California Insider

Here is a sobering economic prognosis from a major inside player. Via Prestopundit.

Can you think of a health care procedure that is on the cutting edge of its field, in high demand, reports high satisfaction from those who get it, is lightly regulated, generally not covered by insurance or government programs -- and whose price has steadily dropped since it was first introduced? Read Alex Tabarrok's report here.

The Don Perata investigation gets messier by the day, with new reports that his children are also subjects of the probe involving the senator's legislation and business interests. Senate Democrats are in a bind, as they don't want to over-react to an investigation that might be politically motivated but also don't want to be stuck with a leader who is hampered by the investigation or formal charges. At this point it still looks as if Perata will be formally installed as Senate leader on Dec. 6.

A San Diego Gas & Electric executive is suing PUC Commissioner Loretta Lynch for her role in secretly tape recording a conversation at a Carmel resort that was later used in a television news report on lobbying of PUC board members. The story is in the LA Times. (registration required).