(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 Coronado named best US beach - Daily Hampshire Gazette
CORONADO, Calif. - 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."
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.gazettenet.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
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
'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
California Virtual Academies Congratulates Class of 2012 - Yahoo Finance
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- California Virtual Academies (CAVA), a network of online public charter schools serving thousands of students in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state, honored more than 540 high school graduates during its three 2012 graduation ceremonies.
CAVA offers the award winning K12 curriculum individualized to each student's specific academic needs taught by California-certified teachers. Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds including accelerated learners, students of military families, athletes and performers, and students who were not succeeding in traditional schools.
The ceremonies took place at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel, CA; Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, CA and Vacaville Performing Arts Center in Vacaville, CA. Speakers at all three graduations were CAVA alumni who have gone on either to college or successful careers. One of the valedictorians for the class of 2012, Christine Lozano, from Imperial, CA, was awarded a $96,000 scholarship to attend La Tourneau University in Texas in the fall to pursue civil engineering.
"We're proud to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of each of our graduates," said Katrina Abston, Senior Head of School at CAVA. "The graduation ceremonies recognize not only their achievements, but the encouragement and support of their families and teachers."
More about CAVA
California Virtual Academies are full-time, fully accredited online public charter schools serving students in grades K through 12. As part of the California public school system, CAVA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the award-winning curriculum and academic programs provided by K12 Inc. (LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. For more information about CAVA, visit www.k12.com/cava
Source: finance.yahoo.com
California Water Service Group's President & CEO Peter C. Nelson to Succeed Retiring Chair Robert W. Foy - Yahoo Finance
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire -05/22/12)- California Water Service Group (CWT) today announced its Board of Directors' plan to combine the roles of Chairman and President & Chief Executive Officer and have President & Chief Executive Officer Peter C. Nelson succeed retiring Chairman Robert W. Foy, effective May 22, 2012. Douglas M. Brown will continue to serve as lead director.
Foy, a 35-year Board veteran who has reached retirement age for directors, expressed confidence in the decision: "Pete has demonstrated his leadership ability and we are confident that he will do a fine job as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. It makes good business sense to streamline decision-making and capitalize on Pete's extensive experience and expertise."
Nelson was elected President & Chief Executive Officer of California Water Service Group in 1996. Prior to joining the company, he had increasingly responsible positions in engineering, construction management, marketing, corporate and diversification planning, finance, operations, and general management at Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He serves as director of the California Chamber of Commerce and chairs the organization's Water Resources Committee. He is also a director of the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy, a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum, and an advisory council member at the Center for Public Utilities, New Mexico State University. Past affiliations include president of the National Association of Water Companies, director of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, and founding director of the Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
Douglas M. Brown, who joined the California Water Service Group Board of Directors in 2001 and is currently the Dean of the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico, will continue to serve as lead director.
California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service Company, Washington Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company, Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc., CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services, LLC. Together these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to approximately 2 million people in more than 100 California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii communities. Group's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CWT."
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Act"). The forward-looking statements are intended to qualify under provisions of the federal securities laws for "safe harbor" treatment established by the Act. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections, and management's judgment about the Company, the water utility industry and general economic conditions. Such words as expects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, assumes, anticipates, projects, predicts, forecasts or variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from what is contained in a forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause a result different than expected or anticipated include but are not limited to: governmental and regulatory commissions' decisions, including decisions on proper disposition of property; changes in regulatory commissions' policies and procedures; the timeliness of regulatory commissions' actions concerning rate relief; new legislation; changes in accounting valuations and estimates; the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulations on internal controls; electric power interruptions; increases in suppliers' prices and the availability of supplies including water and power; fluctuations in interest rates; changes in environmental compliance and water quality requirements; acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies; the ability to successfully implement business plans; changes in customer water use patterns; the impact of weather on water sales and operating results; access to sufficient capital on satisfactory terms; civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences of acts of this type; the involvement of the United States in war or other hostilities; restrictive covenants in or changes to the credit ratings on our current or future debt that could increase our financing costs or affect our ability to borrow, make payments on debt or pay dividends; and, other risks and unforeseen events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements included in this paragraph. The Company assumes no obligation to provide public updates of forward-looking statements.
1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598
Shannon Dean
(310) 257-1435
Source: finance.yahoo.com
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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