Friday, May 16, 2008

 

California Chronicle Local News

 

CALIFORNIA HAS ALWAYS been a place where traditional class, race and gender barriers have been pushed aside by a spirit of equality and opportunity that says to all -- no matter who you are, no matter where you come from -- "It can be done." In that spirit, yet one more barrier gave way when the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation, have the right to marry. The court's ruling affirms the very best of what California represents: our long-standing commitment to equality and justice. It was 60 years ago that the state Supreme Court ruled in Perez vs. Sharp that the ban on interracial marriage was unconstitutional -- 19 years before the U.S. Supreme Court would come to the same conc... more

Sacramento-Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Services & Homeland Security recently introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 106, requesting that social networking and video sites combat the proliferation of violent, criminal and inappropriate content and limit access by children. In addition the resolution calls on the Governor to create a task force to address how to combat the proliferation of violent and inappropriate internet content. "The internet and the growth of social networking web sites have brought immeasurable benefits to our country and the world," said Nava. "However, when the internet is used as a tool to spread violent, graphic and criminal content that children can access is unaccept... more

MERCED – Senate Bill 1133, authored by State Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), was stalled on the Senate Floor today. The vote was 16 Senators in favor of the measure and 21 in opposition, however Denham was granted permission to bring it up for reconsideration sometime over the next two weeks. SB 1133 would require the State to sell the parcel of land occupied by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. This bill would also rescind the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission and the joint powers agreement between the State, City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles. Because of the commission´s ineffective oversight and local infighting, the Los Angeles Coliseum has fallen into disrepair ... more

Today, the California Supreme Court took a bold and important step forward to end discrimination in California. The Court´s ruling to grant same-sex couples the right to marry affirms the very best of what California stands for – and proudly continues our state´s long-standing commitment to equality and justice. As San Franciscans, we have taken an irrevocable step toward resolving one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation, and the state's highest court has done the right thing with their ruling. San Francisco is the first government entity in American history to challenge the constitutionality of state marriage laws that discriminate against gay and lesbian couples. I believe that the path San Francisco... more

After considering a report by the Government Accountability Office assessing timelines and costs for two options for wastewater treatment, the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) has decided to upgrade the existing South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) to secondary standards. The USIBWC has determined that upgrading the existing plant in San Diego is the quickest and most cost-effective means of achieving compliance with the Clean Water Act and provides better utilization of U.S. taxpayer funds. "Our design will be completed next month and Congress has already appropriated funds for the project. We are ready to move forward with construction to complete this upgrade as s... more

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) today announced the unanimous passage of Assembly Bill 2524, by a vote of 71-0, in the California State Assembly. Benoit´s legislation requires fingerprints and criminal background checks for prospective employees and contractors of the California Gambling Control Commission. "I´m very pleased by the passage of AB 2524 today," said Assemblyman Benoit. "This is just good common-sense not to be placing confidential information in front of people with criminal records. My bill protects public safety, cuts down the risk of fraud, and keeps employees at one of the state´s most important gambling agencies accountable." The California Gambling Control Commission h... more

SACRAMENTO – This week, Democrat members of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee voted down a measure that would have offered a limited exemption for biodiesel from the state excise tax and sent a clear message that California does not want to encourage the development of renewable fuels such as biodiesel, which provide a host of public benefits. These benefits include reductions in greenhouse gases, improvements to air quality, recycling of waste materials such as grease, and increased energy independence. "Over the last 30 years, I have watched the pro-regulation, pro-litigation, pro-taxation and pro-centralized-government advocates become the definers of environmentalism." said Assemblyman Tran. "The left would have us believ... more

"During San Francisco´s Winter of Love, I was proud to serve as a San Francisco Supervisor when San Francisco extended marriage rights to our City´s same-sex families. There was such incredible joy for these couples, to ensure that they were able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities we expect in a modern society. Justice was delayed, but today the California Supreme Court decided it would not be denied. More than 100,000 California families will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of marriage, if they choose. We must work as hard as we can to protect their rights against future attacks. I expect local county clerks in California to act without delay to make marriage equality available to thei... more

(Sacramento, CA) – California Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Sally Lieber (D-San Jose) reacted to the State Supreme Court´s historic marriage decision today. She participated in the case as amicus curiae with other legislators in a brief filed with the Court which argued in favor of the decision announced today. "I am elated by the court´s decision. It is a victory for all Californians who cherish fairness and opportunity," said Lieber. "The court did its job today – ensuring that all Californians are treated fairly and equally under the law." "I joined in a brief that argued to the Court that the State Legislature did not intend to preserve the "traditional" definition of marriage by creating a "separate but equal" i... more

