Mayor Sam's Hotsheet for Monday

Same-sex marriage begins in California on Tuesday. However gays and lesbians who marry will not have the same rights as heterosexual married couples, particularly with respect to Federal matters such as taxes or Social Security and may have issues if they own property in other states and have children. An article in the Daily News breaks this down and offers advice for additional steps and documentation that gay couples will have to consider to avoid problems later.

Former Neighborhood Council leader Jim Alger takes on Walter Moore at CityWatch in a screed against the free market and the right of people who work hard to increase their income the opportunity to buy the vehicle they wish. After misspelling Moore's name Alger senses a global conspiracy amongst the oil companies who wish nothing more than to poison children and increase global warming.

Los Angeles firefighters are up in arms over a new policy issued by the Department. Firefighters who have tattoos must either cover them up with clothing or bandages. Does this policy apply to the Mayor too? I can understand that Fire Department brass may be nervous that some folks could get the impression that firefighters with tats are gangbangers. But the truth is that many LAFD members are former military officers where it's common to get tattoos. The Department's policy is unrealistic and a slap to the men and women who give their lives everyday and are increasingly getting little for it.

A website is beginning to start polling support for announced and potential candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles during the 09 campaign. Mayor09.com wants you to email them your choice for Mayor as they begin a series of polls to be issued over the next several months.

Steve Hymon reports that ridership is up on the MTA's Red Line, Gold Line, Purple Line, Blue Line and Orange Line over the last year. Interestingly the Green Line has dropped in ridership. High gas prices are surely spurring at least a few folks to use public transit where they can.

We have a reader who is frequently obsessed with former Assembly Speaker and Mayoral candidate Bob Hertzberg. He seems to think I'm equally obsessed with the hugging former pol. To paraphrase former President Richard Nixon, let me make one thing perfectly clear: I am not supporting Bob Hertzberg for Mayor. Nor is he running - unless Magic or Caruso don't.

Just because you live in a poor neighborhood doesn't mean people have to dump trash on your streets. But it's happening in low income communities in Los Angeles and apparently the City doesn't have the resources to help these people creating an ever increasing cycle of despair and opportunity for more crime.

If anyone thought that in the wake of Hillary Clinton's departure from the race that women voters would not switch to Barack Obama they were wrong. The LA Times says that females are "lining up to vote" for the presumptive Democratic nominee. Probably time for McCain to pick Sarah Palin as VP.

Britney Spears may be considered for an Emmy. That's right that is not a misprint. Producers of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother are planning to submit the pop diva for recognition for her two guest starring spots on the show.