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Published August 15, 2018

Calexit May Be Making a Comeback

Some voters will likely remember the recent plan to separate the state of California from the rest of the nation. This plan was referred to as Calexit. The plan was to have California secede from the Union to form its own, brand new country. The plan itself was very big, and received a lot of support and criticism from all sides.

The people behind the plan have until October 17 to gather enough signatures for the proposal to be placed on the 2021 ballot. However, as that deadline fast approaches, the groups seems to be largely abandoning that effort in favor of a new one. This is largely due to the fact that they have yet to acquire even 25% of the needed voter signatures to get the measure approved. The belief is that plans like Calexit have failed in the past before due to their lack of consideration of Native Americans.

The US Census state that California is home to the largest population of Native Americans in the country. This is part of the reason why the new plan for California secession involves dividing the new California in half and calling one half the Autonomous Native Nation.

This new plan is still in the early stages of development. The Yes California group, the one backing the Calexit plan, has not yet contacted tribal leaders to get their opinions. Currently, the plan has California been split roughly down the middle with the western half being the new California and the Eastern half becoming the Autonomous Native Nation.

What do you think of this latest plan to change the shape and future of California? Would you rather have the state split into three with Cal-3, or would you rather secede altogether? Perhaps you’d prefer it if the state stayed exactly the same. Let us know in the comments.

Published August 13, 2018

7 Tips for Preventing Wildfires

All Californians know that it is that time of year once again. Fire season is upon us. California has a tendency to have a hot, dry climate in summer. This can make it very easy for fires to break out and roar across the state. While winds may help cool us down, they only fan the flames, helping them spread farther, faster.

During this time of year it is very important that every Californian be more cautious with everything they do. One wrong move can start up a wildfire and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Nobody wants to be the one responsible for that.

The following are some tips we have gathered to help prevent wildfires in the first place.

• When setting up campfires, be sure to check local laws to make sure they are allowed in the area, and if they are, that they are kept 10 feet away from anything combustible.
• When it comes to dealing with campfires, always be sure to keep fires smaller than 3 feet wide, and only burn firewood. The fire pit should be completely surrounded by rocks and a shovel and supply of water should be kept close by incase the fire starts to get out of control.
• Fireworks are a sure fire way to start wildfires, which is why they are typically illegal to set off in most areas of California.
• Never discard a cigarette by tossing it on the ground or throwing it out of the car window. Doing so is an easy way for the smoldering cigarette butt to land in a dry patch of foliage and start a new blaze. Always discard cigarettes in ashtrays where they cannot blow away.
• Never park a vehicle on dry brush, since the heat from the exhaust can be enough to start a fire.
Be careful with lawnmowers in dry areas since they can start fires with sparks cause by their blades striking against rocks. Try to mow early in the morning when there is still moisture around.
• Never play around with fire, especially not in hot, dry, or windy conditions.

Fire safety is a very big deal in the state of California. Every year fire season rolls around and thousands of acres are burnt down. Sometimes people lose their homes, and in devastating instances, people lose their lives. It is important that everyone do their part to try and prevent wildfires from happening.

Published July 19, 2018

Smoking Marijuana While Driving

While the rest of the country may be debating what to do about cannabis, Californians have already decided. California recently legalized marijuana for recreational use. We followed several other states like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. While we weren’t the first ones to legalize weed recreationally, we are still one of the eight states that allows it recreationally. However, like with alcohol and cigarettes, there are laws that have to be followed.

Arguably the most important place to follow the law is behind the wheel. When a person steps behind the wheel of a vehicle they greatly increase the chances of causing harm to someone. Vehicle related deaths are some of the highest in the nation.

Before California allowed the sale of recreational marijuana, they passed several laws in anticipation. In particular they passed a law in regards to driving while smoking. According to this law, written by Sen. Jerry Hill, if a person is caught smoking marijuana while operating a vehicle, or while riding in a vehicle, they can be subjected to a violation. The violation will include a fine of $70.

