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May 16th, 2008
Gay Marriage Ban Overturned
Matthew Bajko
Assistant Editor, Bay Area Reporter
On Thursday the California Supreme Court paved the way for California to become the second state in the nation to allow same-sex marriage. In 2004, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom granted marriage licenses at City Hall regardless of gender. Those marriages were later nullified by the State Supreme Court. The city along with gay rights groups sued the state, claiming that gay couples were entitled to full equality under California’s constitution. The state argued that Californians banned same-sex marriages in 2000 after passing Proposition 22, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. But a sharply divided court ruled that a person’s sexual orientation is not a legitimate reason to deny or withhold legal rights. The decision will take effect in thirty days. A ballot initiative to amend the state's constitution and ban gay marriage may appear on the November ballot.
Governor Unveils Budget
John Myers
Sacramento Bureau Chief, KQED Public Radio
This week, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger submitted a revised budget which saves state parks and some school funding, but makes drastic cuts to health and welfare programs for the disadvantaged. The controversial plan would borrow against future lottery revenue to fill the state’s projected $15 billion deficit and create a $2 billion rainy day fund. The lottery proposal would go before the public for a vote on the November ballot. If the measure fails, the state would automatically impose a one cent sales tax increase for three years. The plan, which the Assembly must approve by June 15th, was quickly criticized by both Republicans and Democrats.
Water Rationing For East Bay
Mike Taugher
Reporter, Contra Costa Times
Many residents and businesses in parts of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties face immediate water rationing, after the East Bay Municipal Utility District declared a water emergency this week. District managers say two consecutive years of dry weather and this year’s dry spring have left the district, which serves 1.3 million residents, with only two-thirds of its normal supply. The plan requires a 19% reduction of water usage for private homes and a 5 to 30 % reduction for some businesses. Those who do not comply may face fines and reduced services. Many residents are concerned that those who have already made water conservation efforts will be unfairly penalized. The board is considering a variety of pricing schemes. There will be a public hearing on July 8 regarding rate increases.
Mixed Report on Traffic
Rachel Gordon
Political Reporter, San Francisco Chronicle
A report released this week by Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission showed that while some specific traffic delays in the Bay Area have improved, overall congestion throughout the region reached its highest level since 2000. A combination of factors may be contributing to the improvement. Officials credited the reconfiguration of FastTrak lanes at the Bay Bridge for improving congestion on one of the worst bottlenecks, Interstate 80. Some commute routes may now be lighter due to the economic downturn. With gas prices hitting $4.00 per gallon and higher, more commuters are choosing public transportation. BART has reported increased rider ship and recently removed seats from some of its cars to accommodate more people. On Thursday, the annual Bike to Work Day attracted thousands of people, as an alternative mode of transportation.
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