(CNN) -- Brian Banks was on "Cloud 10" Friday, the first full day of the rest of his life, after he was exonerated of a rape he did not commit.
"Today, it started to sink in a little more," Banks told CNN's Ashleigh Banfield. "I am overwhelmed. I feel great."
At age 17, fearing a potentially long sentence, the college football prospect followed the advice of his attorney and pleaded no contest to assaulting a Long Beach, California, high school classmate in 2002.
Banks maintained his innocence throughout nearly six years of imprisonment, subsequent probation and registration as a sex offender.
The case took an incredible twist when the alleged victim sent a Facebook friend request to Banks in early 2011.
According to the California Innocence Project, the woman later admitted that Banks had not kidnapped or raped her during a consensual encounter at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where Banks was a middle linebacker with a scholarship offer from the University of Southern California.
An emotional Banks, 26, lowered his head and fought back tears Thursday when prosecutors said they were moving to have the conviction dismissed.
"We do not believe Mr. Banks did the crime he pled guilty to," Deputy District Attorney Brentford Ferreira said after court. "Justice has been served."
A judge concurred and tossed the conviction.
"I was overcome with relief but reminded of the pain and suffering I went through in prison and parole," Banks said. "All the false accusations against me."
Banks put bitterness aside, though, expressing no interest in taking legal action against the woman who recanted.
"For me, I just want to be positive. I want to be in a better position than what I was yesterday," Banks said. "The only way that can happen is by eliminating any negative ill will or feelings toward anyone."
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Friday that it is not currently involved in any investigation of the woman.
"Our standard is beyond a reasonable doubt," spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said, referring further questions to Long Beach police.
Police spokeswoman Lisa Massacani said Friday that there was no current investigation.
According to CNN Los Angeles affiliate KTLA, the accuser won a $1.5 million settlement in a civil suit against the Long Beach Unified School District. She claimed that the school's lax security provided an unsafe environment that led to the alleged rape.
It was not clear whether the school district will try to recoup any of the settlement. A message seeking comment was not immediately returned.
The California Innocence Project took up Banks' case and went to court on his behalf, saying he and the woman never had sexual intercourse. The alleged victim expressed concern about having to return money she received in the civil suit, the group said.
The group's director, Justin Brooks, said the Banks case is not uncommon. "Plea bargains have become the 95% solution."
"Brian has learned that anger is going to eat you up," Brooks said. "If we hadn't gotten that recantation, Brian would have gone through this the rest of his life."
Although he did not have the opportunity to play college football, Banks maintains a dream of playing for the National Football League.
"I'm hoping to draw the attention of some team that takes interest in my story, takes interest in my hard work and gives me an opportunity," he told KTLA.
Source: www.cnn.com
California's Solar Users Get Financial Credit For Cutting Back on Energy - consumer affairs.com
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted unanimously to increase the number of people who are able to take advantage of the state's "net energy metering" program. The program allows solar panel users to receive money off future utility bills, for cutting back on California's energy demands. Net energy metering first began in the 1990s.
But some disagree with the net metering program, namely the state's three largest utility companies. They complain that while solar panel users will pay less on their electricity bill, other consumers who don't use solar paneling will have to pay more, to maintain transmission lines and provide the upkeep of the city's electricity system.
"We're proud to be a strong supporter of solar," said Lynsey Paulo, spokeswoman for Pacific Gas and Electric Company. "At the same time, we really strongly believe that everyone needs to be concerned about this cost shift from solar customers to customers who can't afford it or choose not to go solar."
Utility companies also fear receiving less money each month, which they say could make it more of a challenge to hire and keep good utility workers.
Who would pay?
"If everyone was on net metering, who would pay for the grid that we have?" said Mike Florio, a representative of CPUC. "On the other hand, it would be problematic for [net metering] to come to an end and provide a major setback to the solar industry that has flourished in this state."
But many state officials champion the program, and consider it the perfect incentive for homeowners and businesses to continue using solar paneling, especially when costs run high to install the rooftop mechanism.
State commissioners recently changed the calculation of the metering program in order to include more people who are able to take advantage of the financial credit. The law now states it must offer the program to all solar energy users, until the amount of electricity the solar paneling creates, equals 5 percent of the "aggregrate customer peak demand."
"Today's decision ensures that the solar industry will continue to thrive for years to come, and we are fully committed to developing a long-term solution that secures the future of the industry in California," said Michael Peevey, president of the utilities commission.
While the net energy metering program is a certain win for solar users, it's a financial loss for those who can't afford the paneling. But does cutting back on California's energy demands supersede the importance of making sure some of its residents can afford rising bill costs? It's an extremely thin line for state officials to walk.
Source: www.consumeraffairs.com
California's Coronado named nation's best beach - The Guardian
JULIE WATSON
Associated Press= CORONADO, Calif. (AP) — Like a Hollywood star, Coronado's 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.