This really isn’t a new law for us. It’s already illegal to drive while intoxicated. Obtaining a DUI isn’t because you were drunk, it just means you were under the influence of some kind of substance. Along with not being intoxicated while driving, you cannot have an open container of cannabis in your vehicle. This is similar to you not being allowed to have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

Since we are one of the few states that have legalized the use of marijuana recreationally, we have to be the role model for other states in the future. As time continues, more studies will be released in regards to the use of marijuana, which will broaden our understanding of the subject as a whole. Until then, exercise caution, and just follow the law.

Published July 4, 2018

Search and Rescue for a Cheetah

When it comes to search and rescue, law enforcement officers take the job very seriously. Lives are on the line after all. They know that the safety of others depends on how quickly they work. Search and rescue is a very important job. Recently, the Rhode Island State Highway Patrol performed a very important job with helping a four-year-old boy.

Now, this search and rescue mission did not go the way one would expect. While driving through the State of Rhode Island with his parents, a four-year-old boy lost his stuffed cheetah, Roger, out of his car window. The boy was naturally devastated. When the family returned home, they sent a letter to the Rhode Island Highway Patrol.

The letter explained the situation and asked for their help in locating the lost cheetah. When the letter arrived on Corporal Lawens Fevrier, he was touched. Thinking of his own sons, he then alerted troopers to keep an eye out for the stuffed cheetah along I-95. Unfortunately, it was raining and after days of searching, they were not able to locate the lost cheetah. However, that is not the end of the story.

The ended up sending a package to the family with a new stuffed cheetah and a letter. The letter stated that despite their best efforts, they were not able to locate Roger the cheetah. However, they did find another cheetah who was looking for a home in New York City where the family lived. Before they sent the cheetah off, they made him Cheetah Trooper. The young boy took the new cheetah in and named him Rhody.

This heartwarming story is a great reminder of the fact that there are still good and caring people out there.

Published July 2, 2018

The Dangers of Wildfires

As summer strengthens its grip on California, it is important for everyone to remember to be prepared for wildfires. While the state may be out of the worst stages of the drought that plagued us in recent years, things are still pretty dry out there. That is what summer does to the state. It bakes California and dries out large swatches of plant life, which makes the perfect kindling for wildfires.

Wildfires are dangerous, costly, and very easy to start. One Washington teen learned this the hard way after starting the large Eagle Creek wildfire last year in Oregon. The boy said he tossed firecrackers into the woods, which sparked the blaze. Recently, a judge ruled that the boy would need to pay roughly $36 million in damages. That is a very steep fine for a teenager.

Wildfires spread at their will, and torch anything in their path. With the help of winds, they can spread quickly, which is why it is important to heed evacuation notices given by emergency personnel. They understand better than anyone else how wildfires operate, and you should always take their advice when it comes to wildfires.

When it comes to preventing wildfires, a person should never play with fire in dry areas. A good gust of wind and a single ember is all it takes to spark an out of control blaze. For people who live in rural areas, it is important to follow all brush clearance laws in that area. Doing so can save your home.

Wildfires are scary, and difficult to control. It is important that everyone do what they can to prevent wildfires from occurring, and to follow the instructions of emergency personnel. Doing so can save lives and reduce the cost of fighting a fire.

Published June 28, 2018

Do You Think California Will Split Apart?

Near the beginning of this year, Californians began hearing rumors that they may be able to vote on splitting the state into multiple states. The measure would break up California into three new states. The idea behind this is that California is too large and diverse to govern. By splitting it up, each region would be able to better govern itself the way it wants to.

While this was simply a rumor and idea at the beginning of this year, it has now come to fruition. Election officials have announced that the Cal-3 measure has more than enough signatures to get it placed on the November ballot this year. This means that Californians will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to split the state up into three new ones.

