Move to End Naming of Highways By Lawmakers Faces April 9 Hearing

A state lawmaker is trying to strip the Legislature of one of its perks — naming streets, bridges and highways in honor of persons, often their former colleagues.

Assemblyman Chris Norby, a Fullerton Republican, proposes to transfer authority for naming streets and highway to the California Transportation Commission.

His measure, AB 1645, is scheduled for a Monday April 9 hearing before the Assembly Transportation Committee.    Read more »

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Hoodies in the State Capitol

This is the text of an email from Cine Ivory, chief of staff to Sen. Rod Wright, a Los Angeles Democrat:

“On Thursday, March 29, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Latino Legislative Caucus and Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus will don their ‘hoodies’ and join together in a show of solidarity with the family of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin, who continue to seek justice in his death.      Read more »

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Rock On, Jeffe

A subscriber brings to the attention of California’s Capitol, this important piece of legislation by Assembly Speaker John Perez, a Los Angeles Democrat:

“AB 2195, as introduced. John A. Perez. California Jobs Act of 2012

Existing law regulates wages, hours, safety and other aspects of public and private employment.

This bill would express the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to reduce the number of unemployed persons in the state.”     Read more »

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Hundreds of Bills Introduced Before Final Deadline

The deadline for introducing new bills for 2012, the final year of the legislative session was February 24.

On February 23, 392 bills were introduced. More will be logged from the 24th.

The most recent available batch of 392 brings the 80-member Assembly to 2,210 pieces of legislation since the session started in December 2010.    Read more »

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Yet Another Legislative Attempt to Increase Disclosure in Florist Advertising

For the fifth time in 13 years, California lawmakers are trying to outlaw “absentee florists.”

The almost perennial measure – this year’s version carried by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski — would prevent a florist from misrepresenting the location of their business.

The problem the Fremont Democrat bill aims to solve is that consumers can call a florist using their city or neighborhood in its name, which is actually a call center, located hundreds or thousands of miles away.    Read more »

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Apparently Nothing Is Sacred

Sales of the headstones, memorial plaques funerary urns or markers of veterans would be prohibited without state permission, under legislation passed unanimously by the Assembly January 30.

The bill – AB 1225 by Assemblyman Paul Cook, a Yucaipa Republican – is aimed at deterring thefts of memorial plaques for scrap and the sale of grave markers on the antique market.    Read more »

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Statement from Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg

WOODLAND HILLS, CA – Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg released the following statement (January 30) regarding the race for California’s new 27thState Senate District.

“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to pursue a campaign for the State Senate.

“I believe the extraordinary challenges we face in California can best be met with big ideas and independent voices.    Read more »

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Another Try at Restricting Picketing at Funerals

California is taking a second cut at trying to prevent picketers from adding to the grief of families at the funerals of loved ones.

The state Senate sent the Assembly on a unanimous vote, a bill that would require protesters to stay 500 feet away from one hour before until one hour after a funeral service.    Read more »

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“…Twisted By Those Who Would Use His Name for Their Own Political Gain.”

(Editor’s Note: Donnelly is a Republican from Hesperia. He was detained and cited at Ontario International Airport on January 4  for trying to board a plane with a loaded gun in his carry-on luggage.)

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Making the Rounds in the Capitol January 9 — Those Crazy Legislative Cut-Ups, What Wackiness Will They Dream Up Next?

The bill the lemon advertises — AB 1455 by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, a Laguna Niguel Republican — would prohibit the issuance of unencumbered debt to construct a high speed rail project. Sen. Doug LaMalfa, a Butte Republican and ardent critic of the project has already signed on as principal co-author. Up to $9.96 billion in state debt is currently authorized by the 2008 bond measure approved by voters.    Read more »

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