We always want people to do the right thing on their own, but because common sense is not a prerequisite for things like owning and riding a bike or buying a bicycle for your child, legislation becomes involved.

Rep. Wayne Waddell, R-Shreveport, wanted to make sure bicyclists who ride at night are visible to other traffic, so he introduced House Bill 1121 mandating cyclists have a red or a red blinking light on the back of their bikes if they ride at night. It was killed because of opposition to its proposed fines of $25 to $50 plus court costs for offenders.

Waddell stripped the fines from the language, instead opting for warning tickets, and attached the revised version as an amendment to House Bill 298 by Rep. Damon Baldone, D-Houma, which dealt with where bicyclists are allowed to ride on a street. Waddell says he may reinsert the fines when the bill reaches the Senate.

The issue to me isn’t really whether cyclists should have to pay a fine for failing to have a red light and reflectors on their bikes, but rather making sure those lights are there so other vehicle operators can see the bikes in the dark. In my view, a headlight on the front of the bike also should be included. Exempting the bikes of children under 10 also seems counterproductive. One hopes parents are vigilant in allowing children this young to ride the streets after dark in the first place, but without any reflectors so cars can see them, or a headlight that allows the cyclist to see where he or she is going, is folly. Why exempt those who need protection the most and are least cognizant of the consequences?

In her campaign commercials Leslie Jacobs promised that as mayor she would solve the city’s crime problem by firing Police Chief Warren Riley and replacing him with someone who could get the job done. She also vowed to continue working to better the school system and generally make New Orleans a better place to live.

Now, however, she is withdrawing from the race for the city’s chief executive for a very pragmatic reason: she is convinced she can’t win.

The education reformer, former Orleans Parish School Board and BESE member issued this statement:

“I decided to run for mayor because I care passionately for this city and truly believe New Orleans is at a tipping point: Are we going to continue to struggle or become a vibrant city offering a better quality of life and more opportunities for all of our citizens?

“While I believe that I would be a great mayor for the City of New Orleans, after much consideration and thoughtful analysis of the final field of candidates, I have determined I cannot win this election.

“I will be filing the papers to remove my name from the ballot. While no longer a candidate for mayor, I remain committed to working for the betterment of New Orleans and the region.

“I cannot express the extent of my gratitude to those who have opened their homes, invested their funds, and volunteered their time to help my campaign. I reiterate how deeply honored and appreciative I am of your enthusiasm and support.”

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Hats off to Cash Money Records founders Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams, who along with Lil Wayne and other Cash Money artists will give away more than 1,400 Thanksgiving turkeys and fixings to needy New Orleanians from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Taylor Park (2600 S. Roman St.). It’s the 13th annual turkey giveaway organized by the Williams brothers with help from other New Orleans celebrities, politicians and hip-hop stars.

The Williams brothers also have established philanthropic organizations in memory of their parents, Johnny and Gladys Williams, including Cash Money for Kids program, which provides free tickets to a New Orleans Hornets home game to students with high academic performances.

Cash Money Records roster of stars includes Lil Wayne, Juvenile, the Hot Boys and Jay Sean.

New Orleans orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Treuting is teaming up with Our Hearts to Your Soles and Soles4Soulsl to give free foot screenings and shoes to homeless men on Monday, Nov. 23, at Ozanam Inn on Camp Street.

Our Heart to Your Soles is a national campaign to help homeless people with foot problems by providing free shoes, boots, socks and medical screenings. The fourth annual event will be held in 40 cities nationwide, with Red Wing Shoes and Hanger Orthopedic Group donating footwear for the program. About 125 pairs of shoes are available for Monday’s event in New Orleans.

Soles4Souls founder Wayne Elsey says having a pair of comfortable shoes can make a person more confident and is a major step in building self-esteem and finding employment.

For more information about the program or to donate products, visit www.giveshoes.org.

Serve your friends and family a Thanksgiving meal without the stress of cooking — and help Second Harvest Food Bank at the same time with Toulouse Gourmet’s (3811 Toulouse St., 488-4466; www.toulousegourmet.com) Everything But the Bird program.

The menu includes dozens of customary Southern holiday dishes, including several types of dressing, main entrees such as pork loin, potatoes au gratin, green beans amandine, crawfish bique, chicken andouille gumbo, desserts and more, and a portion of the proceeds from each order benefits Second Harvest. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by noon Monday, Nov. 23, and picked up before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Order online at www.everythingbutthebird.com or call Kellie or Russ at 488-4466.


Take 10 percent off everything in the store during a Black Friday and Saturday sale Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28 at Isabella’s (Fountain Park Centre, 1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 304-4861; 3331 Severn Ave., Metairie, 779-3202; www.isabellasgallery.com. The store also is hosting a Trollbeads trunk show on those days and offering a buy-four-get-one-free sale on Trollbeads as well as a free silver bracelet with the purchase of an upgraded clasp. While you’re there, register to win a Vera Bradley tote. The drawing will be held Saturday, Nov. 28.