Followups

1. SPCA v. 20/20:
   I don't know how I missed this, and am particularly surprised that none of our SPCA-following readers brought this to my attention, but ABC published a response to the SPCA's complaints on the Stossel piece.
      
   Until we're "in business," I'm out of the business of investigating such controversies. So I'll let the ABC response stand on its own and quietly wish they'd gotten back to me on some of my questions.
      
2. Ferguson Road:
   Kevin asks: "In reference to the other 22 areas trying to take our...money...who are they...can we find their presence on the web...do they come across as strong and effective as FRI does"
   
   My understanding is that the decision rests in the hands of the Department of Justice. They distribute the money based on the need, preparedness, strength of plans and how much money they have. Conceivably, all 22 could get some money. Sources who've worked with them before tell me that citizen lobbying and/or political pressure is the worst thing for the neighborhood's chances. The real decisionmaking is at the staff level, and the best way to impress them is with the budget and plan for the use of funds. Having seen a fair amount of the FRI stuff firsthand, I'm pretty confident that whatever they send to DC will be in the top tier.