Washington, DC – At a forum this morning organized by the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), ten veterans of the Iraq War provided gripping first person accounts of their time spent serving in combat operations. The veterans, who had served in the National Guard, the Army, and the Marines, shared their experiences on the ground at various stages of the occupation and throughout the country. They testified regarding violence against civilians, the destruction of civilian property, rules of engagement, the inadequate training that they received prior to deploying, and the personal struggles with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that many of the testifiers faced upon their return from combat. "This morning´s event was an o... more

(Sacramento, CA)—A leader in last year´s budget negotiations, Senator Abel Maldonado today commended the governor for rescinding his earlier threat to close forty eight state parks and reduce the number of lifeguards on state beaches. The first Republican to vociferously protest these cuts, Senator Maldonado repeatedly called on the governor to keep the parks open. "The second I saw that the governor´s original budget proposal included the closure of parks, I got on the phone with Resources Agency Secretary Mike Chrisman and told him I would do everything in my power to keep these parks open. I went up and down the state praising the importance of our parks. And I took my concerns directly to the governor. Now, just a f... more

Civil and Human Rights Groups Hail Landmark Decision As Latest Step Toward Full Equality. WASHINGTON — The California Supreme Court reversed on Thursday a lower court decision and ruled that same-sex couples have the same right to marry as opposite-sex couples under the state constitution. The court ruled that it is a violation of the state constitution to deny same-sex couples the right to marry, and that providing rights to same-sex couples through a separate system of domestic partnerships does not satisfy the state constitution. "This is a historic day for the state of California, and a long-awaited day ... more

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Van Tran, R-Costa Mesa, today called the Governor´s "May Revise" budget plan a mixed bag, saying there are both positive improvements over January´s proposal but also areas of concern. Tran also pointed out that the deficit continues to grow and urgent action must be taken to get spending in line with revenues. "I am pleased that the Governor reconsidered his proposal to release prisoners early. Prisoners should serve their time, and Californians deserve to know that they are safe in their homes and neighborhoods," said Assemblyman Van Tran. "I continue to be concerned that the State´s spending does not match its revenues. Each Californian lives on a budget, not spending more than they e... more

SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) says he´s disappointed with the May budget revision plan released today in Sacramento, and predicts the spending plan will only lead to greater deficits in future budget years. Aanestad says he was prepared to support a budget that cuts spending and puts an end to the structural budget deficits that have plagued state finances for nearly a decade. But the North State leader says that´s not what the people of California are getting. "Borrowing more money against future state lottery revenues isn´t the solution that Californians deserve when it comes to out-of-control state spending," said Senator Aanestad. "Senate Republicans made it very clear that we expect spending cut... more

(SACRAMENTO) – Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) made the following remarks today about the Governor´s May Revision to the state spending plan for 2008-09. "This budget and its reasoning, candidly, is very disappointing. It´s really a budget that is beneath this great state of California. It´s kind of a subprime budget – risky borrowing for what we cannot afford. It´s an admission of failure." "The lottery proposal that he unveiled today is the worst kind of market speculation, worse even than the speculation that caused the housing collapse in the subprime debacle that caused millions of Americans to lose their homes." "By the way, last year´s budget included the sale of the EdFun... more

SACRAMENTO– Senator Bob Margett (R-Glendora) issued the following statements about the Governor´s May Revision: "First and foremost, I am glad to see the Governor has met the Prop 98 minimum and increased education spending beyond his January proposal. I am also pleased to hear the Governor has backed away from releasing felons from prison early, and has found a way to keep our state parks open at a minimal cost to users." "The May Revise shows the acuteness of our state´s fiscal problems and further shows California has spending, not revenue problems. General Fund revenues are slightly more than last year, yet California still has a $17.3 billion shortfall. We must stop using our credit card to balance the budget." "I ... more

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Schwarzenegger´s May budget revisions: "There are a number of commendable decisions that the Governor made in his budget revisions, as we all work hard to tackle a now-$17.2 billion budget deficit. First, rejecting the proposal of thousands of early prisoner releases merits praise, as California families will not need to worry about endangering their safety to make budget savings. Second, the Governor found savings that allow for the full funding of education at Proposition 98 levels and saving 48 state parks from closure, including Riverside´s own California Citrus State Historic Park. Finally, this bud... more

