The firm is one of the largest in the world with 1,400 lawyers in seven U.S. cities.
Smyth appointed to green committee
Newly-elected Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, who represents parts of Glendale, was named vice-chair of the Assembly's Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee.
The committee focuses on issues related to toxic substances and hazardous materials, hazardous-waste regulation, pesticides and regulating drinking water.
The post will enable Smyth to positively impact California's most pressing environmental issues, he said. Sensitive environmental projects within his own district — such as the Witaker-Bermite cleanup in Santa Clarita — will also get attention, he said.
As a committee vice chair, Smyth will also pursue policies that promote both a clean environment and robust economy, he said.
Schwarzenegger recognizes soldier
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement Wednesday honoring the death of fallen La Crescenta soldier Spc. Nicholas P. Steinbacher.
In the statement he noted that Steinbacher "set an example of courage and determination that all Californians can admire."
22-year-old Steinbacher died on Dec. 10 from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle.
He was serving in 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.
Capitol flags were flown at half-staff in his honor.
Highway patrol to receive speed trailers
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich announced the purchase of 10 speed-control trailers for the California Highway Patrol on Tuesday.
The California Highway Patrol will deploy the trailers in the unincorporated communities of Los Angeles County where speeding is an issue. The devices use radar technology to track the rate of the speed of an approaching vehicle and display the speed next to the posted limited for the particular roadway.
They serve to warn drivers to slow down.
