GOVERNOR DAVIS ASKS CALIFORNIANS TO REMAIN CALM AS AMERICA GOES TO WAR

Governor Gray Davis made the following statement today in Los Angeles following anti-war protests in a number of California cities:

GOVERNOR DAVIS UPDATES CALIFORNIANS ON INCREASED SECURITY PREPARATIONS

Governor Gray Davis announced several new initiatives today to increase the safety of Californians, and also urged Californians to stay calm in the wake of protests in several California cities.

Lawmakers unveil airline aid plan
Taxpayers would reimburse carriers for war-related loss.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., and two colleagues Wednesday proposed a $4 billion to $5 billion airline industry rescue package aimed at forestalling more bankruptcy filings as a result of a war with Iraq.

ECONOMY: Investors unwilling to commit money

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and his cohorts on the Fed's Open Market Committee, who have access to more economic data than anyone, admitted on Tuesday that they can't say where the economy is going.

Economic eyes closely watch war's progress

The onset of war against Iraq, after weeks of high anxiety, could boost the U.S. economy.

Visalia Unified teachers protest cuts
25 at Willow Glen carry signs after last week's layoff notice.

VISALIA -- About 25 Willow Glen Elementary School teachers carried signs in front of the campus Wednesday morning and afternoon, showing their disapproval of the state's proposed budget cuts that could result in layoffs at the school.

Charter schools want more sponsors

SACRAMENTO -- Advocates for California's charter schools are pushing for a change in state law to allow universities, big-city mayors and nonprofit organizations to sponsor the taxpayer-funded, alternative schools.

Students protest layoffs notices

WEST SACRAMENTO -- Students of River City High School protested the issuing of layoff notices to teachers for about 90 minutes Wednesday before returning to class.

Sacramento Bee/State News

Processing plant blames poultry disease for layoffs

TURLOCK, Calif. (AP) - A poultry processing plant says it will lay off about a third of its work force in May because of a shortage of chickens after an outbreak of a deadly poultry disease.

Homeless fingerprint plan halted
S.F. revises requirements to include only those affected by 'Care Not Cash'

San Francisco social service officials are backing off a plan to fingerprint everyone who seeks a bed in an emergency shelter as part of Proposition N, the homeless welfare reform measure passed by voters in November.

Chavez youth workshops to offer career exploration

ROCKLIN -- How to begin a career in medicine, journalism, law and other professions will be explained at the second annual Cesar Chavez Youth Leadership Conference on Saturday at Sierra College on Rocklin Road.