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R – Lancaster) issues the following statement regarding Governor Schwarzenegger´s May Revise of the 2008-2009 state budget proposal. "I am glad Governor Schwarzenegger now proposes a budget that more accurately reflects the values of Californians by fully funding Proposition 98 to protect our children´s education, ensuring the public is kept safe from the early release of prisoners and keeping state parks open. "However, I strongly urge the Governor to remember his commitment to not raise taxes as I will not support a proposal that increases costs to hardworking families who are already paying more for the basics of food and fuel. "Tax increases are never the answer to o... more

(SACRAMENTO, CA) The following is a statement from Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, on the release of the Governor´s May Revise budget proposal. "It is encouraging to see the Governor join with Democrats in wanting to balance the budget with a blend of spending cuts and revenue increases. As the Legislature reviews his new ideas, it will be our responsibility to make sure that the final budget reflects the values of all Californians. The good news is that the Governor abandoned his proposals to close many of our beloved state parks. The bad news is that the money to make this possible will be taken from education and programs providing health care and other vital ser... more

(SACRAMENTO, CA) The Senate Health Committee passed Assembly Bill (AB) 16 authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) to require health plans and insurers to cover the cost of vaccinating young women against the virus causing cervical cancer. Last year, Evans authored AB 1429 which included the same coverage mandate. It had extensive support from the medical community and passed the Legislature with bipartisan support but the governor vetoed it. "I hope the governor sees things differently this year," said Evans. "This is a common sense update to our laws regulating women´s health care options. Requiring vaccination coverage will assure that more young women can get vaccinated. This will save lives from being ne... more

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today praised Committee passage of her conservation bill in the House Committee on Natural Resources. Bono Mack´s legislation, H.R. 3682, the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act, would preserve desert, forest, and river areas throughout California's 45th Congressional District. The bill is now ready to be considered on the House Floor. "As one of the nation´s fastest growing regions, it is important that we take steps to protect the unique and spectacular environment that surrounds us," said Bono Mack. "This bill is the result of an inclusive process involving the input and cooperation of many individuals throughout California´s 45th District. Only ... more

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Littleton) today put forth an amendment in the House Foreign Affairs Committee attempting to block foreign aid under the Merida Initiative to Mexico. The amendment would block all funding until the President of the United States has certified that the Mexican government has met a list of requirements. "The maintenance of elementary law and order in the face of organized violence against law enforcement and legal institutions, infiltration of the armed services and local police by the drug cartels, and endemic corruption at all levels of government – these are the primary threats to Mexico´s people and democratic institutions today," said Tancredo. Among other things, the amendme... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Mayor Gavin Newsom today praised the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission´s (SFPUC) decision to authorize new projects that will create at least five megawatts of new solar energy generation at City-owned facilities. When completed, the new projects atop the newly seismically-retrofitted Sunset Reservoir and the Pier 96/Norcal Recycling Center will increase municipal solar energy generation in San Francisco by more than 300% from two megawatts to seven megawatts. "These new solar power systems at the Sunset Reservoir and Pier 96 will more than triple the energy we generate from the sun atop City facilities," said Mayor Newsom. "The innovative approach to developing these projects is another example of our ... more

SACRAMENTO - Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has selected Alberto Torrico (D-Newark) to serve as Assembly Majority Floor Leader. Torrico, the son of immigrants from Bolivia, is in his second term. He represents the 20th Assembly District, which includes parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties. He previously served as chair of the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee. "I´m honored that Speaker Bass has called upon me to serve in this critical position," Torrico said. "The challenges that California faces are daunting, but not insurmountable. She is the ideal leader to face these challenges and I look forward to working with the rest of her leadership team." Torrico, whose mother is of Japanese descent, is ... more

SACRAMENTO – A bill that would ensure protected Public Trust Lands remain out of the hands of private developers has passed out of the State Assembly. Assembly Bill 1832 would repeal statues that, in violation of constitutional prohibitions, allowed cities to grant state tidelands to the U.S. Government without Public Trust use restrictions. This puts these public lands at risk of being conveyed to private interests. "Tidelands are set aside for the benefit of the citizens of California," Saldaña said "Protecting these Public Trust Lands has made public beaches, marinas, recreational and commercial fishing, water recreation and a flourishing tourism industry possible on California´s waterfronts." Tidelands originally b... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the introduction of a bond proposal that will ensure the continued operations of San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (SFGH). The Department of Public Health (DPH) is proposing an $887.4 million general obligation bond measure on the November ballot in order to build a new, seismically safe SFGH. The existing general acute care hospital building does not comply with the current California seismic safety requirements and must be replaced or face closure of acute care services. "San Francisco General Hospital is the crown jewel of our public health system," said Mayor Newsom. "There is no more immediate or more important goal to the health of our residents than to rebuild... more

