John Russo - Oakland's Top Lawyer On Biden Palin Debate

I sat down with Oakland's Top Lawyer and friend John Russo just a day after the Vice Presidential debate between Senator Joe Biden and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and to talk about who won the debate, and what Palin's assendency says about American Government and Culture.

We have a difference of views and it centers on the idea that Palin did a terrible job -- my contention. Russo says that in debates one must "hold their ground" make sure their point is gotten across. He says she did that.

Russo's observation is that Palin used a "game show" approach to the debate, comparing her to the legendary game show host Wink Matindale, where she uses the eye wink and assured finger "gun" point to connect with the audience.

My point was that she just repeated talking points and failed on many occasions to answer questions Gwen Ifel asked of her. What do you think? Watch the video and let me know here.

Oakland Chamber Backs Measure NN For More Police in Oakland

I agree that we need more police, but will people vote for a new tax in this economic climate?  I guess is "yes."  Here's the Tribune ...

Oakland chamber backs tax to boost city police force

By Kelly Rayburn
Oakland Tribune

Article Last Updated: 10/02/2008 11:00:57 PM PDT

OAKLAND — Measure NN, the city's ballot measure to impose a parcel tax in exchange for more police officers, will have the support this fall of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, whose CEO called it key to attracting business and changing the perception of Oakland as an unsafe city.

The ballot measure would add 105 police officers and 75 police services technicians over a three-year period. It would also mandate use of a new crime-data management system.

"The chamber has been a vocal and consistent advocate for improving public safety," chamber Chief Executive Officer Joe Haraburda said in a statement. "Getting more cops on the street will help reduce crime, increase incident response time, and change the perception of Oakland to support new business attraction. Creating a strong economy through new jobs and increased revenue will only help Oakland in the long run."

Scott Peterson, the chamber's public policy director, said the chamber has already started reaching out to its members to let them know about its support for Measure NN and is considering putting out a mailer in support of the more-cops measure.

Measure NN goes up for a vote Nov. 4. If approved, the tax for a single-family residential property would be $113 in the 2009-10 fiscal year and rise incrementally, reaching $276 in 2011-12. Exemptions would be made for low-income families.

Cal Bears Beat Arizona State 24 to 14 - Oakland Tribune

I missed the game -- working -- but glad to see Cal get a commanding victory.    Here's the details from the Tribune:

Cal Bears Beat Arizona State 24 to 14

By Jonathan Okanes
Staff writer

Article Last Updated: 10/05/2008 08:04:09 AM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

California Golden Bears LaReylle Cunningham, #85, makes a catch and is tackled by Arizona State...

• 1
• 2
• »

Slideshow

• Slideshow: Cal vs. Arizona

Related

• Oct 4:
• Follett sack seals win, earns payback
• Longshore likely to keep job

BERKELEY — How well did Cal's defense play Saturday afternoon against Arizona State? Nate Longshore replaced Kevin Riley as the team's starting quarterback and it still wasn't the prevailing storyline.

The Bears' defense continues to flourish in its new 3-4 scheme. It dominated the Sun Devils, holding them to 236 yards while forcing three turnovers in a 24-14 victory in front of 58,302 at Memorial Stadium.

"I love watching our defense. They're on fire right now," said Longshore, who had a generally positive return to the starting lineup with 198 yards passing and three touchdowns. "They won the game today. They came up with some big plays and provided us with some opportunities. I don't even like defense, and I like watching these guys."

Cal (4-1, 2-0 Pac-10) is emerging as one of the top defenses in the conference. The Bears entered Saturday ranked third in both scoring defense and total defense. Their defensive front put consistent pressure on Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter, sacking him three times and forcing him to throw several other passes on the run. Carpenter was just 20-for-35 for 165 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted by Cal's Chris Conte and Sean Cattouse...MORE 

Yes on Prop H: San Francisco Clean Energy Act--Watch YouTube

Proposition H on the November 4th ballot would put San Francisco on the path to 100% renewable energy. Don't buy PG&E's lies. Learn more about Prop H at http://www.sfcleanenergy.com/

read more | digg story