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RUSH LIMBAUGH: A BOMBASTIC BLOWHARD, BUT OUR BOMBASTIC BLOWHARD! I’ve been listening to Rush, off and on, for some 22 years or so, ever since my bride told me that some guy had been on Sixty Minutes and he said the things I had been saying for years. So, of course, I sent for the transcript to find out who this alter ego of mine was all about. I discovered the bride was right. I don’t listen for all 3 hours of his syndicated broadcast; some days I don’t listen at all and on others I catch him for just...

"Rush Limbaugh Renews Long-Term Contract with Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio as He Celebrates 20 Years on Air!!" July 2, 2008 LOS ANGELES, July 2, 2008 – Rush Limbaugh, who’s heard weekly by nearly 20 million listeners on about 600 radio stations nationwide, renewed his contract with Premiere Radio Networks and Clear Channel Radio, continuing syndication of The Rush Limbaugh Show many years into the future. The deal also includes continued syndication of The Rush Limbaugh Morning Update, a 90-second commentary that airs Monday through Friday. Furthermore, Premiere Radio, in partnership with Mr. Limbaugh, will continue to oversee...

The Air America network, which provides much of the programming on KKZN-AM (760) ended its relationship last week with hostess Randi Rhodes. Rhodes had recently been suspended from Air America for her humor presentation at a San Francisco nightclub, in which she called Hillary Clinton a "big f---ing whore" and Geraldine Ferraro "David Duke in drag" and "a f---ing whore." Such wit! But no sooner had Air America dumped her than Clear Channel hired her. So Rhodes is now back on 760, in the 1-4 p.m. weekday slot. Clear Channel's decision is not entirely consistent with the theory that Clear...

Excerpt - The two proposed buyers of Clear Channel Communications filed two lawsuits on Wednesday against six banks that agreed to finance the company’s $19.5 billion buyout. Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners, two private equity firms, sued the bank consortium in New York state court for breach of contract, accusing them of refusing to honor their commitment to finance the deal. Additionally, the two firms and Clear Channel itself sued the banks in Bexar County, Texas, where the broadcaster is based, accusing the banks of interfering with the closing of the takeover. ~ snip ~

SAN ANTONIO - Shares of Clear Channel Communications Inc. plummeted in late trading Tuesday, following a report that the media company's private buyout is on the brink of collapse. Shares fell $1.89, or 5.5 percent, to end regular trading at $32.56, then fell 21 percent in after-hours trading to $25.82 — far below the $39.20 per share the buyout firms promised shareholders. The Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site Tuesday that the private equity firms leading the $19.5 billion buyout were having difficulty reaching terms with the banks committed to financing the deal. The report cited unnamed people...

Good riddance to Stern Posted: February 27, 20041:00 a.m. Eastern © 2004 WorldNetDaily.com Howard Stern is a filthy, profane, vulgar, obscene disgusting pig. He shouldn't be on the radio. He should be in the zoo. Three cheers for Clear Channel Communication's decision to pull his show off the air temporarily. It's late, after all these years of smut-peddling on the radio, but the decision should be applauded. It's a smart move. It's the right thing to do. It's a good business decision. Anyone who believes in right and wrong ought to know that a slimebucket like Stern has no place on the...

SAN ANTONIO – September 28, 2006 -- Clear Channel Radio today announced that it has renewed radio talk show host Sean Hannity’s contract for another three years on 80 of its stations. Some of the major markets in which “The Sean Hannity Show” can be heard include Pittsburgh, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Cincinnati and Minneapolis. Hannity commented, “Clear Channel program directors were early believers in my show five years ago, and I'm thrilled our partnership continues into 2010." Known for his passionate opinion on politics and the American agenda, Hannity boasts the second-largest radio audience in the country. “The Sean Hannity...

This is incredible. Mike Huckabee accuses Sean Hannity, who has announced he will vote for Mitt Romney on Tuesday, of being influenced by Bain Capital, which Huckabee says owns Sean's network — Clear Channel. First, the facts. Bain is trying to buy Clear Channel, or parts of it. Clear Channel does own many radio stations. Sean appears on many of their stations, as do many of us. But Sean's syndication partner is ABC Radio Networks, which was recently acquired by Citadel Broadcasting. So, not only does Huckabee get his facts wrong, like most conspiracy kooks, he makes a scurrilous charge...

