Do Self-Checkout Stands Make It Easier for Minors To Buy Alcohol?

Despite lockout mechanisms that require proof of ID for all alcohol purchases, self-service supermarket checkout stands make it easier for minors to buy booze.

Therefore, all sales of alcohol must occur only at traditionally staffed checkout stands.

That’s the logic and policy change in AB 183 by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, a San Francisco Democrat.    Read more »

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Voting Changes for New Citizens, Write-In Candidates and Mail-In Ballots

August 8 is California Voter Day – at least for Gov. Jerry Brown.

The Democratic governor signed seven bills changing everything from the ability of new citizens to vote to how votes for write-in candidates are counted.

All seven are non-controversial Assembly measures although similar measures had been vetoed by former Gov.    Read more »

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Bill Vetoed to Add the Homeless to List of Those Protected From Violence

While agreeing that the state’ estimated 157,000 homeless are subject to violence and intimidation, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed legislation August 5 that would have expanded the protections of some of the state’s civil rights and hate crime laws to persons who are homeless.

“It is undeniable that homeless people are vulnerable to victimization but California already has very strong civil and criminal laws that provide sufficient protection,” the Democratic governor wrote in his veto message.    Read more »

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More Properties Placed on the State’s Not Exactly Brisk “For Sale” List

Six sites have been added to California’s list of surplus properties and two removed under legislation signed August 4 by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The measure – AB 1272 by Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, a Torrance Democrat – is the annual compendium of properties the state Department of General Services wishes to dispose of.    Read more »

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Presidential Primary Moves from February Back to June

Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation June 29 to end California’s experiment with a February presidential primary.

Adding the third election in 2008  — an attempt to give California more clout in the selection of a presidential candidate — cost more than $96 million.

Said the bill’s author, Assemblyman Paul Fong, a Mountain View Democrat:

“Current law is out of compliance with national party rules and requires California to hold three separate statewide elections in 2012, imposing a huge cost on the state and local governments at a time when our fiscal situation is in crisis.     Read more »

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Penalties For Animal Neglect Increased Under New law

Under a bill signed July 26 by Gov. Jerry Brown, the misdemeanor penalty for animal neglect is increased to the misdemeanor penalty for animal cruelty.

California’s critters and consumers should be grateful for this, according to Sen. Ted Lieu, the Torrance Democrat who carried the bill.

“Animal abuse is generally divided into two main categories: Animal cruelty and animal neglect,” Lieu said in a statement when his measure, SB 917, passed the Senate in May.    Read more »

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Brown Signs Legislation to Allow Non-Residents to be Buried in Davis Cemeteries

The Davis Cemetery District can now bury up to 500 persons who aren’t residents of the district at the 820 Pole Line Road cemetery, thanks to legislation signed July 25 by Gov. Jerry Brown.

According to the measure’s author — Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, a Davis Democrat — the bill is needed because the Jewish section of the cemetery is nearly full.    Read more »

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Caffeinated Beer Ban — A Solution in Search of a Problem

Legislation to ban the importation, production, manufacture, distribution or sale of beer to which caffeine is added, awaits action by Gov. Jerry Brown.

It is a solution in search of a problem.

Much media attention has been focused on California’s move to ban these allegedly dangerous drinks whose labels and advertising campaigns are aimed at a youthful audience.    Read more »

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There’s At Least One Thing Gov. Brown and Former Gov. Schwarzenegger Agree On

A legislative attempt to outlaw prohibitions on the use of artificial turf in condominium complexes and planned communities was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown June 15.

Sponsored by the San Diego Water Authority, the bill would have declared any provision in the governing documents of a homeowner’s association, such as the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, precluding use of Astro Turf or other synthetic surfaces unenforceable.    Read more »

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“Government Nannyism” for Nannies and Babysitters?

Opponents call it the ultimate government nannyism legislation because it gives nannies, babysitters and other caregivers overtime, meal breaks and paid vacation benefits.

Irrational and impractical, opponents say of the bill, AB 889 by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, a San Francisco Democrat.

Equity and fairness for domestic workers, counter Ammiano and the bill’s backers which include the California Labor Federation AFL-CIO and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.    Read more »

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