Sen. Joe Simitian's fifth annual "There Oughta Be a Law" contest invites Californians to submit ideas for new state legislation.

The deadline for entries is Oct.31.

"Some of the best ideas I hear for new legislation come directly from folks in the community," Simitian said.

The winning idea will become a bill introduced as legislation. The individual will also have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on the bill at the State Capitol. This individual will have lunch with Simitian, and receive a California state flag that has flown over the Capitol. "Most importantly," said Simitian, "winners stand a good chance of seeing their ideas become law."

Since the idea's inception, the contest has generated a wide range of proposals. Six have become law.

Three winning bill ideas from last year's contest are currently on the governor's desk. The bills represent public concerns in the areas of consumer privacy, highway safety and the high price of prescription drugs.

Application forms for this year's contest are available at www.senate.ca.gov/simitian or contact Simitian's district office at 650.688.6384 to request a form.

Modular home will
replace old house

The Campbell Planning Commission voted on Sept. 27 to unanimously approve Rhonda Dunn's permit for the placement of a 2,052-square foot modular home, and the construction of a new two-car garage at 1031 S. San Tomas Aquino Road.

The used-manufactured home will sit on a 0.42-acre lot at the corner of S. San Tomas Aquino Road and Westmont Avenue. Currently a 740-square foot single-family home with a 340 ­square foot garage occupies the property. The existing buildings are in rundown condition.

The planning commissioners voiced several concerns: Whether the size of the home was sufficient to the lot size; whether the architectural details fit the neighborhood, and whether landscaping plans were in place.

"It has been a long, involved process," Campbell Planning Commissioner Liz Gibbons said. "It was a tough call."

Commissioner Bob Roseberry expressed his concern over the type of home. "I'm not crazy about a manufactured home," he said, "but it would be an improvement over what is on the site presently."

Commissioner Tom Francois said he had looked at the home and found it to be attractive, and that the commission had to consider the applicant's needs.

Dunn was approved by the city for a low-interest housing rehabilitation loan back in 1997, but after city inspections it was determined that it would be more cost effective to tear down and replace the existing home. Dunn said that to her knowledge her neighbors had no problem with her plans.

Asthma benefit
aids research

The American Lung Association is hosting its 4th annual "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" Walk on Oct. 8 to raise funds for lung disease research, advocacy, education and patient support programs. The walk will be held at West Valley College in Saratoga.

Dave Low, director of communications of the American Lung Association of Santa Clara-San Benito counties, says that they expect 500 people to walk in this year's event. The agency has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.

To receive more information or make a pledge, call 408.998.5864 or visit www.lungsrus.org.