Attorney General Lockyer Issues Statement on Court Ruling Upholding Constitutionality of Voter-Enacted Stem Cell Research Initiative

Attorney General Lockyer Issues Statement on Court Ruling Upholding Constitutionality of Voter-Enacted Stem Cell Research Initiative: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer issued the following statement on today's ruling by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Bonnie Sabraw upholding the constitutionality of Proposition 71, the stem cell research initiative approved by voters in 2004. In the case, Lockyer represents the stem cell agency defendants, as well as the offices of the State Controller and State Treasurer. "

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement With Pepsi to Eliminate Lead in Mexican Bottles

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement With Pepsi to Eliminate Lead in Mexican Bottles: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer and Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo today announced PepsiCo., Inc. (Pepsi) will eliminate leaded labels on bottled soft drinks imported from Mexico to resolve allegations Pepsi violated Proposition 65 by failing to warn consumers the bottles labels contained lead, a toxic substance that can cause birth defects, learning disabilities and cancer."

New DMV Publication: Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Hnandbook 2006

New DMV Publication: Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Hnandbook 2006: "This booklet is also a handy reference for people who currently drive recreational vehicles (RVs), pull noncommercial recreational trailers, fifth-wheel trailers including livestock trailers, and motorcycle trailers. It concentrates on the information needed to drive these vehicles safely. The recreational vehicle is a mobile living experience which more people are discovering. Trailers, motor homes, campers, and van conversions offer a fun way to enjoy your leisure time"

New Program For Drugs Administered In A Physician's Office

New Program For Drugs Administered In A Physician's Office: "Rather than purchasing these drugs from distributors and being reimbursed by Medicare, the physician would obtain the drug from an approved vendor and administer it to the beneficiary. The vendor would be responsible for billing Medicare for the drug, collecting the coinsurance from the beneficiary, and other administrative tasks. The CAP, which was mandated by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), will allow physicians who choose to participate in the CAP to continue to be paid for the costs of administering the drugs."

Children�s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - No Child Will Go Uncovered

Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - No Child Will Go Uncovered: "No child enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in America will be at risk for losing services because their state has run out of money to administer the program, Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced today. "

How To Detect Counterfeit Money

How To Detect Counterfeit Money: "The public has a role in maintaining the integrity of our currency. You can help guard against the threat from counterfeiters by becoming more familiar with United States currency. Look at the money you receive. Compare a suspect note with a genuine note of the same denomination and series, paying attention to the quality of printing and paper characteristics. Look for differences, not similarities"

Free Online Continuing Education - Free Medical CEU & CME

Free Online Continuing Education - Free Medical CEU & CME: "The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has developed the CAM Online Continuing Education Series for health care providers and the public to learn more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Post-tests must be completed with an accuracy of 70 percent or better to receive a CME or a CEU credit. A maximum of 8 CME Category I credits will be awarded to physicians and a maximum of 9.6 contact hours will be awarded to nurses "

New NCCAM Publication: An Introduction to Reiki

New NCCAM Publication: An Introduction to Reiki: "Reiki (pronounced 'ray-kee') is an energy medicine practice that originated in Japan. In Reiki, the practitioner places his hands on or near the person receiving treatment, with the intent to transmit ki, believed to be a life-force energy. Practitioners also believe that they can treat themselves with Reiki and send ki across short or long distances. In the United States, Reiki is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This Backgrounder provides a general overview of Reiki and suggests some resources you can use to learn more about this practice."

Save the Date: CHARO Small Business Expo & Conference June 8 2006

Save the Date: CHARO Small Business Expo & Conference June 8 2006: "The Conference will be a series of seminars on topics most widely requested and needed including: Marketing, Accessing Capital, Understanding Financials, and Legal Entities. Expert speakers in all areas will be presenting at the conference. All seminars will be presented in English and Spanish. Call and register today at (323) 269-0751"

Labor Department Announces Final Rules to Help Workers In Abandoned 401(k) Plans

Labor Department Announces Final Rules to Help Workers In Abandoned 401(k) Plans: "The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the publication of final rules and a class exemption that allow financial institutions to take responsibility for abandoned 401(k) plans and distribute the plans' assets to covered workers and their families. The department estimates that 1,650 401(k) plans, covering 33,000 workers, are abandoned by their sponsors each year"

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Projects for MSM and Young Transgender Persons of Color RFP Announcement

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Projects for MSM and Young Transgender Persons of Color RFP Announcement: "Prevention Projects for Young Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men and Young Transgender Persons of Color. $9,000,000 will be available in FY2006 to fund up to thirty awards to non-profit and community-based organizations to: Provide effective HIV prevention services to young (up to age 24) men of color who have sex with men (YMCSM) and young (up to age 24) transgender persons of color who are at high risk for HIV infection or transmission.  Fund non-profit organizations to conduct selected, standardized HIV prevention programs for the above populations; and to complement HIV prevention activities and interventions conducted by state and local health departments."

