Editors and Lobbyists Wage High-Tech War Over Letters. Jennifer Lee reports that Newspapers are trying to use technology to filter out "grass-roots" letters that are really "form" letters generated by interest groups.  >>>She calls them "AstroTurf" letters. [New York Times: Technology]

Gerber picks March 3 for her farewell  Dan Borenstein reports that Contra Costa Supervisor Donna Gerber has given official notice resigning effective March 3.  The article also talks of possible successors and indicates of a possible consensus building for former Walnut Creek Mayor Gail Murray.[Contra Costa Times - News]

San Ramon Observer  Rosalind Rogoff has an excellent website that follows San Ramon politics and issues.  Check it out.