Speaking at a news conference in Oklahoma, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee floated the idea that the reason the vast majority of America's conservative talk radio hosts aren't endorsing him or John McCain is because Mitt Romney's investment firm owns a significant share of Clear Channel Communications, the nation's largest radio syndication company. "Some suggest that the fact that Bain Capital owns a major stake in Clear Channel is on Sean's network, maybe there's a correlation. I don't know." The Sean he was referring to had to be none other than Sean Hannity, America's number-two talk radio host behind Rush...

We are all about information.

http://www.chrisbrunner.com/2007/12/13/mitt-romney-to-buy-clear-channel-communications/ Mitt Romney's VC Firm to Buy Clear Channel TOP del.icio.us digg What would it cost to buy the support of just about every nationally-syndicated neocon talk show host in America? About $19.5 Billion, which is what Mitt Romney's private equity firm, Bain Capital, and Thomas H. Lee Partners have agreed to pay in a leveraged buyout agreement with Clear Channel Communications, the largest radio station owner in the country. This is part of a negotiation that has been pending for over a year. Clear Channel owns over 1,100 full-power AM, FM, and shortwave radio stations, twelve radio channels on...

Two Central Texas-based businesses are among the best places to work for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, according to a report released Tuesday by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Round Rock-based Dell and Austin’s Freescale Semiconductor were among the 195 companies to receive a perfect score based on the foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. The index “measures policies and practices implemented to promote fairness and equality in the workplace for GLBT employees,” according to the foundation. Seven other Texas-based companies made the list: AMR Corp., Fort Worth; J.C. Penney Co., Plano; Clear Channel Communications, San Antonio; Brinker International, Dallas; Waste...

Mitt Romney Buys Clear Channel by Chris Bowers, Thu Nov 16, 2006 at 01:44:50 PM EST Rochester Turning finds this disturbing nugget on the 2008 Presidential race: Clearchannel just recently went up for auction. Mitt Romney's Bain Capital bought it along with Thomas H Lee Partners, but I'm not sure who owns them. The rumor on the Street was that there might be regulatory problems because the firms own positions in other media companies, but I'm not sure which ones.

On his daily radio talk show, Glenn Beck portrays himself as an average guy, a recovering alcoholic and a comedian who regularly injects humor into his conservative politics. This week he can add another description: very wealthy. Premiere Radio Networks, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, is expected to announce today that it is extending Mr. Beck’s contract. Two sources with knowledge of the deal said it was valued at $50 million over five years, through a combination of salary and profit-sharing from syndication.

RUSH: Here's the transcript of what Dingy Harry said and we're looking for it, we'll have the audio, but this is what Dingy Harry said on the floor of the Senate at noon Eastern time today:   "Madam President, earlier this month I came to the floor to discuss some comments made by Rush Limbaugh.  Following my remarks, more than 40 of my Senate colleagues and I cosigned a letter to the chairman of Clear Channel, Mark May [sic--Mays], telling him we wanted him to confer with Limbaugh regarding the statements he made."  Is that not audacious?  The United States...

I spent the better part of Wednesday trying to get Democrats to say something bad about Rush Limbaugh. You’d think this would not be a difficult task — but it proved surprisingly hard. But first, some back story: As you might recall, there was a bit of back and forth between Republicans and Democrats over which was the most patriotic party. It started when MoveOn published the infamous “General Petraeus Betray Us?” ad in the New York Times. Subsequent revelations about progress in Iraq embarrassed MoveOn for questioning the General’s integrity. A recent Washington Post editorial noted: “It’s looking more...

Rush Limbaugh’s political jiu-jitsu masterstroke comes to a climax at 1 PM, EDT today, when the ebay auction for the letter sent by 41 Senate Democrats to the CEO of his syndicator Clear Channel ends. As this article is written, the highest bid has reached the neighborhood of one million dollars, with the purchase price to be donated to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, benefitting the education of children of deceased Marines and federal law enforcement personnel. Because Rush Limbaugh has offered to match the purchase price, the total donation will possibly exceed two million dollars. The Mainstream Media have...

