In the News

The Sacramento Bee

Steinberg likely to push greater government transparency during first meeting

January 2, 2017

By Anita Chabria

At his first full meeting presiding over the Sacramento City Council on Thursday, Mayor Darrell Steinberg will push for adoption of government-transparency measures that go beyond a proposed “sunshine” ordinance that’s been more than a year in the making.

The proposed ordinance is designed to allow better public access to city information. Many of the recommendations are already in place, such as an online records portal and meeting agendas posted five days in advance.

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Los Angeles Times

California would build database of violent deaths under bill sent to governor

August 25, 2016

By Sophia Bollag

Californians might soon be able to look up data on violent deaths in the state if the governor signs a bill the state Senate sent him Thursday.

SB 877, authored by state Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), would require the Department of Public Health to collect data on violent deaths in the state, including shooting deaths, homicides and suicides.

The department would have to publish a summary and analysis of the data online.

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Los Angeles Times

Governor to consider banning smoking near youth sports events

August 25, 2016

By Patrick McGreevy

Having already signed several anti-tobacco bills this year, Gov. Jerry Brown will also get to decide whether to ban smoking within 250 feet of Little League baseball games and other youth sports events.

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California Healthline

Is UC Davis Medical Center Skimping On Care For The Poor?

August 12, 2016

By Pauline Bartolone

For at least 20 years, Leslie Love relied on the UC Davis Medical Center’s hospital and clinics for her health care. Her children and grandchildren went to the same doctors there.

“They cared about me,” said Love, a 57-year-old teacher’s assistant who lives near the academic medical center, which is located in Sacramento. “There’s people there that I can trust.”

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The Sacramento Bee

California’s new child vaccination rule takes effect Friday

June 30, 2016

By Anshu Siripurapu

Parents: It’s time to get your kids their shots. California’s vaccine law takes full effect Friday, prohibiting school authorities from admitting new students or advancing students to seventh grade unless they have been properly vaccinated or have a valid medical excuse.

The requirement stems from Senate Bill 277, last year’s controversial law that eliminated religious and personal belief exemptions from child vaccinations.

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FOX-40

Law Allowing Customers to Drink on Bike-Buses Goes Into Effect

June 30, 2016

By Rina Nakano

SACRAMENTO -- It's an industry that's taken off in the last few years and, finally, the laws are catching up.

"This is the first city that's being progressive and taking this next step forward," Todd Sebastian of Off the Chain Bike Bus Tours said.

For years, bike bus businesses were mostly self-regulated, and each city had their own vague guidelines. Until now.

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San Diego LGBT Weekly

Drunk driving prevention bill approved by Senate Committee

June 28, 2016
Posted By: Steve Lee, Editor SAN DIEGO – Legislation by California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) to require all restaurant and bar employees who sell or serve alcoholic beverages to undergo Responsible Beverage Service training was approved on a 10-0 vote by the Senate Governmental Organization Committee today.
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West Sac News-Ledger

Dr. Richard Pan discusses controversy and current legislation

June 28, 2016
By Monica Stark He wanted to go where the people were and he did. Situating his office in South Sacramento across from Florin Road Bingo and the Rice Bowl restaurant, California State Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) wanted his office located where people frequented. From West Sacramento up to the Sacramento International Airport over to McClellan Air Force Base and southwest to the town of Sheldon down to Elk Grove, essentially all of Sacramento proper is included in Dr. Pan’s district but 2251 Florin Road, Suite 156 is where he settled.
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The Sacramento Bee

Suspect arraigned in killing of Sacramento Charter High football player

June 27, 2016
By Ryan Lillis HIGHLIGHTS: Fredrick Marshall, 23, faces charges of killing Deston Garrett Garrett, 19, was shot in his Oak Park home June 9 and died two days later Sen. Richard Pan adjourns state Senate in Garrett’s memory Fredrick Marshall bowed his head when a judge mentioned June 9, 2016 – the night he allegedly shot his friend.
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KCRA 3

New California budget adds millions for welfare programs

June 15, 2016
AP writer Alison Noon and KCRA 3 reporter David Bienick contributed to this report.
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