CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Bad Times Keep Us Put: Migration to South and West Slows

CitizenSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:00:23 -0800

The intuitive trend in America to move to where the land is open and the climate warm has hit a road bump. Thanks to the housing crisis, which makes the idea of taking on a new mortgage scary and risky, people are staying put.

The population slowdown specifically hit the western and southern states, which had seen huge growth and migration over the last decade. While this trend could mean less traffic and more space for those already living there, it could also lead to less political influence. Based on current projections, California might lose a seat in Congress for the first time ever following the 2010 Census.

Still, a population slow down in the South and West doesn't mean other regions are growing faster. In 2008, Utah was the fastest growing state, followed by Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And Michigan and Rhode Island actually lost population.

Have tough times made you shelve any plans for moving?

Source

Do You Think Prop. 8 Should Be Repealed?

LibertySugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:01:12 -0800

This weekend CA Attorney General Jerry Brown asked the CA Supreme Court to void Proposition 8 because it is unconstitutional. The attorney general must defend the laws of California. Yet Brown says Prop 8 makes his job impossible, because the amendment contradicts another part of the state Constitution: the equal protection clause. Right after 52 percent of voters passed the gay marriage ban, Brown claimed he would uphold the will of the voters, and when the Court legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year, Brown had argued against it. But now, Brown says: "Proposition 8 must be invalidated because the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification."

Brown thinks that in the conflict between the people's amendment power, and the court's duty to protect minorities and liberties, the court's duty should prevail. What do you think?Source

Do You Think Prop. 8 Should Be Repealed?

Yes. The voters cannot invalidate the equal protection clause.

No. If voters want to legalize gay marriage, they will pass another proposition.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Medical Marijuana Law Limited in California

LibertySugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:00:02 -0800

The California Supreme Court clarified the state's medical marijuana law yesterday, deciding unanimously that individual suppliers can be prosecuted even when dealing to patients with doctor approval. Sellers, who are not caretakers, or fellow medical marijuana cooperative members, will not be protected from the law.

Patients will most likely turn exclusively to marijuana collectives and cooperatives to get their fill. Opponents of the decision say that centralizing the source of the drug makes it much easier for federal agents to raid such dispensaries.

In 1996 California voters passed Proposition 215, which approved marijuana cultivation and use by those with doctor approval. But earlier this year, the state's high court ruled that companies could fire employees who test positive for marijuana, even if they had a doctor's recommendation.

Do you think the trend toward narrowing the legal use of medical marijuana puts the intentions of California voters up in smoke?

Source

Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities List Puts New Orleans at No. 1

CitizenSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:30:45 -0800

With a murder every 40 hours, New Orleans crime rate is hard to beat. The latest City Crime Rankings looked at reported incidents of six major crimes to determine the most dangerous dwellings in the US. With a population of only 250,000 that changed drastically after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans came out on top.

Rounding out the list, the top-five cities with the highest crime rate include:

New Orleans, LA
Camden, NJ
Detroit, MI
St. Louis, MO
Oakland, CA

The FBI warns that ranking cities head-to-head fails to paint a realistic picture. In addition, local mayors and law enforcement officials maintain that such a superficial ranking irresponsibly misuses crime data by ignoring complex factors. Do you think rankings of the most dangerous cities help hold law enforcement accountable or are they counterproductive?

Source

Smog Can Claim More Lives Than Car Crashes

LibertySugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:30:00 -0800

Cars can be deadly in California, but not in the way you expect. Air pollution leads to more deaths than car accidents in two California regions. In addition to saving lives, bringing air pollution up to standards would save $28 billion each year in health care costs, missed work, and a loss of salary due to early death, according to a new study.

Despite what this depressing reality may suggest, California hasn't been sleeping at the environmental wheel. The state has plans to display global warming ranking stickers on every new car, and California was one of seven states to join four Canadian provinces in agreeing to cut greenhouse gas emissions even absent of federal action. News about smog related deaths makes California's maverick environmental policies seem more like a necessity, than a luxury.

