Capitol Alert

Gov. Jerry Brown is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, his office announced this afternoon.

The governor's office described the condition as a "localized prostate cancer" and said Brown is continuing to work a full schedule while being treated with a short course of radiation.

It released a statement from Eric Small, Brown's oncologist at University of California San Francisco.

"Fortunately, this is early stage localized prostate cancer, which is being treated with a short course of conventional radiotherapy," Small said in the statement. "The prognosis is excellent, and there are not expected to be any significant side effects."

Brown's office said the treatment is expected to be completed the week of Jan. 7.

The 74-year-old governor underwent a procedure in April 2011 to remove skin cancer from his nose.

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Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who's seeking a political platform after his mayoral term ends next year, attached himself to a bipartisan organization that seeks to close the federal budget deficit - but that's bringing heat from the activist left wing of his Democratic Party.

A coalition of liberal groups this week delivered petitions with more than 21,000 names to Villaraigosa's office, demanding that he resign from the Campaign to Fix the Debt, which those on the left consider to be a right-wing plot to slash Social Security, Medicare and other social service and support programs, and protect the wealthy against tax increases.

Dan wonders whether University of California officials will abandon its new logo.

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VIDEO: Dan Walters says it's gut-check time for University of California officials.

TRAINS: The California High-Speed Rail Authority is holding meetings today and tomorrow in areas where the first segment of track is supposed to be laid. The meetings in Madera and Merced are supposed to let farmers, business owners and residents know what to expect as the project rolls out. Land acquisition issues, job opportunities and other subjects will be discussed at the open house sessions that begin today in Madera.

OYSTERS: The saga of the oyster farm that has to leave its historic home in the Point Reyes National Seashore gets another airing today at the meeting of the Fish and Game Commission in San Diego.

TOYS: Assemblyman Roger Dickinson is working with Yellow Ribbon America and the National Guard Association of California today to promote a toy drive that collects gifts for military kids whose parents are overseas. You'll find Dickinson outside the Arden Fair Mall during today's kick-off event, but you don't have to go that far to donate a toy. New, unwrapped toys for the drive can also be left at these Capitol offices: Assemblywoman Connie Conway, room 3104; Sen. Jean Fuller, room 3063; Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, room 2130; Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, room 4009, Assemblywoman Norma Torres, room 2179; and Dickinson's office in room 2013.