California now officially a "No Fun Zone"

by Eric Dondero

Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, getting increasingly difficult at California's famous resorts? Blame it on the Nanny State, more specifically un-elected bureaucrats and the Democrat-controlled legislature. Authorities in California are getting increasingly safety conscience to the point of outright bans on those seeking a little Winter fun.

From Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for San Gabriel Valley News Group, Whittier Daily News, "Nanny state forces us to settle for slush" Jan. 25:

Forget about taking responsibility for your actions anymore.

"Officials" and "authorities" take a strong stand against personal responsibility. At least that's what I got out of an article that appeared in Monday's newspaper.

The story, by staff writer Brian Day, had some information that makes clear just how much we've become a nanny state:

About 900 people drove up San Gabriel Canyon Sunday seeking snow.

Unspecified safety concerns caused authorities to close roads above 3,200 feet.

Families hoping to enjoy a day frolicking in fresh fallen snow instead settled for slushy remains at lower elevations.

Gabriel sums up his frustration:

Enough already.

We've allowed anonymous "authorities," "experts" and "officials" to control our lives and turn California into a virtual no-fun zone.

Events in San Gabriel Canyon this weekend and in the state Legislature this month stand as good reminders for us all. California is now a place where... snow is too dangerous.

So we settle for slush.

But it doesn't stop at higher elevation closures. Democrats in the state legislature are now seriously proposing mandatory helmets for California skiiers.

Nanny-statism should be part of California culture says Democrat lawmaker

From the Sac Bee, "Two Bills would require helmets on Ski Slopes" Jan. 25:

California children must wear a helmet to ride a bicycle, skates, skateboard or non-motorized scooter...

The measures by Sacramento Assemblyman Dave Jones and San Francisco Sen. Leland Yee, both Democrats, would make it clear that the constitutional right to pursue happiness does not include skiing bareheaded.

"Lots of Californians take advantage of some wonderful skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and we want to make sure that they are as safe as possible," said Jones, whose bill also targets other aspects of snow-sport safety.

Yee said families would abide by a mandatory ski and snowboard helmet law, realizing that the goal is to reduce the number of head injuries in a sport where one fall can cause permanent harm.

"People will understand that the culture has changed and that (wearing helmets) is the way we do it now," he said.

Republicans, a minority in both houses, have reacted swiftly to oppose the legislation. Continuing:

Opponents criticize the new legislation as "nanny government" in which lawmakers usurp parents in deciding what is best for children.

Sen. Tom Harman, R-Huntington Beach, characterized the proposal as "kind of silly."

"I think it's overregulation," he said. "I'm sensitive to sometimes the government watching out for people, but people need to learn to take care of themselves, and look out for themselves."

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R- Irvine, said life and sport inevitably pose risk of injury and overzealous government, left unchecked, someday could require thrill-seekers to wear a full crash helmet and cover themselves in bubble wrap.

"Where do we stop?" DeVore asked.

As of yet, ski enthusiast, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not indicated where he stands on the proposeld legislation.

Of course, runaway entitlement spending by the Democrat-controlled legislature has also led to state park closures, adding to the woes of winter fun seekers.

California's loss may be other states' gains. Ski Utah anyone?