Oregon has been picked to win the Pac-10 football championship this season, according to the preseason poll released today.

PAC 10 commissioner Larry Scott speaks to reporters during a news conference, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/ Mary Altaffer)

Oregon has been picked to win the Pac-10 football championship this season, according to the preseason poll released today.

PAC 10 commissioner Larry Scott speaks to reporters during a news conference, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/ Mary Altaffer)

Bell, Calif. resident Carmen Bella, 76, yells at city council members during a city council meeting addressing city leaders' pay, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Bell, Calif.

Officials with the League of California Cities said Thursday they are interested in crafting state legislation that would require information on the pay of all highly-compensated public officials on the state and local levels to be made easily available to the public.

The move follows a salary scandal in the Los Angeles suburb of Bell.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that the city of Bell's city manager earned nearly $800,000, the highest salary of any government manager in the country. The city's police chief made $457,000 and an assistant city manager took in $376,288. All three resigned under public pressure.

As a result, the League of California Cities has taken the unusual step of admonishing one of its own.

At a meeting in downtown Sacramento on Thursday, members of the League of California Cities lambasted Bell officials and expressed concern that city officials across the state would be the focus of public outcry as a result of the scandal.

"What we've seen is that there really has been a violation of the public trust," said Ken Pulskamp, the city manager of Santa Clarita and the president of the League of California Cities' City Managers Department.

In a letter to Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, the league offered to help craft legislation that would publicize the pay of the highest-paid public officials in the state. League representatives have also contacted Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, about the legislation.

California's first Hmong public charter school, Yav Pem Suab Academy - Preparing for the Future Charter School, will hold it's first parent-student-teacher meet and greet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight at 7555 S. Land Park Drive, Sacramento.

Oregon has been picked to win the Pac-10 football championship this season, according to the preseason poll released today.

PAC 10 commissioner Larry Scott speaks to reporters during a news conference, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/ Mary Altaffer)

Officials with the League of California Cities said Thursday they are interested in crafting state legislation that would require information on the pay of all highly-compensated public officials on the state and local levels to be made easily available to the public.

Bell, Calif. resident Carmen Bella, 76, yells at city council members during a city council meeting addressing city leaders' pay, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Bell, Calif.

Officials with the League of California Cities said Thursday they are interested in crafting state legislation that would require information on the pay of all highly-compensated public officials on the state and local levels to be made easily available to the public.

Bell, Calif. resident Carmen Bella, 76, yells at city council members during a city council meeting addressing city leaders' pay, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Bell, Calif.

Candace Calvert of Roseville is a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award, it was announced today.

Officials with the League of California Cities said Thursday they are interested in crafting state legislation that would require information on the pay of all highly-compensated public officials on the state and local levels to be made easily available to the public.

Bell, Calif. resident Carmen Bella, 76, yells at city council members during a city council meeting addressing city leaders' pay, Monday, July 26, 2010, in Bell, Calif.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman - who has campaign billboards and Spanish-language ads in California declaring "NO to the Arizona law" - told talk show hosts Wednesday that the same controversial immigration law should be allowed to stand in Arizona.

Meg Whitman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, speaks to Mag Instrument employees Thursday in Ontario. Whitman is backing off a campaign proposal to send inspectors into California businesses to look for illegal immigrants.

Meg Whitman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, speaks to Mag Instrument employees Thursday in Ontario. Whitman is backing off a campaign proposal to send inspectors into California businesses to look for illegal immigrants.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman - who has campaign billboards and Spanish-language ads in California declaring "NO to the Arizona law" - told talk show hosts Wednesday that the same controversial immigration law should be allowed to stand in Arizona.

"You know, I'm running for the governor of California so I had to make a decision," Whitman said. "Does the Arizona law make sense for California? And I have said no, I don't think the Arizona law makes sense for California because we have a much bigger state with much bigger geography."

Whitman appeared on the America's Morning News, a conservative show that's a venture of the Talk Radio Network Entertainment and the Washington Times newspaper. The first question Whitman was asked had to do with Arizona's immigration law.

Whitman was interviewed shortly before a judge issued a temporary injunction blocking much law of Arizona's law because of arguments it infringes on federal responsibility.

Whitman was pressed for her opinion on whether Arizona, as a state, had the right to enact such a law to deal with the problem of illegal immigration.

"I would let the law stand for Arizona," Whitman said.

Huffington Post blogger Chris Kelly has posted the audio to Whitman's interview here.

