Aug. 19, 2020
Liz Writes Life
Good news for gun owners. Those who own gun magazines that
hold more than 10 bullets are no longer an outlaw. But, don’t hold your breath
as it may be temporary.
Last week, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals voted against California’s ban on high-capacity
ammunition magazines. Believe it or not, the panel said one of the newest
California gun laws violates the U.S. Constitution’s protection of the right to
bear arms. Wow, this is an amazing move by what is considered a very liberal
appeals court.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office has not responded
to the appeal and stated it is reviewing the decision. And gun owners cannot
immediately rush to buy high-capacity magazines, because the stay issued by the
lower court judge is still in place. Unfortunately, Becerra can ask a larger
11-judge appellate panel to reconsider the ruling or Becerra could appeal to
the U.S. Supreme Court.
But, on a note of good news for those who believe in the Bill
of Rights, appellate Judge Kenneth Lee wrote the ban on higher-capacity
magazines strikes at the core of the Second Amendment, which is the right to
armed self-defense.
Sam Paredes, executive director for the Gun Owners of
California, was pleased the decision has “lots of great content.” Highlights
include: Large-capacity magazines are protected by the Second Amendment; and
these types of magazines are not unusual and are commonly used in lawful
activity. The Gun Owners group was a major litigant in the case titled Duncan v
Becerra.
Church in California
The Grace Community Church was able to hold indoor services
last Sunday, although the members did wear masks and were socially distanced.
The pastor, John MacArthur, brought a complaint against Gov. Gavin Newsom, CA. A.G.
Xavier Becerra, the Los Angeles mayor and Los Angeles County health officials
alleging they had shown unconstitutional favoritism in the enforcement of
Covid-19 regulations to the detriment of churches.
The Los Angeles Times reported that L.A. County brought a
lawsuit against the church stating the congregation could not conduct indoor-in-person
worship. Religious services could only be held outdoors. Grace Community
Church, in Sun Valley, counter-filed.
Last Friday, Superior Court Judge Gregory W. Alarcon issued
his decision after hearing arguments. Pastor MacArthur said he was grateful the
court has allowed them to meet inside – at least for a few weeks. Yep, you guessed
it. L.A. County or CA. A.G. Becerra can appeal the decision. MacArthur added
that his congregation is “not trying to be rebellious or unreasonable, but that
we will stand firm to protect our church against unreasonable, unconstitutional
restriction.”
The Grace Church attorney added that the government “has
given free rein to protesters and is not similarly restricting marijuana
dispensaries, large retail outlets and factories and abortion providers.”
For sure, this is good news that an L.A. County Superior
Court judge ruled in the church’s favor.
Remember
Call to get your $20 ticket to support the Yreka Elks Lodge
and pickup a tasty boxed dinner cooked by grill master Dave Tyler and his crew.
This is an easy drive-thru dinner at Black’s Appliance Parking lot by Walmart
on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. Call 530-842-1980 or 530-340-3443 to get your tickets for the Hawaiian
pulled pork or chicken thighs and full Island-style dinner.
Trump and police
A Support President Donald Trump rally combined with a Support
Our Police rally will be held this Friday at Jolly’s Club Saloon parking lot,
in Yreka, from 10 a.m. to noontime. Campaign hats, bumper stickers and flags
will be available for purchase. Stop in or honk your horn when you drive by.
In an unusual move, but very telling in the current riot and
looting climate in U.S. big cities, the New York City Police Union voted to
support President Trump in the November presidential election. Trump has
decried the protestors that have vandalized and destroyed stores, government
buildings and historical monuments.
Union President Patrick Lynch praised Trump for what he
called a willingness to “speak the truth.” Lynch lamented that there is a false
narrative about the city’s law enforcement officers and they are not evil.
New York City police union is not the only group to stand
against the rioting and looting. County sheriffs are supporting officers and
events called “Cops for Trump” are happening in various states.
Garden
For those who are still reading my column, I will switch from
politics to gardening. Hollyhocks, red bee balm, a few glads and lavender phlox
are still blooming. Two volunteer cosmos plants are flowering. One has lavender
and white stripes and the other is sporting solid maroon flowers -- the same
color as the big-headed amaranths. Velvety purple morning glories have climbed
all over the amaranths and fence. Pink Echinacea, tall yellow yarrow and purple
thistles are also in full bloom.
All 30 volunteer four o-clocks are boasting white trumpets,
just like I expected, except one that just flowered a pretty pink. Yay! And
most of the Sweet William are still blooming under the pine tree along with
both multi-colored dahlias and a few straggling yellow and red snapdragons. Yep,
it is August and everything looks abundant, even in this heat!
Been picking cucumbers and have pickled five more quarts. The
last quart was canned the old-fashioned way, because the power was off.
Actually, it wasn’t difficult, because I have a propane kitchen cook stove and
only needed to strike a match to light the burners. I keep plenty of water for
drinking and cooking (had 12 gallons), so was able to make the brine and have
water for heating the lid and semi-sort-of-mini-hot water bath.
The power went off for about four hours on Saturday and
Sunday afternoons – right when the fans really help cool the house and when I
usually have a soaker hose on the vegetables. At least it came back on by
evening and I was able to irrigate.
Happy gardening!
Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in
newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan.
Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at
530-467-3515.
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