California on Monday became the first state to enshrine certain rights for transgender K-12 students in state law, requiring public schools to allow those students access to whichever restroom and locker room they want. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown announced that he had signed AB1266, which also will allow transgender students to choose whether they want to play boys’ or girls’ sports. The new law gives students the right “to participate in sex-segregated programs, activities and facilities” based on their self-perception and regardless of their birth gender. The Gay-Straight Alliance Network said two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, have statewide policies granting the same protections, but California is the first to put them into statute and require them in all school districts.
Californians love their pets, and now they can display that love on their bumpers.
Governor Jerry Brown, along with First Dog Sutter Brown, made a trip to Los Angeles Wednesday to support the state's new Pet Lover's License Plate.
Proceeds from the sale of the plates will help provide funding for free and low-cost spay and neuter programs in an effort to cut down on the number of dogs and cats that end up in shelters each year.
"No government bureaucracy," Brown said. "It doesn't have to go through Sacramento. It goes directly to do something good."
Joining Brown at Wednesday's event was dog trainer Cesar Millan, who's best known for his role as TV's Dog Whisperer.
"To me, a spay and neuter campaign is just as important as the Buckle Up (campaign)," Millan said. "It saves lives."
Adding some Hollywood flair to the campaign, the plates were designed by actor Pierce Brosnan.
"The dog that you see on the license plate is a family dog, Shiloh, and the cat is Angel Baby," Brosnan said. "Shiloh is a pound dog."
The state is waiting for 7,500 pre-orders before it starts making the plates. So far, they have a little more than 4,000 orders. Prices start at $50 for a standard plate and $98 for a personalized plate.