To court Latino voters, Whitman began airing Spanish-language TV ads during the recent World Cup soccer games and has kept it up. In one ad, a narrator says: "She respects our community. She is a Republican who opposes the Arizona law and she opposed Proposition 187 (California's 1994 measure that sought to deny public services to illegal immigrants)."

The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: When you and your elderly relatives are piecing together names and dates for your family tree, put together your family's health history, as well. After all, older relatives may well recall the ailments that beset their parents and grandparents, allowing you access to heirloom knowledge about your family's health through the generations.

Humphrey Fellows - scholars from 11 different nations - will offer a free world tour via powerpoint and speeches today in Davis. The 10-minute presentations run from 2 to 5 p.m. at International House, 10 College Park in Davis.

An unusual project is underway that seeks the public's help in classifying images taken of the moon.

In a major economic boost for Yuba and Sutter counties, a fleet of spy planes is expected to be stationed at Beale Air Force Base, U.S. Rep. Wally Herger said today.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman - who has campaign billboards and Spanish-language ads in California declaring "NO to the Arizona law" - told talk show hosts Wednesday that the same controversial immigration law should be allowed to stand in Arizona.

Meg Whitman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, speaks to Mag Instrument employees Thursday in Ontario. Whitman is backing off a campaign proposal to send inspectors into California businesses to look for illegal immigrants.

The El Dorado County District Attorney has found that a Placerville police officer was justified in shooting and killing a mentally ill woman who fled a local hospital in a stolen ambulance in late March. Linda Carol Clark, 39, of Folsom, died in the driveway of a Placerville home after leading officers on a slow chase through town. Police said she tried to ram officers with the vehicle, prompting them to fatally shoot her. An eyewitness disputed that account. District Attorney Vern Pierson has not released his office's investigation into the incident. But the dead woman's father, Marty Hansen, met with officials Wednesday and learned that the shooting has been deemed justifiable, he told The Bee. Hansen said officials gave him a two-hour "courtesy preview" of the report, which includes a video simulating the incident and a detailed graphic depiction of the shooting scene. He said he remained unconvinced that killing his daughter was a "reasonable" response by Officer Nick Maurer. "It seems obvious to me" that officers could have saved Clark, Hansen said. He declined further comment until the full report is released, possibly later this week.

Previous coverage:

Report lists Placerville hospital's failures in mentally ill woman's chaotic stay - July 24, 2010

Placerville hospital threatened with loss of Medicare funds - July 2, 2010

El Dorado DA to review slaying by cop in Placerville - June 19, 2010

Witness disputes Placerville police account of mental patient's shooting - June 12, 2010

Details sought on mentally ill woman's killing by Placerville police - June 8, 2010

State to launch investigation in Placerville hospital case - May 1, 2010

Police learn to deal with mentally ill nonviolently - April 9, 2010

Placerville shooting fuels debate about use of deadly force against mentally ill - April 4, 2010

Clues offered in fatal shooting in Placerville - April 1, 2010

Woman shot by Placerville police was mental patient - March 31, 2010

Many questions in wake of woman's fatal shooting by Placerville police - March 30, 2010

Placerville woman shot dead by police after ambulance theft, chase - March 29, 2010

Canadian police said that a cyclist from a Davis bicycle club has died in that country after being hit by a motor home.

Our updated database provides information about home sales in the greater Sacramento region. You can search by city, zip code or street and sort by house size or price. It also offers the latest monthly home sales statistics by zip code.

Home sales in the Sacramento area improved again in September.

The California School Boards Association will hold an emergency Board of Directors closed-session meeting today to address issues raised in a local news report.

Residential debris burning will be suspended starting Sunday in the Lake Tahoe basin because of increased fire risk during the warm, dry weather.

The El Dorado County District Attorney has found that a Placerville police officer was justified in shooting and killing a mentally ill woman who fled a local hospital in a stolen ambulance in late March.

DeMarcus Cousins is the best thing to happen to the Kings since the transformative offseason of Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic and Rick Adelman. Yes, the best early Christmas present since then.

JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com Kings first-round pick DeMarcus Cousins has been the center of attention in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins enjoys the perks of being a professional basketball player, namely making enough money to buy a house for his mother.

DeMarcus Cousins is congratulated by Kings owners Gavin, left, and Joe Maloof, second from left, and brother George Maloof as Cousins receives the Top Rookie Performer award in the NBA Summer League. People throughout the NBA are talking about Cousins and the Kings.

