Hello everyone, Our ferret bill, SB 1093 has been in the suspense file since this time last year. We were hoping that it would be resurrected and go to the Governor's desk but unfortunately Senator Alpert's office just contacted me to say that they were unable to get our ferret bill off suspense this legislative session. SB 1093 is officially dead, or will be this year. Senator Alpert has promised to introduce another ferret grandfathering bill next session and I hope those of you in her San Diego district will write and thank her for her efforts this year and for her promise to introduce a new bill next year. The California legislative session ends August 31st. Most legislators will be returning to their districts for the break but some will be campaigning for re-election. The months of September through November, but particularly late September and all of October are important months for YOU to become involved in this issue. It's going to be entirely up to you whether or not we see ferrets legalized in CA in the future. If you have not written to your State Senator AND State Assemblymember, you should do so immediately. Your letter should be short, no longer than a few paragraphs. The main points to highlight are that ferrets are DOMESTICATED ANIMALS that don't belong in the hands of a WILDLIFE agency, the Department of Fish and Game. You should also note that domesticated ferrets are safer to the environment and to people than are domesticated cats and dogs and there is no reason for one state on the continent to ban them as California does. This law is unworkable, unfair and unenforceable. If you have already written to your State Senator and State Assemblymember, but it's been longer than 6 months, write again! It's also very important for those of you who have never met with your State Senator and Assemblymember, to take this time (but do wait until mid Sept. when the session has ended and they are back in their districts) to make an appointment. It's their job to hear directly from their constituents and a face to face meeting is an excellent way to communicate your desire to see ferrets legalized in California soon. A district meeting is something far too many people overlook. My father and I have met with both of our representatives and you can and should too. Even if you are unable to meet with your legislator in person due to his/her time constraints, you can meet with an aide in the district and voice your concerns. A district meeting conveys to your legislators that you care about this issue. If you just write once and never follow up with another letter and a district meeting, you're not communicating very well and are in fact implying that you don't care about ferret legalization. Even if your legislator supports legalization, you can ask him or her to co-author the next bill! There's always more a legislator can do to move a bill. To find out who represents you, visit our website, www.ferretnews.org and click on Legislators - Know your local California representative. Then enter your zip code. You should have one State Senator and one State Assemblymember. If more than one State Senator or Assemblymember shows up then your zip code is split and you will have to contact your county Registrar of Voters. Simply dial 411 and ask for that office. They will need your address and then can tell you exactly who represents you. If you need more help to write your letter, click on Facts - Know your Facts and Fictions. Remember to keep your letter to just one page though. Keeping it short means it will be read. Long letters are not. Also, be sure to include your name and address in your letter so your representative knows you are a constituent. You have absolutely nothing to fear from including your name and address on a letter to your representative. Supporting a ferret bill does not mean you own one and no judge would issue a search warrant on that basis! If you live in California and haven't written to your representatives because you didn't realize you needed to, or are new to this issue, please do so now and follow through again in a few months with another letter and a visit. Take note of the races coming up in your district and ask the candidates where they stand. Make them aware of your interest in ferret legalization. Now is the time to influence those running for office-- it's much harder once they're elected. If you are one of those folks that just prefers to follow along and have for the last year without writing, you should know that you haven't helped ferret legalization, in fact you've hurt this issue because only you can affect your state legislator's vote. It also hurts the issue because the many that have worked hard on this bill can and will become disillusioned. You need to do your part if you want to see ferrets legalized anytime soon. Sorry for the bad news everyone. Jeanne Carley Californians for Ferret Legalization http://www.ferretnews.org The Ferret Company http://www.ferretcompany.com OF SPECIAL NOTE: The Ferret Calendar 2003 will not be sold in any stores this year. To avoid missing out on your copy of this award-winning ferret calendar, contact The Ferret Company to place your order ([log in to unmask]). The Ferret Calendar 2003 will be available in late June 2002. [Posted in FML issue 3880]