We won't be having another party until the very end of the century. The fireworks that light up the San Francisco skies on the eve of the new millennium will be launched right here from our very own island. I hate to brag, but we'll surely have some of the best seats in the house.

What are YOU doing for New Year's eve? I'd love to hear your story.

-Gabe *************************** ADVERTISEMENT *************************** The Christmas Gift that will Last for Generations: The World Peace Rose Garden Memorial, "The garden for the New Millennium" -- a major beautification project for the grounds of our State Capitol.

For a limited time, you are invited to dedicate the names of friends and loved ones in the garden for $25 per name or $100 per business or organization. The names you dedicate will be placed on a permanent plaque in the garden. The gift will be a constant reminder of your gift of your love and thoughtfulness. You will receive receive a Certificate of Recognition, which is suitable for framing and makes a great gift.

Until December 24th, when you dedicate 2 names in the garden, the 3rd name is free. You can make dedications by visiting our Web site at http://www.WorldPeaceRoseGardens.org or call 1-800-205-1223. Areas in the garden also available for major sponsors and you can call us at (916) 381-5433 for more information. *************************** ADVERTISEMENT ***************************

Depending on whose numbers are used, between 250 and 900 appointments, perhaps more, remain to be made. The governor has made a number of high-level appointments throughout the administration, but the real work of government is conducted by second- and third-tier personnel, and many of these critical positions have yet to be filled. Davis' supporters say his slow pace is simple prudence and his detractors say it reflects his innate timidity, but the bottom line is that important jobs have not been filled.

But nowhere is the problem of the governor's inactivity more dramatic than in the 13-member Board of Corrections, a little-known government agency that guides jail construction, funding and policy for California's counties. The board is part of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency, and the chairman of the panel is the governor's cabinet-level adviser.

The board has long been overshadowed by the Corrections Department, the mammoth state agency that runs California's prison system.

But the board is a critical piece of California's government. And as the new year dawns, the board faces some difficult times indeed.

That's because six of the board's seats are vacant, leaving a bare quorum of seven members to conduct business. And next year, two more of the seats will become vacant, putting the board into limbo until, and unless, Davis takes action.

The board, which among other things also is responsible for routing federal funding for jail construction, meets every two months, and one meeting already was canceled because of a lack of membership early in Davis' administration. Even the board's out-of-state travel budget, normally a routine item that is resolved within weeks of the startup of the new fiscal year, has yet to be approved by the governor nearly five months after it was submitted.

Nobody is really quite sure why Davis has failed to act, particularly on an issue that could leave his law-and-order credentials vulnerable to attack. It could be argued that he has faced far more important questions to resolve, such as managed care, fuel additives and education, and that the obscure Board of Corrections does not loom high on his political agenda.

But the board's dilemma is well known among California's county officials and upper-level law enforcement community, and as word of Davis' inaction becomes known among the general public, the governor is all but certain to face political criticism.

Within the Capitol, Davis's laggard pace of appointments is becoming a fact of life, and the Board of Correction's problem is representative of the governor's approach generally to staffing his administration.

It's not as if the business of government will grind to a halt if the board's positions are not quickly filled. But the board is a significant piece of California's correctional system, and there is simply no defensible reason why the panel hasn't been brought up to speed after nearly a year of Davis' governorship.

So here's good advice if you're a county official looking to Sacramento to resolve a jail-related issue: Don't hold your breath.

This handy directory lists alphabetically all agency and department-level organizations, most division and branch level offices. Names and titles of state offices and officials, with addresses, phone and fax numbers. Where a vacancy exists the position is listed without a name. Convenient 4" x 9" fits in your briefcase or on your desk. With the election of a Democratic Governor, major shifts are occurring in personnel and state agency structure. Order now at: http://www.capenq.com/order or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR 2000 PUBLICATIONS! ***

*** 2000 Pocket Directory of the California Legislature ***

You need the 2000 Pocket Directory now! To be published March of 2000. Stay up-to-date on Legislative contact information. Order the newest edition of "the little red book" today! Place your secure online order through our Web site: http://www.capenq.com/order, or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** 2000 U.S. Congress Directory ***

Order the 2000 U.S. Congress Directory now! To be published March of 2000. Stay up-to-date on Congressional contact information for the entire U.S. Order the newest edition today! Place your secure online order through our Web site: http://www.capenq.com/order or fax (916) 442-1260.

*** UPDATED INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE ***

*** Committee Rosters ***

You asked for it, you got it! The updated listings for both Assembly and Senate committees are now available through our Web site. Point your browser to http://www.capenq.com/gov/info.html for links to the rosters.

*** Current Legislative Rosters ***

Looking for the current rosters of the Assembly or Senate? Head on over to http://www.capenq.com/gov/info.html for links to the current lists -- updated with district, member name, party, room and phone number.