Hold the fries -- or else

Los Angeles politicos are pushing ahead with plans to ban fast food restaurants in certain parts of the city -- particularly, in those areas inhabited by ... you know ... poor people who can't be trusted to make menu decisions for themselves.

Despite concerns over its broad sweep, a city panel on Tuesday moved ahead with a plan to ban fast-food restaurants in South Los Angeles.

The proposal from Councilwoman Jan Perry was approved by the council's Planning and Land Use Committee even though two city officials said they believe more work on the ordinance is needed.

"We have a serious problem in my district with fast-food restaurants and the increasing level of obesity and diabetes," Perry told the panel.

No word yet on whether those folks will also be relieved of the burden of picking city council members and such.