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Yes On 8 Lawyers Will Ask CA Supreme Court To Invalidate Same Sex Marriages That Have Already Taken Place

On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear three lawsuits filed on behalf of same sex marriage supporters who want Proposition 8 overturned.  One big question mark is what happens to the thousands of gay couples who had marriages performed from mid-June through November 3rd.  Lawyers from Yes on 8 campaign are petitioning the court to invalidate those marriages but so far those marriages have been honored.  The courts have also said no more weddings can be performed until they issue a decision.

Get Set For Congestion Pricing On...Parking Meters???

First we saw congestion pricing proposed for traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, but San Francisco city officials have just come up with a new twist; congestion parking meter pricing.  The idea is to charge according to demand, the higher the demand for parking, the higher the cost to park.  In the event of concerts or special events, parking meters could charge up to $18 per hour!  But don't worry about having to fish around in your purse or pocket for all that change, parking officials are planning to retrofit the meters to accept credit cards.

Inmates Take On The Ivies In Chess

Can you imagine this taking place at San Quentin with students from UC Berkeley???     

Flying Objects Over Novato

Several residents in Novato called 911 on Tuesday evening to report seeing "flying space debris" streaking across the night sky.  Firefighters who responded couldn't find a thing, but MoreMarin thinks they probably spotted the Leonids Meteor shower which occurs annually this time of year.

CA Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Legal Challenges To Prop 8

The CA Supreme Court agreed to consider three lawsuits that ask for Proposition 8 to be nullified. Oral arguments could begin as early as March.  The court said that same sex marriages could not resume until it makes a ruling either way. 

Feature!- Anger And Hope At Anti Prop 8 Rally In San Rafael

"We will win!"

That was the rallying cry, and overall theme by Marin residents today at a gay marriage rights rally, on San Rafael City Hall steps.  It was part of a nationwide effort, Join The Impact, which called on gay rights advocates and supporters to rally against the passage of Proposition 8 in last week's election.

Click here to see the photo album and click below to see the rest of the story.

He Surfs, He Skateboards, He Paints- Here's Another Look At Ian Ross

Earlier this year MoreMarin profiled artist Ian Ross during Marin Open Studios.  His 'live painting' performances are all over YouTube, but VIMBY (Video In My BackYard) has an incredible new internet video that really captures Ian's art.  Take a look-

VIMBY - Ian Ross

New York Times Front Page Trumpets End Of Iraq War And Bush Indictment

Well, it was a joke but this was the New York Times front page a lot of New Yorkers woke up to on Wednesday morning.  It was a remarkably realistic looking knock-off with headlines like "Iraq War Ends- Troops To Return Immediately", "All Public Universities To Be Free", and "Labor Dept. Launches Job Creation Program."  Were that it were true...

Prop 8 Fight Far From Over- Activists Hope To Place Same-Sex Marriage Back On The Ballot In Two Years

The battle over Prop 8 is far from over.  Several lawsuits have already been lodged against the Proposition in the California State Supreme Court and a decision is expected soon, maybe even as early as this week.  If the courts don't overturn the Proposition, then activists vow to place an anti-Prop 8 measure on the ballot in just two years.

Meanwhile protests have been carried out almost daily, in front of churches around the nation, especially Mormon temples.  Mormons were one of Prop 8's biggest financial supporters.  Leaders, politicians and even television hosts have spoken out about the passage of Prop 8, including this emotional plea from MSNBC's Keith Olbermann.  Gay activists have also done some heavy soul-searching about taking California support for same-sex unions, for granted.  They accuse the No on 8 leaders of being 'too soft' in their battle against the Yes on 8 supporters. 

Still, thousands of same-sex weddings were performed in California from mid-June to the election and most people feel those unions will remain legal.  As of now, only Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay marriage. 

Update- Marin location confirmed- San Rafael City Hall, 1400- 5th Avenue

Activists are calling for a national day of protest this coming Saturday.  They are asking anyone against Prop 8 to show up at their City Hall steps for a peaceful protest beginning at 10:30am PT. 

