California, the state that gave rise to Silicon Valley, has a governor without an e-mail address. Gov. Gray Davis and Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante can't be reached on the Information Highway, but that hasn't stopped Davis from touting the state's dot-com economy overseas, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Every California state lawmaker is available online but a spokesman says Davis is concerned that he won't be able to respond to all the mail he would get. Legislated Sportsmanship
Portland Trailblazers head coach P.J. Carlisimo was the victim of a highly-publicized attack by one of his players, Latrell Sprewell (now of the New York Knicks), so perhaps it isn't surprising that Oregon lawmakers have made it illegal to assault a sports official. Next timer a player assaults a coach or referee, a fine of $500 to $1000 plus attorney fees would result. The Oregonian reports that the bill Governor John Kitzhaber signed off in July has recently taken effect. Twelve other states, including California have similar laws and ten more states have legislation pending.
Cock Fighting Enthusiasts Form PAC
A pair of unusual special interests are duking it out over cock fighting in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Coalition Against Cockfighting has raised $53,915 and spent $29,130 to stop the practice, according to The Oklahoman. But gamefowl breeders have organized a political action committee to fight the ban on cockfighting.
Bread, Butter and Bars
If you are willing to pay $55 a night you can sleep at Utah's cozy Salt Lake County Jail the newest B&B in town. On Friday, Dec. 3 the jail will open its doors to the public and guests will enjoy such VIP amenities as fingerprinting, jail togs and jailhouse cuisine. The Deseret News reports that the real prisoners will be moved to a new $135 million facility, but they won't get the souvenir T-shirt, coffee mug or lapel pin that the paying guests will receive.
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