New speaker takes over just in time for Calif. budget crunch (San Francisco Chronicle) Democrat Karen Bass takes over as Assembly speaker on Tuesday, just in time to deal with what could turn out to be the state budget deadlock to end all budget deadlocks. The former community activist will become the first black woman to hold the Assembly's... Riverside County community news briefs for Wednesday, May 7 (North County Times) CLUB NEWS Fires effects on botany topic of talk RIVERSIDE ---- "Wildflowers and Firestorms: A Botanical Perspective of the 2007 Fires in Southern California," will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District. The free program will be hosted by the California Native Plant Society, Riverside-San Bernardino chapter. Southwest Riverside County community news, Friday, May 9 (North County Times) WHAT'S HAPPENING Library closed for repairs MURRIETA ---- The Murrieta Public Library will be closed Friday and Saturday to allow for interior lobby resurfacing, the city reported. Riverside County community news briefs (North County Times) Quilt group adds to Habitat house LAKE ELSINORE ---- Many sounds are heard when Habitat for Humanity builds a home. There's the rap of hammers, the whirr of drills and, in the case of the homes dedicated Saturday by Temecula Habitat for Humanity, the hum of a sewing machine. Casinos build for future in the desert (The Business Press) Rooms at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage are booked up and business is looking good. Rooms were sold out at the new hotel in April and May sales are through the roof, officials say. New speaker takes over just in time for Calif. budget crunch (North County Times) SACRAMENTO ---- Democrat Karen Bass takes over as Assembly speaker on Tuesday, just in time to deal with what could turn out to be the state budget deadlock to end all budget deadlocks.