KEEP DOGS NAKED… Squid watched with joy as the future of journalism scurried forth to pepper local poll-exiting residents with questions, and the Weekly intern team performed admirably in crafting unconventional questions and soliciting earnest answers, including reactions to spurious Measure 1B (which would make it illegal to dress cats and dogs in sweaters) and Proposition 13 (adding a traffic light color to indicate terrorist threats)– see www.montereycountyweekly.com for full responses. One resident, who described President Bush’s presidency as “Outstanding!” said she voted, “Yes on 13. Anything that alerts us about terrorists is great.”

SQUIDSITIVITY TRAINING… Squid is a sensitive squid. So it was no surprise that at last weekend’s sparsely attended BaRock! The Peninsula concert, a soggy sound tech entrusted his sad take on higher power politics to Squid’s warm, suction-cuppy embrace.

“God must be a Republican,” he frowned, looking over a stage where water puddled but any musicians (and fans) had evaporated. “If any one gets on this stage, they’re risking getting electrified.”

Concert promoter Christine Sandin later shared the anti-climatic news that the Wailers had to withdraw, but that she would be issuing rain-check stamps for a make-up date. Later, she told Squid that Wailers management is enthusiastic about prioritizing Monterey when their tour swings through the West Coast again in early ’09.

She added that because the musicians and support team generously donated most of their services, the net-loss event will still donate $500 to the Monterey County Dems.

But Squid is more than just a sensitive good listener– Squid is more hopeful than Squid’s normal sourpuss Squidself. Who knows why. Maybe it’s this HOPE shirt Squid’s been wearing. Or the Democratic– nay, unifying– weather patterns appearing across the country.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES… Squid was busy trick-or-treating Halloween just before midnight, when the sound of cars smashing together distracted Squid. Salinas Police rolled up, and Squid scooted up close.

One driver, a superhero told the cops he’d been drinking wine but he was “Judge Moreno’s” kid.

Judge Who? Hmmm, maybe it’s an alias. Squid watched the cops run Superhero through field sobriety tests. After the finger-to-the-nose exam, the blue bellies determined that “Judge Moreno’s” kid was only “about a .04 or a .05” and let him drive off.

It’s amazing. The relative distance between fingertip and nose determines blood alcohol, with amazing specificity, without the use of silly breathalyzers. Credit it to super powers (or tights)? Or maybe a relative with a cool title?