Oct 24, 2012

Ronnie

I went for a walk with Ronnie around the Golden Hills park this morning--it was very beautiful-- I love Ronnie to bits, but really, he is the slowest dog in the United States--we were gone for 2 hours. Then he kept trying to stop to sneak and eat a bite of pizza and on the ground.

this november---YES on prop 30

Dear Sharon,

The California Dream was built on a strong system of public schools and colleges that gave every Californian access to the education they needed to succeed.

But now, California’s public education system is at a breaking point.

Our state’s class sizes are amongst the largest in the country, and we continue to hurt our students by making cuts: Over the last fours years we cut $20,000,000 from our schools, and laid off more than 30,000 educators.

We can’t continue cutting our schools and still keep the economy strong for the next generation. That is why I introduced Proposition 30.

Proposition 30 will temporarily increase the income tax for the highest earners in California—families making more than $500,000 a year---and it will lower sales tax to a rate that is less than it was last year.

If passed, Prop 30 will increase funding for every part of our educational system, and provide enough money to avoid yet another tuition hike.

But Prop 30 can’t become a law without your support. So will you join me and sign our pledge to vote for Propositions 30 this November?

As someone who has attended one of California’s public universities, I know how much public education means. It cultivates the talent of the students in our state, and for many it is the only affordable option for higher education.

Let me be clear: Proposition 30 is the only measure on the November ballot that stops the cuts to education and invests in our schools and colleges starting this year so we can prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future.

If passed, Prop 30 will help reduce billions in future prison costs through realigning control to the local level while helping pay down California’s debt.

Fixing our educational system is the first step to so many other reforms that will help the state of California. So please, join me and sign our pledge to vote for Proposition 30 now.

The fate of our educational system is in the hands of voters like you, and I know we can all unite to fight for a California with well-funded schools.

Thank you your support.

Governor Jerry Brown

For more information visit yesonprop30.com
Twitter YesOnProp30 | Facebook Yes On Prop 30 | Google+ Yes On Prop 30
Paid for by Yes on Prop. 30--to Protect our Schools and Public Safety, a broad coalition of teachers, business, labor, law enforcement and Governor Brown. Major funding by California Teachers Association/Issues PAC and California Hospitals Committee on Issues (CHCI) Sponsored by California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (CAHHS) FPPC: 1343257

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Authorized by Jerry Brown

ann coulter and donald trump--republican embarrassments

the king and queen of self-promotion---donald trump and ann coulter

the right continues to struggle--OMG ann coulter

Special Olympics athlete takes Ann Coulter to task over Obama slur

By Jay Busbee | Fourth-Place Medal – 4 hours ago

Ann Coulter is one of a class of political commentators whose primary, if not sole, purpose is to inflame emotion, not inspire thoughtful discussion. She adheres to a tired, time-honored formula: throw a verbal bomb, laugh at the fallout, accuse her detractors of being stupid/unable to take a joke. Repeat ad infinitum.

But every so often, someone like Coulter draws the attention of someone who has the intellectual and/or moral high ground, and the result is the rhetorical equivalent of a nature video where the predator zeroes in on and eviscerates its prey.
Coulter's latest I'm-so-outrageous comment came in the wake of the final presidential debate on Monday night:

Straight class there, Ann. Anyway, the tweet (and its followup a few hours later, "If [Obama's] the smartest guy in the room, it must be one retarded room") drew the notice of John Franklin Stephens, a Special Olympics athlete. A 30-year-old with Down Syndrome, Stephens has spoken out frequently on the use of "retarded" as a slur, and wrote an open letter to Coulter on a Special Olympics blog. A sample of Stephens' letter:

I thought first of asking whether you meant to describe the President as someone who was bullied as a child by people like you, but rose above it to find a way to succeed in life as many of my fellow Special Olympians have.
Then I wondered if you meant to describe him as someone who has to struggle to be thoughtful about everything he says, as everyone else races from one snarkey sound bite to the next.
Finally, I wondered if you meant to degrade him as someone who is likely to receive bad health care, live in low grade housing with very little income and still manages to see life as a wonderful gift.
Because, Ms. Coulter, that is who we are — and much, much more.