LAKE TAHOE - Residential debris burning will be suspended starting Sunday in the Lake Tahoe basin because of increased fire risk during the warm, dry weather.

Former Kentucky star DeMarcus Cousins enjoys the perks of being a professional basketball player, namely making enough money to buy a house for his mother.

DeMarcus Cousins is congratulated by Kings owners Gavin, left, and Joe Maloof, second from left, and brother George Maloof as Cousins receives the Top Rookie Performer award in the NBA Summer League. People throughout the NBA are talking about Cousins and the Kings.

Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman

Democrats Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer hold narrow leads over their Republican challengers with more than three months of campaigning to come before the November election, a new Public Policy Institute of California poll has found.

The poll, conducted during the first weeks of July, found that Attorney General Brown, the Democratic candidate for governor, is virtually tied with Republican Meg Whitman, leading 37 percent to 34 percent among likely voters with 23 percent still undecided.

PPIC also found Boxer, a three-term U.S. senator, leading Republican Carly Fiorina 39 percent to 34 percent with 22 percent undecided.

More than 10 years have passed since she gave up her pursuit of a degree in computer science, but Yajahira Deaza still has regrets.

Yajahira Deaza poses for a photograph in her apartment in the Bronx borough of New York Wednesday July 28, 2010. More than 10 years have passed since she gave up her pursuit of a degree in computer science, but Yajahira Deaza still has regrets.

Yajahira Deaza, left, shares a moment with her son Emilio Deaza, 2, as she, her son, and her daughter Tiffany Deaza, 8, right, watch television Wednesday July 28, 2010 in their apartment in the Bronx borough of New York.

Yajahira Deaza, second from right, has dinner with her husband Ramon Deaza, right, her son Emilio Deaza, 2, second from left, and her daughter Tiffany Deaza, 8, Wednesday July 28, 2010 in their apartment in the Bronx borough of New York.

Yajahira Deaza shares a moment with her son Emilio Deaza, 2, as she poses for a photograph in her apartment in the Bronx borough of New York Wednesday July 28, 2010. More than 10 years have passed since she gave up her pursuit of a degree in computer science, but Yajahira Deaza still has regrets.

Yajahira Deaza poses for a photograph in her apartment in the Bronx borough of New York Wednesday July 28, 2010. More than 10 years have passed since she gave up her pursuit of a degree in computer science, but Yajahira Deaza still has regrets.

Yajahira Deaza poses for a photograph in her apartment in the Bronx borough of New York Wednesday July 28, 2010. More than 10 years have passed since she gave up her pursuit of a degree in computer science, but Yajahira Deaza still has regrets.

President Barack Obama is reportedly hosting yet another West Coast fundariser, this time to boost the bank account of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS Associated Press President Barack Obama met Saturday with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats to rally support for the health bill.

Sacramento sheriff's deputies are searching for a suspected child molester who may be armed.

President Barack Obama is reportedly hosting yet another West Coast fundariser, this time to boost the bank account of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS Associated Press President Barack Obama met Saturday with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats to rally support for the health bill.

Q: Would you please provide an update regarding Raul Reyes Jr.? - Anonymous, El Dorado County. A: Raul Rodriguez Reyes Jr., now 21, pleaded no contest to two felonies in the shooting death of Angela Vasquez.

Democrats Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer hold narrow leads over their Republican challengers with more than three months of campaigning to come before the November election, a new Public Policy Institute of California poll has found.

Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman

Jerry Brown released his education and environment proposals after Meg Whitman aired ads claiming he has no plan for governing the state.

Coming under attack for offering only a few specific policy proposals, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown released plans Wednesday to spend more money on higher education and to shift more K-12 decision-making authority to local schools.

He also detailed positions on the environment, including opposition to new offshore oil drilling and support for measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The release of Brown's 12-point education plan and his environmental platform followed by less than a week his issuance of a plan for pension reform. Republican rival Meg Whitman is airing ads on TV and radio claiming Brown has no plan for governing California.

In his education proposal, Brown said he would consolidate many of the state's "categorical" funding streams, which allocate money to schools that can be used only for certain purposes. He said he would allocate money to districts based on students' specific needs.

Brown also proposed increasing funding for colleges and universities, reversing "the decades long trend of transferring state support from higher education to prisons."

Whitman, too, has said the state's school funding system is overly prescriptive. She would shift decision-making power to local schools and give bonuses to high-achieving teachers, administrators and schools.

