Elections California 1996

Call it the story of Mr. Cardenas goes to the state Capitol. Tony Cardenas, the 33-year-old political newcomer from Mission Hills, who on Monday was officially sworn in as the first Latino state legislator from the San Fernando Valley, spent Sunday afternoon trying his new digs out for size.

A much-revamped San Fernando Valley state legislative delegation, featuring more Democrats, a half-dozen newcomers, one career comeback and the first Latino legislator to represent the area, was sworn in at the state Capitol on Monday. "This reminds me of our wedding day," anxious freshman Assemblyman Tony Cardenas said before the ceremony. "So much preparation. So much responsibility. So much contemplation. It's an exciting moment."

A much-revamped San Fernando Valley state legislative delegation, featuring more Democrats, a half-dozen newcomers, one career comeback and the first Latino legislator to represent the area, was sworn in at the state Capitol on Monday. "This reminds me of our wedding day," anxious freshman Assemblyman Tony Cardenas said before the ceremony. "So much preparation. So much responsibility. So much contemplation. It's an exciting moment."

Call it the story of Mr. Cardenas goes to the state Capitol. Tony Cardenas, the 33-year-old political newcomer from Mission Hills, who on Monday was officially sworn in as the first Latino state legislator from the San Fernando Valley, spent Sunday afternoon trying his new digs out for size.

A coalition of civic, religious and business leaders representing 20 community organizations has formally asked local TV stations to set aside 10 minutes in every hourlong newscast through election day for "real news" on ballot measures. The reply from English-language outlets: impossible. The TV Campaign '96 Coalition made the request in a letter to news directors of the nine major news stations here in late August.

A coalition of civic, religious and business leaders representing 20 community organizations has formally asked local TV stations to set aside 10 minutes in every hourlong newscast through election day for "real news" on ballot measures. The reply from English-language outlets: impossible. The TV Campaign '96 Coalition made the request in a letter to news directors of the nine major news stations here in late August.