10 Tips to healthy eating and physical activity for you

10 Tips to healthy eating and physical activity for you: "Breakfast fills your 'empty tank' to get you going after a long night without food. And it can help you do better in school. Easy to prepare breakfasts include cold cereal with fruit and low-fat milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, whole-grain waffles or even last night's pizza!"

Fresno County Stolen Calf Bust: CDFA Trying to Match-Up 61 Stolen Calves with Owners

Fresno County Stolen Calf Bust: CDFA Trying to Match-Up 61 Stolen Calves with Owners: "California Department of Food and Agriculture brand inspectors are working to identify the owners of a number of stolen calves recovered on April 18 in Riverdale, in southern Fresno County. At least 61 calves were stolen from farms and ranches in Kings, Fresno and Merced counties. "

Pay-for-Performance: Practical Guidance for Decision-Making - Web Conference

Pay-for-Performance: Practical Guidance for Decision-Making - Web Conference: "The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is sponsoring a free Web conference on May 16, 2006 2:00-3:30 pm EST, that will help public and private health care purchasers, health plans, and providers, understand the key design decisions that need to be made whether they are contemplating, implementing, or evaluating pay-for-performance initiatives"

CAlifornia Announces Court Approves Settlement With Wal-Mart To Reduce Lead In Costume Jewelry

CAlifornia Announces Court Approves Settlement With Wal-Mart To Reduce Lead In Costume Jewelry: "Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced the court has approved a settlement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which adds Wal-Mart to the list of over 70 U.S. retailers and distributors who will dramatically reduce the levels of lead in costume jewelry, particularly in jewelry sold to children and teenagers, an age group that is especially vulnerable to the health impacts from exposure to lead. This case is a success story showing how Proposition 65, Californias premier right-to-know law"

SAMHSA Awards $7.2 Million for Jail Diversion Grant Programs

SAMHSA Awards $7.2 Million for Jail Diversion Grant Programs: "All too often individuals with mental illness, often with co-occurring substance abuse, are incarcerated instead of receiving treatment for their disorders, Curie said. These grants offer an alternative. By providing treatment and support services, we can avoid the unnecessary criminalization and incarceration of non-violent adult offenders with mental illness."

HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard: "HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating, including two in the United States. One minor burn injury has been reported. Eleven cases of minor property damage were reported, including one in the United States. "

DOL Offers Free "Invest for Your Success" Teleconference April 28, 2006

DOL Offers Free "Invest for Your Success" Teleconference April 28, 2006: "How do you build and manage a diversified investment portfolio? What should you consider when buying and selling investments? What is your risk tolerance?
Do you understand the difference between index funds and actively managed funds? How do taxes affect your investment decisions? Join us to hear the following women talk about investing."

$1 Billion In Public Assistance For Florida 2005 Recovery

$1 Billion In Public Assistance For Florida 2005 Recovery: "ORLANDO, Fla. -- In the six months since Hurricane Wilma hit South Florida, more than $760 million in Public Assistance funds has been dispersed throughout communities affected by that storm, contributing to a total of $1 billion in Public Assistance funds that has reached city, county and state applicants for recovery from the 2005 storms, officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) announced today."

FTC Requires Asset Divestitures Before Allowing Boston Scientific�s $27 Billion Acquisition of Guidant Corporation

FTC Requires Asset Divestitures Before Allowing Boston Scientific�s $27 Billion Acquisition of Guidant Corporation: "The Federal Trade Commission today announced a consent agreement that will protect competition and consumers in several significant medical device markets affected by Boston Scientific�s proposed $27 billion acquisition of the Guidant Corporation (Guidant). The agreement will allow the transaction to proceed, provided the parties comply fully with its terms"

New Real Property Appraiser Licensing Requirements Effective January 1, 2008

New Real Property Appraiser Licensing Requirements Effective January 1, 2008: "In February 2004, The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation adopted changes to the real property appraiser qualifications criteria that will become effective January 1, 2008. The requirements individuals must meet in order to become a licensed or certified appraiser will change significantly. The changes include increased requirements for qualifying education and experience, and a new Uniform State Appraiser Examination"

CMS ANNOUNCES NEW HOME HEALTH DEMONSTRATION

CMS ANNOUNCES NEW HOME HEALTH DEMONSTRATION: "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the implementation of the Medical Adult Day Care Services Demonstration, which encourages Home Health Agencies (HHA's) to partner with Medical Adult Day Care Facilities (MADCF's) to provide medical adult day-care services to Medicare beneficiaries as a substitute for a portion of home health services otherwise provided in the home."

