Hello everyone, I just received a message from Joe Palko at The Ferret Store that they have mailed our California petitions to close to 3,500 ferret supporters in California urging everyone to get involved. They should reach California sometime next week. We all owe a debt of gratitude to The Ferret Store for this mailing. The printing and mailing of this petition was at their own expense (and mailings are expensive, I know) and it is our hope that this reaches Californians who may not yet be involved with the legalization effort. Thank you Scott and Joe. It's one way the owners of The Ferret Store have shown they care about this issue-- now it's up to those of you who are directly affected by this ridiculous ban to do your part! It's clear that Governor Davis had a direct hand in the gutting of our ferret bill. The head of Fish and Game doesn't call members unless he gets the OK from the Governor. That's why this petition drive is still very important and we should all redouble our efforts to get at least 100 signatures by August 15th-- we may have a little longer, we just don't know that yet so consider August 15th your deadline. I want to also thank Joe from CA (secretweasel) who was responsible for getting the ball rolling on this idea. Thanks Joe! Should you want to thank Joe and Scott of The Ferret Store personally, their e-mail addresses are below: Joe Palko [log in to unmask] Scott Sanfilippo [log in to unmask] On another note, two wildlife biologists wrote letters or documents that were used with this committee. Bob Church allowed us to use a very strong piece he has written for eventual publication, Ferret White Lies, and Scott Sinclair of CA wrote a very powerful letter debunking DFG arguments. Our author's office was impressed with both of them but, as we saw on July 10th, science had nothing to do with the outcome. Thanks Bob and Scott, you both did a terrific job and I just wish facts mattered here. Again, that's why Californians have to become more active. Facts don't matter, only you, the voter, matter in this effort. If you're silent, we'll get nowhere, if you speak up, we have a chance. If this week's vote didn't communicate that to you I suppose nothing will. Jeanne Carley Californians for Ferret Legalization 410 Mountain Home Rd. Woodside, CA 94062 (650) 851-3750 www.ferretnews.org [Posted in FML issue 3477]