Source

Mormons Leave Church Over Stance on Same-Sex Marriage

CitizenSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:30:45 -0800

People were enraged last week when California passed Proposition 8 to ban same-sex marriage, but now opponents are lashing out at the Mormon church for its well-funded campaign against it. And Mormons themselves are speaking up.

OK, so they're not saying this (warning! NSFW profanity), but they are mad enough to resign from the church and post letters of disappointment on Signing For Something. Their reasons? Hatred, bigotry, and discrimination are cited the most, and claims are backed up with LDS doctrine, which says "We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government."

How can Mormons be blamed for a statewide vote? Besides misdirected anger, it didn't help that church authorities asked members to "do all [they] can to support the proposed constitutional amendment." And with that righteous request came millions of donated dollars to fund a campaign against Prop. 8 and produce what are clearly well-funded videos.

I've also heard some rumblings about straight people boycotting marriage. Would you ever leave your religion or not get married because gay people cannot?

Source

California Director Quits After Supporting Prop. 8 — Right Call?

LibertySugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:01:35 -0800

Even though 52 percent of California seems to agree with Scott Eckern's stance on gay marriage, the artistic director of the California Musical Theatre stepped down after it was revealed that he donated $1,000 to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign.In a statement, coming after a boycott of the theater was called Tuesday, Eckern said: I am leaving California Musical Theatre after prayerful consideration to protect the organization and to help the healing in the local theatre-going and creative community. I am disappointed that my personal convictions have cost me the opportunity to do what I love the most.

The director's support for Prop. 8 was discovered on AnitGayBlacklist.com, a website that lists individuals who donated to the efforts to ban same-sex marriage. Do you think the director made the right call by resigning? Source

California Director Quits After Supporting Prop. 8 — Right Call?

Yes. His positions would have hurt his organization.

No. There should not be a witch-hunt for those who participated in democracy.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Gay Marriage Goes Down, But Not Without a Fight

LibertySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:25:00 -0800

California county registrars may have stopped issuing licenses to same-sex couples, but not all Californians are ready to accept the newly approved marriage ban. The city of San Francisco filed lawsuits challenging Prop. 8's passage, and California Attorney General Jerry Brown says he will fight to defend the legality of the marriage licenses already issued to 18,000 same-sex couples.

Last night at a West Hollywood rally, 2,500 joined a protest of Prop. 8, which eventually clashed with the LAPD. Seven protesters were arrested. In San Francisco's Castro neighborhood the rainbow flag is flying at half-staff, and last night gay marriage supporters held a candle light vigil at San Francisco's City Hall. Rallies of support for gay marriage were held in other parts of the state, too.

Gay marriage bans also passed in Arizona and Florida on Tuesday, along with an Arkansas ban on adoption by anyone except a married man and woman. How long do you think the struggle for gay marriage will go on before it is completely successful? Will it ever be?

Source

SF May Decriminalize Prostitution: How Would You Vote?

LibertySugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:41 -0700

On election day, San Franciscans will be able to vote on Proposition K — which would forbid local authorities from investigating, arresting, or prosecuting anyone for selling sex. Opponents most likely loath the idea of giving the government's stamp of approval to a depraved practice that leaves much harm in its wake. Others figure it could solve nearby Oakland's prostitution problem, since they would all move to SF.Still some say outlawing prostitution could be compared to abstinence-only education: because something is considered "wrong" authorities ignore solutions, allowing the risks to spiral. Plus, the biggest victims of prostitution are most likely the women selling themselves for sex, who have few-to-zero alternatives. To avoid trouble with the law or other criminals they turn to pimps. And jail time and a criminal record only makes their situation more bleak. The strictly fiscally minded note that the measure will save the city $11 million spent on arresting and prosecuting prostitutes.You all gave me some great feedback about the California ballot initiative to require parental notification for teen abortions. So tell me — how should I vote on this measure? Source

SF May Decriminalize Prostitution: How Would You Vote?

Yes! Police should not be enforcing morality.

Yes. Arresting prostitutes only hurts them more, and clogs the legal system.