<p>FLASH: Rush Limbaugh to auction off Harry Reid's letter to CLEAR CHANNEL on EBAY; Money goes to Marine Charity.... Developing...</p>

WASHINGTON – In a prelude to likely efforts to legislate the Fairness Doctrine in 2009, Democratic Party leaders in the Senate, including the party's likely presidential nominee next year, Sen. Hillary Clinton, are turning up the heat on Rush Limbaugh's network, attempting to force him to apologize for maligning anti-war soldiers as phonies – something he didn't say. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid sent a letter, signed by 41 Democrats, to Clear Channel Chief Executive Officer Mark P. Mays demanding he repudiate Limbaugh's comments and extract an apology from him. Mays responded the same day in a letter...

" Talk-show giant Rush Limbaugh sharply escalated his war of words with Democrats in the Senate Tuesday, calling for the resignation of Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. He also characterized as "boneheaded" Reid's effort to enlist senators to pressure Limbaugh's syndicator, Clear Channel Communications, to censor him. "And the thing that we ought to demand here," Limbaugh told his listeners, "is that Harry Reid step down and resign as the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, for his constant, uncontrollable contempt of our armed forces; his repeated use of our troops for political purposes. Harry Reid has failed in his...

<p>Clear Channel CEO Mark P. Mays responded to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in a letter hand-delivered to his office this evening.</p> <p>"While I certainly do not agree with all views that are voiced on our stations, I will not condemn our talent for exercising their right to voice them," Mays wrote.</p>

Today (Monday October 1), the Rush Limbaugh radio talk show featured an astounding interview with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, but I was equally intrigued by some of the programming which aired after the interview. As it turns out, a number of Democrats in the United States Senate (in conjunction with some liberal groups) have been trying to make a stink over some remarks Rush Limbaugh said in conversation, about our fine troops in Iraq. Well, not exactly. I listen to Rush on occasion, and I heard his original remarks—far from being disparaging of the troops, they were harsh words...

Media Research Center From the Desk of: Brent Bozell, Founder ++ Rush Limbaugh is under attack. Your immediate action is needed. See details. To All; The radical left activist group, Media Matters (funded by George Soros and others) has launched an all-out smear attack against Rush Limbaugh. And the liberal media are shamelessly promoting the assault. Their goal? To force Rush off the air. Unless our MRC Action Team takes a stand right now, they could actually succeed. Here is what is happening: Media Matters is claiming that Rush called any soldier that opposes the war a "phony soldier." In...

The board of directors at Clear Channel Communications (NYSE: CCU) finally decided to endorse a $19.35 billion buyout package that is nearly identical to the one it rejected last month. Bain Capital (founded by Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney) and Thomas H. Lee Partners won with an offer of $39.20 per share, up from the $39 offer the board rejected in April.

xBarb Stanton fired from radio talk show By Mitch Deacon VICTORVILLE — In the wake of controversial statements aired on Talk 960, talkshow host Barbara Stanton was fired Monday by Clear Channel Victorville. Stanton ignited criticism on April 26 by falsely declaring the president of East West Bank to be a “foreigner,” accusing the president of Desert Community Bank of lying on her show, and encouraging her listeners to “suck your money out of DCB.” The Daily Press obtained an internal memorandum from Clear Channel stating: “Barb Stanton is no longer employed by KIXW-AM.” Clear Channel officials on Monday confirmed...

A newly formed local group is planning to fight a decision by radio broadcaster Clear Channel to drop liberal talk from Boston’s airwaves. “I think it’s absurd and defies reason to think that progressive talk wouldn’t work in the market,” said Robin Bergman, who is heading up a group called Save Boston Progressive Talk. Bergman’s group plans to petition Clear Channel to put the liberal talk format back on WKOX-AM (1200) and WXKS-AM (1430). Until recently, those frequencies carried programming from the bankrupt Air America Radio network, which has hosts like Al Franken, and the Jones Radio network, which features...

