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Will California’s Hospitals Become Earthquake-Safer Sooner?
An effort to strengthen more of California’s hospitals against earthquakes sooner is awaiting action by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The measure is the latest in a line of legislation dating back to 1973 attempting to ensure hospitals withstand the jolt of a major quake.
Nearly 40 years later, 721 hospital buildings out of 2,670 buildings at 416 facilities across the state are judged to be at risk of collapse or significant loss of life in a major earthquake, according to data from the Office of Statewide Planning and Development, which oversees hospital seismic safety. Read more »
Big Changes Ahead for Hybrid Owners Using Carpool Lanes
Ten months from now, major changes will begin for drivers of low-emission vehicles in California’s carpool lanes.
Without fanfare, Gov. Arnold, Schwarzenegger signed legislation August 30 that permits 40,000 of the next generation of hybrids – electric motor, rechargeable battery-powered cars with small internal combustion engines – to use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes beginning in January 2012. Read more »
Bill to Fight Human Trafficking and Slavery Sent to Governor
Large retailers and manufacturers doing business in California would be required to disclose what steps they were taking to end slavery and human trafficking under a bill sent August 30 to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The measure, SB 657, applies only to businesses with $100 million in worldwide sales.
Beginning January 1, 2012 it would force postings on an applicable company’s website “with a conspicuous and easily understood link” describing how much the retailer verifies that its product supply chain does not include slave labor or involve victims of human trafficking. Read more »
With Federal Help, Bill Seeks to End California’s Food Deserts
Converting food deserts into oases is the goal of the federal Healthy Food Financing Initiative – and of legislation by Assembly Speaker John Perez.
Perez, a Los Angeles Democrat, is carrying a measure that would create the California Healthy Food Financing Initiative that, contingent on federal money appearing, would attempt to eradicate the state’s food deserts and steer Californians away from food swamps. Read more »
California Arts Council Tax Check Off Sent to Governor
California taxpayers could voluntarily give money to support the state’s Arts Council under legislation sent y the Senate to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 25.
The 40-member Senate sent the measure, SB 1076 by Sen. Curren Price, an Inglewood Democrat, to the GOP governor on a 24 o 8 vote.
On August 24, the Assembly sent a similar voluntary check off bill to Schwarzenegger, this one to benefit the state’s veterans’ homes. Read more »
A Banner Day in Sacramento for Veterans’ License Plates
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two bills affecting license plates and veterans August 24.
One measure attempts to increase sales by allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to redesign the veterans’ organizations license plates.
The other permits family members of dead persons with Purple Heart of Legion of Honor license plates to keep the plates, rather than returning them to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Read more »
Record High School Exit Exam Passing Rate Posted in 2010
Approximately 94.5 percent – more than 419,600 seniors in the Class of 2010 — passed both the English and math portions of the high school exit exam, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced August 24.
It is the highest passing rate since the test was first administered in 2006. Read more »
Busy College Students May Get Convenient Ballot Drop-Offs
Assembly Democrats and Republicans sparred over whether college students at three state universities and colleges should be given vote-by-mail drop-off locations.
During a lengthy floor session on August 23 – the first of the last seven working days of the 2010 legislative year – the measure on ballot drop-offs for college students generated some of the most heat. Read more »
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