This isn’t the first time that people have tried to alter California is some way. There have been numerous attempts since the states admittance to the Union to alter it in some way. People have sought to change its boundaries, split it into multiple pieces, and even have it secede from the Union to become its own state. However, none of these attempts have made it.

If voters approved the measure in November, it would still need to receive approval from both the California Senate and House of Representatives. If, the measure managed to get approved there, it would then be sent to Washington DC, where Congress would need to approve it as well. Both instances seem very unlikely due to many different political reasons.

Many of those political reasons are why a new state hasn’t been added to the Union in over 50 years, or why a state hasn’t been split apart in over 150. The last state to be created from a split was West Virginia back in 1863. While it is a long shot for California to split apart, there is still that possibility that it could occur. Only time will tell what will happen, and you can bet that many people will be paying close attention to California this November.

Published June 21, 2018

What Counts as Sexual Harassment?

There are plenty of beautiful people in the world. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s always nice to appreciate beauty, but in polite ways. You can’t just catcall some random person on the opposite side of the street. That is considered sexual harassment. There are ways to show appreciation for beauty, but you need to be aware there is a fine line between compliments and sexual harassment.

There are several types of sexual harassment. One type of sexual harassment is “quid pro quo” which means “this for that”. This kind of sexual harassment usually occurs in a career or educational setting. The second type of sexual harassment is hostile environment, and can happen anywhere. This is when the receiver of sexual harassment feels threatened while the abuser is in a seat of power.

Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, at any time. It also doesn’t always appear sexual in nature. It could start as just an off-handed comment. A mentor, teacher, co-worker, family member, friends, or a random stranger can harass you. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone at any time. It can be either verbal or physical.

Sexual harassment does not discriminate, it can happen to anybody, any gender, and ethnicity. It can happen in public or in a private setting. If it ever does happen to you, it’s important that you know your rights. If the sexual harassment that you receive escalates to rape, it’s essential that you understand your rights. Your rights are as follows according to Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN):

• You have the right to determine whether or not you want to report the assault to Law Enforcement.
• You have the right to have an advocate present at the hospital exam and at any interview by Law Enforcement, the District Attorney or Defense Attorney.
• You have the right to be treated in a considerate and sensitive manner by Law Enforcement, medical personnel, advocates, and prosecution personnel.
• You have the right not to be subjected to any type of discrimination because of your gender, race, age, class, religion, occupation, or sexual orientation.

It’s important to stop and appreciate the beauty of the world, but it’s also necessary to respect people. If you admire a flower, you don’t want to cut and kill the flower. If you let the flower be, it will grow to be even more gorgeous, and produce more flowers.

Published June 14, 2018

It’s Not Just a Joyride

There are plenty of games and shows that like to dabble in the excitement of being a criminal. They’re fun and thrilling to watch as the character steals a car and goes on a high speed chase. Californians love to watch real life high speed chases on the news every chance we get. It’s the adrenaline, the thrill that keeps us entertained. However, if we did this stuff in real life, we’d be in some serious trouble.

Watching these shows, or playing certain video games, doesn’t come with any consequences, but doing this kind of stuff in real life would. Joyriding in someone’s vehicle is a big no-no in the real world. In other states, joy riding isn’t as serious of an offense. However, in California, it is as serious as auto theft. Auto theft and joyriding can land you the same sentence in court. Just the definition of theft in California is taking someone else’s property, which is why joyriding is linked with theft in California.

Theft in California is extremely frowned upon. The act will land you in trouble, but it can easily turn into grand theft. Theft is considered grand when the property taken has a higher value on it. For example, a pack of gum is only a dollar, so if some were to steal that, it would not be considered a grand theft. This is the reason why grand theft auto is a common phrase. Cars are usually valued above $950, which is the distinction between theft and grand theft. The legal definition of grand theft auto in California, according to Penal Code Section 487, is defined as the intentional taking away of a motor vehicle that belongs to someone else.

