WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dr. Paul Stockton, a professor at Monterey's Naval Postgraduate School, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week as the new Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs. Dr. Stockton, who was on leave from NPS at Stanford University, is a former associate provost at NPS and founding director of its Center for Homeland Defense and Security,

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced it is awarding an $8 million grant to the Monterey Peninsula Airport for runway rehabilitation. The funds are part of the Economic Recovery Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in February.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Alexander Werdmuller Von Elgg, a senior at Aptos High School, is the winner of the local division of the 28th annual Congressional Art Competition. His painting, titled "PROGRESS," was judged best on Monday among the 23 entries presented in San Juan Bautista.

Alexander wins three roundtrip tickets to Washington to attend a June 24 reception and a $1,500 renewable scholarship from the Savannah College of Art and Design. His painting will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) this week introduced legislation that will allow communities to make better use of lands that are part of military base closures.

At the heart of the legislation is the no-cost Economic Development Conveyance, or no-cost EDC. This tool, which transfers land to local control at no expense, was once the primary means of property conveyance following a base closure. However, the process is now only available at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense and has not been used for years.