Democrats hope to lift 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'…
Democrats are preparing next year to lift the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on open gays in the military, an uneasy culture-war compromise instituted under the last Democratic administration, should Sen. Barack Obama win the presidency. San Francisco Chronicle If California’s Gay Marriage stays in place, this is the next Constitutional “must have” for the Gay Community. The right to serve as a homosexual.
Plug-in hybrids generate buzz in San Jose…
Once known only to a small group of devotees, the ultra-high-mileage cars have generated enough buzz to draw about 650 people to a plug-in conference in San Jose Tuesday. San Francisco Chronicle If I can have the same, or close to the same, performance and the ability to plug-in…I’m all in favor of new methods that save me money and the environment at the same time. The issue is, “Where and when can I plug-in each day?”
Emotions high at forum on suicide barrier…
Kevin Hines stood before a series of architectural drawings of proposed suicide barriers for the Golden Gate Bridge on Tuesday afternoon with a story to tell. Eight years ago, he climbed over the famed span's 4-foot railing intent on jumping to his death - but survived the 220-foot fall. "I jumped and lived," said Hines, a 26-year-old San Francisco resident. "Now I want to do whatever I can to prevent others from jumping." San Francisco Chronicle What about California “specialty plates” with a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge? Have the DMV sell these as a fund raiser for the $25 million suicide barriers to be built - once the funds come in.
L.A. City Council votes for ban on plastic shopping bags…
The council plans to ban plastic carryout bags in the city's stores by 2010, unless the state imposes a 25-cent fee on those who request them. Los Angeles Times OK, I’m ‘down with the removing of plastic bags’ (as my kids would say), but what do I do for my dog during our daily walks at night? Sure do need those bags for the scooping!
One-year ban on new fast-food restaurants in South L.A…
The measure is part of an effort to address health problems in the area. Some question how such eateries will be defined. Los Angeles Times California is legislating a “menu” for Her citizens, no Trans Fat, and no fast food locations. Question: Who will pay for this increase in food for the lower income residents of California? Eating healthy is not cheap!
Schwarzenegger signs bill to protect pet trusts…
A year after billionaire hotelier Leona Helmsley bequeathed $12 million to her dog, Trouble, thousands of California cats and canines may soon be in the money too -- though perhaps not so deep - thanks to a measure signed Tuesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Los Angeles Times Why don’t we “tax” these trusts for pets like we tax inheritances for humans? If you want to leave over $10,000 for your pets, each interval of $10K is taxed for the homeless, hungry and impoverished of each city of residence. Thoughts?