Stephens adds, "You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me is an insult and you assumed you could get away with it and still appear on TV." (Sadly, she can and she will.) He closes his letter with a high-road move, signing off as "A friend you haven't met yet."
The full letter is well worth reading, if only as a break from the unceasing negativity of the campaign season. Well done, Mr. Stephens. Nice job of taking the kind of positive, open-arms approach that's unthinkable to so many in public life these days.
-Follow Jay Busbee on Twitter at @jaybusbee.-

copied from Yahoo News by chloe louise

SILK SCARF CLASS THIS SATURDAY

SILK SCARF CLASS THIS SATURDAY...

Just wanted to let everyone know about this wonderful school and the silk scarf class Saturday.

That would be this Saturday:

October 27, 2012

9 am to 2 or 3pm

My very good sewing teacher Donna Namdar has said there wil be a wonderful class this Saturday on the creation of silk scarves. It will be held right across the hall from our beautiful and comfortable and large and modern classroom at the Point Loma Branch of the San Diego Continuing Education School.

I love going to these classes because not only are the instructors extremely well qualified and knowledgeable but everyone in the class and the people connected with the class are very welcoming and friendly. In fact, there is a wonderful "no hate" sign in the lobby that always gets my attention. There are people in the classes of all ages and people from everywhere around the world.

The whole thing is just great and I would recommend these classes for anyone.

For this class, Donna, my instructor, said you just walk in and pay 10 dollars. No pre-registration or supplies are required--everything will be in the class that you need.

here is the link to the website:
San Diego Continuing Educatin http://www.sdce.edu/

here is a link to the class schedule page
class schedule page http://www.sdce.edu/class-schedule?topic=700&campus=west&term=999&keyword=&subcat=700&x=32&y=8

here is the link to this particular class:
textile surface design http://www.sdce.edu/class-details/2167B

This is at the West City Campus---on Fordham Street right off Midway upstairs in room 209.

It is the adult school--the continuing education portion of the community colleges in San Diego. The building is beautiful and new and friendly and I love all of the sewing classes.

On the third link there is a map to the class--You may want to call for more information or particulars--I heard about this class in my class and perhaps there are more details of interest to the people who are planning on attending.

Have fun at the class---cl

Oct 21, 2012

My Sewing Obsession--The Bobbin House Studio in Minneapolis

from THE SEWING HERALD TRIBUNE..a newspaper about sewing..we need contributors!!!

I contacted Steve Pauling from The Bobbin House Studio in Minneapolis about a possible apprenticeship in fine shirt making.

Right--I can make a shirt--it is not very fine. Really, I can never get my stitches right on the collar stand. If one more person tells me I need practice I don't know what I am going to do--I have an amazing inability to drive the sewing machine. Perhaps its time to buy the edge stitch foot.

I could not resist putting his reply on my blog--I really want to go there. I hope you don't mind, Steve.....

can you please tell us a little bit more about your place.....

Thank you for your kindness,

Chloe Louise

Hi Chloe,

Thanks for contacting me regarding your interest in fine shirt making. It's always a please to meet another person interested in this artisan skill that seems to fade away more every year. My apologies for the delay in responding. I've been out of town for a few weeks.

How do you envision I might be able to assist you? Are you interested in coming to Minneapolis for a class or visit? I offer a three day intensive where one or two students will stay in our Bobbin House Guest Suite and then have an extended mentoring session on shirt making. Think of it as a sewing retreat focused on shirt making! Please see the Bobbin House Studio website noted below for more information.

Developing a personal plan requires some knowledge of your current skill sets and interests. My suggestion is to first learn construction/assembly techniques by modification of a commercial pattern. Once these skills are mastered, then move on to design, draping and pattern drafting of custom shirts.

I look forward to your reply and learning how I might be of assistance to you.

Cheers!

Steve

Steve Pauling
aka the "Bobbin Doctor"
Steve@BobbinDoctor.com
www.BobbinDoctor.com
612-378-2727

Bobbin House Studio
58 Bedford St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

www.BobbinHouseStudio.com

By Appointment Only

Remember: Sewing notions are ALWAYS on sale at 30% off retail prices!!

Oct 19, 2012

Neighborhood Halloween Decorations In South Park, San Diego

Beautiful South Park Lady

Gorgeous house.... gorgeous decorations...Halloween decorations that is....

