago

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:05 PST

You would have thought it was Wrigley Field not the Hyatt Regency Chicago. When President Obama told gathered physicians at the American Medical Association's annual meeting in his home town this month, "I'm not advocating caps on malpractice awards which I believe can be unfair to people who've been wrongfully harmed," he was booed like Chicago Cub Milton Bradey. "Yank him," was probably next.

Tougher controls sought for DNA ancestry testing

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:50:56 PST

As the popularity of take-home DNA kits to trace ancestry or calculate the risk for serious medical conditions grows, there is an increasingly critical need for federal oversight of "direct-to consumer" genetic testing, as well as of the use of DNA samples for research, according to researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and several other academic institutions.

Scientists Urge Obama to Drop European Missile Defense

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:49:57 PST

A group of prominent scientists today released a joint letter urging President Obama to issue a directive that the United States will not deploy any part of the proposed U.S. missile defense system in Europe before it is proven effective under real-world operating conditions.

DMV Offices Will Be Closed Fridays, July 10, 17 and 24

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:47:50 PST

The Department of Motor Vehicles reminds customers that all statewide offices will be closed on three successive Fridays during the month of July - July 10, 17 and 24 - in keeping with Executive Order S-13-09.

Disappearing seagrass threatening future of coastal ecosystems

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:43:24 PST

In the first study of its kind, Florida International University scientists, along with an international team of researchers, have discovered a troubling acceleration of seagrass loss across the globe, threatening the immediate health and long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems.

HSUS Calls for More Humane, Effective Animal Management Methods

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:36:20 PST

The Humane Society of the United States is alarmed by a recently released report that Wildlife Services, which is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that responds to requests to address conflicts with wildlife, killed more than twice as many animals in FY 2008 as in FY 2007. The HSUS urges the Obama administration and state agencies to do more to implement non-lethal and more humane alternatives.

Fire officials stress caution for July Fourth Holiday

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:32:51 PST

Northern California fire officials are reminding area residents and visitors to be careful with fire and fireworks when they celebrate Independence Day.

Climate change and the mystery of the shrinking sheep

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:40 PST

Milder winters are causing Scotland's wild breed of Soay sheep to get smaller, despite the evolutionary benefits of possessing a large body, according to new research due to be published in this week's Science Express (2 July).

Honduras: Decree Suspends Basic Rights

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:26:12 PST

The Organization of American States (OAS), should press Honduras' de facto government to ensure full respect for human rights guarantees, Human Rights Watch said in a letter released today to OAS Secretary-General José Miguel Insulza.

In Cheney Interview Case, DOJ Argues White House Officials Won't Cooperate with Law Enforcement Investigations

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:24:53 PST

Last night, in a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) against the Department of Justice seeking former Vice President Cheney's FBI interview in the Valerie Plame Wilson leak investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed papers, including a declaration from Lanny Breuer, Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. Embracing the same arguments made by the Bush administration for withholding the interview, DOJ argues if it is disclosed, future high-level White House officials will be unwilling to cooperate with criminal law enforcement investigations.

Op-Ed: Jean Ross, CBP: California is the only state in the nation that requires a two-thirds vote to pass both a budget and tax increases

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:23:51 PST

California is the only state in the nation that requires a two-thirds vote to pass both a budget and tax increases. Today, more than ever, we see how necessary it is to change that supermajority vote requirement to a majority vote.

Public Invited to Provide Input for Tahoe Bikeway

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:20:15 PST

Members of the public will have two opportunities in July to comment on the proposed 30-mile Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway along the east shore of Lake Tahoe.

Bernie Burned Us

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:16:23 PST

Bernie Burned Us - cartoon by Yaakov Kirschen

Filibuster Bomb

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:14:08 PST

Filibuster Bomb - cartoon by Adam Zyglis

Republican Daily Affirmation

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:12:24 PST

Republican Daily Affirmation - cartoon by Nate Beeler

Yosemite National Park Prepares for Busy Fourth of July Weekend

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:03:25 PST

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest weekends in Yosemite National Park. The park estimates that up to 50,000 visitors will visit and pass through Yosemite over the extended holiday weekend. The increase in visitors can lead to traffic congestion during midday. Visitors are encouraged to come into the park as early in the day to avoid any delays. All park campsites under the reservation system have been sold out. However, there are a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites available throughout the park. It is anticipated that these sites will be full by the beginning of the weekend.

El Dorado County Launches Sustainable Tourism Program

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:59:48 PST

The Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (LTSSCC) was awarded a $90,000 grant by El Dorado County to pursue a Geotourism program. Geotourism is defined by National Geographic as "tourism that sustains or enhances the unique geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well being of its local residents." This effort is part of a sustainable tourism strategy proposed and endorsed by the Chamber in coordination with several other programs and entities in an effort to diversify and strengthen the local economy and enhance the sense of community. LTSSCC has also convened a green business cooperative comprised of local businesses that have implemented green practices and want to share resources and skills within their community.

Downed power lines cause "French" Fire

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:50:52 PST

The "French" fire, reported at approximately 2:00 pm today, July 2nd was quickly held to 1/2 acre as firefighters from the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land management and Kern County Fire Department joined forces to suppress it. California Highway Patrol Officers also assisted on scene management.

New Fires Discovered from Wednesday Lightning Event

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:48:58 PST

Lightning storms that hit Northern California mid-week causing seven fires on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest are suspected to be the cause of five new fires discovered Thursday for a total of 12 since Wednesday. An additional three possible fires were also reported at sundown Thursday.

Darwin Survey Shows International Acceptance of Evolution

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:23:31 PST

A British Council survey into awareness of Charles Darwin and attitudes towards evolution has found that there is a broad international consensus of acceptance towards his theory of evolution.

Yosemite NP Reopens Public Scoping for New Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:21:35 PST

Yosemite National Park is reopening public scoping for planning and environmental impact analysis for a new Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement(NMRP/EIS). Public scoping comments will be accepted through August 29,2009.

Nine-Year Legal Fight Culminates in EPA Proposal to Reduce Air Pollution from Ships

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:02:39 PST

Nine years after Friends of the Earth filed a petition requesting more protective air pollution limits on large ships, and after two court battles in which Earthjustice represented Friends of the Earth, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed air pollution standards yesterday for ships. The rules would reduce harmful pollutants by 80 percent or more by 2030, preventing between 13,000 and 33,000 premature deaths.

Secretary Salazar Announces Recovery Act Award for Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region in California

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:01:32 PST

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region has issued a cooperative agreement award under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $5.25 million award is for the Red Bluff Fish Passage Improvement Project on the Sacramento River in northern California.

Sardine Lookout in the Tahoe National Forest to Become New Rental - Public Comments Due on Proposed Fees

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:30:39 PST

The Forest Service is interested in the public's comments on a proposal to institute a fee for the new rental of Sardine Lookout on the Sierraville Ranger District in the Tahoe National Forest. Sardine Lookout would be the second lookout available for the public to rent in the Forest, the first being Calpine Lookout, also on the Sierraville Ranger District. The proposed per night rental fee would be $45, matching the current rental fee at Calpine. Sardine Lookout will probably be available for rental beginning in the fall, 2009.