Feature!- Intuitive Animal Training In Marin

By Margaret Petrie-

Many of us have chuckled at the Gary Larson cartoon of a man wordily reprimanding his dog and the dog only hearing "Blah, Blah, Blah."  But there are millions of people who would beg to differ.

(Cartoon courtesy of Gary Larson, click it to enlarge)

Feature!- Measuring For Money At Art By The Inch Fundraiser!

Pick a frame size, choose your portion of the painting, then cut it out! 

That's how it worked this weekend, at the annual Marin Museum of Contemporary Art fundraiser, Art by the Inch.  Check it out the festivities in MoreCulture!

Feature- The Next Key Is The Next Step In Fighting Homelessness

Any one of us could be just one paycheck away from losing our home, one hardship away from losing everything, one step away from homelessness.

Here's An Opportunity To Purchase Affordable Original Art- All For A Good Cause, Too!

Ever wanted to own an original painting but couldn't afford it?   Well, now is your chance. 

This Saturday, the Artists of MarinMOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) are hosting their annual Art By The Inch fund raiser.  The interactive art event consists of a group of artists who have painted a 100+ foot-long canvas, which the public will then frame portions of, to buy for their own.  The price is $1 a square inch which allows everyone to own whatever they can afford!

A $25 donation (tax deductible) will be charged to get into the event which will feature food and wine, music and a raffle ticket to win a painting by Marin artists, Chester Arnold or Inez Storer.  The Small Treasures Exhibition will feature other paintings and items for sale.  Proceeds from the event go to benefit MarinMOCA, a non-profit organization.

Details-
    **Saturday, November 8th
    **4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
    **City of Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field
    **500 Palm Drive, Novato
    **415 506-0137

Gay Rights Advocates Promise A Court Fight

Several same-sex couples along with San Francisco, Los Angeles and Santa Clara County filed three lawsuits Wednesday, in California Supreme Court seeking to strike Proposition 8.

On Tuesday, California voters passed Proposition 8, an initiative that would amend the State Constitution to ban gays from marrying in California.  The initiative would overturn a May ruling by the State Supreme Court that says same sex couples have a right to marry under California law.

The three lawsuits ask for an immediate stay to suspend the ruling with later plans on striking it down.  The suits contend that Prop 8 would 'subvert the fundamental principle of equal treatment' and is a Constitutional revision, rather than an amendment, and would require a two-thirds vote from each house in the Legislature before being submitted to a vote by Californians.

Suits were filed by the ACLU, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Lambda Legal and Education Defense Fund. 

Attorney General Jerry Brown is placed in a curious position.  As AG, his job is to defend California law and he must work to defend the Proposition, but he will also defend same-sex marriages that took place before Tuesday.

Gay rights advocates are not going to go down without a fight.  We at MoreMarin support them in fighting this mean-spirited and frankly, un-American proposition.

Historic, Exciting, Momentous, Pivotal

What more needs to be said? 

The Battle Of The Redwood High School Newspapers

The Bark, the student newspaper of Redwood High School in Larkspur, has just been selected as a finalist in the prestigious National Scholastic Press Association's Pacemaker Award.  It's the second year The Bark has been picked as a finalist for the award which honors excellence in coverage, content, quality of writing and leadership.  This award has been called the "Pulitzer Prize" of student journalism.  Staff members will attend the awards conference in St. Louis next week.

Another paper, this one not sanctioned by the school, has popped up on a school computer and has resulted in its creator being suspended from the high school for a week.  Deadwood Barf, a parody of The Bark which skewers gays, women, environmentalists and Marin residents in general, was posted on a school computer which is against school policy.  Redwood senior, Cyrus Massoumi says he knew he would it was against school policy, but he did it anyway.  Now he is seeking the help of the ACLU claiming his first amendment rights have been violated.  However, the ACLU is unlikely to become involved in his case stating their involvement would only occur if he was suspended for his views expressed, not for suspension due to school policy.  This is not the first time Massoumi has been suspended; he's been suspended twice before, once for making an anti-homosexual remark to a fellow student and also for a racial slur against another student as a joke.