SAN DIEGO--California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the San Diego Airport is taking "a key leadership role" in the fight against global warming by agreeing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its major airport expansion. "Under this agreement, the San Diego airport will play a key leadership role in helping California meet its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets," said Attorney General Brown who entered into the agreement today. "This agreement is another example of how, in the absence of federal action, local government is leading the fight against global warming," Brown added. The San Diego Airport is the busiest single-runway airport in the nation. Passenger travel at the airport is expecte... more

SACRAMENTO – Bills authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) to help two local San Mateo County communities are quickly moving through the legislative process. The Senate Governmental Organization Committee today unanimously approved Senate Bill (SB) 1527 which allows the state to sell a thirteen acre overflow parking lot (Parcel A) within the state-owned Cow Palace property to the City of Daly City. Daly City anticipates providing the neighborhood a much-needed grocery store, bank, post office, and elementary school. Yesterday the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved SB 1447, a bill to allow the San Bruno Park School District to use $1.4 million from the sale an elementary school for the operat... more

SACRAMENTO: Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) is urging a state Senate budget subcommittee to restore $18.5 million in funding for a rural law enforcement program that provides $500,000 a year in grant funding to 37 California counties, including all 12-counties in Northern California´s 4th Senate District. Aanestad, who authored the Rural Crime Prevention Act nearly a decade ago while serving in the State Assembly, says the loss in funding will have a dramatic impact on rural sheriff´s departments. "With a budget deficit of close to $20 billion, and as a fiscal conservative, I very much understand the need to cut wasteful spending in California," said Senator Aanestad. "But law enforcement protection is the number one ... more

STATE CAPITOL – Senate Bill 1663, authored by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), passed the Senate Appropriations Committee today on a 14 to 0 vote. SB 1663 would allow farmers and agricultural businesses to more easily recycle their used tires or tires that are illegally dumped on their properties. This bill would apply to the owner or an employee of a farm or an agricultural business attempting to recycle these tires. "These farms and agricultural businesses are doing the right thing by disposing properly of used or waste tires," said Senator Denham. "This law will make it easier for farmers and ag business owners to recycle these tires." Current law requires anyone who hauls more than 9 tires at a time to register as a "Was... more

MERCED —Senate Bill 1133, authored by State Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), passed the Senate Appropriations Committee today on a 8 to 5 vote. SB 1133 would require the California Science Center to sell the parcel of land occupied by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. This bill would also rescind the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission and the joint powers agreement between the State, City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles. Because of the commission´s ineffective oversight and local infighting, the Los Angeles Coliseum has fallen into disrepair and has lost several major tenants; hence the state taxpayers are not receiving appropriate services or an adequate investment ... more

SACRAMENTO – On an 8-2 vote the Senate Appropriations Committee today approved legislation expected to help rehabilitate incarcerated juveniles and reduce recidivism. The Family Communication and Youth Rehabilitation Act, authored Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), allows greater communication between incarcerated youth and their family members, clergy, and legal counsel. "Removing bureaucratic barriers to family communication is an efficient and effective means of helping rehabilitate incarcerated youth and will greatly cut recidivism rates," said Yee, who is also a child psychologist. "The research is clear; the youth and the general public are better off when we allow for greater communication with families." Amon... more

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- As motorists prepare to hit the roads for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, more than 280 local police departments, along with regional task forces and the California Highway Patrol, will be hitting the streets as part of the statewide "Click It or Ticket" seat belt enforcement campaign taking place today, May 12 through June 1. The campaign is supported by $1.8 million in traffic safety grants awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "The two seconds it takes to buckle a seat belt not only saves lives, but prevents injuries and the societal costs of collisions," said Dale E. Bonner, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing A... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Joined by members of the Small Business Commission, Mayor Newsom today announced the opening of the Small Business Assistance Center. The center will be lead by Director Brajah Norris and dedicated to serving the needs of small businesses in San Francisco with fewer than 100 employees. Because of the sometimes tedious steps needed to open or expand a business in San Francisco and the myriad of agencies that must often be contacted when locating here, the Small Business Assistance Center will serve as the City´s central point of information and assistance for all city-related small business needs. "In recent months, the City has asked a lot of our local business community," said Mayor Newsom. "Make no mis... more