Whitman spokeswoman Sarah Pompei criticized Brown's record on education as governor and mayor of Oakland, where the state in 2003 took control of the troubled public school system.

Pompei said in an e-mail that Brown "is the last person Californians can trust to fix our struggling public schools."

Brown said in his mayoral campaign that he would help improve Oakland's schools, and he backed a ballot measure allowing him to appoint three members to the school district's governing board. However, he never had control of a board majority, and his involvement was limited.

Brown spokesman Sterling Clifford said Brown helped launch two charter schools in Oakland and that, "I'm reasonably confident there aren't any charter schools with Meg Whitman as the founding member."

Whitman, the former eBay CEO, has put out a policy booklet. Brown has said it is mostly pictures, but until recently his only offering was a clean energy jobs plan.

"The big rap against him is, 'Where's the beef? What are his ideas?'" said Robert Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles.

He said that by issuing plans, Brown can overcome such criticism.

Cal Expo police have arrested four suspects allegedly trying to use counterfeit money during the run of this year's California State Fair.

Jeff Bezos isn't just confident you'll want a Kindle e-book reader. The CEO of Amazon.com is bracing for a future in which you'll also want ones for your kid heading to college, your spouse in a book club and perhaps even Grandpa.

This product image provided by amazon.com Inc., shows the streamlined, new Kindle 3 reader. (AP Photo/amazon.com Inc.) NO SALES

This product image provided by amazon.com Inc., shows the new Kindle 3 reader. (AP Photo/amazon.com Inc.) NO SALES

This product photo provided by amazon.com Inc., shows the new Kindle 3 reader. (AP Photo/amazon.com Inc.) NO SALES

This product image provided by amazon.com Inc., shows the new Kindle 3 reader. (AP Photo/amazon.com Inc.) NO SALES

This product photo provided by amazon.com Inc., shows the Kindle 3 reader. (AP Photo/amazon.com Inc.) NO SALES

An Oakland man accused of fatally shooting a Virginia man who was visiting the San Francisco Bay area for a job interview at Google Inc. could face the death penalty.

Just heard from a reliable source that first-round draft pick Rolando McClain has agreed to a contract and signed with the Raiders.

Arizona is preparing to ask an appeals court to lift a judge's ruling that put most of the state's immigration law on hold in a key first-round victory for the federal government in a fight that may go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ernesto Fiscal, foreground, and other illegal immigrants who were deported to Mexico early Wednesday morning, gather near the Nogales Port of Entry in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

A Border Patrol agent, who declined to give his name, is reflected in the mirror as he and another agent patrol near the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Ariz., Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

A Border Patrol vehicle sits along the U.S.-Mexico border in Nogales, Ariz., Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

A group of illegal immigrants who were deported to Mexico early Wednesday morning gather near the Nogales Port of Entry in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

Traffic moves along the border fence separating Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

Two woman walk along the U.S.-Mexico border showing graffiti that reads "the walls" in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arizona's new immigration law SB1070 takes effect Thursday, July 29.

Federal police officers stand outside the grounds of the Sandra Day O'Connor Court House Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix moments after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, was blocked by a Federal Judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

From left to right, Maria Ramirez, Joseline Saragoza, 9, and Marcela Saragoza. all of Phoenix, cry as they celebrate at the Arizona capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

A group of illegal immigrants look at pedestrians as they are processed for deportation at the Nogales Port of Entry in Nogales, Az., Wednesday, July 28, 2010. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, delivering a last-minute victory to opponents of the crackdown. The overall law will still take effect Thursday, but without the provisions that angered opponents — including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

A group of illegal immigrants wait in line while being deported to Mexico at the Nogales Port of Entry in Nogales, Ariz., Wednesday, July 28, 2010. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, delivering a last-minute victory to opponents of the crackdown. The overall law will still take effect Thursday, but without the provisions that angered opponents — including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

An illegal immigrant picks up a plastic bag containing his belongings while being deported at the Nogales Port of Entry in Nogales, Ariz., Wednesday, July 28, 2010. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, delivering a last-minute victory to opponents of the crackdown. The overall law will still take effect Thursday, but without the provisions that angered opponents — including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

From left, day laborers Raymond Mesa, of Honduras, Jose Mendoza, of Mexico, "Dias", and Poncho Hernandez, of Mexico and a man who asked not to be identified stand outside a store Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix. All the men said they were pleased with Federal Judge Bolton's ruling which blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