Marin Museum Series- Marian Eakins Archaeological Collection

Want to see something old, really old?  How about 2,500 years B.C. old?  Collections of coins, glass, pottery and other artifacts that were used by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians are right here in Southern Marin.  Find out about the Marian Eakins Archaeological Collection in MoreCulture.

Marin Museum Series- Marin Museum Of Contemporary Art

Did you know there was a contemporary art Museum here in Marin?  We didn't.  Maybe it's because the newest museum here in Marin- the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art (MarinMOCA)- is only a year-old! MarinMOCA is is housed in the former administration building at the Hamilton AFB, and it's got a lot to offer as you'll find out in MoreCulture.

Marin Museum Series- Marin Museum Of The American Indian

Marin is named for Chief Marin, a leader of the Coast Miwoks who populated this part of the Bay Area.  So it's only natural that a museum dedicated to Native Americans is located right here in Marin County.  Take a look at the second installment in our series on Marin Museums featured in MoreCulture.

Those Red Wearing Republican Women Must Know Something

If men had to vote based on their libidos, chances are we'd all be red states.  Turns out all those red dresses, red jackets and red shoes on GOP gals get guys...well...hot.  A study led by a psych prof at the University of Rochester confirmed that red is truly the color of romance.  Men rated women more sexually attractive if they wore red, or whose photos were framed in red.  The researchers used identical photos of women dressed in other colors and red, and men strongly favored the red-dressed versions.  The tendency to prefer red may be deeply biological according to the study director.  And he also noted that wearing red didn't change men's feelings about intelligence or kindness, only attractiveness.  So gals, even if you're a True Blue Dem, you might want to consider mixing it up a bit and putting on that Rocking Red GOP dress if you want to have a really good time celebrating this Election night!!

Marin Museum Series- Bolinas Museum

When Bolinas comes up in conversation, one tends to associate the small hamlet with 60s-era hippies, weathered old-timer fishermen and a few anti-social folk who like to cut down signs that direct tourists into town.  Your associations about Bolinas would be pretty on target, but this quirky town also boasts the very first fine arts museum in the County.  And the Bolinas Museum is as much an integral part of Bolinas as are the towns' characters.  Here's the first in this week's four-part series on Marin's museums in MoreCulture.

"My Marlon and Brando" Shines at the MV Film Festival

Megan Richcreek has a review of the true-life story of an actress searching for her beloved in Baghdad in My Marlon and Brando, one of the offerings at the recent Mill Valley Film Festival.  Read the review in MoreCulture!

Zeppelin Tours In The Bay Area...And We Don't Mean Led

If you've got a spare $500 to burn in your pocket- bad economy be damned- get yourself down to Moffett Field in Mountain View for a neato ride in the newest airship to come to the Bay Area.  We're talking about the Airship Venture's Zeppelin which is open for business.  The Zeppelin will take you for a ride over the Bay Area to such wonders as the Wine Country, the GG Bridge and SF and the Big Sur coastline.  And you'll be happy to know that this modern version of the floating blimp uses helium, not the flammable hydrogen that caused the Hindenburg disaster in NJ.  KRON4 has a video report-
(photo courtesy of Airship Ventures website)

    

Thanks A Lot

We knew someone would come out with this lovely prediction sooner or later.  Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton just wrote an op-ed piece in the The New York Daily News yesterday that warned Americans to beware of...you guessed it...Osama Bin Laden.  Bratton cites the international support for Barack Obama as one reason he thinks OBL would strike in order to sway the election towards McCain.  Obama is generally liked, even in Muslim countries, whereas an elected John McCain would be more likely to engender anti-American resentment.  Bratton wrote-

"Bin Laden probably realizes it could become markedly more difficult to paint the United States as the "Great Satan" with a new President who is admired internationally. The remaining 14 days before the elections should be seen as a time of high threat, and state and local police should be on high alert. With so much at stake in these elections, Bin Laden will probably attempt to make his opinion count."

Swell.

Here's a video clip with MSNBC's Keith Olbermann and Richard Clarke having a heart to heart on OBL and his effect on the election.