No way! Morals aside, legalizing it in a small area means prostitutes will flock to SF.

No! Decriminalizing it would increase crime, and make it hard to end sex trafficking.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Connecticut Court Grants Gay Marriage Rights

LibertySugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:03:00 -0700

Same-sex couples now have a right to marry in Connecticut. The state's Supreme Court ruled today that under the equal protection clause of Connecticut's constitution, civil unions discriminate against same-sex couples. Thus, gay couples must have the same rights as straight couples.

In a close 4-3 decision, the majority held:

Interpreting our state constitutional provisions in accordance with firmly established equal protection principles leads inevitably to the conclusion that gay persons are entitled to marry the otherwise qualified same-sex partner of their choice. To decide otherwise would require us to apply one set of constitutional principles to gay persons and another to all others.

Essentially arguing that the constitution must stay relevant to the times, the court said Connecticut's "understanding of marriage must yield to a more contemporary appreciation of the rights entitled to constitutional protection."

California's Supreme Court came to a similar conclusion this year, but voters will have a chance to amend the constitution to make same-sex marriage explicitly unconstitutional. To find out how religious people from out of state are working to pass the ban,

Federal Agents Cast Wide Net for Illegal Workers in California

LibertySugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:00:32 -0700

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles just finished three weeks of immigration raids. Those who ignored deportation orders or returned to the US after being deported were the targets of the effort.

At a bakery in Palm Springs, 60 agents arrested or detained 51 workers — coming out to more than one agent per detainee. Twenty-one of the workers were later released because they were primary caregivers to children or elderly. The bakery supervisor was also arrested on suspicion of continuing to employ an unauthorized alien.

In Northern California, 20 percent of those arrested had criminal records. The ICE's fugitive operative teams have gone after immigration violators that pose a threat to national security or community safety. The units claim to have deceased the number of people that remain in the US after receiving deportation orders by 34,000, since 2007.

Source

States, Provinces to Cap and Trade Sans Federal Governments

LibertySugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Seven western US states and four Canadian provinces have agreed to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 15 percent before 2020. Proud of the Western Climate Initiative, Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asserted:

We’re sending a strong message to our federal governments that states and provinces are moving forward in the absence of federal action, and we’re setting the stage for national programs that are just as aggressive.

So how will Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec curb climate change? To find out,

Pro-Gay Marriage Ad Hopes to Sway Undecided Voters

LibertySugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:00:02 -0700

Sam and Julia Thoron have been married for 46 years, and all three of their children can legally marry in California. But in November, voters in the golden state can take away the right to marry from the Thoron's gay daughter, by passing Proposition 8. The Thoron's story is starring on California TV as the first ad against the proposed constitutional amendment limiting marriage to a man and a woman.

Get Flash to see this player.

Despite Brad Pitt's generous donation to help save same-sex marriage, those working to pass the constitutional amendment have outraised the pro-same-sex marriage set. Twenty percent of California voters still don't know how they will vote on the marriage measure. Do you think Sam and Julia's simple message will persuade voters to vote no on Proposition 8, and preserve same-sex couples' right to marry?

A Car That Gets 65 Miles Per Gallon?! Not in the US

LibertySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:10 -0700

Picture this: a brand-new, five-seat compact car, complete with a navigation system, gas mileage up to 65 miles per gallon, and a $1,300 tax deduction with purchase. Are you ready to buy? Well you'll have to move to Europe first!

High oil prices mean that Americans are hungry for more gas-efficient cars. But, the new Ford ECOnetic Fiesta,, which runs on diesel, will not be offered to the American driver. To find out why diesel is a deal breaker,

UK Environment Minister: Green Activism Hysterical Religion

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Officials in Britain and California seem to take a different approach to extreme weather. Britain's Environment Minister Sammy Wilson thinks environmentalists have adopted a "hysterical pseudo-religion," making him the enemy to some who look to him to help solve environmental problems.

In an article just published, the minister argued:

Resources should be used to adapt to the consequences of climate change, rather than King Canute-style vainly trying to stop it. . . . The tactic used by the "green gang" is to label anyone who dares disagree with their view of climate change as some kind of nutcase who denies scientific fact. Reasoned debate must replace the scaremongering of the green climate alarmists.

