It's a Wrap: Camp Pendleton on the Web

Here's a summary of news and information we've found online impacting the base and beyond.

1. The federal government faces a lawsuit filed by gay active-duty and retired military personnel seeking the same spousal benefits as provided those who are straight, the MilitaryTimes.com reported.

In a suit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, the gay plaintiffs argued the government should recognize their marriages and provide benefits to their spouses.

The suit follows the repeal of , the policy that kept openly gay personnel from serving in the military.

2. The city of Oceanside plans to bill the Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary for the water it uses to keep the lake filled, a development that might cost the volunteer organization thousands of dollars, according to the North County Times.

The lake is located just south of Camp Pendleton. The Buena Vista Audubon Society holds bird watching hikes at the lake on the first Saturday of every month.

3. More women veterans are joining the ranks of the homeless, the Stars and Stripes reports.

Over the past six years, the number of homeless female veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars rose from 150 in 2006 to 1,700 in 2011, according to Department of Veterans Affairs statistics.

Of the 1.8 million female veterans from all wars and services, some 55,000 are homeless, Veteran Affairs estimates.

4. Bath salts carrying such names as Ivory Wave, Bliss and White Lightning are posing a challenge to anti-substance abuse efforts, according to the Camp Pendleton public affairs. 

The bath salts can be snorted, injected, ingested or smoked for a high, but can have significant physical effects, including rapid heart beat, psychotic delusions and severe paranoia.

Personnel who use illegal substances can face disciplinary action.

5. Stuart Mesa Community Center played host to hundreds at its annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 26, according to a story on Marines.mil.

The Marine Corps Community Services event featured hay rides, pumpkin picking, games, face-painting and more to celebrate the season.

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