    

SF City Hall Extends Hours To Accomodate Last Minute Gay Marriage Crush

Gay couples are sprinting to City Hall to tie the knot in a mad dash to beat Election day on November 4th.  That's because Proposition 8, the initiative that would amend the California Constitution to prevent same sex marriage, is picking up steam.  A few months ago, everyone was fairly certain that Proposition 8 would have a hard time passing but now it looks like Prop 8 supporters may have the edge.  SF City Hall has extended hours as shown in this KRON4 video-

    

Scary Halloween House Is No Treat For Youngsters

Halloween conjures up images of ghosts, witches and black cats to most people, but a San Rafael resident takes the scary theme one step further when he decorates his home with scenes from Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  And some people say the images are downright frightening, especially to youngsters who must walk past the house every day on their way to an elementary school down the street.
J.D.  Diego, who owns the house, says the scary figures are what Halloween is all about, and he pooh-poohs the naysayers who claim the gory scenes- complete with dismembered corpses and body parts- are too scary for kids.  Some parents say it's fine, but others claim he goes over the line with some images, including one of a nun holding crucifix in one hand, and a spine in the other. 

Update- The IJ site seems to be down, so here's a look at a KTVU story on the scary house.

The IJ has the story including a short video interview with the owner.  Do you think it's too much or much ado about nothing? 

Obama Ads Inside Of Video Games

In the 'what will they think of next category' comes this story.  The Obama campaign has placed ads actually in the video games themselves.  KRON4 shows us how high tech is influencing campaigning in 2008-

    

Carlos Santana Offers Grade Schoolers Some Spirituality

Carlos Santana played the preacher, but he was still greeted like a rock star at the Davidson Middle School on Thursday.  Santana was there to try and intone a bit of spirituality in the kids, as part of Spanish Heritage Month.  Many of Davidson's students are Hispanic.  Santana actually got the kids to quiet down and listen as he encouraged them to "visit your own heart and touch your own light."  We think they might have enjoyed a rocking rendition of Black Magic Woman even more.

Net Is The Golden Gate Bridge Directors Choice For Suicide Barrier

On Friday, in a nearly unified 14-1 vote, the Golden Gate Bridge district directors elected to go ahead with plans to install a stainless-steel net underneath the structure.  The net is designed to prevent suicide by collapsing around anyone who jumps off the bridge.  (graphic courtesy of SF Chronicle)

MoreMarin Editorial- Because McCain & Palin Can't Win It Any Other Way

Hey Marin County, you knew it was just a matter of time.  Flip on the light, and the place is overrun by cockroaches.  With Obama leading McCain by 11 points, at least according to the folks at Gallup, we guess now is that time. 

Of course we're referring to the avalanche of slime and innuendo that the McCain-Palin campaign has started to heap upon Obama. 

McCain's age must be affecting his memory because he's apparently forgotten the slanderous Atwater-Rove tactics used against him by Bush in 2000, when the Bush campaign spread an untrue and racist rumor that McCain had fathered a black child out of wedlock.  McCain's campaign never recovered.

Now he's using the same dirty people, and the same dirty tactics.  Nice going, John.

First he unleashed his main attack dog, Sarah "Six-Pack" Palin, who got things started with constant references to Obama's erstwhile "terrorist connections."  Trying to target Obama as un-American is really ballsy coming from someone who was a member of a group that advocates the secession of Alaska from the U.S. 

Conservative pundit David Brooks said Sarah Palin "represents a fatal cancer" to her party.  We won't argue with him.

Another GOP pitbull introduced both candidates at a rally in Pennsylvania, twice referring to the Christian Democratic candidate as "Barack Hussein Obama" in an obvious attempt to paint him as Muslim.

Then the "elder statesmen" candidate took up the gauntlet, asking voters at stops if they knew the 'real' Obama.  A new McCain campaign ad calls Obama "dangerous" and "dishonorable."  Who are they kidding?  McCain's new tactics are the only dishonorable thing here.

It's hard not to be both disgusted, and embarrassed by McCain's frantic grab for the golden ring.  He wants it so bad now, he'd push small children off the merry-go-round just to grab it.

And finally, the fanatics at Fox are slobbering at the mouth, too.  Sean Hannity should be thrown off the air for his incendiary and groundless assertion that Obama's community organizing work was "training for a radical overthrow of the government."

