. >>> a bill requiring helmets for young skiers and snowboarders is signed into law. but it won't take effect. the bill would have mandated helmets on the slopes for those under 18. the governor signed the legislation yesterday but he was linked to another bill requiring ski resorts to prepare annual safety plans. governor schwarzenegger vetoed that bill, saying it would not have guaranteed fewer injuries or fatalities and would have placed an unnecessary burden on ski resort operators. >>> apple, gag will and other silicon valley giants have accepted a settlement offer from the u.s. justice department in a case about employee poaching. the settlement includes these companies. the companies were accused of agreeing not to poach, a practice the justice department said interfered with the employee's ability to compete. the settlement announced yesterday would bar such an agreement for five years. a court, though, must still approve the settlement. >>> tens of thousands of volunteers gave up recreation on this beautiful warm autumn day to pick up trash instead. in oaklan