American Notes CALIFORNIA

If a proposal before the Berkeley city council becomes law, hoteliers will be offering more than a bed, bath and Gideon Bible. Leland Traiman, a registered nurse who treats AIDS patients, has suggested that the city help combat the spread of the disease by requiring hotels and motels to equip each guest room with safe-sex information kits, including condoms. The kits would also be distributed at some local massage parlors and saunas. "There could be a sign with each kit saying, THE BIBLE MAY SAVE YOUR SOUL, BUT THIS WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE," says Traiman. Some innkeepers fear that guests might find the kits offensive. Elie Cukierman, owner of the venerable Shattuck Hotel, suggests an alternative: a sign in each room stating that condoms are available free, on request.