The thing about negative campaigns is, often- Dukakis, Kerry- they work. But maybe, this time it won't.

Maybe the whole country is so wretchedly obsessed over the tattered economy, our tarnished world-wide reputation and the ongoing failure in Iraq that they will ignore the pathetic pandering to America's baser instincts.

Then McCain and Palin can just disappear back into the dark like so many cockroaches.

Marin Teen Rocks The County- Featuring Matt Jaffe

Classical roots, a strong dose of jazz and the poetic punch of folk music all combine to make this teen troubadour something special.  Meet Marin County's singer-songwriter sensation, Matt Jaffe, in MoreCulture.

Suicide Barrier Not A Popular Idea According To Online Survey

If half the respondents to an online survey asking for their preference regarding a suicide barrier had their way, there would be none at all. 

In all, 4,147 Bay Area residents completed the survey which gave them a choice of barrier options on the Golden Gate Bridge, including adding several feet of barrier to the existing railing, a below the bridge net or no barrier at all.  Suicides are a common problem at the iconic structure; upwards of 1,200 have jumped to their death since it opened in 1937.  An emotional battle is being waged between those for and against a barrier. 

The GG Bridge District who sponsored the survey, released the results and other public feedback at their board meeting last Friday morning.  The board will take up the online results and discuss them in the next couple of weeks, and may make an initial decision on the preferred alternative on October 24. 

Under The Stars And With The Stars At The Mill Valley Film Festival Gala

Searchlights, cupcakes and Danny Glover at the 31st annual Mill Valley Film Festival Gala Opening night party...in MoreCulture!

Prop 8 Supporters Sign Off

A million signs that were supposed to show support for the anti-gay marriage measure didn't make their debut.  The pro-Prop 8 signs, supporting the amendment that would limit marriage to between a man and a woman, were supposed to be planted on a million front lawns across the state in a massive one day planting project that was supposed to take place in...September. 

Only it didn't happen.

The Protect Marriage Coalition which ordered the signs from a California company has yet to receive most of the signs which were apparently manufactured overseas. 

Meanwhile, the anti-Prop 8 contingent, Equality California, say they've received all their political signs which they are busy planting in laws everywhere. 

And the spokesperson added that their signs were made in a "union shop in Kansas."

The Economic Crisis Is Even Affecting Illegal Immigration

If someone were to ask you- is illegal immigration growing or shrinking, how would you answer?  Most of us are probably under the impression that the numbers are going up every year.

Wrong.

If the Pew Hispanic Center in Washington D.C. who studies these things is correct, the answer is shrinking.  They claim in a study to be released today, that 25% less undocumented Mexicans have entered our country since a peak in 2005 and that illegal immigration from Central America is 50% less.  According to this Wall Street Journal article, many aren't bothering to enter and many more who already in this country, are even leaving due in large part to the terrible economic conditions found in the U.S.

The backward immigration wave began certainly as a result of President Bush's immigration policy; raids on workplaces, fines and criminal charges levied on undocumented workers and deportation efforts.  But the  increasing unemployment woes usually targets those at the bottom first, and a lot of them are immigrant workers.

The article goes on to note that immigration reversal isn't new; in fact it points out that nearly one third of the 30 million immigrants who arrived on U.S. shores between the Civil War and World War I wound up going back to their homelands.      (photo courtesy of JewishJournal.com)

Part Of L.A.? No Thanks, East L.A. Wants To Be Its Own City

When you think of East L.A., visions of Mexican-American culture- lowrider cars, Latin-based musical rhythms and Mexican food- comes to mind.  That's because 96% of the 130,000 residents of this seven-and-a-half square mile area are Latino. 

East L.A., an unincorporated part of Los Angeles has been described as the 'epicenter of Latino culture' and many residents feel they deserve their own city.  Although this isn't the first effort at incorporation, proponents feel they've got a real shot at this time because a lot of East Los Angelenos don't feel they are given their due from Los Angeles. 

But don't look for the signs to the city of East L.A. anytime soon.  It won't come up for a vote for at least two years.