The crowd at the High Noon Saloon hit its 399-person capacity at 7:20 p.m. The draw was not the usual touring band or local act, but a rally where listeners and advertisers of The Mic 92.1 vowed to continue fighting Clear Channel's recent decision to replace its progressive talk station with Fox Sports Radio. "From up here, this doesn't look like a dead format," said Aldous Tyler of the Madison Pagan Unity Council as he addressed the crowd. Tyler said the nation's eyes were on Madison as it took on a media conglomerate over an unpopular programming change. "This has...

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Clear Channel Radio says high school and college sports are a better fit for listeners here than progressive talk radio. Those are fightin' words in Madison, a place where politics are fought between Democrats and liberals and "Impeach Bush" yard signs are common. The decision by the nation's largest operator of radio stations to replace its highly rated progressive talk station here with Fox Sports Radio has sparked a major backlash. Some advertisers have threatened a boycott, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition and a rally is set for Tuesday night to urge the...

'Not left or right; right or wrong!" That's the current marketing slogan of a local talk radio station (not mine). It's a clever turn of a phrase and an interesting approach to establishing product differentiation from competing talk stations that promote the conventional split between liberals and conservatives. This imaging strategy is designed to convey the impression that the programmers, personalities and producers on that station somehow rise above the limitations of ideology and the pettiness of partisan politics. The station and radio show (Caplis & Silverman) that Mike is talking about - http://www.khow.com/pages/shows-caplis_silverman.htmlIn theory, this might attract listeners that...

Clear Channel fired 96rock's Regular Guys on Monday for the second time in less than three years, this time over a restroom stunt that resulted in a lawsuit. Eric Von Haessler, part of the morning team, said he didn't do anything wrong. "I've got the facts on my side," he said. "Clear Channel is a bully. They're big and they're arrogant. Goliath — meet David. I will spend every penny I have to get justice in this case." The radio company, the largest in the country, suspended the Regular Guys on Oct. 16. Three days earlier, Viva 105.7's morning hosts...

Clear Channel Radio Renews Sean Hannity Through 2010 SAN ANTONIO – September 28, 2006 -- Clear Channel Radio today announced that it has renewed radio talk show host Sean Hannity’s contract for another three years on 80 of its stations. Some of the major markets in which “The Sean Hannity Show” can be heard include Pittsburgh, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Cincinnati and Minneapolis. Hannity commented, “Clear Channel program directors were early believers in my show five years ago, and I'm thrilled our partnership continues into 2010." Known for his passionate opinion on politics and the American agenda, Hannity boasts the second-largest...

For all their checkered history of breakups and reunions, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are in the middle of their most active decade. (snip) ...Young was looking for a major tour behind his latest album, the politically charged “Living With War.” The entirety of that disc is being played, along with songs from the solo and group back catalog. But instead of greatest hits, they’re looking to do politically relevant songs. “We didn’t have to look very hard,” Crosby said. “We’ve never thought war was a good idea, and we still don’t. Those young people we sent to Iraq, God...

NEW YORK, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The liberal radio network Air America is moving to a weaker AM signal in New York due to down ratings and shaky finances, the New York Post reported. The talk radio network failed to renew its two-year lease with the owners of WLIB (1190 AM), forcing left-wingers such as Al Franken to broadcast from WWRL (1600 AM) -- which has a weaker signal -- beginning Sept. 1, the newspaper said. "Air America" executives had previously run into trouble at WLIB after the station's owners -- Pierre Sutton and his father, former Manhattan Borough President...

Future of Music Coalition, Newspaper Guild-Communications Workers of America and Consumers Union Urge FCC to Take Employment Effects of Their Policies into Account During Upcoming Review of Media Ownership Rules WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- A study released today by the Future of Music Coalition (FMC) found that the vast majority of major U.S. cities has experienced both layoffs and lower wage growth within the radio profession, associated with the unprecedented consolidation of radio station ownership over the last decade. The study also shows that the job losses in radio impede federal policy mandates to promote localism and diversity in...

