In the News

Washington Post: Shock ads, the holocaust and domain squatting: The intense fight over a new California Vaccine Bill

By: Abby Ohlheiser

April 8, 2015

A bill that would tighten California’s vaccination requirements got its first public hearing in the state legislature  Wednesday. Although the proposal — which removes an exemption to the vaccination requirements based on personal belief — is in the early stages of consideration, the debate is already intense.

One Minnesota anti-vaccine group even purchased airtime for what they describe as a “public service announcement” that shows an extended shot of an infant having a seizure, KXTV reported. The 30-second ad aired Tuesday, according to the ABC affiliate.

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Contra Costa Times: California vaccine exemption bill faces crucial first test on Wednesday

By: Tracy Seipel

April 5, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- Democratic-led efforts to ban vaccine exemptions in Oregon and Washington state toppled one after the other last month amid fervent opposition from parents and anti-vaccine groups who say the bills would have trampled their fundamental rights to decide how to care for their own children.

Now it's California's turn to try.

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AccessLocal.TV: Dr. Richard Pan Ready to Improve His District, Focus on Health

By: Jennifer Lee

March 31, 2015

On Saturday March 28th, State Senator Dr. Richard Pan held a meet and greet in his reclaimed office space as a thanks to those who supported him throughout his campaign. A light lunch and stimulating conversation were provided for the people who came out.

Pan himself took every opportunity to chat with the attendees, rarely spending a moment unaccompanied. In between asking about a supporter’s family or work, he shared his political goals for his district.

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Los Angeles Times: SB 591 could be a smart way to help pay for damage done by tobacco

By: Editorial Board

March 18, 2015

A tax on tobacco products is a good unto itself, not just a way to raise revenue. As economists have repeatedly reported, tobacco levies are highly effective at dissuading people from smoking cigarettes, which remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Tobacco taxes alleviate suffering and extend lives. What's not to love?

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Sacramento Bee: Pro-vax majority can’t take safety for granted now

Don’t forget Disneyland outbreak

March 18, 2015

By: Editorial Board

Sens. Richard Pan of Sacramento, at podium, and Ben Allen of Santa Monica, far left, introduce legislation that would end California’s vaccine exemption loophole. The bill has broad backing, but no guarantee of passage as the public moves on from the Disneyland measles outbreak.

A new study has confirmed what Californians know already – that the Disneyland measles outbreak was fueled by scarily low immunization rates.

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Center for Investigative Reporting: The bill that could end secrecy around UC’s venture investments

March 16, 2015

https://www.revealnews.org/article/the-bill-that-could-end-secrecy-around-ucs-venture-investments/

By

The University of California has invested more than $200 million in some private equity funds sold by two high-flying Silicon Valley venture capital firms.

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San Jose Mercury News: Measles outbreak: Vaccination exemption would end under proposed California law

BY: Lisa M. Krieger and Jessica Calefati

February 5, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- Two state senators said Wednesday they will introduce legislation to eliminate a controversial "personal belief exemption" that allows California parents to refuse to vaccinate their children.

"We shouldn't wait for more children to sicken or die before we act," Sen. Richard Pan, a Sacramento Democrat who is also a pediatrician, said at a Wednesday news conference. "Parents are letting us know our current laws are insufficient to protect their kids."

Pan is sponsoring the legislation with Sen. Ben Allen, D-Redondo Beach.

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Sacramento Bee: World is too small for Disneyland anti-vax risk

Measles outbreak is no surprise

January 14, 2015

By: Editorial Board

The Disneyland measles contagion now stands at 26 patients and counting. Thanks to one infected park visitor and at least a dozen unvaccinated bystanders, a potentially lethal disease that had been all but eradicated in this country has spread throughout California and into three other states.

At least six people have been hospitalized after visiting the packed Anaheim theme park during the week before Christmas. Some of the victims are babies.

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