Governor

Appointed attorney Fern M. Laethem of Carmichael as the state public defender. A Democrat, Laethem, 43, replaces Harvey Zall, who asked that his name be withdrawn for personal reasons. The job pays $90,526 a year. The position requires Senate confirmation. Signed into law a bill (AB 320) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) to allow consumers a three-day right of cancellation on dating service and weight loss program contracts. Vetoed a bill (AB 96) by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson) to give employees the right to receive a complete copy of their personnel files within 10 days of submitting a written request with their employers. The governor said existing law already allows employees the right to inspect their personnel files at reasonable times and intervals at the work site. Assembly Floor Action: Flag: Passed and returned to the Senate for concurrence in amendments on a 53-6 vote a resolution (SJR 38) by Sen. Cecil N. Green (D-Norwalk) urging Congress and the President to support a constitutional amendment to prohibit the burning or desecration of the American flag. Pacific Rim: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 42-26 vote a bill (AB 1885) by Assemblyman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) to set up a joint California-Hawaii commission to cooperate in promoting the development of Pacific Rim trade. Bill Introductions: Nutrition: HR 24 by Speier would set up a state advisory council to recommend legislation relating to mandatory food labeling to convey nutrition and ingredient information to consumers in a readily understandable manner. Senate Floor Action: Solid Waste: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 27-4 vote a bill (SB 1261) by Sen. Marian Bergeson (R-Newport Beach) to require local governments to prepare and implement master plans for recycling solid waste and safely disposing of hazardous household waste. Voting: Rejected on a 20-11 vote a resolution (AJR 16) by Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese (D-San Jose) urging Congress to enact legislation setting a national time schedule for uniform closing of the polls in presidential elections no earlier than 8 p.m. Twenty-one votes required for approval. Reconsideration granted. Confirmation: Confirmed on a 27-2 vote the gubernatorial appointment of Theresa A. Speake as director of the state Department of Economic Opportunities. Committee Action: AIDS: The Industrial Relations Committee approved a bill (AB 1719) by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) to require employers with more than 25 employees to provide an AIDS education program for them by July 1, 1990. A 5-1 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.