Topic: Barbara O'Connor
All Content
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On the Road to Mr. Mineo's
Barbara O'Connor never disappoints. Like her other children's novels, this one is a keeper.
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Focus Are ballot initiatives broken? California offers clues
Do ballot initiatives put power in the hands of the voters, or are they another tool for special interests to dominate politics? California's experiences – both good and bad – make it an important laboratory for 'direct democracy.'
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Focus Election 2012: Ballot initiatives reflect nation's mood
The 174 propositions on state ballots point to evolving opinions on marijuana, same-sex marriage, health care, and more. Do the initiatives show the power of direct democracy or lack of legislative leadership?
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California budget: A sign that the Golden State is finally on the right track?
Several voter-approved propositions helped resolve the typical California budget dysfunction this year. With new reforms, a new budget, and fix-it Gov. Jerry Brown, the future of the Golden State could be brightening.
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California budget deal collapse: Did state GOP blow a huge opportunity?
Gov. Jerry Brown needed four GOP votes to advance his California budget plan. The fact that talks failed without Republicans winning any concessions may come back to bite them.
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In all-blue California election results, lessons for Democratic Party
In the face of a GOP juggernaut across much of the US, Golden State voters opted for Democrats in major statewide races. California election results are not just an anomaly, analysts there say.
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California budget 'emergency': bid to recoup $6 billion in pensions
The annual California budget crisis led Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a 'state of emergency' Wednesday. But the declaration is really a ploy to pressure unions, experts say.
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Anger and anxiety over fee hike at University of California
The University of California Thursday decided on a 32 percent fee hike to make up for slashed state funding. Student protests flare on campuses.
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Telemarketing 'robocalls' will be history on Sept. 1, mostly
Exceptions include charities, surveys, and information about canceled flights. But most telemarketers will need your permission before calling.
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Who wants to run California?
The state's budget is in shambles, but candidates are already lining up for the 2010 gubernatorial race. They include San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former eBay chief Meg Whitman.
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California, once a dream state, strives to get back its groove
As it has slid, the state's citizens have begun to focus on its core dysfunctions.
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New calls for reform in gridlocked California
Amid the state's budget woes, a bipartisan initiative looks for structural solutions.
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To reach youth, California goes YouTube
The state government has launched its own video channel on YouTube.
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'Greetings from Nowhere' speaks to young readers
A cast of characters assemble at a down-and-out motel to learn the joy of finding good.
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Fiscal woes imperil Schwarzenegger
With California's debt topping $16 billion, the governor is stuck with a legislative standoff over tax hikes.
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Campaign 'robocalls' catch Congress's ear
A bipartisan bill, introduced Tuesday, would keep Americans from being flooded with automated political phone calls.
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Californians set to vote on massive expansion of Indian casinos
The four measures on the Feb. 5 ballot are being hotly debated. Officials say the state needs the revenue.
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