UK green activists compare Wilson, who denies that climate change is man-made, to a cigarette salesman denying that smoking causes cancer. Meanwhile, faraway in California, officials avoid picking a fight; instead they're trying to adapt to harsh climate by creating a "water bank" to address the state's drought. The 2009 Drought Water Bank will buy excess water from local water agencies and farmers, and then sell it to public and private water systems if they run out next year. The catch: Whoever buys the bank's water must commit to a 20 percent cut in water use.

Do you think it's time to stop arguing about science and start solving problems, or does responsible and effective policy depend on knowing the cause of climate change?

Source

California Cracking Down on Pot Clubs High on Profits

LibertySugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:03:54 -0700

He may have been Governor Moonbeam in the '70s, but today California Attorney General Jerry Brown has cracked down on the state's pot clubs. When California legalized medical marijuana 10 years ago, medical dispensaries started popping up, only to see profits as high as a kite.

AG Brown said, "The voters wanted medical marijuana dispensaries to be used for seriously ill patients and their caregivers — not as million-dollar businesses."

Brown may be correct, but couldn't he apply his logic to other pharmaceutical companies? Pot wouldn't be the first drug to help businesspeople get rich. Even so, Brown has a new set of rules for these medical dispensaries. To see what they are,

Gawkers Go to Gay District Sparking Resident Concerns

LibertySugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:00:28 -0700

Some tourists treat San Francisco's gay population as a tourist attraction. Residents of the historic gay Castro District have reported an increase in large tour buses, which drop off thousands of nervous visitors ready to snap photos of two men holding hands or point and stare in shock.

While Castro dwellers and merchants welcome visitors and their cash with open arms, they have little tolerance for the new breed of non-shoppers. And things might not get better — now that Hollywood has used Castro Street as the set for the upcoming movie Milk, a film about the first gay councilman in the US who was killed by his fellow San Francisco councilman, I imagine that the city's gay neighborhood will attract even more gawkers after the film's release.

Positive curiosity might signal the end of a gay-stigma, and I don't blame residents for feeling like animals in a zoo. If San Francisco wants to base much of its economy on tourism, should it swallow the consequences?

Source

US Judge Upholds Separation of Church and Science

LibertySugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:35 -0700

The University of California can deny credit for high school courses that emphasize religious teachings over historic or scientific explanations, according to a federal judge. Yesterday's ruling upheld UC admission standards that do not recognize curriculum that declares the Bible infallible or that rejects evolution. The losing Christian schools and students will appeal the decision. Here are each side's positions:

The High Schools:

Denying credit is an attempt to secularize private religious schools.
It also violates freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

University of California:

The rejected material omits crucial topics in science and history.
UC is applying blanket admission standards without regard to religion.
UC has approved inclusive textbooks like Biology: God's Living Creation.

Course texts rejected include Biology for Christian Schools, whose first page says, "If (scientific) conclusions contradict the Word of God, the conclusions are wrong," and text published by Bob Jones University that, "instructs that the Bible is the unerring source for analysis of historical events." The UC attorney says, "We evaluate the courses to see whether they prepare these kids to come to college at UC."

Is it an attempt to secularize private religious schools? Whose side are you on?

Source

Should Jailed Lovebirds Be Allowed to Marry Each Other?

LibertySugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

California's legalization of same-sex marriage has left prison authorities trying to figure out whether they must allow inmates to marry each other.

Currently prisoners can marry someone from the outside, same or opposite-sex. Back in the days of man-woman marriage, California's proxy rule — which states that both parties must be present at a wedding — helped avoid the all-inmate wedding dilemma. Male and female inmates do not share prisons, thus they both could not attend.

Prison officials are wondering what to do when a same-sex incarcerated couple decides to test out the new law. Concerns likely to shape a newly created policy include conjugal visits, and the safety of the couple around other inmates. Since California's Supreme Court ruled that marriage is a civil right and not to be denied to same-sex couples, would it be disproportionate punishment to deny this right to all prisoners?

