Kern's longest serving DA to step down, speaks on controversial career    (Bakersfield Californian)
District Attorney Ed Jagels, who is a household name in Kern County where he's been the chief law enforcement officer for 27 years, has confirmed he will not run for re-election in 2010.

Stanislaus County crisis response team offers help for small businesses    (Modesto Bee)

Meters or rate hike? PG&E explains soaring energy bills    (Bakersfield Californian)
"Probably not enough" was done to prepare people, Bakersfield-based PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said.