The Root of the Problem
What to know: The city of Oakland, California wants to fine landowners nearly $1 million for cutting trees — on their own property.
The TPPF take: The landowners are being represented by TPPF attorneys.
“To put this absurdity into perspective, consider California’s criminal justice system. Under the state’s penal code, the maximum fine for the malicious arson of a forest is capped at $50,000,” says TPPF’s Laura Beth Latimer. “Oakland has decided that a couple clearing dead and dying trees on their own property to prevent a wildfire is 18 times worse than intentionally burning a forest down.”
What is a ‘Daughter’?
What to know: The now-woke Daughters of the American Revolution will continue to allow “transgender” men (who say they’re women) to join the organization.
The TPPF take: The DAR is fighting a losing battle.
“The Supreme Court has upheld states that have reined in efforts by gender-confused men to gain access to women’s locker rooms and restrooms, which is one more reason it is so puzzling that men are being successful in pushing their way into DAR now,” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester. “The momentum is clearly moving the other way.”
Focus on Surveillance
What to know: Hood County is the first in Texas to ban Flock automated license plate reader cameras; one constable told the company, “Come get your garbage.”
The TPPF take: License plate readers can aid police — but Texas needs guardrails.
“Flock has recently announced additional safeguards, including changes to auditing, data retention and information sharing,” says TPPF’s Ross Jackson. “Those steps are welcome, but basic limits on government access to Texans’ data should be established by law, not left to vendor policies or a patchwork of departmental rules.”