Source

Schwarzenegger Vetoes Climate Change Curriculum Bill

LibertySugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:03:50 -0700

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last week that would have required all future science textbooks to discuss climate change as a distinct subject. High school science material already includes the sometimes-controversial topic in the weather unit.

Governor Schwarzenegger explained that he supports teaching climate change in schools, but does not think state lawmakers should dictate specific curriculum.

While the general scientific consensus regarding climate change gets a meaningful boost from official backing, I appreciate Schwarzenegger's skepticism of legislating educational material. And as Schwarzenegger pointed out, state agencies are currently developing a K-12 environmental curriculum.

California has taken some official steps in addressing climate change; for example, new cars will soon be required to display a global warming score. Do you think the possibility for climate change curriculum offers another responsible response to the crisis, or should education be free from all mandates, even if honorable?

Source

Marriage Maverick Mayor Weds Mad Men Actress Siebel

CitizenSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:49 -0700

San Francisco's marriage-equality lightening rod, Gavin Newsom tied the knot himself over the weekend. In a Montana ranch ceremony he married actress Jennifer Siebel. If you watched last night's Mad Men premiere, you'll know her as Betty's old roommate and pricey prostitute, Juanita.

Guests of honor included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and former Mayor Willie Brown. The golden and beautiful affair was the second set of "I dos" for Newsom. He and former wife Kimberly Guilfoyle (of Fox News fame) split shortly after he began issuing maverick same-sex wedding certificates in 2004.

On top of her one-time Mad Men performance (or not!, she does have Don's business card), the bride has appeared recently on the NBC show, Life. The groom just filed exploratory papers to run against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the office in 2011. The couple will honeymoon in Africa.

Source

California Becomes First State To Ban Trans Fats

CitizenSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:48:21 -0700

California Becomes First State To Ban Trans Fats California on Friday became the first state to ban trans fats from restaurant food, following several cities and major fast-food chains in erasing the notorious artery-clogger from menus. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation that will ban restaurants and other retail food establishments from using oil, margarine and shortening containing trans fats. "Today we are taking a strong step toward creating a healthier future for California," he said.

States Struggling: Budget Crises Lead to Desperate Measures

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:01:09 -0700

If you thought your wallet was feeling light, it's not just you — states are feeling the budget crunch just as hard — with unique ways to manage the money meltdown.

In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has just threatened to pay state employees federal minimum wage in an effort to push lawmakers to agree on a budget. Even though minimum wage hikes up today, it would still mean thousands of workers would only take home $6.55 an hour (which is still $1.45 an hour less than CA's minimum wage.)

The budget stall comes as Republicans and Democrats battle to bridge the $15.2 billion budget shortfall California is facing. Republicans want to deal with money crisis through cuts, Democrats are angling for more taxes. Schwarzenegger says he won't sign a budget unless it contains improvements like a rainy day fund to help the state through tough times. Hmm. Just like we're supposed to have at home!

Also in the category of, "Governments! They're just like us!" Gas! Though consumers have been concerned about the price of fuel for months, state budgets — especially for driving heavy departments, like the police — are way overdrawn on fuel bills. To see how cops have to carpool,

Should the Military Program JROTC Be in High Schools?

LibertySugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:00:40 -0700

As JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) enters its last (and ninetieth) year in San Francisco, a non-binding measure intended to show support for the program has qualified for the November ballot. Mayor Gavin Newsom backs the efforts to save the high school program. In 2006 the SF school board decided to stop JROTC, even though there were no complaints, mostly because they disagreed with the military's policy on gay and lesbian soldiers.

The stated purpose of JROTC is "to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment." Many students across the country take the course as their physical education (PE) credit.

For arguments on both sides of the debate,

Luxurious? Juvenile System To Cost California $378 million

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:00:39 -0700

Get this — California taxpayers will spend $378 million next year to care for 1,500 juvenile inmates. In addition to this exorbitant cost, the money spent is more of a waste than an investment, since three out of four juvenile inmates re-offend within three years.