That's one of the reasons why Coronado — flanked by the iconic hotel featured in Marilyn Monroe's 1958 film "Some Like It Hot" — has been named the No. 1 beach in the United States in the 2012 survey by "Dr. Beach" professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University.
It is the first time "Dr. Beach" has given the top slot to California in the more than two decades that he has been ranking beaches in the United States based on their environmental quality and safety for swimmers.
Coronado Beach, on a peninsula across the bay from San Diego, has near-perfect Mediterranean weather and a postcard backdrop.
"I think it's one of the most super beaches around," said Leatherman, director of FIU's Laboratory for Coastal Research.
Rounding out the top 10 this year were No. 2, Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii; No. 3, Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.; No. 4, St. George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle; No. 5, Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii; No. 6, Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.; No. 7, Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii; No. 8, Cape Florida State Park near Miami.; No. 9, Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.; and No. 10, Cape Hatteras in North Carolina.
Leatherman ranks beaches on 50 criteria, including the look and feel of the sand, water quality, weather, facilities and crowds. A top score is 250. Coronado came in the 230s, losing points because its water temperature hovering in the 60s allows for only a quick dip for most, Leatherman said. California's chilly coastal waters have cost its pristine beaches points when they've been up against balmy contenders in Florida and Hawaii in the past. Coronado Beach was runner-up last year to Florida's Siesta Beach. Once a beach tops Leatherman's list, it is retired from consideration for future rankings.
A No. 1 spot on the popular list typically brings a 15-to-20-percent boost in visitors.
Leatherman said Coronado is great for skim boarding (gliding on the water with a small, finless surfboard) and walking. The wide, flat beach is lined by majestic mansions and the Hotel del Coronado. Known as "Hotel Del," the National Historic Landmark with its peaked red roof was built in 1888 and is the last of California's Victorian seaside resorts.
Coronado is also the name of the swanky-yet-quaint city on a peninsula populated by Navy officers and some of California's wealthiest. It can be reached by ferry boat for a few dollars from downtown San Diego.
There is free parking at the beach but it is on a public street so it can be challenging, Leatherman said.
On a recent spring afternoon, tourists from China to Russia sprawled out on its beach in front of "Hotel Del," lounging on blankets in the sun. A Navy ship dotted the horizon. One man aimed his camera upward, thrilled as the quiet lapping of waves was interrupted with the roar of a Navy jet from a nearby base doing a training exercise.
Lifelong San Diego County resident 55-year-old Nellie Landeros said it is her favorite beach.
"It's gorgeous," she said. "Just the setting alone feels like we're in another world."
Billy Pavlacka, 51, has been visiting Coronado Beach weekly for 30 years. Known as "The Sand Castle Man," Pavlacka was building a towering castle with rows of arches and spheres. He said he spotted an aircraft carrier and submarine earlier that day. Flecks of the glittery mica mineral make the sand shimmer in the sunlight.
"If you look at the sand you can see it sparkling," said a tanned Pavlacka, with gray locks peeking out from under his baseball cap. "People ask me all the time if it's gold."
The top 10 list is in its 22nd year.
Beaches do not pay to be evaluated for the top 10 best beaches list. Leatherman said he visits top 10 candidates incognito to collect sand and water samples for study.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
'So happy I finally get to show you!' Cheryl Cole unveils new album artwork and tracklisting - Daily Mail
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Cheryl Cole has unveiled the cover art for her upcoming album a Million Lights.
The singer whet fans' appetites by also revealing the tracklisting for the album, which will be released on June 18.
A million Lights will feature tracks produced by Calvin Harris, Naughty Boy, Eminem collaborator Alex Da Kid, Beema Boys and Jim Beanz.
Sultry: Cheryl Cole has unveiled the artwork for her upcoming album
The artwork shows the Call My Name star gazing at the camera from between her fingers, with simply 'Cheryl' up in lights.
Cole has recently said she can't wait for fans to hear the new songs, as she had been working on them for so long.
A Million Lights tracklisting
1. 'Under The Sun'
2. 'Call My Name'
3. 'Craziest Things'
4. 'Girl In The Mirror'
5. 'A Million Lights'
6. 'Screw You'
7. 'Love Killer'
8. 'Ghetto Baby'
9. 'Sexy Den A Mutha'
10. 'Mechanics of the Heart'
11. 'All Is Fair'
She told radio station Capital FM: 'The album, yeah, is that weird - playing it on repeat?
'I want to share it now. I've had some of the songs for a year or longer.'
One track, 'Craziest Things', feature's Cheryl's manager, Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am. It reportedly describes 'the story of a couple in a volatile relationship.'
Revealing the track listing for the album earlier on Thursday, Cheryl Tweeted: "Sooo Happy I FINALLY get to show you the Album Artwork.. You like ? :D #AMillionLights.. Booyyaa.. (sic).'
