To all my SF area compatriots, happy Pride weekend.  If you are up in SF, think about coming to the Alice Pride Breakfast on Sunday morning before the parade. Many of the local and statewide politicos will be in attendance, including both Democratic candidates for Governor. Get your tickets here or at the door on Sunday morning. Now to the links:

• {From Brian} Another event you might be interested in: a SF fundraiser for Anthony Woods featuring Lt. Dan Choi. Should be a good time.

• (From Dante) My brother David–a fellow author here on Calitics–hosts a weekly half-hour progressive radio show every Friday at 11:00am in Ventura on KVTA-1520, together with Brian Leshon, Communications Committee chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party.  I was an in-studio guest this week as we talked about Sen. Tony Strickland, local tax measures and what the May 19 special really meant.  check out the podcast here, and be sure to return every Friday afternoon for future shows.  It feels good to be bringing a progressive message to Ventura County.

• The Senate GOP Caucus rejected Arnold’s surcharge to fund CalFire as well as a Vehicle fee to fund parks.  At this point, I’m not sure if they know what that green button does.

• Ellen Tauscher was confirmed as Undersecretary for the Dept. of State.  Gov. Schwarzenegger now has to select a special election date, which, I believe has to be within 90 days from today. I’ll try to get confirmation on that last part.  Her final speech in the House in the video to the right.

• The ACLU and the National Center for Lesbian Rights hopped on board the federal challenge to Prop 8. In filings to the court, they said they supported the challenge.

• Deposed Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines is officially running for Insurance Commissioner.