Top of the morning’s news
- Former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle was released from jail in Los Angeles this morning after completing his time for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Oscar Grant III. Chronicle; Hundreds marched in protest Sunday in Oakland. Oakland Tribune story and slide show
- The Internet sensation known as the “Gay Girl from Damascus” turns out to be an American hoaxer from Georgia, a man no less, studying abroad in Ireland. NPR
- ABC 20/20 co-anchor Chris Cuomo defends checkbook journalism to CNN’s Howard Kurtz, saying it’s “the state of play right now.” Poynter
Images of a smiling Rep. Gabrielle Giffords were posted Sunday to her Facebook page. Oakland Tribune- Exclusive negotiating rights for that hotel deal near the Millbrae BART station that the BART board recently approved is for Lawrence Lui, a crony of BART director James Fang and son of Hong Kong billionaire Chee-woo Lui. Chronicle
- Jennifer Siebel Newsom gave birth to an 8 pound, 4 ounce boy Sunday morning, hers and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s second child. Chronicle
- Eric Alterman at The Daily Beast asks, “Will Anthony Weiner become the first politician in American history to be forced out of office in a sex scandal without even being laid?”
- Family and friends of missing nursing student Michelle Le handed out fliers in Hayward Sunday, even as the reward in the case was increased to $65,000. ABC 7
- A federal judge hears arguments today by Prop 8 opponents seeking to overturn the law based on a claim that former trial judge Vaughn Walker’s decision upholding it was biased since he is a gay man in a long-term relationship. Mercury News
- The NYT handicaps the effort by opponents to thwart same-sex marriage in California.
- Pittsburg is fast-tracking plans to restore its long-closed 91-year-old California Theater as a community playhouse. Contra Costa Times
- Cal beats Dallas Baptist 6-2 to advance to the College Baseball World Series in Omaha for the first time since 1992. Chronicle
- A battle is shaping up along the Sonoma coast over a plan to cut a redwood forest to make room for vineyards. Chronicle
- Meanwhile, a dip in lumber prices is threatening Mendocino County’s plan to raise money and provide jobs by harvesting 50 acres of county-owned forest. Press-Democrat
- “The Book of Mormon” is the runaway winner at the Tony Awards. NYT
- The San Mateo County Times looks at the devastation caused by Brisbane’s biggest employer’s plans to pull up stakes and move to Visalia in the Central Valley to capture tax incentives.
- Thousands turned out to hear Mexican president Felipe Calderon speak at Stanford’s 120th commencement. AP
- The A’s lose 5-4 to the White Sox, ending a dismal road trip in which they won only one of 10 games. Oakland Tribune
- The Mavericks turn back the Miami Heat for Dallas’ first-ever NBA championship. AP