Sacramento— On Thursday, May 8th, AB 1852 by Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. This measure will decriminalize participation in sports betting pools, which under current law is a misdemeanor or felony offense, punishable by up to a $5000 fine and up to a year in prison. "Whether it´s Super Bowl Sunday, March Madness or the NBA Playoffs, countless Californians will take part in harmless pools at their office or amongst their friends." Points out Jeffries, "And it just seems crazy to me that we would elevate this activity to such a high level of criminal prosecution." This legislation was prompted by an incident that occurred a little over a year ago in th... more

SACRAMENTO - Orange County is one step closer to receiving $100 million from the California Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) for its proposed jail and re-entry project. Highly anticipated construction funding recommendations were announced last week by the CSA's Executive Steering Committee. Orange County's proposal received a full funding recommendation. Orange County Assembly members Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) and Todd Spitzer (R-Orange) lobbied in a bi-partisan effort to make sure the CSA saw the strengths of the Orange County application, including its focus on building new jail capacity and starting new re-entry programs to lower the region's recidivism rate. "Our city streets will be safer as a result of this new jail constru... more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Mayor Gavin Newsom today joined Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) General Manager Ed Harrington to announce a new $8 million USEPA grant to fund innovative water security and drinking water contamination early detection systems for the SFPUC water system. The grant funds will allow the SFPUC to pilot monitoring, sampling, detection and early warning systems that could serve as a model for other water systems across the nation. New York City also recently received a similar USEPA grant, announced last month. "Our Hetch Hetchy water is the cleanest and most pris... more

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) praised House passage of H.R. 1512, which would amend the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) to authorize reimbursements to States and local governments for costs associated with the incarceration of illegal aliens charged – rather than convicted – with a felony or two or more misdemeanors. Bono Mack joined Representative Linda Sanchez (CA-39) and other members of the California Delegation in introducing this legislation in May of 2007. The measure passed by a voice vote yesterday and now awaits consideration in the Senate. "Our state and local governments depend on SCAAP funding to deal with the burgeoning costs associated with incarcerating criminal aliens," said ... more

STATE CAPITOL – Senate Bill 1686, authored by Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced), passed the Senate yesterday during a 34 to 0 Floor vote. SB 1686, co-authored by Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles), proposes that if a person, company or organization directs or knows that a petition gatherer signs a false affidavit, (primarily about their residence), then that person could be punishable by fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. "The big fish that bankroll illegal signature gathering should not be able to get away by blaming the little fish who do their bidding," said Senator Denham. It has now become common practice by some groups to get their signatures through petition gatherers who don&ac... more

As the LA City Council votes on whether to support AB 2716, California´s proposed paid sick days legislation, UC Berkeley report analyzes the legislation´s potential to reduce the transmission of illnesses such as seasonal influenza and norovirus. Berkeley, CA – AB 2716, a bill that would extend paid sick days leave to all workers in California, will likely have a positive impact on public health, according to a new report released today by the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. AB 2716, the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, was introduced by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma in February and passed by the Assembly Labor and Employment and Judiciary Committees in April. The Los Angeles City Council is e... more

Blue Ribbon Commission Hearing to Address Disparities in Food Access And Job Standards for Low-Income Communities. Community Activists, Workers, Clergy and Environmentalists Testify That Industry Trends May Threaten Community Standards. Los Angeles – A Blue Ribbon Commission, convened by the Alliance for Healthy and Responsible Grocery Stores, heard testimony from a broad range of community leaders, workers and clergy, urging City Hall to stave off a looming grocery crisis in Los Angeles. "The latest trends in the highly competitive super market industry, coupled with rising food prices and our city´s chronic ´food desert´ problem, may conspire to actually harm communities. In the face of that perfect storm, it´s... more

SACRAMENTO –Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes) today announced the California State Assembly´s unanimous approval, by a vote of 65-0, of Assembly Bill 2724, his measure to crack down on the metal thieves who continue to ravish public and private property in our communities and throughout the State of California. "My colleagues recognize that we need to act now to enact tougher laws to combat the metal theft epidemic," remarked Assemblyman Benoit. "I´m grateful for their consideration of my measure that will curb this crime which is threatening local governments, hurting school districts, and destroying critical infrastructure locally and throughout our State." Under current law, it is considered grand theft ... more

