Squirrel!

ACR 109 (Pan) Rare Disease Day

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:23:11 +0000

Always thinking of others, our thoughtful Legislature. This time, to focus attention on rare diseases as a public health issue. And, with so much irony, the commemorative day is its own rarity, February 29^th or Leap Day. So tender and so clever. Apparently the theme for Rare Disease Day is solidarity, certainly a rarity in Sacramento when it comes to critical issues affecting California’s economy, or job creation, or failing infrastructure.

AB 2100 (Alejo) Promote Welfare of Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:34:34 +0000

In a sport that employs a legal move named the “guillotine choke” and is defined as “full contact combat,” perhaps a bill “enhancing the safety and promoting the welfare” of its fighters is not the best use of the Legislature’s time. Now, if the Legislature wants to take a lesson from the MMA play book and cage fight for tax increases, that might get the attention of the citizenry. Maybe being Chuck Norris means never having to say you’re sorry, but this is one bill that deserves a roundhouse kick to the statute. Tap out, on this one.

AB 1975 (Halderman) Medical Marijuana: Pesticide Regulation

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:48:43 +0000

Only in California would the legislature develop guidelines to enforce state pesticide regulations on the growing of an illegal drug, by federal standards. Apparently the discriminating consumers want to be sure they’re not ingesting pesticides or other toxins along with their medical mary jane. Eco-conscious ganja growers can’t get the USDA to certify pot products as organic because pot is, you know, not a legal crop. In California, of course, never let it be said that legality stood in the way of regulations!

AB 1777 (Ma) Legalizing Scattering Urns

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:47:18 +0000

Not content with regulating every aspect of waking life, the legislature is now moving onto the afterlife. Despite existing law that covers the disposition of cremated human remains, apparently now we need one that specifically calls out the legality of transferring remains to a “scattering urn” before turning dear departed auntie into the sea. There is that old yarn that says “there is always death and taxes; however, death doesn’t get worse every year.” Once again California is the exception that proves the rule.

AB 1820 (Block) Outlawing Push Pins

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:46:07 +0000

Life can be a dangerous place to hang around and certainly little ones need well-meaning adults to look out for their health and safety. Even with that, tragic accidents can happen. The solution isn’t to outlaw every pointy-ended thing. Push pins have been around for 112 years and children a good deal longer than that. Perhaps a little common sense and safety guidelines are in order, rather than penalizing push pin users and criminalizing felonious fasteners.

AB 1678 (Monning) Food Truck Ban Near Schools

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:46:11 +0000

Just about every bill introduced during the legislative session can be wrapped with the faux luv of “it’s for the kids.” Up for consideration is a bill that would equate food trucks with strip clubs by banning their proximity to schools from 6am to 6pm on the grounds that it could divert kids from a “nutritious school lunch.” Mobile food facilities offer culturally diverse foods and sometimes healthier (and fresher!) options than what can be found in nearby fast food establishments, convenience stores or even the local cafeteria. No matter how well-intentioned, this is a classic “solution bill” in search of a problem. Not only are local health agencies already covering this legal area, but this bill would create a new crime out of serving fusion tacos. That’s just too cruel for school.

ACR 99 (Fuentes) National Coupon Month

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:52:53 +0000

Apparently not noticing the rich irony in advocating for penny-pinchers, this bill language actually states: “Once consumers adopt frugal habits, they quickly discover that they like the feeling of saving money.” Lo that the Legislature could find that same “enjoyment of saving” when spending Californians’ money for them. Instead of looking for BOGO deals on tax increases, maybe California’s constituents should seek a “half off” coupon… as in a part-time legislature. Now that’s really the kind of coupon that would achieve “significant savings for California’s consumers.”