THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE:

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore is resurrecting his goal of bringing nuclear energy to the state with a new measure that would end a 32-year ban on new nuclear power plants in California.

“Modern nuclear power is safe and cost-effective, and it is the only reliable source of electricity that can meet California’s growing energy needs without generating large amounts of greenhouse gases,� DeVore said in a written statement.

Assembly Bill 1035 is the fourth nuclear power bill DeVore has written in the past two years.

Two attempts by DeVore to lift the statewide new nuclear power ban died in committee in 2008.

DeVore dropped plans for a ballot measure on the issue in November 2007 after surveys showed a lack of support for nuclear power in the state.

DeVore believes nuclear power is the answer to the state’s mounting energy costs.

“California’s economy will continue to suffer as long as our state’s energy costs remain far higher than other states,� DeVore said.

 

MAYOR TO DANCE FOR CHARITY

Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich is strapping on his dancing shoes for the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa’s annual Dancing for Tomorrow’s Stars event in May.

The competition pairs community leaders with professional dancers to raise money for the Assistance League, which offers scholarships for special-needs students and dental care for needy children, among other charitable projects.

The Assistance League’s inaugural Dancing for Tomorrow’s Stars event in May 2008 raised more than $400,000 for the nonprofit’s programs that serve children and families in the Newport-Mesa area.

This year’s event, 6 p.m. May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, will feature dinner and dancing.

For more information, call (949) 645-6929.

 

TRAN SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ANTI-PROP 8 RESOLUTION

Assemblyman Van Tran spoke out earlier this week against a resolution in the Assembly opposing Proposition 8, California’s controversial constitutional gay marriage ban.

Passed earlier this week, House Resolution 5 contends Proposition 8 was an invalid rewrite of the state constitution.

“The battle for the merits of Proposition 8 is over,� Tran said in a speech to Assembly members Monday.

“We had an open, fair election of Proposition 8 and it was passed by California’s voters in an historic election,� he said.

“The legislature must learn to respect those results and move on to the many pressing issue facing us.�

House Resolution 5 passed 44 to 27 on Monday, while the Senate version of the resolution passed with a vote of 18 to 14.

The Supreme Court of California is slated to hear arguments challenging Proposition 8 today.

Reporter BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].