The Wake-Up Call: Tobacco Ban, Punishing Pols

It's the day after Summer Solstice, and the season already feels like it's in full swing, with temperatures set to near the 100 degree mark (again) and even the kids on year-round school calendars out on break. We even spotted a fireworks stand waiting to be stocked in the parking lot of (see photo). The stand won't open until June 28, according to a Strikes employee, but here are a few things happening today:

In the Patch:

. Dine at the restaurant today and mention the words, 'Hope for James' and 15 percent of your bill will be donated to the family of James Lindgren, who suffers from stage 4 neuroblastoma. A number of Chili's restaurants in the Sacramento area are participating in the event, including .

City council to take up tobacco rules. Should the city ban cigarette sales or smoking near schools and daycare centers? Proponents and opponents will air their views .

Outside the Patch:

No allowance for you, kids. State Controller John Chiang has decided to withhold pay from California legislators, saying the budget plan they passed June 15 wasn't truly balanced. The choice stems from a law passed last fall that punishes lawmakers for failing to pass a budget on time. Our elected officials may be peeved, but Chiang has reeived an outpouring of support from the public, The Los Angeles Times reports.