These considerations have prompted a state watchdog group to suggest that California dump its juvenile prisons, in a new report sent to Governor Schwarzenegger and other lawmakers.

The report recommends scrapping the statewide juvenile justice bureaucracy and replacing juvenile prisons with county-run regional centers for the most serious offenders. The less serious offenders would stay in local juvenile halls. Due to the decrepit state of juvenile prisons, if the state does not reform the system, it will have to pay a lot to replace the current, and not so successful, one.

What should society do to get young offenders back on the right track, instead of pushing them further down the wrong one?

Source

Hasta La Vista, GOP? Schwarzenegger Would Join Obama

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:04 -0700

Well, well what do we have here. California governor, actor, body builder, Kennedy spouse . . . and Republican, Arnold Schwarzenegger, seems open to being President Barack Obama's "Energy Czar."

When asked if he would consider leading Obama's energy programs, the Governator said:

I take his call now, and I will take his call when he's president — any time. Remember, no matter who is president, I don't see this as a political thing, I see this as we always have to help, no matter what the administration is."

Obama, arguably an Abraham Lincoln-wannabe, says he wants a "Team of Rivals" a la Lincoln; so Arnold might be a compelling addition to a bipartisan cabinet. But don't forget, Arnold endorsed McCain in January! Perhaps Arnold is hedging his political bets by suggesting he would take a position in the Obama administration, but I can't hold his bipartisanship and dedication to the energy issue against him.

Source

Sound the Alarm! California's Prisoners Help Fight Wild Fires

LibertySugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:57 -0700

California has called on a plentiful resource — prisoners — to save the state's natural resources from devastating fires. About 2,500 prisoners are fighting the thousands of wild fires engulfing California. The convicted helping hands are not amateurs; California has maintained a prisoner firefighter training program for 60 years.

Serving fellow citizens during an emergency provides an unfamiliar role for former criminals, giving them an opportunity to help society rather than burden it. Taking their jobs seriously, few convicts have escaped during the course of the program. Those driving by pull over to say thank you, and one prisoner said: "Even though I have to wear these colors, I still feel important."

Firefighter training seems like a great way to pass on work skills to inmates, while giving them a tie to the community and a chance for respect — the lack of these things might have caused the crimes in the first place.

Source

Are You Hot on Global Warming Ranking Stickers for Cars?

LibertySugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:15:47 -0700

Don't be alarmed, but soon all new cars in California will have to display a global warming score, so car shoppers can make green-informed decisions. The labels will contain a car's 1-10 rating, based on emissions caused by vehicle use and emissions required to refine the car's required petroleum. A 10 ranking means the car is the best compared to its annual peers. In California, cars produce 30 percent of global warming emissions, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Dealers must already display a smog emissions score. It might be pretty tough to buy a car with a "1" ranking. Even so, would you like to see a global warming score on all cars? Source

Are You Hot on Global Warming Ranking Stickers for Cars?

Yes! Drivers need a simple tool to reduce their contributions to global warming.

No! This arbitrarily impacts the car market, giving certain brands an advantage.

Not enough! A nominal ranking will make people think they're being green.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Front Page: Heat Wave to Hit Fires, Bombing in Kabul Kills 40, Injuries in Running of the Bulls

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:55:19 -0700

Heat Wave to Hit Fires:
Firefighters in California brace for an impending heat wave set to make containing one of the 1,700 fires sparked since June 21, much harder. Cooler, damper weekend temperatures had helped firefighters working to bring the Santa Barbara fires under control are set to end, while 2,600 homes are still evacuated. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said yesterday the fires had burnt over half a million acres and killed one firefighter. Drought conditions combined with human encroachment into forest areas — bringing with them, carelessness, has stretched the fire season from four to six or seven months. Officials are having to prepare for the longer more intense season.