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2006--Clear Channel (NYSE:CCU) Clear Channel Radio today announced that "Wake Up With Whoopi" is set to reach multiple formats in national syndication, beginning August 14, 2006. The show debuted earlier this morning in New York City on WKTU-FM (Rhythmic CHR). Some of the stations set to air the show on Monday, August 14th include: -- WLIT-FM, Chicago (Soft Adult Contemporary) -- KKSF-FM, San Francisco (Smooth Jazz) -- WVMX-FM, Cincinnati (Adult Contemporary/MIX) "The response from radio stations across the country has been phenomenal," said Kraig Kitchin, president/COO Premiere Radio Networks. "This program is rewriting the rules of...

Hit the pause button, drop the remote, and turn your radio down. It's time for another installment of cards and letters across the television/radio desk: Judy Carbone: I just read your article on the "Real Oldies" station, and I am so upset. The powers that be never did their part in promoting this station. Tommy Edwards and Larry Lujack are incredible, and I spend a lot of time laughing out loud while sitting in traffic each day. Please tell me that there is a way that we fans can help save this station. Margaret Suarez: Not again! Every time we...

Of all the stations on Chicago radio's "watch list" (if there were such a list, that is), the one in most critical condition has to be Clear Channel Radio's "Real Oldies" WRLL-AM (1690). Nothing is official, but insiders say it could be only a matter of weeks before Clear Channel bosses pull the plug on the format and a talent lineup that includes such personalities as Larry Lujack, Tommy Edwards, Scotty Brink, Tom Murphy and Ron Smith. Plagued from its inception in 2003 with a substandard signal that barely covers the metropolitan area, "Real Oldies" has languished at the bottom...

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Clear Channel is discussing the idea of one-second radio spots with marketers and media buyers. 'Blinks' The real value of the Blinks, as they are being called, may be in the publicity they can generate. After all, you're already reading an article about them, and the short spots are only in the concept stage. The radio giant, however, says it didn't think up Blinks as a promotional stunt. "It really is to find new uses of radio for advertisers who are continually asking us to demonstrate that our medium can successfully extend brands, can successfully reach...

FIRED OVER IRAQ SUPPORT?Groups, SF Host Call Attention To Possible Sacto Funny Business Has ongoing support for America's involvement in Iraq cost a Sacramento talker his job? After the termination of longtime conservative KFBK / Sacramento host Mark Williams (top right photo), that's what several political groups, as well as a prominent San Francisco talker, seem to be suggesting. Though "budget cuts" were originally cited as the reason for his departure, Williams was quickly replaced by an outspoken liberal, sparking suspicions about the real motivations behind the move. Because his replacement is said to be adamantly opposed to American actions...

This is a lesson in “If you pay the right people enough money, laws will be changed so that your corporation can own more than a fair share of the market.” Bush Connection to Clear Channel In 1998, George W. got an excessive amount of money from a guy named Tom Hicks. Here’s how: Tom Hicks purchased the Texas Rangers from George W. Bush and other investors for $250 million. From an initial investment of $600,000 George W. profited $14.9 million on the transaction. On January 22, 2001, (un-) President Bush designates Michael Powell, son of Secretary of State Colin...

Clear Channel's La Preciosa stations nationwide will observe the “A Day Without A Latino” boycott by silencing all on-air staff on Monday, May 1. The national initiative is designed as an immigrant work and school boycott to protest controversial Bush administration immigration reforms. Spanish-language variety stations participating include KBFP Bakersfield, Calif.; KEGL Dallas; KFSO Fresno, Calif.; WGBT Greensboro, N.C.; KWID Las Vegas; WLPP Louisville, Ky.; KMRQ Modesto, Calif.; KPRC Monterey, Calif.; KDIF Riverside, Calif.; KNFX Rochester, Minn.; XOCL San Diego; KSJO San Francisco-San Jose; KMSY San Luis Obispo, Calif.; KPSE Santa Barbara, Calif.; KWSL Sioux City, Iowa; KTZR Tucson, Ariz.;...

