California’s Official State Stuff: Amphibians, Insects, Lichen, Dirt, etc. (Gov. Code 420-429)

California Government Code sections 420-429 list California’s official stuff, in other words, “California State Symbols and Emblems.” Here is the list. [Plus, my expert comments] How many did you know? What others would you recommend? Red-legged Frog Motto: Eureka [This should be my wife’s motto when I misplace something]Nickname: The Golden StateSong: “I Love You, … Continue reading California’s Official State Stuff: Amphibians, Insects, Lichen, Dirt, etc. (Gov. Code 420-429) →

The D.A.’s Disastrous Embarrassing False Start with a Jury

When I was a rookie deputy district attorney (D.A.) one of my colleagues quickly grabbed a case file and rushed off to court for his first jury trial. He wanted to make a good impression. The judge explained that the defendant waived his right to an attorney and insisted on exercising his constitutional right to … Continue reading The D.A.’s Disastrous Embarrassing False Start with a Jury →

Important Warning! Fentanyl Is a Killer!

I have witnessed a recent spike in the number of fentanyl cases. This is a deadly trend. Opioid Addiction Crisis America is in the middle of an opioid addiction crisis. Each year, over 90,000 people die from drug overdoses. That is 9 times the number killed by drunk drivers. And fentanyl is the driving force. … Continue reading Important Warning! Fentanyl Is a Killer! →

A “Germaphobe” Couple Comes to Court Wrapped in Cellophane

"Court Case Friday" I had a case of a couple charged with interfering with businesses. They were begging for money outside of liquor stores. When they came to court, they they refused to sit down, to touch anything, and they had wrapped themselves in dozens of layers of cellophane. They crinkled when they moved Apparently, … Continue reading A “Germaphobe” Couple Comes to Court Wrapped in Cellophane →

My Case of the YouTube Star Who Jumped off Hotel Balconies

"Court Case Friday" YouTube Star Hotel Jumper I presided over an interesting case involving a YouTube “Star.” The young man filmed himself jumping off very high balconies or roofs of hotels into their swimming pools. Apparently, when he posted the videos on YouTube, he had so many “views” and “likes” that advertisers were eager to … Continue reading My Case of the YouTube Star Who Jumped off Hotel Balconies →

In Honor of Veteran’s Day: “Who is ‘O’Hare’ of Chicago O’Hare International Airport?”

In Honor of Veterans Day (11 am, 11th day, 11th month. 11-11-11) Airports are named after famous people. I know about the namesakes of John Wayne and Ronald Reagan Airports, but who is O’Hare? I pondered this when I was stuck at that massive crowded airport. WWII Navy Fighter Pilot Chicago International Airport is named … Continue reading In Honor of Veteran’s Day: “Who is ‘O’Hare’ of Chicago O’Hare International Airport?” →

“Stake Presidents are ‘Dime a Dozen’”

One Saturday, in the late 1960’s, the Garden Grove California Stake President drove to Riverside to retrieve a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles for stake conference. The Apostle was one of my “favorites.” As they drove along Highway 91 in Corona, the Stake President pointed to the church’s large orange ranch off to … Continue reading “Stake Presidents are ‘Dime a Dozen’” →

Law and Religion: Refusing Medical Care and Vaccinations for Religious Reasons

Most religions believe in the power of faith and prayer to comfort and heal the sick. For most of these sects, religious healing accompanies conventional medical care. A few of these sects rely exclusively on religious healing. They oppose medical care. They put their trust in God. To rely on human medical treatment is to … Continue reading Law and Religion: Refusing Medical Care and Vaccinations for Religious Reasons →

Slavery in Perspective: Past and Present

"Historical Saturday" Slavery Throughout History Egyptian Slavery All ancient civilizations engaged in the horrific practice of slavery. The primary source of slaves was war captives. Chattel slavery was accepted throughout the world for over 10,000 years. It was not until the abolitionist movement in America and Europe in the 18th Century that slavery became broadly … Continue reading Slavery in Perspective: Past and Present →

“Founding Enemies” (Pt 2/4)- Patrick Henry versus James Madison

"Historical Saturday" Founding Fathers: Friends and Enemies We assume the founding fathers were lifelong friends and colleagues. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most people don’t realize that many of these founding fathers ended up as enemies. Patrick Henry Patrick Henry was a great orator. His rhetorical skills were impressive and persuasive. His … Continue reading “Founding Enemies” (Pt 2/4)- Patrick Henry versus James Madison →