Bombing in Kabul Kills 40:
In what's thought to be the deadliest attack in Kabul yet, a suicide bomber has killed at least 40 people and injured 140 today at the gates of the Indian Embassy in the capital of Afghanistan. The attacker plowed a car into two Indian diplomatic vehicles as they entered the gates of the embassy before detonating. Witness say the blast wrecked several other cars and flung body parts and bloodstained pieces of clothing among the wreckage.
Injuries in Running of the Bulls:
At least nine have been injured and one killed during the running of the bulls festival in Pamplona, Spain. Four of the injured were foreign tourists. The nine-day festival that's been held since 1591, began yesterday and the run itself lasted four minutes. It's thought that 13 people have been killed during the controversial tradition since record keeping began in 1924.

Source

Behold, the Most Accurate Map of the United States — Ever

CitizenSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:00:45 -0700

In the grand tradition of the Starbucks vs. Walmart state (yep, I'm proclaiming "grand traditions" now — it's a blessing and a curse) GraphJam has this amusing-because-it's-trueish map of how Californians perceive the rest of the country.

Given the left-coast's Berkelian flair and South Park enabled reputation for being quite pleased with itself, the map is pretty amusing. I love that North of the state line is "Canada" and "coffee" (though not so much anymore, eh?)

We'll see who's laughing, Mr. 55-electoral-vote CA, when those "Religious Nutballs" are actually deciding the election...

Source

McCain and Obama Assume Their Positions on Gay Marriage

LibertySugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:00:35 -0700

With a same-sex marriage ban on the ballot in Florida, John McCain and Barack Obama have staked out their positions on what could prove to be a consequential issue again this Fall. Both candidates have weighed in on the California ballot initiative that would override the state's supreme court ruling legalizing gay marriage: Obama opposes the ban, and McCain supports it.

The candidates characterize the measure differently. McCain calls the campaign to amend California's constitution an effort "to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman." Conversely, Obama stated that he opposed "the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution."

The San Francisco Chronicle explores the candidates' records on the issue. For that information,

Front Page: Worst Afghanistan Toll, Cell Phone Law, Obama to Expand Faith-Based Programs

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:05:03 -0700

Worst Afghanistan Toll:
June was the deadliest for foreign troops in Afghanistan since the 2001 fall of the Taliban, and it was the second month in a row where the toll exceeded that in Iraq. At least 45 foreign troops were killed compared with 31 soldier deaths in Iraq. The casualty rate is thought to be tied to the Taliban's aim for headline-grabbing attacks that will promote their growing strength. Almost half of the 122 foreign soldiers who have died in Afghanistan during 2008 were killed in June, most by roadside bombs.

Cell Phone Law:
California's hands-free cell phone law goes into effect today. Offenders not using a hands-free headset while driving will be subject to a $20 fine for a first offense, and $50 for subsequent offenses. The law does not outlaw texting while driving, leading some to think the claims of safety are relative. Meanwhile, Sioux Falls, SD, has been named the safest driving city in the US.
Obama to Expand Faith-Based Programs:
Barack Obama is announcing plans to expand funding for President Bush's faith-based programs, pointing more Federal social service dollars to religious groups — and he'll announce that he will support some ability to hire and fire based on faith. The plan will be unveiled during remarks at the Eastside Community Ministry in Ohio. Obama is expected to say, ''the challenges we face today. . . are simply too big for government to solve alone. We need all hands on deck.''

Source

San Francisco Giving Crack-Dealing Immigrants Free Airfare

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:45:36 -0700

What do you get when you enter the US illegally, sell crack, and then claim to be a juvenile? If you're in San Francisco, you get free airfare home. Citing the city's status as a sanctuary city, juvenile probation officials are protecting Hondurans caught selling crack from federal deportation by giving them a city-paid flight home with no restrictions on returning.

The practice has prompted a federal criminal investigation to see if San Francisco has been systematically circumventing US immigration law. A spokesman for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says, "our job is to uphold the nation's immigration laws. Although San Francisco is a sanctuary city, it's a problem whenever someone attempts to evade the law. . . . Our law does not allow us to turn a blind eye to any individual who has come into this country illegally." To see how SF has become a travel agency,

Schwarzenegger Says "No Fireworks" for 4th, Fires Rage On

CitizenSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With more than 1,400 fires engulfing the forests of California, President George W. Bush has designated areas from Nevada to the Pacific Ocean an official federal disaster area, allowing FEMA to dispatch equipment and financial relief to the counties that have been devastated by the blazes. So far more than 17,000 firefighters from more than 35 states are currently battling the fires with nearly 1,200 fire engines and 85 helicopters.

