archives

One of the first things you notice in the McClatchy Baghdad bureau is the 'Armoury' sign on one door, Brit spelling courtesy of Paul, a former Royal Marine who, with Kev, now on leave, provides security for the office.

Another sign on another hallway door: 'Weapon Status: Green.'

I've been here 26 hours and already have seen my instincts and senses return to that level any hunters and fishermen in Merced would easily recognize: your head's on a swivel, you look for a shadow or silhouette or movement that stands out, you double- and triple-check what you've just observed, you take nothing for granted.

The East Bay Express is floating the notion that state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata launched the recall as a way to funnel money to his favorite political consultant, Sandi Polka.

Records, the newspaper reports, show that she pocketed $283,364 for consulting in the campaign.