As part of a nationwide protest, a group of about 40 demonstrators Friday held signs as cars honked along East Walnut Street in front of the Pasadena Superior Court, as part of “Occupy the Courts.”

“This is about it being the second anniversary of Citizens United and we’re trying to raise awareness that this was a really bad Supreme Court decision,” said the event’s organizer, Patrick Briggs. “And as a result of it, and all of the corporate money that’s flooding the election system.”

Briggs said on January 21, 2010 the Supreme Court ruled that “you can’t deny corporate money coming into the system because its free speech.” This allows unlimited spending for political purposes by corporations and unions.

Protesters were also collecting signatures that Briggs said would be presented…

Citing family matters, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino announced Wednesday that he will not seek office during the 2012 election cycle. Portantino made clear, in an email to constituents, that he has no plans to end his political career.

“Placing it on “hold” allows me to focus on my family while they need me,” he wrote. “I will continue to work to put trust and accountability back into public service, now and in the future.”

Portantino said his mother, Barbara Portantino, has been in ill heath since the death of his brother Michael in December 2010. He said she is awaiting surgery on February 14.

“Since I will be travelling back East to help with Mom’s care and it is likely that I will be needed in New Jersey to pack up her house and to help with her transition into assisted living,”…