Well, it is her hobby, she went on to tell me...ever since her husband bought her this beautiful South Park, San Diego home 11 years ago. "I need a house with a white picket fence and a house I can decorate," she told him and the Thomas Bike Shop property in South Park San Diego was purchased. Growing up without decorations and holidays was more than she could stand--"Now I decorate for every occasion. you should see my Victorian Christmas," this good citizen proudly stated.

Of course, I had to continue to ask her "why?" It is just who I am now. I can't stop---I love it. That is Jinna--the owner of this artfully decorated vintage home and adjacent to the Thomas Bike Shop--of which she is also the owner and promised never to sell "I can't, it's part of the neighborhood!"

Well, her enthusiasm is obvious and we are lucky to have her here in this very eclectic, interesting and diversified neighborhood. We both agreed we were lucky to live in the South Park area of San Diego.

I hope everyone can come over here and see this very cheery Halloween inspiration. Our area is just great, the people, the food stores, the coffee shops. Really you can't go wrong. This is a perfect place to live, just to walk your dog and enjoy your home.

Walking your baby dog here is like going on a San Diego Vintage home tour. This particular home is 103 years old. The Thomas Bicycle Shop is 76 years old. It is located at..............

The Thomas Bike Shop
1635 Fern ST.
San Diego, Calif 92102
619-232-0674

I think it is easiest to take the 30th or 28th Street exit off of the 94 freeway. Fern is just next to 30th and the "tree" streets go in alphabetical order. I don't think you will regret your visit to this vintage and beautiful area of town--Be sure and visit my hangout---The Grape Street Dog Park. The Thomas Bike Shop and this decorated house next door is located between Cedar and Date on Fern.

Be sure to see the 125 pound pumpkin.
--

Oct 18, 2012

Sean O'Flynn--Savile Row Bespoke Tailor and Shirtmaker

London Calling

Sean O'Flynn--Savile Row Bespoke Tailor and Shirtmaker

My Sewing Obsession

What is a tailor--someone who knows how to make the customer look good--the original stylist. The tailor can suggest the right fabric, the right style of the garment for that particular customer, and even the right cut to further enhance the individuals body shape and frame. That is a lot of expertise rolled into one.

My dream is coming true--to actually talk to a Savile Row tailor--I want to ask him everything. I want to try and understand his process. I want it to go into my brain...the proper way to construct a garment.

Sean O'Flynn has said he will show me around his work room when I go to London this winter and I am so excited I just can't wait.

What an honor---really, there is not a higher level of custom tailoring. --

chloelouise

KOGO 600's chip franklin's Seat Belt Rant Proves Again I Q is Not a Prerequisite for Shock Jock.

Hey--Is that guy chip franklin weird or what?

KOGO 600 of San Diego proved this morning at 7:30 that intellectual discrimination is not a prerequisite for being a shock-jock. The man is a bit of an odd beast, isn't he?

He went on again, endlessly--he likes seat belts and he is in favor of them but he does not want a government ruling about it. Wow, chip--even when the firefighter came on and tried to tell you the facts--you laughed in his face.

I do believe it is a conclusion now that seat belts save lives. Really, chip are you that challenged or are we and you're just making a show?

You go on forever about talking on the phone while you drive, not wearing a seat belt while driving to the gym. Do children hear you--do teens hear you--could they follow your suggestion?

Isn't is a given now that unrestrained passengers fly in the car when there is an accident. Isn't that why we have child safety laws about children and car seats and seat belts in general.

The laws are good--why? Because there are plenty of kids, people, older people who do not think, or are in a rush, or are busy. Clicking the seat belt should not be a decision every time we get into the car--it should be automatic. It saves lives.

There are plenty of unrestrained driver's ejected from the car in an accident. People are less injured now in car crashes due to technology and laws and better seat belts. chip said he will sign papers so the emergency worker , given he was in a crash, would not have to be responsible for taking him to a hospital--to cost taxpayers, or insurance or hospitals money because he refused to wear his seatbelt. Really, chip, because I don't think the EMTs usually start digging through paperwork before they start saving someone's life.

Who is the grand pooh-pah at KOGO that lets this egomaniac rant? Is that you, Cliff? Wow, a rant at the expense of the citizen's safety. Not even those girls on the show could stops those words out of the bald headed mouth!

KOGO 600's chip franklin's Seat Belt Rant Proves Again I Q is Not a Prerequisite for Shock Jock.

Rush Limbaugh and His 12 Step Program For ROWGS

10-17-12

Sean Hannity: I'm Just So Angry With Rush Right Now!

