Despite taking a variety of steps to alleviate chronic shortages of agricultural employees, California farmers and ranchers continue to report problems in hiring enough people for on-farm jobs. A survey released today shows 56% of participating farmers had been unable to hire all the employees they needed at some point during the previous five years.
 
The voluntary survey of 1,071 farmers and ranchers, conducted by the California Farm Bureau Federation in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, also indicated worsening problems the past two years. Of those farmers reporting employee shortages, at least 70% said they had more trouble hiring employees in 2017 and 2018.
 
“The survey shows farmers have tried and are trying all the tactics available to them, such as increased wages, changes in farming and cropping patterns, use of the existing H-2A visa program and automation where appropriate,” CFBF President Jamie Johansson said. “The missing element is an improved agricultural immigration system, to match willing employees with farm employers.”
 
The great majority of California farmers responding to the survey—86%—said they had raised wages in efforts to hire enough people. Sixty-one percent reported they had hired a farm labor contractor to recruit employees. More than half reported they have started using mechanization and of those, 56% said it was due to employee shortages. Thirty-seven percent said they had adjusted cultivation practices, for example by reducing or delaying weeding and pruning. About one-third, 31%, said they are switching acreage. More farmers have also sought to hire people via the H-2A agricultural visa program, but only about 6% of surveyed farmers said they had enrolled in it.
 
“Through the years, the H-2A program has proven inadequate for farms in California and throughout the nation,” Johansson said. “Farm Bureau will continue to work with Congress to create a secure, flexible, market-based immigration program that works better for both farmers and farm employees.”
 
In terms of the proportion of farmers reporting employee shortages, the 2019 results are similar to a CFBF survey in 2017, which showed 55% of farmers experiencing shortages.
 
A full survey report is available on the CFBF website at www.cfbf.com/2019survey.
 
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 36,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 5.6 million Farm Bureau members.
 

 
Problems with state IT projects are multiplying like rabbits, and doubts are growing that Democrats are up to task of fixing them.
 
In his latest column, Dan Walters runs down the list of failing state tech projects, from the accounting system that’s put our credit rating at risk to the DMV computers that crash for hours at a time.
 
While Democrats have made half-hearted efforts at reform, they haven’t delivered results.
 
Walters doubts they ever will, saying “We’ve heard promises of fresh starts on IT implementation before, and they’ve all fallen short of actually fixing the problem.”
 
Californians deserve a government that gets things done. Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (Escondido) has introduced a bill to harness the expertise of the private sector to modernize state government and improve customer service.
 
It’s clear the business-as-usual approach isn’t working. Will Democrats join the Republican efforts to shake things up and demand results?

 
By Glenn Mollette 
 
Eight hundred people were either killed or injured by a terrorist group last weekend in Sri Lanka.  A holy weekend and place of worship became a grisly, heinous massive murder scene. 
 
What must America do in lieu of another massive world attack? We can't stop. We can't rest. 
We have to figure this out and no one yet has come up with a cure for this terrorism cancer that is eating away at our planet. 
 
With cancer it's vital to find where it is and eliminate it by either surgery or treatment. Terrorism is harder to find than cancer. Terrorists pop up often without warning. Although sometimes there are warnings as was reported in Sri Lanka but were ignored. An 18-year-old traveled to Colorado last week and bought a pump action shotgun. There was a massive hunt for her because of her suspected plans of trying to pull off a school shooting. She ended up taking her own life but her infatuation with the Columbine 20-year anniversary and mass school shootings did not go unnoticed. 
 
You cannot ignore warnings. A warning of cancer or terror is never to be taken lightly. You have to respond because both are lethal. Often even when you respond either can gain the upper hand and take your life. Yet, we have to err on the side of fighting back and at least having a chance to survive. 
 
We have to fight terrorism in America and fight it on every front. This is a poisonous viper that is breeding faster than it can be killed or imprisoned. Terrorism has become a deadly disease rampantly moving across our planet and we are having a very difficult time finding a cure.  
 
The one thing we cannot do is be passive. We can't be at ease thinking it will not happen to our church, school or any other place. We have to live defensively and be prepared to react offensively.  Refusal to acknowledge this reality will bring more regret and sorrow.

