In the News

The Sacramento Bee

It’s about cancer, not sex, say doctors, as CDC urges HPV vaccine for preteens

February 2, 2017

By Claudia Buck

Of all childhood vaccines, it’s the one that makes many parents – and even some physicians – squeamish.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cancers of some of the most private places: the cervix, vagina, penis and throat.

Read more

Elk Grove Citizen

State Sen. Pan Challenges Trump on Healthcare

January 27, 2017

By Lance Armstrong

Sen. Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20 spoke to the Citizen about President Donald Trump’s views on healthcare.

Pan, whose district includes Elk Grove, noted that as a supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), he is concerned about the future of the national healthcare system under the new presidency.

“(Trump) is going out saying, ‘I have a fantastic (healthcare) plan and I’m going to cover everybody,” he said. “Great. That makes me feel good. I want to see the details.”

Read more

Kaiser Health News

One GOP Plan Says Calif. And Other States That Like Their Obamacare Can Keep It

January 24, 2017

By Chad Terhune and Pauline Bartolone

States could keep their federally funded insurance exchange with consumer protections intact under a proposal unveiled Monday by two Republican U.S. Senators.

Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, said their proposed legislation would allow states that embraced the Affordable Care Act to keep operating under many of the current federal rules.

Read more

Los Angeles Times

Measles outbreak grows in L.A.’s Orthodox Jewish community despite California’s strict new vaccination law

January 21, 2017

By Soumya Karlamangla

Six months after California’s strict vaccine law took effect, a measles outbreak has infected 20 people, most of them in Los Angeles County, prompting a search for others who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Read more

Los Angeles Times

Who could be against a Children’s Bill of Rights ? You probably won’t be surprised

January 18, 2017

By Robin Abcarian

It was a little like being in an alternate reality Tuesday morning, as dozens of parents and children gathered on the state Capitol steps to protest a bill aimed at improving the lives of California’s 9 million children.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.”

Read more

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.

Read more