A roundup of last week's editorials, columnists, and opinion pieces in area newspapers:

Ken Campbell: Congress is abusing earmarks to pay for own interests - Auburn Journal

Our very own blogpen member Ken Campbell discusses the constitutional authority for Congress to expend funds, and whether or not earmarks make the cut.

The Auburn Augur: Peachy Placer Politics - Auburn Sentinel

The Augur says, "This 4th Congressional District thing is getting wackier by the minute."

Jim Ruffalo, columnist: Defensible-space proposal poses property rights concerns - Auburn Journal

Ruffalo says expanding the defensible space rules from 30 feet to 100 feet raises property rights issues.

Liz Kellar, Editor: Future projects will have adverse impact on traffic - Lincoln News Messenger

Sorry, this is just a standard, every house built after mine should be stopped because it causes traffic column.

Editorial: Working together, local economy can be improved - Auburn Journal

It's time to develop a regional economic diversification plan built on long-term job growth, sustainable retail development, affordable housing and advanced educational opportunities.  Or, you could just let the market work?  Hmmm....

Derrick Whitehead, op-ed: Green Waste Program a success - Roseville Press Tribune

Roseville Director of Environmental Utilities argues that the city's "Green Waste" program is helping divert a lot of waste from landfills.

Ken Crawford: My turn: Full-time fire chopper not cost effective - Sierra Sun

A Tahoma resident argues that the Lake Tahoe area does not need its own, fulltime helicopter for fighting fires.