Which Way, L.A.?

Gay Rights in California

Family-values advocates say California made a statement in 2000 with Proposition 22, ensuring that marriage within the state could only occur between a man and a woman. But California may soon join Canada in the forefront of gay rights. Three of four gay-rights bills have passed the state Assembly and could be headed for the governor-s desk. The new legislation would grant significant new rights to domestic partners, moving closer to giving homosexual couples much of the same legal recognition as married couples. Is the proposed legislation a contradiction? Managing editor Kyle McKinnon speaks with Democrat Jackie Goldberg, author of the Assembly-s gay-rights bill, and Republican Senator William -Pete- Knight, author of Prop 22, about the historic vote. Making News: Top Democrats Won-t Join Recall Election As the Republican drive to recall Governor Gray Davis gains momentum, leading state Democrats, many who are themselves considering a run for the governorship, say they-ll stay away from the ballot, even if a recall is slated. If proponents qualify the issue for the March ballot and the recall is successful, a secondary slate will determine who the new governor will be. State Treasurer Phil Angelides is one of the democrat pondering a 2006 run for the Governor-s mansion. Reporter's Notebook: Renaming Crenshaw? LA City Councilman Nate Holden is behind a move to rename Crenshaw Boulevard after the late Tom Bradley, LA-s first black mayor. The suggestion angers many residents and business owners who say a name change would strip the historic street of its identity. USC historian Philip Ethington agrees, saying that renaming the street would rob the vibrant African American community of its collective memory.