CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SACRAMENTO : No More Manholes After Name Change

The state’s capital has struck down sexism in its streets by changing the name of its manholes to “maintenance holes.” The change was signaled at a City Council meeting as members approved amendments to an ordinance concerning the use of sewers. No one called attention to the name change, although the issue received national attention in late April, when it was reported that officials were looking for a practical non-sexist term. Two city civil engineers proposed, tongue-in-cheek, a “Manhole Terminology Change Contest,” and it was suggested that the female majority in the mayor’s office and City Council was behind the proposal. However, officials denied that they had put any pressure on the Public Works Department. Department Director Melvin Johnson said that “maintenance hole” is practical, because it will spare the department from having to revamp its maps, which designate manholes as “MH.”