Little did I know while I was telling you, dear readers, how to opt out of getting countless phone books unceremoniously dumped on your doorsteps, State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, was crafting a bill to address that same issue.
If Ferrandino can convince the state legislature, a bill to “opt in” to receive phone books would become state law. But short of that, Ferrandino says he will settle for a “robust opt-out” option in which Colorado residents can call a central phone number and ask to be dropped off the drop-off list.
“The idea for the bill came from some constituents of mine,” Ferrandino said. “They don’t use the phone book; they can’t stand getting them all the time and have asked (the phone-book companies) to stop.”
Ferrandino said he has more support in the legislature for the opt-out phone number — which would work much like the do-not-call list — rather than the opt-in version.
“They wouldn’t be able to deliver phone books unless you request one,” Ferrandino said.
Residential building managers or homeowners-association representatives could also make one phone call and stop book delivery for the entire building.
Ferrandino’s bill includes fines for delivery of unwanted phone books.
“The (phone-book) company would be fined $100, and all the money would go to a recycling fund,” he said. “I understand that some people still want them, but most often I’ve seen them used to prop up computer screens and as doorstops.”
Big b-day.
Lee Goodfriend, co-owner of Racines and Dixons restaurants, celebrated the Big 6-0 during a trip to Las Vegas with her sister, Kit Goodfriend Simon; her business partner’s wife, Wynne Racine; and g-friend Tricia Kesten.
Goodfriend, whose actual birthday is today, and friends stayed at the Venetian, saw Jon Stewart and the show “Love” (they loved “Love”).
Lee and Wynne have been best gal pals since they met while waiting tables at Zachs (Denver’s first fern bar) 35 years ago. Zachs was also the spot where Lee met her future business partner David Racine.
Big give.
Southwest Airlines has reported that 29 hospitals and charities across the nation (including Children’s Hospital at Fitzsimons) will be participants in the airline’s medical-transportation grant program this year.
Southwest said it is increasing its giving by 23 percent in 2010, the program’s third year. In total, Southwest will donate $1.2 million in transportation to the medical organizations, which then provide tickets to patients and family members in need.
Children’s Hospital is a new addition to the program.
Shifting winds.
CBS 4’s news release Monday announcing the new morning-show team at 5 a.m., 6 a.m. and noon left out any mention of meteorologist Stacey Donaldson, who has manned the morning weather desk for nearly three years.
No one at CBS 4 will talk about Donaldson’s dismissal on the record (it’s a personnel issue), but suffice it to say she will be looking for a job. Her last date on the air will be Feb. 19. Donaldson will be replaced by Jennifer Zeppelin, Tom Mustin moves to weekend anchor, and Alan Gionet moves into Mustin’s weekday seat.
EAVESDROPPING
Overheard at the Rustic Oven Restaurant in Fort Collins:
“You know what I hate about the blogosphere? People’s opinions.”
Penny Parker’s column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@ .
