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California's new Citizens Oversight Committee on stem cell research held its first meeting Friday afternoon in San Francisco.
It was billed as the start of an exciting new era in California. But the state's new Institute for Regenerative Medicine didn't
exactly hit the ground running.Reporter: Molly Peterson
State Senator Deborah Ortiz is a big supporter of embryonic stem cell research, and she was a strong backer of Proposition
71. But now that the measure is being implemented, the Sacramento Democrat says she has concerns. Guest: Deborah Ortiz, state senator (D-Sacramento).
Music Bridge #1: "Spandex Man" by Mr. Scruff, from "Keep It Unreal" (Ninja Tune)
The University of California Regents recently rejected a proposal by Regent Ward Connerly to add a new category -- "multiracial"
-- to the list of options students can check on the UC undergraduate application. But the debate Connerly's plan sparked
revealed what many Californians have known for years -- that racial identity can be a complex and often times contentious
issue for people of more than one race.Reporter: Alex Cohen
Music Bridge #2: "Sugar Rum Cherry" by Duke Ellington, from "Three Suites" (Columbia)
This time of year means one thing to young dancers -- it's Nutcracker season. Child performers throughout California are
gracefully dancing their way through the land of the sugar plum fairy -- some with a clearer understanding of the Nutcracker
story than others.
Throughout December, The California Report checks in with our book and music critics for some suggestions on year-end gifts.
Music critic Steve Hochman as shares his picks for the best in California pop music from 2004.
Steve Hochman's Top 10 Pop Albums Guest: Steve Hochman, L.A. Times music critic.
End Music: "The Nutcracker Suite" by The Berlin Symphony Orchestra, remixed by Baz Kuts Breaks, from "Christmas Remixed" (Six Degrees)