Diverse cultures, image by BobbozOPINION – As the author of Assembly Bill 884, I am committed to ensuring that every Californian, regardless of their language preference, can fully engage in our democratic process. In a state as diverse as ours, it’s clear that our voting system needs to evolve to truly represent all voices.
Photo by Mega Pixel via ShutterstockCA Assembly Bill 77 would require the California Dept. of Public Health, which oversees vital statistics, to use such marks on birth and death certificates and marriage licenses.
A view of Stinson Beach in Marin County north of San Francisco. (Photo: Sundry Photography)Linda Escalante, an environmental activist and a legislative director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, has been named to the California Coastal Commission, the powerful regulatory body with jurisdiction over 1,100 miles of coastline.
A street sign for voters. (Photo by Gustavo Frazao, via Shutterstock)Field Poll: Likely voters are giving strong initial support to two state ballot propositions, one to extend a recent income tax hike on high income residents (Proposition 55). and another to offer new parole opportunities for non-violent offenders (Propositon 57). While voters are also backing a third initiative to increase cigarette taxes (Proposition 56), it leads by a narrower margin.
The silhouette of a sad man. (Photo: Freedom Studio, via Shutterstock)This is Suicide Prevention Week – a reminder that by learning the warning signs of suicide and how to intervene, every Californian has the opportunity to be a lifesaver.
Demonstrators in Los Angeles advocating for less restrictive immigration laws. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)OPINION: A lot of well-meaning, smart and politically savvy professionals cringe at the idea of putting together Spanish language advertisements. In seminars and forums they twist in circles trying to convince the audience and themselves that Hispanics can be easily reached in English. While the reasons may vary, in reality these are just excuses to mask an underlying concern: the fear of screwing up.
Patty Lopez, a contender in the close-run 39th Assembly District trace, came from obscurity to prominence. (Photo: Lopez staff)Patty Lopez is more comfortable speaking Spanish, but she’s not afraid to be a voice for her community. That’s why she decided to compete against a well-known, well-connected incumbent for a San Fernando Valley Assembly seat. Nearly two weeks after Election Day, Lopez and incumbent Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, are locked in a race that’s too close to call in the 39th District.