She was also forced to deny this week that she is being lined up to be the fourth judge on American Idol.
Cheryl - who was famously axed from the US version of The X Factor last year after just four episodes - was said to be wanted by producers of the show to join Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler on the panel.
Producers had reportedly made Cheryl a multi-million dollar offer to join the show - the direct rival of The X Factor USA but she has thoroughly DENIED the rumours saying there is 'no truth to it' whatsoever.
No Idol: Cheryl today denied that she is planning to become a judge on X Factor rival American Idol
A source told the New York Post newspaper: 'It will be interesting to see how Jennifer Lopez deals with another beautiful woman sitting alongside her.'
It was also claimed that Cheryl, 28, could actually replace Jennifer, who has recently hinted she may quit the show after two years on the panel.
The mother-of-two told the Ellen DeGeneres show; 'Now this is my second year - I don't know if I can go for a third year. I miss doing other things.
'It really does lock you down, which was nice the first year with the babies being three, but now they're getting more mobile, they're about to go into school ... so I just don't know.'
Bosses were said to be willing to pay Cheryl in the region of $5m to $10m, compared to Jennifer's $15m to $20m.
Cheryl - who worked on the UK X Factor for three series, with her acts winning twice - was dumped from the US X Factor by boss Simon Cowell after he claimed she didn't look comfortable in her new role.
She was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, who was axed by Simon after the first series.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
Artwork evoking the summer season on display at the Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery - MLive.com
"Summer in the Gallery," which runs until June 30, features pieces that evoke the season and that were created by five local artists: Linda Busse, Sheila Passenier, Richard Thompson, Ann Trowbridge and Elizabeth Reynders.
The pieces on display include watercolor and oil paintings, photographs and pastels, according to Polly Doctor, who organized the exhibit. She said the artwork featured a "mixture" of subjects.
"There are some portraits," she said. "It's a lot of landscapes and there are, of course, some still life with the photography."
Doctor added that the five artists are displaying their work in the gallery for the first time, although they have shown work in other galleries in the area.
All the artists' work will be on sale.
The Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery is located on the second floor of the Hilt Building, inside the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Ave.
Visitors can view the exhibit Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with extended hours on show nights. Admission to the exhibit is free.
The gallery will also host a free "Meet the Artists" reception on June 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Doctor said the reception was a chance for the public to engage the artists.
"It's just an opportunity for our guests to meet the artist and ask questions about their work," she said.
Light refreshments will be served at the reception. There will also be a cash bar.
For more information, visit www.frauenthal.org or call (231) 722-2890.
You can email Lisha Arino at larino@mlive.com, subscribe to her Facebook posts and follow her on Twitter: @lishaarino.
Source: www.mlive.com
California says it shouldn't have to return foreign-bought execution drug to FDA - 89.3 KPCC
CDCR
California's lethal injection chamber at San Quentin State Prison.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is arguing that it doesn't have to give up its stock of the lethal injection drug sodium thiopental to the federal government. In a letter dated May 1, 2012, CDCR General Counsel Benjamin Rice told Domenic Veneziano, director of the FDA's Division of Import Operations and Policy, that "CDCR must decline to return the thiopental in its possession at this time."
The letter was in response to the FDA's order in April that states that imported the execution drug from abroad stop using them and return them to the FDA.
The drug, sodium thiopental, is an anesthetic used by many states as an execution drug. In California, the drug is the first of three used — the condemned inmate is first put to sleep using thiopental, then given a paralyzing drug, followed by a third drug that stops his or her heart.
In 2010, the US experienced a massive shortfall in sodium thiopental supplies because the sole US manufacturer lacked a necessary ingredient. That firm, Hospira, was also the only source of the drug approved by the FDA. The company has since completely abandoned making the drug, as it had always objected to its use in executions.
Amidst this scarcity, California and several other states purchased sodium thiopental from a company in the United Kingdom. Some have used the drug in executions. At the time, the FDA, did not interfere with the states importing the drug.
In April of this year, following a lawsuit by death row inmates, the FDA issued a letter ordering the states that bought foreign drugs to return their supplies to the agency. The inmates had argued the drugs had not been reviewed for their effectiveness. If the drug didn't work properly, they argued, they could experience severe pain during an execution, a violation of the Eight Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
The CDCR, in its May 1 letter, the CDCR urged the FDA to appeal the ruling in the death row inmates' suit, Cook v. FDA. The FDA apparently agrees. On Friday, the agency filed papers in federal court to appeal the ruling's ban on importing foreign sodium thiopental.
Audio: KPCC's Julie Small on the decision.
Source: www.scpr.org
i know its not only Cheryl but i wish we could have something like 20 songs on an album like back in the day. - kay, sheffield, 25/5/2012 22:05------------I'd usually agree with you. When it comes to Cheryl, though, I'm guessing the fewer the songs, the better!
- Boosmum, Merseyside, 26/5/2012 01:30
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