TWELVE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COSTS

TWELVE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COSTS: "Looking for a way to cut costs around the house? Use Twelve Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs from the Insurance Information Institute to get practical tips for reducing your costs."

Xbox 360 Games: Topping the Charts

Xbox 360 Games: Topping the Charts

The World Embraces Xbox 360

The World Embraces Xbox 360: "The worldwide Xbox 360 launch was met with great success and fanfare in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore on March 16 and Australia and New Zealand on March 23, successfully placing the console around the world. "

Fact Sheet: China and Human Rights

Fact Sheet: China and Human Rights: "Increasing respect for human rights is a top U.S. Government priority in China and the U.S. regularly raises human rights issues with China, including during the February visit to China of Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Labor and Human Rights, Barry F. Lowenkron"

GINNIE MAE APPLAUDS FAR-REACHING PROPOSAL TO MODERNIZE THE FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION

GINNIE MAE APPLAUDS FAR-REACHING PROPOSAL TO MODERNIZE THE FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION: "Specifically, the FHA Modernization Act would create a new risk-based insurance premium structure that would match the premium amount with the credit profile of the borrower and eliminate the current three percent down payment requirement. The new program would offer a variety of down payment options, allowing the borrower to put down two percent or less. Increase and simplify FHA's current loan limits, allowing FHA to raise loan limits in high-cost areas. In many areas of the country, FHA has been priced out of the market. "

Restless Legs Syndrome In Adults: Comparing Immediate Release Formulation With Extended Release Formulation Of Ropinirole

Restless Legs Syndrome In Adults: Comparing Immediate Release Formulation With Extended Release Formulation Of Ropinirole: "Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) study is recruiting patients for 12 weeks study.

Court Halts Bogus Invention Promotion Claims

Court Halts Bogus Invention Promotion Claims: "A U.S. district court judge has ordered an invention promotion operation to pay $26 million in consumer redress and has ordered a permanent halt to the bogus claims the company used to recruit customers. Less Than One Percent of Customers Received Royalties From Their Patents That Exceeded the Amount They Paid to the ‘Promoters’ "

Seeking a Career in the Fire Service?

Seeking a Career in the Fire Service?: "The City of Rialto will be hosting a FREE Fire Career Orientation that is open to all Rialto Citizens 18 years of age or older"

Seeking a Career in the Fire Service?

Seeking a Career in the Fire Service?: "The City of Rialto will be hosting a FREE Fire Career Orientation that is open to all Rialto Citizens 18 years of age or older"

California Snapshot Photo Contest

California Snapshot Photo Contest: "You are invited to take part in the California Snapshot Photo Contest celebrating California's rich cultural and geographic diversity. Winning photos selected by judges from the California State Fair will be displayed on the home page of the California State Portal.
Any California resident can enter; you need not be a skilled or professional photographer. All you have to have is a camera and an eye for the people, places, things and events that make California unique."

17th Annual Family Wilderness Day

17th Annual Family Wilderness Day: "17th Annual City of Duarte Family Wilderness Day! This event will be Saturday, April 22nd at Encanto Park. Vulcan Materials will open their gates and allow access to the original Fish Canyon Trail. This entrance to the trail will shorten the hike to 3.2 miles round trip. Hikers need to come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and carry their own water. Activities at Encanto Park will feature wilderness skills, hands-on nature experiences, and fun for everyone. "

Successful Treatment Drug Courts: An Alternative to Incarceration

Successful Treatment Drug Courts: An Alternative to Incarceration: "Treatment drug courts provide a successful alternative to incarceration for defendants who constantly cycle between addiction leading to crime, incarceration, release, relapse, and recidivism. This month's cover story in the March-April 2006 issue of SAMHSA News highlights treatment drug courts -- often referred to simply as drug courts -- funded since the late 1990s by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)."

USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Hess Visits Ethiopia to Assess Humanitarian Crisis

USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Hess Visits Ethiopia to Assess Humanitarian Crisis: "Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) -- Mr. Michael Hess, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the lead U.S Government (USG) agency for international humanitarian assistance, is visiting Ethiopia April 15-20. The USG remains concerned about the acute humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, where drought is affecting as many as 16 million people this year."

Cyber Alert: Mozilla Products Contain Multiple Vulnerabilities

Cyber Alert: Mozilla Products Contain Multiple Vulnerabilities: "By taking advantage of one or more vulnerabilities in Mozilla products, an attacker may be able to take control of your computer. "

Training: "Radiological Terrorism: Medical Response to Mass Casualties"

Training: "Radiological Terrorism: Medical Response to Mass Casualties": "The purpose of this interactive self-study training is to provide clinician education on local medical response to mass casualties during the immediate aftermath of a radiological or nuclear terrorism incident. "

Revenues for Black-Owned Firms Near $89 Billion,

Revenues for Black-Owned Firms Near $89 Billion,: "Revenues generated by the nation�s 1.2 million black-owned businesses rose 25 percent between 1997 and 2002 to $88.8 billion in 2002, while the number of such firms grew by 45 percent in the same five-year period. This is according to a new report, Survey of Business Owners: Black-Owned Firms: 2002 [PDF], released today by the U.S. Census Bureau."