Highlights of the story:

Rush Limbaugh's secret phone call to Bill Clinton.

rush limbaugh gets his ya ya's out then washes Whoopi Goldberg's feet in hopes of redemption.

Yes, rush, you were very naughty and now it is time for your discipline!

My liberal limbawdian fantasy by Chloe Louise Langendorf Louis.......

rush, you portrayed your activities of "watching" as normal while you debased the activities of young women as vulgar and street worthy. In my dream your punishment will be allocated by Whoopi Goldberg--she said in her television special she's willing to talk about it--she is willing to have a conversation about race and I am including women--she doesn't mind if there is a disagreement. She is willing to answer questions.

The limbaughing of limbaugh...............

Now--we'll begin by sitting down and having a talk. In retribution you will get down on your knees and wash Whoopi Goldberg's feet and listen politely as she takes her valuable time to explain to you where you have gone wrong with women, racial slurs, the tea party, with President Obama--and with your life in general.

You'll act interested. You will be a guest on THE VIEW and tell the women of America what you learned and how lucky you were to have the opportunity to have a chat with Whoopi. It turned into a really enlightening experience. Barbara Walters will interview you with heartfelt questions and you will cry to show you're sorry and your sincerity.

You'll do "Oprah's Next Chapter" and discuss your new hobby of flower arranging and your new life, in general. A serious discussion will continue on how getting in touch with your feminine side has had positive effects on all of your relationships. You will say that health care is a right of every human being in each appearance--not something to be bought and sold and bantered about as an election talking point.

CNN will pick you up for a new show about multi-cultural women in the United States and around the world. You will feature Cooking With Alia to showcase strong young women around the world. You like it as a business model and you have always wondered about the proper use of Moroccan spices. You have Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly on your new show and try to chat with them about the possibility of changing their ways--have they ever just thought about being a Democrat?

You will be heralded for developing a 12 step program for R.O.W.G.'s to promote the betterment of all people and relationships in the United States and around the world. Your crowning glory will be to write a column for drudge to promote equal rights for women.

You disclose to Oprah in a soft voice that the giant hole in your heart has closed and you are finally able to give up food and pills as a crutch. You also reveal you are actually enjoying your new humility--you never thought you would be able to say that. Driven by fear and insecurity about your own masculinity you were hiding behind the arrogance and the pretense was becoming a burden. You will also confide to Oprah on national television that you have secretly always been jealous of Bill Clinton and you went home with a stomach-ache after that time you made fun of Hillary's hair.

Sean Hannity finally challenges you to a face-off in disgust. You reveal to Sean, you had been looking to Bill Clinton for diet and health advice for a long time. As you and Bill eventually became friends, it was hard at first, you realized that he was a great world leader and you asked him if you could make a large financial contribution to is humanitarian causes.

Bill agrees to keep your new life private but urges you to publicly add your name to his cause--you finally give in and your name is glorified with other world leaders.

Sean remains angry and mystified and continues to suffer from the disease of chronic and incurable self-righteousness.

Rush finally concedes to Leslie Stahl in CBS Sunday Morning exclusive, "I looked in the mirror one day and said, I'm large! and not just in radioland; frankly, Leslie, I was feeling jowly." "I heard Bill C. say he only eats things that are grown--no faces--my face was giant, and I did not want someone to eat me!"

Rush Limbaugh and Nancy Pelosi will ride together as Grand Marshall's in the Rose Parade in a final celebratory jubilee. You were honored because of the success of your anti-bullying campaign in America. And Rush Limbaugh and Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Walters and Whoopi Goldberg all lived happily ever after and Rush ended up being a frequent guest on The View.

......3 months later--bill, glen and drudge couldn't help but notice Rush's new found popularity with women (and higher ratings) and finally joined the 12 step program as followers and the world became a better place*

......rush asked Leslie Stahl after the interview lights went off---did she know of any classes about making jewelry, earrings specifically, he loves color and wants a couple of pairs of earrings like hers--one for himself and one for his wife, too.

Oct 14, 2012

Please help us save Winstanley Hall! £50,000 needed to prevent demolition. SAVE - Winstanley Hall, Wigan

copied from British Heritage

Please help us save Winstanley Hall!

£50,000 needed to prevent demolition.

