June 30, 2005

From the Editor’s Desk

Julie Davis Berry
Executive Editor

Backstage Pass is a new forum for teen expression
Today we are excited to introduce a new section to our readers! It is called Backstage Pass, comprised of news and notes designed by and intended for teenagers and those who seek to understand them. I guess you could say it’s a teen’s pass into any world they wish to examine. If it interests them, then Almaden Times, and specifically Backstage Pass, will look into it, and print it for them.

To accomplish this, we have enlisted a crew of four high school interns heeding the advice of THRUSTH magazine publishers Justin Petersen and David Mun. Both Leland graduates and loosely put, energized 20-somethings, Petersen, who has also served at the Times as an advertising rep and staff writer, and Mun, a local musician, designed BSP to provide youth the rare opportunity to voice opinions, gain coverage and participate within a local news organization. As a result, internships are readily available, and we are always open to suggestions.

Look for Backstage Pass the fourth week of every month, and please call or e-mail with questions, ideas or photos. This section relies on public participation, so we are very eager to hear from you.

You can reach BSP editor Justin Petersen at (408) 386-7373 or by e-mail at justin@timesmediainc.com.

Also check out the official Backstage Pass website at www.backstagehome.com.

Pedicure controversy results in legislative change
When Times writer Kym Brady uncovered a growing problem with pedicures back in November of last year, we weren’t quite sure of the extent of the problem. Over the ensuing months, the numbers of cases of the mycobacterial infection grew and so did the number of news agencies that picked up the story. Soon the story became nationwide news.

On Monday, Brady traveled to the state capitol with an Almaden teen who suffers from the infection. In Sacramento, Paula Abdul spoke to the California Senate Business and Professions Committee along with the teen, Brittany Welby, about the pain and suffering accompanying these horrible infections. They implored the legislators to pass a bill, AB1263, sponsored by Assemblymember and Speaker Pro Tempore Leland Yee requiring salons to follow certain guidelines to protect the public. The bill has passed the assembly and the Senate committee. Next, the bill will go before the Senate Appropriations Committee and then on to a vote by the full senate. After that, it ends up on the governor’s desk.

Although one senator voted against the bill, citing too many regulations on businesses, we feel that some businesses need stricter regulations, especially where the health and welfare of the community is concerned.