News

By Larry Buhl

The California Legislature is considering a proposal to link the cost of a traffic ticket to a person’s ability to pay. Supporters say if it becomes law, it will keep minor traffic violations from pushing low-income California drivers deep into debt. And, it could help the state recoup tens of millions of dollars in delinquent fines that people just can’t afford to pay.

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, that provides more options for law enforcement on how to handle people suffering a mental health crisis when they are arrested rather than taking them to jail passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee today.

SB 237 was unanimously approved as part of the committee’s consent calendar and goes next to the full Assembly for consideration.

SACRAMENTO – Diane Griffiths, who has served as chief of staff for Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, since he was elected to the Senate in 2014 and previously when he was Assembly Speaker, is retiring today, ending a public service career that has spanned four decades. 

SACRAMENTO – The Senate today passed legislation by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, to stop schools from publicly shaming or embarrassing students by either denying them lunch or providing a snack instead because their parents haven’t paid lunch fees.