Palo Alto Online / Palo Alto Weekly
By Staff
In the latest Around Town column, news about groups receiving recognition from a state senator for their work in assisting locals during the COVID-19 pandemic and Palo Alto High student publications that stood out in a national journalism contest.
Sierra Sun Times: In an effort to drive broader adoption of zero- and low-emission vehicles, disadvantaged Californians would get a state sales tax break when replacing an older vehicle with an electric or hybrid car, under legislation by Senator Josh Becker that was approved by a key Senate Committee.
The LA Sentinel: Recently, in some states, most notoriously Georgia and Florida, lawmakers have taken steps to restrict voting access and rights for many Americans. But in California, policymakers and legislators are doing the opposite, making proposals to simplify the voting process and expand access to the polls.
San Mateo Daily Journal: The California Senate unanimously passed legislation authored by state Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, Monday, May 3, to provide opportunities for training paired with employment for veterans, the unhoused, people exiting the justice system, and other vulnerable jobseekers who are often shut out of the workforce.
Sierra Sun Times: The Senate Housing Committee gave the greenlight on Friday to two bills by Senator Josh Becker that lift barriers to housing creation in key areas of need and opportunity: optimizing available space in mixed use or multifamily buildings and serving the shared housing needs of senior citizens and transition-age foster youth.
Palo Alto Online: Last week, my two kids returned to high school. They sat in an actual classroom and spoke to their teachers and friends, in person. This is something they have done countless times growing up. But for over a year, neither one of them had been inside a classroom. Our school gave families the option to go back, and we discussed it with our kids and said yes. My family is not alone. In California, we say trust the data and the science. Both show that it is safe to return to school.
Half Moon Bay Review: A group of roughly 60 people Monday tuned into a virtual meeting with law enforcement officials taking questions about policies and police reform in San Mateo County.
The roundtable of panelists included San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley, District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, Half Moon Bay City Councilman Joaquin Jimenez, Sheriff Carlos Bolanos and Capt. Saul Lopez of San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and representatives from the offices of state Sen. Josh Becker and Assemblymember Marc Berman.
Environment California: SB 617 is co-sponsored by SPUR and Environment California. Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) is a principal co-author of the bill. Senators Josh Becker (D-San Mateo), Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) and Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles), and Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) are co-authors.