Clear Channel, CBS, Citadel and Entercom Will Be Investigated in First Federal Payola Investigation in More Than a Quarter Century April 20, 2006 The FCC has launched formal investigations into pay-for-play practices at Clear Channel Communications, CBS Radio, Entercom Communications and Citadel Broadcasting. The story was broken by Charles Duhigg in an L.A. Times Page One story. As Duhigg notes, this is the biggest federal payola inquiry since the congressional payola hearings of 1960. The story cites two FCC officials as revealing that the FCC had requested “letters of inquiry” from the four radio powers in search of evidence that...

Ah, March, the time of year when the music business heats up, the world's hot bands descend on Texas and the hipsters get their marching orders on which groups to worship for the next few months. By the time you read this, Racket will be in Austin, wallowing in the rock and roll phantasmagoria of South By Southwest – more than 1,100 bands playing on probably twice that many stages amid fields of fajitas, kegs of Lone Star, breakfast tacos by the ton and caramel-colored oceans of Shiner Bock, all at the world epicenter of twitching, frenzied, clench-jawed hype. While...

Sirius Satellite Radio may soon be able to claim that it is the only satcaster with 100% commercial-free music channels. An arbitration panel has ruled that XM Satellite Radio will have to introduce advertising on some of its commercial-free music channels. The ruling resolves a legal dispute with Clear Channel, who made a 1998 investment in the satcaster, gaining control over four of XM’s music channels, which now represent 2.5 percent of the satcaster's 160-channel subscription radio menu. As an early investor in XM, Clear Channel has owned the right to program four music channels, but both companies have disagreed...

Newsradio 850KOA presents "The World According to Ann Coulter" Tuesday, March 28 at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, February 25th at all Ticketmaster centers and at the Paramount Theatre box office. Starting Monday, February 20th listen to Colorado's Morning News and the Mike Rosen show all week to win tickets before they go on sale. Insider members will have a special opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale in a special email. <-- Sign up here--> --- Directions to The Paramount Theater in Denver

Jim Quinn has just announced this is his last week! He is going to accept a private employment offer ...

Why does the Radio Equalizer have an uneasy feeling we've yet to hear the last of this ugly situation? Very quietly yesterday, the ongoing flap between the Council on American Islamic Relations and KFI/Los Angeles radio talk host Bill Handel was apparently "resolved", via personal and official station apologies to CAIR. As we previously wrote: Almost appearing to relish the idea of a full-blown battle with CAIR, Handel kicked off the latest controversy with cracks about the stampede-related deaths of hundreds during the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. And, from our previous interview with Handel: RE: Are you confident they'll...

Turn It On! Clear Channel Radio Launching HD Digital Radio Multicasts in 28 Markets Aggressive Rollout Begins Today With New York and San Francisco; Dallas on Friday; Los Angeles and Chicago Bow Monday Multicasts Will Also Stream on FM-Station Web Sites; HD Radio Giveaways and On-Air Promotions On Tap Country Comes to New York; San Francisco Swings to Jazz, Extreme Hip Hop and “Wild Español” SAN ANTONIO – January 19, 2006 – Over the next five days, 25 Clear Channel Radio stations in five markets will turn on their HD2 multicast digital radio channels. Within two weeks, another 82 stations...

For once not involving Air America, liberal talk radio took a big hit this week, as Ed Schultz lost affiliates in three cities. In an especially significant blow, the syndicated talker was cancelled in his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, from where his show remains based. According to Perry Simon of entertainment industry trade publication All Access, Schultz was cancelled in Fargo to make room for local programming, the same reason the Aberdeen American News has given for his South Dakota removal. And his Norfolk, Virginia outlet is switching to sports. While Aberdeen's KSDN is also dropping Rush Limbaugh for...

Like a lingering, nasty winter cold, Willie Brown is one politician the Golden State just can't seem to shake. To remove the notorious former California State Assembly speaker from power, it took a constitutional rewrite that imposed legislative term limits. And after Democrats lost control of the chamber to the GOP in 1995, voters were dumbfounded when Brown outfoxed them, manipulating two Republican surrogates Manchurian-style to retain power. When those limits finally prevented Willie from any additional time in Sacramento, he promptly ran for mayor of San Francisco, serving two terms from 1996 to 2004. Even as many Californians saw...