Spy Experts: Tighter Access Needed after WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON (AP) – More fallout from the WikiLeaks affair. Intelligence officers and experts are calling for the tightening of access to information following the leak of Afghan war documents that showed up on the whistleblowing website. They also want more monitoring at the lower levels of the spy network. On the other hand, members of Congress don’t want to see an increase in the hoarding of information, since that’s been assigned part of the blame for lapses that allowed the 9/11 attacks to occur. And there’s also the risk of holding back material on the battlefield for fear of having it leaked — something that could make it harder for commanders to know exactly what’s happening on the front lines.

Schwarzenegger Orders More State Furloughs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Democrats and unions are decrying Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s order to bring back furloughs for thousands of state workers until California passes a budget that addresses a $19 billion deficit. Unions have also been fighting the governor’s efforts to impose the federal minimum wage while the state operates without a budget. One union representing 3,000 state employees says Schwarzenegger’s furlough decision is a “punitive measure” because he can’t impose the $7.25 wage. Assembly Speaker John Perez’s office says the governor’s budget moves, “deliberately hurt people.” The state Assembly’s Republican leader, Martin Garrick, however, blames Democrats who control the Legislature. He says they have “brought it on themselves” by failing to make budget cuts. Schwarzenegger says “every day of delay brings California closer to a fiscal meltdown.”

Body Found Behind Chico Fast Food Restaurant

A body discovered behind a Chico restaurant Wednesday has been identified. Authorities say 38-year-old William Grow, believed to be a transient, was found near a dumpster behind Burger King on Walnut Street by restaurant employees. Authorities say the man’s death is not suspicious.

Bill to Give CA Farmworkers Overtime Pay Vetoed by Schwarzenegger

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill to give California farmworkers overtime pay after working 40 hours in a week. The bill would have changed a 1941 law that says farmworkers get overtime after working 10 hours in a day or a 60-hour week. It would have given them time-and-a-half after an eight-hour day or 40-hour week. Schwarzenegger says farm labor is different because it is seasonal, depends on the weather and requires harvesting perishable crops. He says increasing overtime would make California less competitive with other states. Democratic state Sen. Dean Florez of Shafter, who authored SB1121, says the Republican governor missed a chance to reverse a “shameful” practice that treats farmworkers as a lower class.

FBI Defends Guidelines for Domestic Surveillance

WASHINGTON (AP) – The FBI is defending domestic surveillance guidelines that civil liberties groups fear could unfairly target innocent Muslims in terrorism and other criminal investigations. The criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and a nonprofit group called Muslim Advocates comes with FBI Director Robert Mueller scheduled to testify Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In a statement, the FBI says its Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide equips agents with lawful and appropriate tools so the agency can transform itself into an intelligence-driven organization that investigates genuine criminal and national security threats.

Tehama Investigators Probe Murder of Kentucky Man

The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office is probing a murder, after a man was found dead in a car in the middle of a rural roadway. Sheriff Clay Parker says 66 year old Larry King of Kentucky was visiting Tehama County. King was found slumped over the wheel of a car north of Red Bluff Monday morning.  Parker says an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

Woman Injured in Hwy 99 Crash in Chico

The woman pulled from a burning vehicle following a Chico crash Tuesday afternoon suffered burn injuries to her legs. Authorities say 57 year old Lottie Albericci was driving an S-U-V just after 4 PM, when she drifted off Highway 99 and hit a road sign. The vehicle flipped and caught fire. The driver was temporarily trapped inside the vehicle but freed by emergency officials and taken to Enloe Hospital. The accident caused traffic to back up for several miles.

Taxpayer Group Challenges Proposed Ballot Description for Prop 23

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – A group that supports a November initiative to suspend California’s landmark global warming law is challenging the proposed ballot description of the measure. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association says the ballot language written by the attorney general’s office for Proposition 23 is misleading and biased. The taxpayer group filed a petition Tuesday in California Superior Court appealing the way it was written. If approved, the measure would suspend the 2006 climate law until California’s unemployment rate falls to 5.5 percent and stays there for a year. Attorney General Jerry Brown, who is also a candidate for governor, has been a big advocate of the law. Spokeswoman Christine Gasparac did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment Tuesday.

Butte County Names New Chief Administrative Officer

Butte County has named its new Chief Administrative Officer. The Board of Supervisors appointed Paul Hahn.  His 3 year contract goes before the Board for approval in August.  Sang Kim with Butte County administration says Hahn has worked for Sacramento County for the past 20 years.  Kim says Hahn is slated to take over the C-A-O position in September.

Schwarzenegger May Leave Budget for Next Governor

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is hinting that he might not sign a budget before he leaves office next January. Schwarzenegger is demanding pension, tax and spending reforms. He told the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce this week that if he doesn’t get what he wants, he could leave the budget to the next governor.