City News

The word is out: Lance Armstrong will ride again.

Armstrong announced last week that he would participate in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California, riding for the Kazakhstan-based Astana team.

THURSDAY

Hey, it's comfy when you're drunk

A subject was sleeping on the sidewalk on Olive Drive.

California recently became the seventh U.S. state to ban text messaging while driving after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 28 last week, a measure that will further prohibit a driver's ability to use a cell phone while driving.

SB 28, written by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), will ban the use of a wireless communications device to "write, send or read a text-based communication," which includes but is not limited to text messages, instant messages and electronic mail.

Addressing what the state court system says is a "state of crisis," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that authorizes $5 billion worth of construction and renovation of facilities throughout the state.

The city of Davis could be on the way to boosting the wages of some of its lowest paid workers after last week's City Council meeting. The council voted 3-2 to have city staff write a living wage ordinance covering everyone paid by the city. The ordinance would require contractors who work with the city to pay their employees a predetermined wage above the state minimum wage of $8 per hour.

A report released last week showed that many students who are taking remedial classes in college actually had good grades in high school.

The study, released by education advocacy group Strong American Schools, looked at the scope and cost of college remediation courses - classes that students take to catch up on skills they need for college - whether or not they learned them in high school.

Concerns about possible misconduct in the Davis Fire Department are being addressed as the city of Davis continues an internal investigation.

The Davis City Council voted Tuesday night to send a letter responding to a Yolo County Grand Jury investigation that raised serious questions about practices and policies within the fire department.

Tree-lined streets are one of the hallmarks of Davis, and a new nonprofit program is aimed at expanding the tree canopy in town.

Tree Davis, a local nonprofit environmental group, is planning on distributing 250 free shade trees to be planted in the city of Davis. Organizers say the trees will provide much-needed shade for homes and streets, saving energy and adding character.

SATURDAY

Take me away again to Margaritaville

An intoxicated individual was passed out in the front lobby of a business on Chiles Road.

After nearly five hours of hearing angry residents voice their opposition, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to put off a decision on where to locate a new state prison in the county.

Diabetics and other medical needle users will have to start planning more trips to the landfill due to a new state law.

As of Sept. 1, it is illegal to throw away home-generated medical needles into the trash in California. Instead, sharps will have to be put in red hazardous waste containers and taken to the county landfill on designated drop-off days, said Cheryl Boney, deputy director of Public Health Programs for Yolo County.

SATURDAY

Hillary's glass ceiling fell

There was a large amount of glass in the roadway on Fifth Street and C Street.

Those planning on partying in Davis this Labor Day weekend should be careful - Davis Police Department officials say they are planning heavy enforcement during Labor Day weekend.