(SACRAMENTO) – A bill by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) requiring insurance companies to provide appropriate and equitable coverage to patients with autism spectrum disorders passed the Senate today on a 33-to-1 vote. SB 1563 requires the Department of Managed Health Care, in conjunction with the Department of Insurance, to bring together key stakeholders and make sure that the current law requiring health insurers to provide medically necessary treatment for autism is being followed. Experts estimate that there are 187,000 Californians with this condition and presently the state´s regional centers serve over 37,000 individuals with autism and are adding 11 new cases every day. "Families are told their... more

REDWOOD CITY—Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (San Francisco/San Mateo) and San Mateo County Supervisor Jerry Hill today released results of a San Mateo audit that found registered sex offenders at a child care and foster care facility in the county and announced plans to improve state law and local practices. The review, requested by Supervisor Hill, continues efforts by Assemblywoman Ma to better regulate these social services. "When working moms drop off their kids, they shouldn´t have to worry about their children´s safety," said Assemblywoman Ma. "When the state auditor discovered sex offenders at child care facilities and foster care homes, the state finally acted. That´s too little, too late. That´s why exp... more

Sacramento – Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security announced that his bill, AB 1946, to provide district attorney´s more power to pursue polluters and to protect emergency responders passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee. "I am proud to be working with the California District Attorney´s Association to better protect Californians from pollution. The more tools to enforce California´s environmental laws, the better," said Nava. "It is necessary to make sure that the public, our firefighters and police officers are protected. Companies who fail in their obligation to our community shouldn´t be able to hide from their responsibility because of a f... more

Sacramento–State Assemblymember Pedro Nava announced today that his legislative initiative to protect victims, witnesses, and our communities from sexually violent predators passed the State Assembly on a unanimous bipartisan vote 74 to 0. "I am very pleased that my colleagues in the Assembly passed my legislation with all aye votes," said Nava. "This measure provides vital protections to victims, their families and communities from further harm by sexually violent predators." AB 2410-The Sex Crime Victims & Witness Protection Act of 2008 Protects victims and or witnesses by prohibiting disclosure to the attacker of a victim´s name, phone number and address, when the victim and or witness testifies at the SVP commitme... more

(Sacramento, CA) – The State Assembly unanimously approved legislation authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) to help non-profit organizations organize fundraising events involving wine donated from California´s wine industry. Assembly Bill (AB) 1964 passed with a 74-0 vote. It now moves to the State Senate for further review. "It´s challenging enough for non-profits to raise the funds needed to do their important work," said Evans. "The law need not put needless obstacles in front of them. This bill creates new opportunities for non-profits to get the resources they need and simplifies the laws that they must follow." "This is one of those areas where an existing law no longer makes sense," said Sena... more

SACRAMENTO–On a 4-1 bipartisan vote, the Senate Local Government Committee today approved legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to enable cities in California to save money and time on public construction projects using the efficient design-build process. Under Wolk´s Assembly Bill 642, all cities would be able to utilize the design build project delivery method and hire a single company to both design and construct public buildings and related infrastructure. This method significantly streamlines the construction process, speeding project completion and containing costs. Existing law only allows the cities in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the cities of Victorville and Stanton, to use design-build contracting practices.... more

SACRAMENTO--California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that Jiffy Lube International has improved its operations to ensure that oil and antifreeze is properly contained at its local oil change facilities. "Some employees were not regularly inspecting their storage containers to prevent oil and antifreeze from spilling or leaking," Attorney General Brown said. "Under today´s agreement, Jiffy Lube will launch a program to ensure that storage containers are in good working order to avoid spills and overflows." Brown joined eleven counties in announcing the statewide agreement with Jiffy Lube International, resolving allegations that some of its oil change centers did not follow precautions to protect the envi... more

By FELICITY BARRINGER SAN FRANCISCO — Mayor Gavin Newsom is competitive about many things, garbage included. When the city found out a few weeks ago that it was keeping 70 percent of its disposable waste out of local landfills, he embraced the statistic the way other mayors embrace winning sports teams, improved test scores or declining crime rates. The San Francisco Recycling Center processes about 750 tons of recyclables a day, and Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to add to that total. Workers sort plastics at the San Francisco Recycling Center. The city, with 7,800 tons of waste a day, keeps 70 percent of it out of landfills. Mayor Gavin Newsom is shooting for 75 percent. But the city wants more. So Mr. Newsom will soon be... more