Contrary to what traditional political philosophy would suggest, the people of California largely support tax increases. In last week’s local elections, voters approved 40 of the 53 proposed measures that would have increased taxes or created new fees or bonds. Voters are generally more supportive of local taxes than state taxes, but last week's results are still an encouraging sign for Governor Jerry Brown as he prepares new legislation for 2012...
California’s "Green Ribbon Science Panel" is in the process of drafting up new legislation that would tighten regulations on the use of hazardous materials in consumer goods. Looking to pick up where Proposition 65 left off, the new bill would dramatically expand the current list of banned chemicals and force manufacturers to seek safer alternatives by imposing a $25,000 daily fine for violators...
Graffiti artists caught violating public property can face fines up to $5,000. But graffiti still costs Hayward $927,000 annually for clean-up and enforcement, which is why Local Hayward pastor, Chuck Horner, is going to battle with taggers. When a local graffiti artist gets caught, the police send him or her to Horner, who gives the offender a 40-hour lecture (no kidding) and a home-cooked meal. Horner aims to teach taggers about the hidden costs of graffiti and its effects on local business and safety, but he fights his battle with compassion and understanding...
Some elderly local food-bank recipients are enrolling at multiple locations, picking up their free food and reselling it for money. While local food banks are frustrated that people are gaming the system, they try to keep the abuse in context. These people are selling free jars of peanut butter for 75 cents to try and make ends meet...
As the Occupy movement tries to gain a foothold on college campuses, some administration officials have been quick to respond and enforce a zero-tolerance policy. Schools including UC Berkeley, which has a history of protests, have met students with riot gear and batons. Other schools, like Duke and Harvard, have been accommodating, almost to the point of supportive. Unlike public places in major cities, colleges and universities already have infrastructure (showers, trash cans, dining halls) to support demonstrators, meaning the protests could theoretically continue for quite a long time...
The future of Occupy Oakland is less certain, however. Early this morning, hundreds of police arrived to evict the remaining protestors from Frank Ogawa Plaza. Arrests were made and all tents were removed.
Connecting the Dots brings the day's news together
