Aug. 5, 2020
Liz Writes Life
U.S. Supreme Court
Last week, I wrote about a “fake” news story that may not be so fake. Apparently, the author of the fake story sensed the U.S. Supreme Court would rule against a Nevada church that claimed the state was treating houses of worship less favorably than it does casinos, restaurants and amusement parks. Those businesses have been limited to 50 percent of their legal capacities, yet churches have been subject to a flat 50-person maximum in Nevada.
This U.S. Supreme Court anti-church decision was made last week and followed the same type of decision by the court, in May, when a California church argued its capacity restrictions were more severe than many secular gatherings.
These two recent decisions have religions concerned and I agree with the dissenting opinion of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., who wrote that the Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion. Then, he said the Constitution says nothing about the freedom to play craps or blackjack or slot machines.
Nine U.S. Senators are showing their concern about the situation and wrote a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to stop states and cities from “discrimination” against people seeking to practice their religion. The senators are led by Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who believes there is more the federal government can do to stop this discrimination at the state level. Lee added a list of reasons for support and said that “religious liberty matters.” I agree.
So, we will see if Nevada churches start installing slot machines, so they can increase the legal size of their congregations?
Garden
I am so sorry that I complained about the zucchini not producing very well last week. That has changed and overnight several zuccs doubled in size. Well, it is August and that is when things start producing. Started picking cucumbers and they are sweet! That is so important. I guess the amount of water they are getting is right. A month ago, I went to the cupboard to get a quart of dill pickles and couldn’t find any. Didn’t realize I had eaten them all!
So, I made sure I have all the supplies I need to can pickles. There are lots of volunteer dill plants in the garden. Some are four-feet tall and starting to dry up. I had to search for canning lids and ended-up buying them with rings. That was OK, cuz a lot of my rings are not in good shape.
Accidentally, pulled on a potato vine popping a bunch of red potatoes above the soil. So, I started scraping the area with my hand and kept digging out potatoes – over 10 pounds! And that was from just one plant. I had some red potatoes in the refrig that I haven’t eaten, so I called a friend and gave this batch away. Now to just get rid of 15 pounds of zucchini!
Pirates
Last week, the Yreka High School Drama Club was able to present its performance of “Pirates of Penzance” at Hibbard Field in Yreka. Originally, the play was planned for the end of March, but covid-19 pandemic stopped the performance. A young friend of mine was playing a lead and I had never heard him sing, so I wanted to attend. He did a really good job!
I mention this event, because I am so pleased that the leaders -- like YHS Music Director Eric Seiler -- and so many others decided the show must go on. It was an enjoyable, fun play with the community orchestra adding wonderful accompaniment for the opera singers. Several friends attended with me and we were impressed with the quality of the singers. It was a positive outcome for these teens and I hope it gave them a confidence boost during this time of lockdown.
A strange scam
Several weeks ago, about 1,000 residents throughout the United States received unsolicited packages of seeds that seemed to be mailed from China and had Chinese writing on the package. USDA has been investigating and has identified many of the seeds as mustard, cabbage, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender and flowers like morning glory and hibiscus. Those who have received the seeds have been asked to send them to USDA and not to plant them.
The mystery surrounding the mailings is still unclear, but some have suggested it could be a “brushing scam” where people receive the unsolicited items and the proposed seller posts false customer reviews to boost sales. Whatever it is, this is a bit unnerving. So, I guess we need to be vigilant about our mail and question odd things for sure.
Klamath dams
California Gov. Gavin Newsom caused concern last week, when he sent a letter to Warren Buffett, owner of Berkshire Hathaway and PacifiCorp, urging the destruction of four hydro-electric dams in the Klamath River. This was after the recent decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to bind the non-profit Klamath River Renewal Corp., to PacifiCorp as potential co-licensees of the dams.
First, PacifiCorp has up to six months to decide if it wants to be a co-licensee with KRRC. The decision has yet to be announced. Second, the cost and liabilities of environmental damage from dam destruction is a major concern for PacifiCorp and has yet to truly be determined.
Hum, I wonder if this is just a flamboyant ploy, by Newsom, to appease the Tribes and environmental groups that want the dams destroyed. I believe funding from the State of California for its portion of the destruction of the Klamath dams is no longer available. So, why the big news article by L.A. Times, Indian Country Today.com and other news outlets about Newsom’s letter to Buffett? (More fake news!)
Maybe it is because there is some good headway happening at the federal administration level regarding the Klamath issues. Congressman Doug LaMalfa recently announced the Bureau of Reclamation will utilize over $1 million to review and update the 20 to 30 years-old science that has burdened the entire Klamath Basin. This is really good news for those of us hoping the Klamath dams will be saved. Please continue to question any headlines about removal of the Klamath dams.
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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