Diversity Visa Lottery:Read the Rules, Avoid the Rip-Offs

Diversity Visa Lottery:Read the Rules, Avoid the Rip-Offs: "If you or someone you know is trying to get a green card the right to live in the United States permanently be on the lookout for unscrupulous businesses and attorneys. They'll claim that, for a fee, they can make it easier to enter the U. S. State Department's annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery (also known as the green card lottery) or increase your chances of winning the DV lottery."

Introducing Medicare Rx: A Guide to Getting Started

Introducing Medicare Rx: A Guide to Getting Started: "Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Signing up for Medicare prescription drug coverage today can protect you from very high prescription drug bills in the future "

Landowner Incentive Program Notice of Funding Availability

Landowner Incentive Program Grant Notice of Funding Availability: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting proposals for the fiscal year 2006 Landowner Incentive Program. This program provides funding to state and territories' fish and wildlife agencies for the development or enhancement of existing landowner incentive programs and for projects that benefit threatened and endangered species, as well as other species at risk, on private lands."

OSHA Roofing Contractor Safety Workshop

OSHA Roofing Contractor Safety Workshop: "As part of OSHA's Chicagoland Roofing Safety Partnership, the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) is sponsoring a seminar on roofing safety on April 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Aramark Auditorium in Downers Grove, Ill. For further information, contact the CRCA at (708) 449-3340, or OSHA's area office in Aurora, Ill., at (630) 896-8700."

AHRQ Study Finds Wrong-site Surgery Rare and Preventable

AHRQ Study Finds Wrong-site Surgery Rare and Preventable: "Wrong-site surgery is extremely rare and major injury from it even rarer, according to a study supported by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The study is being published in the April 2006 issue of Archives of Surgery. The term 'wrong-site surgery' includes surgery on the wrong organ or limb, at the wrong site on the spine, or on the wrong person."

New Maps Show Active Earthquake Faults and Geologic Complexity of Bay Area

New Maps Show Active Earthquake Faults and Geologic Complexity of Bay Area: "The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will release new maps of active faults in the Bay Area and the complex geology that underlays the region during the 1906 Earthquake Centennial Conference in San Francisco. Acting USGS Director Patrick Leahy will participate in the news briefing."

On-Line Filing Sets New Record; More than 17 Million Returns e-Filed by Home Computer Users

On-Line Filing Sets New Record; More than 17 Million Returns e-Filed by Home Computer Users: "WASHINGTON Computer users are preparing and filing their income tax returns electronically in record numbers, according to the Internal Revenue Service."

Earthquake Preparedness :How To Strap Your Water Heater

Earthquake Preparedness :How To Strap Your Water Heater: "If you strap your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line, you will reduce the risk of a fire or explosion from a gas leak after an earthquake. If your water heater does not have a flexible gas supply line, contact a licensed plumber to install one."

What to do in the Event of a Radiological Emergency

What to do in the Event of a Radiological Emergency: "What to do if a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency is Reported If you live in the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of a nuclear power plant, you will receive informational materials annually about what to do if there is a radiological emergency at the nuclear power plant near you. "

Your Credit Report: What It Says About You

Your Credit Report: What It Says About You: "Most people finance their homes with mortgages and pay for their cars with loans. Young people often obtain loans to pay for college. And, of course, lots of people make purchases with credit cards. You can't expect to receive credit as a matter of course, however. You must apply for it. And just as you would hesitate to lend money to a stranger, banks, retailers, or finance companies will not grant you credit without knowing something about you."

Your Credit Report: What It Says About You

Your Credit Report: What It Says About You: "Most people finance their homes with mortgages and pay for their cars with loans. Young people often obtain loans to pay for college. And, of course, lots of people make purchases with credit cards. You can't expect to receive credit as a matter of course, however. You must apply for it. And just as you would hesitate to lend money to a stranger, banks, retailers, or finance companies will not grant you credit without knowing something about you."

Update: Requirements for California Check Cashing Businesses

Update: Requirements for California Check Cashing Businesses: "New information reporting requirements for check casher businesses operating in California went into effect on January 1, 2006. Assembly Bill 139, enacted on July 19, 2005, amended Civil Code section 1789.30 and added Revenue and Taxation Code section 18631.7 to the law. The purpose of this information is to assist check cashers in meeting these requirements. Here you will find guidance on how to comply with the new law and instructions on how to get assistance. Be sure to return to this Web page for updates"