California mourns **

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings.

On Monday, Schwarzenegger issued the following statement about the shootings:

“Mere words cannot express the profound shock and outrage Californians are feeling today over the senseless tragedy occurring at Virginia Tech. The horror this unprecedented carnage inflicts on our entire nation is unfathomable, even as we deeply mourn for the dead and grieve at the loss of so much young and innocent life. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families and friends, as well as to the entire Virginia Tech community.”

Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena, said he is asking education officials to testify before the education budget subcommittee that he chairs about campus procedures and security plans in the event of such tragedies.

"We have enacted many laws to restrict weapons on campus, but we must also
ensure that our school and college personnel have security plans and trained
personnel ready to respond when these senseless acts of violence take place,'' Scott said.

** Los Angeles joined in paying tribute, with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ordering city flags lowered to half-staff through Sunday evening as the City Council adjourned its regular meeting in memory of the victims of the shooting.