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Connecting the Dots: News roundup for Thursday, January 5

California's Representatives and Senators return to Sacramento today after a three-month recess, and will be greeted by a budget deficit of $12 billion. That and the high-speed rail project, public employee pensions, water issues, and a dozen new bills and proposals that stalled last year... 

Among the returning legislators is avid gun rights supporter and Tea Party member Tim Donnelly, a Republican from Twin Peaks. While traveling back to Sacramento, Donnelly was cited for attempting to bring a loaded handgun without a permit in his carry-on bag through airport security. Donnelly says he was carrying the gun as protection because of death threats he faces for spearheading a referendum to prevent illegal immigrants from applying for public financial aid. He says he forgot he left the gun in his suitcase...

Homicide is at a record low in San Francisco, with murder levels last seen in the 1960s. Gang slayings have dropped significantly as well as overall total violent crimes such as homicide, assault, rape, and robbery. Experts are unclear on the reasons for the drop...

A man shot himself to death outside of San Francisco’s Hall of Justice on Wednesday. Police drew their weapons on him when they noticed he had a gun. The man, who has not been identified, reportedly told police, “This isn’t for you.” He had a suicide letter and a “Do Not Resuscitate” note on him...

Deportation has been delayed two years for Anthony Makk, an Australian who is the primary caretaker of his AIDS stricken boyfriend. The marriage between the Castro based same sex couple is not recognized under federal law due to the Defense of Marriage Act which means Makk is ineligible for a marriage-based Green Card consideration. Nancy Pelosi played an integral part in getting the U.S. Department of Immigration to grant “deferred action” which allows the agency not to pursue deportation for a specific period...

Researchers advocate dumping the current calendarand instating a more accurate one. Currently, the calendar shifts one day every year while a revamped one could allow for more consistency. For example, New Year’s Eve parties could fall on Saturday night, as it did this year, forever.

Connecting the Dots brings together the day’s news.

Lisa Ratner is a volunteer reporter for KALW's Crosscurrents. Her favorite topics to cover are Public Transportation, Food Politics, Gender Politics, and Film.