You aren’t just looking at large fines when it comes to theft; you’re looking at serving time. Theft can land you with 16 months to 3 years in prison. It ultimately depends on the value of the item(s) stolen and the situation itself. Doing the time is one thing, but they also tack on a hefty fine for theft related charges. Again, the fines depend on the situation but can add up to $10,000.

While it may be thrilling to play or watch shows that promote theft, and violence, it’s best that it stays in the fantasy realm. In the real world, theft can lead to a not so fun ending like jail. Just stick to watching crime show dramas, or playing intense games filled with crime. Save yourself, and your family the time, heartache, and money.

Published June 7, 2018

Father’s Day Even When They Are Absent

The perfect Father’s Day involves seeing your dad grilling up the perfect steaks. He’s manning the grill while you and your siblings play games and talk about all the awesome things your dad does. Your mom is gushing over your dad, and serving everyone ice tea and lemonade. The weather is nice. The skies are blue and the Sun isn’t too hot. Even though this seems picture perfect, this is not the reality many face of Father’s Day.

There’s a father problem in the U.S. that we need to address. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children live without their biological dad in the home. This statistic doesn’t take into account why their biological dad isn’t in the picture. There could be valid reason why the Father is not around. However, there are 2.7 million children in the U.S. with a parent in prison. 92% of parents in prison are fathers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 95% of inmates will be released eventually. However, two out of three of them will re-offend and land right back in the prison. The number of children with a father in prison has grown by 79% since 1991. It’s becoming more common to find a dad out of the picture due to him serving time in prison.

The question then arises, what if a dad is out of the picture? Kids who have an absentee father have a significantly higher chance of being incarcerated. There have also been studies done on the “father factor” impacting a child’s development. Without a father figure, we tend to see more “daddy issues” in a person. While most of joke about having “daddy issues” you can’t deny that an absent father can really someone.

With statistics like this, it’s not surprising to hear that your father may be in jail or is absent from your life. If your father is in prison this Father’s Day, you’re not alone. This does not mean that you shouldn’t celebrate Father’s Day. There may be a male figure in your life who, may not be related to you, but has been like a father to you. Use this day to honor him and show your appreciation. The best Father’s Day is spending time with your father, where he’s biological or not.

Published May 31, 2018

The Ethics of Assisted Suicide in California

The issues we face in today’s world are very different than what our ancestors might have faced. The older generations in our families can share millions of stories that normally start off with: “Back in my day…” Older generations grew up with less technology, while newer generations have been raised on tech. Since they have a better understanding of technology, newer generations are finding out more about the world around us. This inevitability means that we have new problems to solve.

One of latest problems that we need to figure out is more of an ethical issue. The topic of assisted suicide is a touchy one. No one wants to die, or plans on dying, yet it comes all the same. The unknown of what death holds makes this topic even more difficult to decide on. Here in California, a Judge recently decided to overrule the decision to allow assisted suicide. This brings the hot topic back up for debate.

Anything involving death is a sensitive subject, and a very serious one. Assisted suicide is when physicians prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients. This allows the patient to die on their own terms and avoid unnecessary medical bills that would fall onto their loved ones to pay. It’s important to know that not just anyone can opt for assisted suicide; several physicians have to sign off on it. California is also not the only state with this law, states like Washington and Oregon also allow it.

California recently began allowing physician to help patients with assisted suicide. Compassions and Choices, an advocacy group for the act, said that in 2016 California had 504 terminally ill adults receive prescriptions for a medical death. This means that people are interested in this law. Our current Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill in 2016.

The viewpoints on the subject of assisted suicide all argue ethics. Some people argue that if we allow physician-assisted suicide that some unethical people may coerce the terminally ill. Others argue that allowing assisted suicide would be an act of mercy because some can’t afford more medical bills. Whichever point you wish to argue, it’s understandable. Hot topics like this could be argued about forever. This is an issue that our elders didn’t have to debate, which leads the weight of decision resting on our shoulders.