SAVE - Winstanley Hall, Wigan Please help us raise £50,000 to save Winstanley Hall, Wigan, from demolition!

£50,000 is needed to save Winstanley Hall, an important Grade II* listed house near Wigan, from demolition. SAVE needs to raise this money by December this year so we urgently need your help!

Please open the PDF campaign brochure below to read about the house and the campaign. You can donate by clicking the donate button, by bank transfer or cheque. You can also give money by text using your mobile phone - you can donate either £3 or £5 by texting RESTORE3 (for £3) or RESTORE5 (for £5) to 70500. (This will cost £3 or £5 plus your standard message rate and 100% of your donation will go to SAVE Britain's Heritage.)

Thank you for your support and please spread the word! open document SAVE Winstanley Hall campaign brochure © 2012 SAVE Britain's Heritage. | Registered Charity No. 269129 | office@savebritainsheritage.org | Site: Dijit New Media

The Bold and the Beautiful---Candy Crowley

The Bold and the Beautiful---Candy Crowley If I may be so bold.....I can't wait to see, my girl and CNN's Candy Crowley moderate the upcoming presidential debate this week. I have admired her for so long and she is right where she should be in the big leagues of news presiding over the most important news event of the week---or the year if I have it my way the year when President Obama knocks it out of the ball park and ties up the election winning another four years for the Dems. Enough about me....CNN is my channel and I have been watching it forever. Candy is absolutely one of the brightest lights for women in journalism. Her colleagues often comment about her brilliant news writing skills and her astute talent for journalism. She has the ability to get the information out of her interviewees without incriminating them--she will easily be the most skilled of all of the debate moderators. Candy speaks out and shows off her talents to women around the world. We can say a prayer for this beautiful and smart teenage girl who was recently wounded by the Taliban for speaking out, as well. I love it when the teenagers talk. I like CNN for having news moderators and stories about young people around the world---talking, speaking and making progress for young women and people everywhere. CNN is the news for everyone everywhere. -- chloelouise

Oct 13, 2012

Why I Like Dan Sheridan

Why I Like Dan Sheridan...... I am able to hear him. I understand the words he says--and often he repeats important things several times. He has that gift of making something potentially complex....understandable and doable.....good job, Dan. chloelouise

Oct 8, 2012

My Turquoise Necklace

www.chloetoo.com turquoise necklace 39.00

my turquoise necklace....
,,,sterling silver findings and clasp...this clasp is so easy to use
......swarovski crystal accents
.........17 inches in length..approx.

earrings included with purchase...no tax and free shipping...

buy with paypal at www.chloetoo.com:

here's the link:

http://www.chloetoo.com/

http://www.facebook.com/chloe.louise.7923 www.chloetoo.com

turquoise necklace

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39.00

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Oct 7, 2012

My Sewing Obsession--Bespoke Tailor Sten Martin Talking About Creativity

My Sewing Obsession--Sten Martin--Draping x Pattern Making

Oct 5, 2012

THE TROUBLE WITH MITT ROMNEY.......

THE TROUBLE WITH MITT ROMNEY..........numbers.......unfortunately Mitt has quite a few wrong. Here's the one I see the biggest problem with...healthcare. Mitt stated in the debate. America has the number one healthcare in the world and always has been...Why would I want to change something like that? Really Mitt? Is that true, because right now many people can't obtain healthcare and I do see a opportunity with President Obama. There is a significant number of our population who may obtain healthcare now with President Obama who would not before --like kids who may stay on their parent's policy until they are 26...............Mitt Romney and the dancing horse....it's the same premise...we need to go towards the real world. It is notable with many repubs...they think the United States is the only world.....we are the best at everything, bar none......It simply is not true...right now, healthcare is a great talking point.....they never want to admit it. There are other countries in the world who are as proficient as us, if not better...again, healthcare is a leading election philosophy. They repubs are deaf, they cannot hear, they use ear plugs. Shouldn't healthcare be available to everyone...I am talking about routine visits and checkups, not just visiting an emergency room, as needed, as suggested by Mitt. Really, would he want that for his family? Note the other leading nations...seriously...they support healthcare available for everyone. It is winning--it is good for everyone. It is not a losing situation! What is my point? Do I hate Mitt Romney? No! Is he from another planet for the rich and famous? Possibly. I just think President Obama is a better decision--way more realistic--way more in tune with the general population.

check this link for information regarding healthcare and rating in the United States:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/jul/05/john-boehner/john-boehner-says-us-health-care-system-best-world/

Oct 4, 2012

Sten Martin--My Latest Sewing Obsession

Wow--I just finished watching the latest You Tube video from bespoke tailor Sten Martin. How can I say this--watching his vids get the principles of fitting into my mind.

