News Stories

California Senate passes legislation to create state-chartered cannabis banks

May 21, 2019

by Jeff Daniels

LOS ANGELES — The California Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to create state-chartered cannabis banks to help the industry get around restrictions on access to banking services.

Under the state legislation, which was approved by a vote of 35 to 1, private banks or credit unions can apply for a limited-purpose state charter so they can provide depository services to licensed cannabis businesses. The measure, Senate Bill 51, still requires approval of the Assembly and California Gov. Gavin Newsom to become law.

Bill Would Help Homeless Shelters Cover Cost Of Pets

May 21, 2019

By Reporter Lynn Walsh

A bill making its way through the California Legislature would provide $5 million to help shelters better serve homeless pet owners.

Senate Bill 258 is expected to be heard on the Senate floor this month. The bill would provide grants to California homeless shelters through the Department of Housing and Community Development. The grants would help cover the costs of providing shelter, food and basic veterinary care for pets whose owners are homeless.

Techquake: The Biggest Threat to California’s Tech-Sector May Lie Directly Beneath its Feet

April 23, 2019

California’s technology sector has had a tough year with state and federal policymakers, to say nothing of the general public. Concerns about the size and scope of internet firms have led to a “techlash,” bringing with it uncomfortable hearings and the resurrection of truly noxious policy ideas, like the Fairness Doctrine.

California Senator Aims to Shelter the Homeless by Including their Pets

February 15, 2019

On any given night in California, more than 130,000 people are without a home. Walk through a homeless encampment and you'll find many of the residents with dogs or cats.

Gina Knepp of Sacramento's Front Street Animal Shelter knows most of those living on the streets aren’t shy about staying outside if a shelter won't let them bring their animal indoors.

It’s a crime to refuse to help the police in California. This bill could change that.

February 6, 2019

by Andrew Sheeler

A California law straight out of the Wild West could soon be no more. A state lawmaker is calling for the repeal of a law that makes it a crime to refuse to help the police.

The California Posse Comitatus Act of 1872 makes it a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 for “an able-bodied person 18 years of age or older” to refuse to comply with a cop’s call for assistance in making an arrest, recapturing a suspect fleeing custody “or preventing a breach of the peace or the commission of any criminal offense.”

On 25th Anniversary of Northridge Earthquake, CSUN and Elected Officials Recommit to Preparedness

January 22, 2019

by Olivia Herstein

“The earthquake is inevitable. But the disaster is not.”

As always, seismologist and earthquake preparedness expert Lucy Jones got straight to the point. Along with State Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Jeff Gorell and numerous other elected officials, the former U.S. Geological Survey scientist visited California State University, Northridge on Thursday afternoon to stand with CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison and commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake.

Bob Hertzberg embraces an active final term in California Legislature

January 15, 2019

by Kevin Modesti

After more than a decade out of public office, Bob Hertzberg strode back into Sacramento four years ago to find state politics had changed. The game was different, with new rules and a new online playing field. The players were new, too, and no longer called him Mr. Speaker.

Not all of them enjoyed what he viewed as a friendly hug, the way human beings used to.

New California Law Orders Study Of Geomagnetic Storm Impact

September 11, 2018

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California will be looking into the risks posed to the state’s electrical system by a geomagnetic storm or an electromagnetic pulse attack.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 1076 into law on Wednesday. The bill calls for the state’s Offices of Emergency Services to look into the risk of an EMP attack or a geomagnetic storm that could wipe out portions of the state’s power grid.

California Is the First State to Scrap Cash Bail

August 28, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO — California on Tuesday became the first state to fully abolish cash bail, a step that backers said would create a more equitable criminal justice system, one less dependent on a person’s wealth.

“Today, California reforms its bail system so that rich and poor alike are treated fairly,” said Gov. Jerry Brown, who signed the California Money Bail Reform Act into law on Tuesday.

Bail reform bill sent to governor

August 22, 2018

(UPDATE: A landmark bill to eliminate bail for some offenses was approved by the Senate and sent to Gov. Brown’s desk.)

On any given day, thousands of jailed people are awaiting trial, sentencing or hearings in any of California’s 58 counties. Many are in custody because they cannot afford to post bail.

Legislation to allow people to be free while their case is in the Legislature and its fate will be decided by midnight Aug. 31 when lawmakers adjourn.