Extra, Extra

Photo by ZigZagLens via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

• Just in time for the Holidays, the jobless rate in California is its highest in 14 years. 1.5 million people are out of work, with about 500,000 receiving regular unemployment checks. Sigh...
  
• Mayor Tony V is looking to trim budgets here in the city too. He is asking for 1% decrease in fire, police and other emergency crew budgets and a 3% decrease everywhere else.
  
• Officials locally and state wide are all struggling to find ways to make money. The Governator meanwhile can at least get credit for thinking outside the box. His newest gem? A state Pet Tax... Supporters say it would generate a lot of needed money, but opponents like pet owners and vets think its the wrong move in an already tight time.
  
• Looks like the LA Times' move to support Barack Obama is paying off...
  
• Some Santa Barbara City College students offered up a hearty "My Bad" for their actions that set off the Montecito fires. Apparently they started a bonfire to "warm themselves". Here's a tip... WEAR SWEATERS!
  
• So did you guys get out and buy the latest Blackberry? People were up early to get their hands on the new "gotta have" gadget. The people in Appleland were so worried (not) that they responded by releasing another software update.
  
• The Prop. 8 battle continues with both sides of the issue looking ahead to 2010 when it could be placed back on the ballot.
  
• The New Children's Museum, which has been going through some troubles to get funding, received a nice $10 million gift from a mystery donor that was later revealed to be the Sherman Oaks based Freidman Charitable Foundation. Great stuff!
  
• Finally, another look at opposite sides of the spectrum: In Pasadena, customers were fighting to save money on gas, and WINNING! Two small gas stations in Pasadena are currently selling gas at $1.77 per gallon (cash) which is DOWN from their price last week. Then there are people who are offering an upgrade on luxury living... Nanny Condos anyone? Because hey, even the help have to live in style too...