IF SB-723, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE SENATE, AND WENT TO THE GOVERNOR?S DESK YESTERDAY, IS SIGNED, IT MEANS THAT THE STATE?S WORST SEX OFFENDERS WILL HAVE TO LIVE AT LEAST A QUARTER-MILE AWAY FROM ANY ELEMENTARY (OR SECONDARY) SCHOOLS. THE BILL TARGETS THE LOCATION OF HOUSING FOR THE STATE?S SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS, AFTER THEY ARE RELEASED INTO THE COMMUNITY. CURRENTLY, ALTHOUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS CANNOT PLACE THEM WITHIN A QUARTER MILE OF A SCHOOL, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH CAN. THIS BILL WOULD MAKE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADHERE TO THE SAME GUIDELINES AS THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.

THE GOVERNOR HAS 30 DAYS TO ACT ON THE SB - 723.

ALTHOUGH THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE DAMAGE (CAUSED BY HURRICANE KATRINA IN THE GOLF STATES) IS HUGE ?.. AND FAR-REACHING, MOST OF WHAT IS BEING EFFECTED HERE IN CALIFORNIA, ESPECIALLY FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS IS THE COST OF FUEL. AMERICAN FARM BUREAU SPOKESPERSON MEGAN PROVOST, SAID EVEN THOUGH 60 PERCENT OF THE NATION?S WHEAT AND GRAIN IS SHIPPED FROM THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS, MOST OF CALIFORNIA? S SPECIALTY CROPS (OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES) ARE NOT. MOST OF CALIFORNIA?S FARM EXPORTS REPORTEDLY MOVE THROUGH WEST COAST PORTS.

A MAN, WHO WAS PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE EARLIER THIS MONTH, WILL RETIRE SATURDAY. THAT AFTER THE SOON-TO-BE-FORMER REGIONAL BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT CHIEF ROBERT BEEHLER ADMITTED TO EMBEZZLING 18 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE FEDERAL AGENCY. HE REPORTEDLY USED HIS GOVERNMENT CREDIT CARD FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES, AS WELL AS DOCTORING INVOICES (TO OBTAIN CASH).

THE HEAD OF THE LOCAL BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT HAS ADMITTED EMBEZZLING $18,000. ROBERT BEEHLER?S REGIONAL OFFICE OVERSEES 315,000 ACRES OF FEDERAL LANDS FROM MONTEREY COUNTY TO ALAMEDA COUNTY. HE PLEADED GUILTY LAST WEEK IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT TO USING HIS GOVERNMENT CREDIT CARD FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES. BEEHLER ALSO ADMITTED TO DOCTORING INVOICES TO OBTAIN CASH. CHARGES WERE BROUGHT AGAINST HIM AFTER A 2-YEAR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION. HE HAS BEEN PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. 57-YEAR-OLD BEEHLER, HAS CHOSEN EARLY RETIREMENT, AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE, AND WILL BE ALLOWED TO COLLECT HIS PENSION. HE WORKED OUT A PLEA DEAL TO PAY RESTITUTION OF OVER $17,000 AND WILL FACE A PRISON SENTENCE OF UP TO 10 YEARS AT HIS NOVEMBER SENTENCING, AS WELL AS AND A FINE OF UP TO $250,000.
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