Day laborer Raymond Mesa, of Honduras, who has been in the U.S Illeaglly for 27 years, stands outside a store Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix. Mesa said he was pleased with Federal Judge Bolton's ruling which blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

Maria Uribe and other opponents of Arizona State Bill 1070 rejoice as they hear the news that U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton issued an injunction for the key portions of the bill Wednesday, July 28, 2010, outside the Arizona State Capitol building in Phoenix. The provisions that most angered opponents will not take effect, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also delayed parts of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places _ a move aimed at day laborers. In addition, the judge blocked officers from making warrantless arrests of suspected illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre) MANDATORY CREDIT

In this image made from video, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks to the media Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix shortly before portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks about U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton's ruling that blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in Phoenix. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

Nora Nendivin, right, cries as she is hugged by Marcela Saragoza, both of Phoenix, as they celebrate at the Arizona capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

A federal police officer walks the grounds of the Sandra Day O'Connor Court House Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix moments after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, was blocked by a Federal Judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

Marcela Saragoza, right, and Joseline Saragoza, 9, both of Phoenix, cry as they celebrate at the Arizona capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

The chief legislative sponsor of Arizona's immigration law SB1070 Sen. Russell Pearce (R-Mesa) attends a gun rights news conference at the Arizona Capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, was blocked by a federal judge. Pearce addressed the media regarding SB1070 after the news conference.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputies arrive for training on how to enforce Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix moments after portions of the law were blocked by a federal judge.

From left, day laborers Poncho Hernandez, of Mexico, a man who asked not to be identified, and Raymond Mesa, of Honduras, stand outside a store Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix. All the men said they were pleased with Federal Judge Bolton's ruling which blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

From left to right, Joseline Saragoza, 9, and Marcela Saragoza, cry as Nora Nendivin smiles as they celebrate at the Arizona capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

The chief legislative sponsor of Arizona's immigration law state Sen. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, talks with the media at the Arizona capitol Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix, shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, were blocked by a federal judge.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputies arrive for training on how to enforce Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix moments after portions of the law were blocked by a federal judge.

Reporters speak with U.S. Marshall Dave Gonzales outside the Sandra Day O'Connor Court House Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in Phoenix shortly after portions of Arizona's new immigration law, SB1070, was blocked by a federal judge. The judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaks about U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton's ruling that blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in Phoenix. The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents _ including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

Eduardo and Gisela Diaz of Mexico City talk about Arizona's new immigration law outside the Mexican consulate in Phoenix on Wednesday. The couple came to Phoenix on since-expired tourist visas in 1989 but say they've been approved for U.S. residency, although they haven't yet received their documents. They sought advice because they were worried about what would happen to their 3-year-old granddaughter if they were pulled over by police and taken to a detention center.

Public Policy Institute of California's new statewide poll is adding fuel to the fire in the fight over Proposition 23.

Mild late-July conditions continue today as the delta breeze prevents the Sacramento area from heating up.

The McClatchy Co., its slump in advertising continuing to ease, today reported higher operating profits.

Sophia Scherman remains mayor of Elk Grove following a special City Council meeting Wednesday night to discuss the mayor's role.

TODAY

Sixth-ranked Elena Dementieva of Russia rallied to beat 39-year-old Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday night in the second round of the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford.

Tyreke Evans feels like someone kicked him in the shin and escaped in a crowded casino. Or swiped his car keys and left him stranded in the desert. His experience at Team USA basketball tryouts last week in Las Vegas was brief, painful, frustrating and ill-fated.

JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com Tyreke Evans would have had a ball on Team USA, but an ankle injury sabotaged his chances.

The new cats on the block understand why the River Cats have been so successful since setting up shop in West Sacramento in 2000.

Tyreke Evans feels like someone kicked him in the shin and escaped in a crowded casino. Or swiped his car keys and left him stranded in the desert. His experience at Team USA basketball tryouts last week in Las Vegas was brief, painful, frustrating and ill-fated.

JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS jvillegas@sacbee.com Tyreke Evans would have had a ball on Team USA, but an ankle injury sabotaged his chances.

Judging from the reactions of Tuesday's opening-night Music Circus crowd, there are plenty of reasons for staging musical classics.

Brandi Burkhardt and Jeremiah James star in "Oklahoma!"

" … Al Davis will choose the quarterback over the coach. (JaMarcus) Russell will return to collect $9.45 million next season; (Tom) Cable will be sent to the gallows." – Jan. 8, 2010