Over 1,100 Arrests In California Immigration Sweep

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE, just completed a three-week sweep in California, targeting immigrants who have previously ignored deportation orders, or have returned to the U.S. illegally.  The sweep, which netted 1,150 individuals, garnered 436 arrests in Northern California alone.  According to the ICE official quoted in this KRON4 video, 20% of those arrested in the Bay Area were criminals-

     

Candace Bushnell Takes The Lark By Storm

Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell strutted her stuff up at the Lark Theater last Friday.  Megan Richcreek brings us the scoop in MoreCulture!

Asteroid Catastrophe Just Waiting To Happen

Never mind the failing economy, skyrocketing food and fuel prices, the greenhouse effect and Sarah Palin, now we've got asteroid impacts to worry about!  A panel of scientists and astronauts converged in San Francisco to warn the world about the globally disastrous potential of asteroids that will impact earth; possibly in our lifetime. 

Commuters Still Battling The Backup On 101

Caltrans said they would fix the problem, but according to this KRON4 report, Hwy 101 was still a mess on Monday for the morning rush.

    

Berkeley Tree Sitters Say Being In The Trees Was Like Camping, "Only Higher"

One of the four Berkeley tree-sitters who were the final activists to remain, and then come down from their perch, spoke about their experiences.  Ernest Trevino Pena, 18 years-old, said they read philosophy, practiced yoga and even played tag around their wooden platforms 80 feet above the ground.  He also said they tried to stay positive while aloft, even though in the end the trees came down before the nearly two year old protest ended on September 9th.  Pena joined two other tree -sitters at a news conference yesterday.  The fourth tree sitter, Michael Shuck aka "Shem", remains in Alameda County jail.

Movie Review- "Burn After Reading"

In the mood for a comedy?  You might enjoy the newest Coen brothers' release.  Megan Richcreek reviews it, in MoreCulture.

The Hot Color For Home This Fall Is... Cool Blue

We'd like to introduce our newest columnist, Megan Richcreek!  Megan is recent U.C. Davis graduate and lifelong Marin resident.  She'll be covering fashion, food and film among other things, and we're delighted to have a fresh voice on MoreMarin. 

If you're looking for a way to update a room this fall, Megan has the scoop on the latest color trends to hit the home design market, in her article in MoreShelter.

86 Years Of Publication End This Month- Say Goodbye To The Novato Advance

Eight decades is a lot of years and that's how long the Novato Advance newspaper has been around.  But it will come to an end on September 25 which is the last date of publication.  1999 was their last profitable year due to the growing trend to internet, cable and other new media information streams.  This trend has impacted newspaper publications nationwide, not just the Novato Advance.  Even though we at MoreMarin are part of the new media, we are extremely sad when a newspaper folds, and especially one in our backyard.

Mill Valley Film Fest to Feature 200 Films, Stars and More

The 31st annual Mill Valley Film Festival just announced their schedule and look in MoreCulture to find out who's coming to town from October 2 through October 12th!

Berkeley Tree-Sitters Up A Tree With Nowhere To Go (But Down...)

It all ended around 1:30 pm today.  Nearly two years after they first climbed the trees, the four remaining Berkeley tree-sitters came down from the top perch of the only tree left standing in the grove.  Hundreds of people watched from the sidewalk below, including many supporters who kept up a a steady drumbeat while they waited for the inevitable.   One by one, the tree-sitters climbed down and were promptly handcuffed by police officers who waited on a newly-constructed platform below.

See our Photo Album here and the slide show in the continuation.

It's Back To School For Belarus Teen While She Awaits Diplomatic Solution

September means back to school, even for Tanya Kazyra.  Except the 16 year-old, who chose to stay here with her U.S. exchange family rather than return home to Belarus, is not in school.  She's being home schooled in the Petaluma home of her American host family, the Zapatas, while she awaits a diplomatic solution to her situation.

Kazyra, created an international stir when she refused to get on the return plane home last month.  (Photo courtesy of Press Democrat)

The Trees Come Down (But Tree Sitters Remain)

(Photo by SF Chronicle)- The infamous Berkeley tree sitters are still perched in a single, solitary r