I have been sewing off and on forever. Currently I am taking a sewing class from the very talented and knowledgeable and beautiful Donna Namdar. She is an expert in sewing and fit and a particular style for each individual......That persons color, fit, tradition, natural style. I feel so lucky to be in her class and hear what she has to say.

We are currently making a bodice block for the principles of fitting and pattern construction. I always try so hard to sew correctly and make a good product but then the thing does not fit. I am really so delayed in some of the basic elements of sewing construction.
\
I told our class about the amazing videos of Sten Martin. Really, this man is a genius--he can take a plain piece of fabric and make it into a jacket. I feel so lucky to see his show. It is not that I could ever hope to do what he does with his degree of expertise---but watching him--the ideas go into my mind--it lets the whole idea of fitting and pattern making and measurements go together.

I'm suggesting to CNN to put him on Fashion--Backstage Pass with Alina Cho. These videos are so helpful. I hope everyone can see them.

chloe louise

Sewing Fundamentals II/Intermediate Sewing
2012 Fall Semester
San Diego Community College/ San Diego Continuing Education

My class is at the West City Campus Location in the Loma Portal area of San Diego.
The Address is 3249 Fordham Street, San Diego, Ca 92110
The school is new and beautiful with easy access to the school and parking, but the most important thing to me is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

I have also taken the quilting class from one of my other sewing heroes Kathy Green at the North City Campus on Aero Drive.

http://www.sdce.edu/

Here is the link to Sten Martin on You Tube:
http://youtu.be/yCiyRwP_4Hc

Oct 1, 2012

California governor OKs ban on gay conversion therapy, calling it 'quackery'

Chloe Louise recommends an article on CNN Social.

We are lucky to have Jerry Brown for our leader in California.....Good job Governor Jerry Brown

California governor OKs ban on gay conversion therapy, calling it 'quackery'

By Josh Levs, CNN

updated 6:44 PM EDT, Mon October 1, 2012

Therapist to challenge 'gay cure' ban

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NEW: Two groups say they're filing lawsuits challenging the newly signed California law
NEW: A "reparative therapist" calls the law "the height of ... irresponsibility"
The law will prohibit sexual orientation change therapy for children under age 18
A psychiatric group says the therapy can bring on depression and self-destructive behavior

(CNN) -- Therapy aimed at turning gay kids straight will soon be illegal in California, with the state's governor declaring he hopes a new law will relegate such efforts "to the dustbin of quackery."

The legislation -- which the state Senate passed in May, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law this weekend and will take effect January 1 -- prohibits attempts to change the sexual orientation of patients under age 18.

"This bill bans non-scientific 'therapies' that have driven young people to depression and suicide," Brown tweeted. "These practices have no basis in science or medicine."

But practitioners of so-called "reparative therapy" say the assertions of the governor and gay rights advocates "just are not true," according to David Pickup, a spokesman for the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality.

Therapy claims to change homosexuals

Joined by "individual therapists and individual minor clients," his group will file a "major lawsuit" this week to challenge the law," Pickup said. The Pacific Justice Institute separately told CNN it will file its own lawsuit Monday, alleging the law violates the First Amendment.

"We do competent therapy, therapy that truly works," Pickup, who himself underwent such therapy and now administers it to others, said Monday on CNN.

"For them to have a bill that says, 'No, we can't even talk about these issues, we can't do anything to help these children resolve their homosexual feelings and maximize their heterosexual potential' -- that's the height of political and therapeutic irresponsibility."

Pickup alluded to a report by the American Psychiatric Association that, he says, doesn't find any "proof that (the therapy) causes harm."

But the psychiatric organization -- which is the world's largest of its kind, with more than 36,000 members -- determined, in fact, that reparative therapy poses a great risk, including increasing the likelihood or severity of depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior for those undergoing therapy. Therapists' alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already felt by patients, the association says.

CNN.com blogs: Gay in America

"The longstanding consensus of the behavioral and social sciences and the health and mental health professions is that homosexuality per se is a normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation," the association says.