Given the unprecedented amount of fires raging throughout the state, the air in Northern California has been reduced to an unhealthy smog of ash causing the cancellation of athletic activities and other outdoor events. Some regions are registering the worst air quality on record with smoke from the fires ascending to the ground levels like a fog. Air quality departments are concerned about small-particle pollution in which tiny particles can penetrate the immunity system and burrow deep into the lungs and blood stream. Health officials have reported an increase in eye and throat irritation and have warned that the poor air can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis.

The raging fires are putting a damper on Independence Day celebrations as well. To see how,

Smelly Memorial: SF Voters to Decide on Bush Sewage Plant

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:45:58 -0700

The Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco has some big plans to honor outgoing President Bush — they want to rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Plant, the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.

The civically savvy satirists have collected more than enough signatures required to put the renaming initiative on November's ballot.

The chair of the SF Republican Party (yes, it does exist) calls the measure "loony bin direct democracy" and called its supporters "typical San Francisco crazies." The plant itself notes that it is an award-winning facility that keeps the environment clean, thus making it an unworthy vehicle for a statement on Bush's negative impact, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Do you find naming a sewage plant after George W. Bush funny or offensive? If the measure passes, will the renaming be a historical political statement, or just a stinkin' empty gesture distracting us from serious grievances?

Source

Experts: Justified That Witnesses Didn't Stop Toddler's Murder

LibertySugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:44 -0700

Police and psychologists say that the inaction of those who witnessed a 27-year-old California man beat his 2-year-old son to death on the side of the road was justified. The savage incident in which the grocery store working father pulled over to stomp and beat the innocent boy occurred Saturday night. None of the people at the scene, including a volunteer firefighter, intervened to stop the fatal beating.

Experts say that violent emergencies can result in shock, and thus inaction, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Witnesses say they called 911 immediately but were afraid to physically stop the man, as they did not know if he had a weapon on him. The father only stopped after police and a helicopter intervened, shooting him to death. According to experts, the witnesses lacked the experience to respond with force.

The violent nature of this tragedy sort of helps me differentiate it from the video of bystanders failing to help an elderly man who was hit by a car and left in the street. Maybe human instinct prevents us from acting how we wish we could in shocking circumstances.

Can you wish the witnesses did something to stop him, without judging them for their inability to do so? Can anyone know how one would act if confronted with this horrific situation?

Source

Exclusive Video: Same-Sex Couples Are "Spouses For Life"

LibertySugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Yesterday, more than 1,400 same-sex couples all over California tied the knot, and will continue to do so indefinitely. Along with taking some pictures of the scene in San Francisco, we filmed the newlyweds and their families talking about their love and decisions to get married. We even caught one couple exchanging vows! Watch the video to hear what impact California's decision to legalize same-sex marriage has had on families so far, in their own words. It's a very moving video!

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After seeing this video, do your feelings toward marriage change? Is it possible to leave emotions aside, and support a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage? I guess we will find out in November, when California voters get a chance to adopt or reject a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Authorities in California and Egypt Refuse Marriages

LibertySugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Some of California's most conservative counties will not be holding marriage ceremonies — gay or straight — citing inadequate resources for the expected influx of couples seeking marriage once same-sex couples are permitted to marry on June 15. Many are crying foul, as a local newspaper published emails sent from the Kern County clerk asking a conservative group opposed to gay marriage for legal assistance.

The Campaign For Children and Families wants clerks to deny same-sex licenses in counties "where the man-woman marriage ethic is strongest in California," until voters have their say on a November ballot initiative that would ban gay marriage.

Far from California, Egyptian authorities refused to endorse a marriage between a 92-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl. To find out why,