Racine & Me November, 11, 2018: Rebecca Solen, WI Appeals Judge Brian Hagedorn, Racine Zoo, and the Christmas House

If you have an idea for Racine & Me contact Jacob Kittilstad at [email protected]

Jacob Kittilstad briefly reflected on the mid-term elections before starting an interview with former Congressional Candidate Rebecca Solen. She ran against Speaker Paul Ryan in 2016 and came out following that election – announcing to her family and the public that she would transition (back then she was known as Ryan Solen). She talked to Jacob about the recently leaked Trump Administration proposal that would legally redefine gender at the federal level. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would only recognize the gender on an individual’s birth certificate - with any disagreement being settled by a DNA test. Solen said she opposes the plan and warns that the decision would leave millions of American citizens in a legal-limbo with regards to their identities.

Next WI Appeals Judge Brian Hagedorn told Jacob about his decision to run for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He talked about his current responsibilities and has past background working as chief legal counsel for Governor Scott Walker. He also referenced the opioid epidemic as something that he would like to address if given the opportunity to hold the position – and gave examples of what he could accomplish.

The Racine Zoo is preparing for the holidays with some upcoming visits from Santa Claus and his reindeer. Merry Zoomas and the Brunch with Santa will mix Christmas-related activities with up-close animal encounters for children. Jacob also had a visit from an alligator and a snake on-set, both with interesting “color connections” to the holiday season.

And the Christmas House Bed & Breakfast is once again opening its door for tours of their decorated mansion. A spokesperson for the property said two other buildings – the Lochnaiar Inn and the Racine Masonic Temple – are also included in the tour that offers a historical perspective to life in early downtown Racine.

Guests: Rebecca Solen – Former Congressional Candidate, Brian Hagedorn – Wisconsin Appeals Judge, Aszya Summers – Racine Zoo Conservation Education Manager, Chelsea Locke – Racine Zoo Events Manager, Amanda Ottersen – Christmas House Bed & Breakfast Marketing Director