After the bill passed the state Senate, Equality California spokeswoman Rebekah Orr praised the "right first step in making sure that young people are protected from these unscrupulous therapists who are really engaging in therapeutic deception that is based on junk science."

"This law will ensure that state-licensed therapists can no longer abuse their power to harm LGBT youth and propagate the dangerous and deadly lie that sexual orientation is an illness or disorder that can be 'cured,'" said Orr's organization, which describes itself as the largest statewide advocacy group in California working for "full equality" for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Peter Drake, who once participated in reparative therapy, said the bill protects youths from "a very, very dangerous therapy that doesn't work and leaves a lot of people feeling despair and hopelessness."

Yet Pickup insists that the "children who walk into my office ... crying, depressed, lonely, gender-identity confused and sexually confused" ask for help voluntarily, because they are "distressed."

Thousands believe, he claims, "believe there's a cause-and-effect nature of homosexuality" that can be brought about by instances of abuse and issues like "gender identity inferiority," "un-met needs from ... usually the same-sex parent" and other "inner wounds that we discover in therapy."

"When those wounds get healed, the homosexual feelings -- we don't force them away, they naturally, spontaneously dissipate," said Pickup, who credits the therapy with having "helped save my life," by decreasing his depression and raising his self-esteem.

The debate could now move to court, thanks to promised lawsuits by Pickup's group and the Pacific Justice Institute that describes itself as a network of more than 1,000 attorneys "defending religious, parental, and other constitutional rights."

"Of all the freedom-killing bills we have seen in our legislature the last several years, this is among the worst," said Brad Dacus, the institute's president and founder, in a written statement.

The legal battle could center around the questions of whether such therapy constitutes child abuse and if a ban is unconstitutional.

Ryan Kendall, who went through this type of therapy when he was 13, told CNN it began after his mother read his diary and discovered he was gay. In the therapy, he was consistently told his sexuality was a choice and could "be fixed," he said.

"I never believed that. I know I'm gay just like I know I'm short and I'm half Hispanic. I've never thought that those facts would change. It's part of my core fundamental identity. So the parallel would be sending me to tall camp and saying, 'If you try very hard, one day you can be 6-foot-1.'"

Kendall said psychologist Joseph Nicolosi treated him. His parents provided CNN with copies of bills from Nicolosi's office, but Nicolosi said he did not remember treating someone by that name.

He told CNN he views the therapy he provides as "trying to bring out the heterosexuality" in someone.

Yet Nicolosi insisted the therapy is not harmful, and he treats only people who want to change.

A leading psychologist in the field of reparative therapy, George Rekers, treated a boy named Kirk Murphy, whose story was told in a 2011 CNN report. Rekers considered Kirk a success story, writing that "his feminine behavior was gone" -- proof, Rekers said, that homosexuality can be prevented.

But Murphy's family said he never stopped being gay. He hanged himself at the age of 38. Despite allegations by the family that Rekers' therapy decades earlier ultimately led to the suicide , Rekers told CNN that scientifically, it "would be inaccurate to assume that it was the therapy," and that he grieves for the parents.

"Two independent psychologists with me had evaluated him and said he was better adjusted after treatment," Rekers said.

"I only meant to help, do the best I could with the parents," he added.

Rekers' days as a prominent anti-gay champion came to an end after he hired a male escort to accompany him on a trip to Europe. He denied any sexual contact or awareness at the time that the escort offered sexual favors.

Earlier this year, psychiatrist Robert L. Spitzer apologized for his 2003 study of reparative therapy, which suggested that it could help gays and lesbians become straight. He said it was deeply flawed.

"I believe I owe the gay community an apology for my study making unproven claims of the efficacy of reparative therapy," Spitzer said in a letter to the editor of the Archives of Sexual Behavior. "I also apologize to any gay person who wasted time and energy undergoing some form of reparative therapy because they believed that I had proven that reparative therapy works with some 'highly motivated' individuals."

Kendall said the therapy he underwent "led me to periods of homelessness, to drug abuse, to spending a decade of my life wanting to kill myself. It led to so much pain and struggle. And I want them to know that what they do hurts people.

"It hurts children. It has no basis in fact. And they need to stop."

CNN's Nicole File, Tom Watkins, Randi Kaye, Scott Bronstein and Jessi Joseph contributed to this report.