Vans Selects Semi-Finalists In 'Custom Culture' Art Competition - Vote For Your Favorite Now!
50 U.S. High Schools Reimagine Vans as a Canvas for Creative Expression
 
COSTA MESA, Calif., April 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vans has selected the top 50 semi-finalists continuing on to the public voting phase of the tenth annual Vans Custom Culture art competition. Starting today at 9 AM PST through May 3 at 5 PM PST, individuals can cast their vote for their favorite designs on customculture.vans.com. Votes will help determine the top five finalists who will continue and have a chance to win the grand prize of $75,000 towards their high school art program.
"The Vans Custom Culture competition has really been a source of pride for our community and school, and it's great to see how it has flourished over the last 10 years," said Dave Fuller, art teacher from Parker High School, the 2017 winner of Custom Culture. "Since the competition, students have entered other art competitions and we have noticed a rise in students entering our art class. It provided so many memories for myself, students and chaperones – it has been the highlight of my teaching career."
Among the 500 qualifying schools, Vans chose 50 schools based on design, craftsmanship and overall execution to continue to the next competition phase. Each school designed two pairs of Vans shoes around themes representing 'Local Flavor' and 'Off the Wall.' Each school also submitted an Impact Document to further explain how the monetary donation would benefit their school's art program and community.
"Each year, we're blown away by the imagination of our youth across the country as they redefine Vans as a literal canvas for their creative expression," stated Kristy Van Doren, Vans Senior Director Brand Marketing for North America. "Our 10thanniversary year was no exception, as each of the top 50 semi-finalists offered unique representation and distinct storytelling through their shoe designs. As the competition proceeds, we encourage communities to support these students so that they can continue to change the world of art and how it comes to life."
Public vote is the time for schools to excite and involve their communities and help take them one step closer to winning the $75,000 grand prize. With support from partners including Journeys, Yoobi, Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) and Americans for the Arts (AFTA), this year's winner will be surprised with a special event and a $75,000 check for the school's art program. The four runner-up schools will not leave empty handed as they will receive a limited-edition gift from Vans and a $10,000 donation to their art programs.
Vans Custom Culture continues to provide a platform for high school students to embrace their creativity and self-expression. As art education budgets are often the first to be cut, Vans puts it foot forward and strives to contribute more than $1,000,000 behind youth culture and creativity.
For more information and to cast your Vans Custom Culture vote, visit customculture.vans.com.
The Top 50 Schools competing for their place in the Top 5:
Anadarko High School (Oklahoma), Andrew P. Hill High School (California), Atherton High School (Kentucky), Bel Air High School (Texas), Branson High School (Missouri), Bunker Hill High School (Illinois), C. E. King High School (Texas), Cache High School (Oklahoma), Carl Junction High School (Missouri), Central Park East High School (New York), Chicopee Comprehensive High School (Massachusetts), Danville High School (Arkansas), David Brearley High School(New Jersey), Deming High School (New Mexico), Earl Warren High School (Texas), East Central High School (Texas), Elk Grove High School (Illinois), Flagstaff High School (Arizona), Greater Lawrence Technical School (Massachusetts), Harbor High School (California), Harding High - Saint Paul Public Schools (Minnesota), Harrison County High School (Kentucky), Highlands High School (California), Kirby High School (Tennessee), Middle Township High School (New Jersey), Moanalua High School (Hawaii), Monterey High School (Tennessee), Muleshoe High School (Texas), Munster High School (Indiana), New Bedford High School (Massachusetts), North High School (California), Porterville High School (Porterville), Portola Junior Senior High School (California), Ridge Vue High School (Oregon), Ridgeview High School (Oregon), Riverside High School Visual Arts (Texas), Roselle Park High School (New Jersey), Saint Ignatius High School (Montana), Seneca Valley Senior High School (Pennsylvania), Sheboygan South High School (Wisconsin), Sheldon High School (Oregon), Shenandoah High School (Iowa), Sierra Vista High School (California), Thomas Kelly High School (Illinois), Tomah High School (Wisconsin), Vallivue High School (Idaho), Van Weert High School (Ohio), Windham High School (Connecticut), Wright City High School (Missouri), Yuma High School (Colorado).

​LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met April 
16th. Concerning an animal MOU with the Sheriff’s Department, Mayor Sarah Jackson stated she’d met with Sheriff Fisher who will continue to respond to animal/human or animal/animal issues. Sarah proposed dealing with incident issues and to pay that way. Supervisor Paul Roen said he’d take that forward at the Board of Supervisors. Sarah has been in contact with the Town of Truckee on a kennel contract where the city would pay the charge. Council member Joy Markum wanted to rewrite the ordinance to make the dog owner responsible for the cost of shelter and the mayor agreed. No action was taken.

RECREATION GRANT: Supervisor Roen told the Council of Prop. 68 per capita funding through CA State Parks and the opportunity of a $200,000 grant for recreation improvements.  He said draft guidelines just came out. The City needs a committee and to get community input. The deadline is in July.  Roen stated the “Pool comes to mind as a rec center.”  The City needs to apply.

APPROVAL OF TWO SPEED FEEDBACK SIGNS on Beckwith Street and County Road A‐24 as a component of an effort to address vehicular speed concerns in proximity to the elementary school and City Park in Loyalton were authorized by Sierra County Board of Supervisors during its meeting held in Loyalton on Tuesday. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals stated the Road Department would front the costs of $9,030.45, which would be reimbursed from the Federal Apportionment Exchange Funding.   He stated they were also going to restripe the street, and install stop bars, in hopes this will produce some results.

GRANT FUNDING opportunities were discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, April 16th in Loyalton. Under Prop 64 in the General Per Capita Program $185,000,000 is available for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvement grants to local governments on a per capita basis, which could translate to approximately $400,000 for the County and $200,000 for the City of Loyalton, similar to the Proposition 40 program.  Grant recipients are encouraged to utilize awards to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals asked the Board to tell him how they wanted to proceed with recreation projects. Supervisor Lee Adams made a pitch for District 1’s community hall in Downieville. Board Chair Paul Roen mentioned the Sierraville School. Beals stated in the past, funding was divided equally among districts, adding they would need to have something in place in the next 60 days and funding should be ready by July 1st.  The Board agreed to an adhoc committee to bring back some recommendations.

SIERRA COUNTY DEPARTMENT MANAGERS reported during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on Tuesday, April 16th.  Lea Salas, Behavioral Health Administrative Director stated they were still looking for clinicians.
With concern over obtaining reasonable bids for the Wellness Center, Salas stated they are looking at other options and mentioned possibly putting a modular on a foundation next to the Behavioral Health building.
Salas reported they have hired Cara Bowling in the Student-Parent Navigator position and Teia Miller has accepted the Office Manager position in Downieville.
Public Health and Social Services Director, Vickie Clark, showed off a trophy her Integrated Caseworkers received for the Best 30-day Timeliness for Cal- Fresh application processing. She said Sierra County was #1 in the State for Timeliness. Clark stated it meant a great deal, as it’s a lot of work and attention to detail.
Clark gave a shout out to Public Health and participating dentists for the recent Dental Fair, which performed 99 dental screenings.

Lake Tahoe, CA April 15, 2019.  Liberty Utilities is warning the public of aggressive phone scams targeting utility customers.
In the recent days, customers have contacted Liberty Utilities indicating they received a phone call from someone posing as a Liberty Utilities collections representative and threatening to shut off their power if payment was not made. In multiple cases, the payment request was for $300.  The callers may request payment be made immediately by credit card or by providing bank account information.  It has also been reported that the callers provide the correct number to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in order to appear legitimate.
Liberty Utilities warns its customers not to respond to a payment demand of this type if they receive it.  Specifically, do not provide any payment type information over the phone.
Liberty Utilities representatives do not place such calls, text, or send emails to customers demanding immediate payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a scam call or email to contact us at 1-800-782-2506. Customers with questions or concerns may also contact us at this phone number or visit our website at www.libertyutilities.com<http://www.libertyutilities.com> to view legitimate payment options.
"We want our customers to be aware of these deceptive calls so they can avoid possibly compromising their personal information or losing money," stated Jennifer Guenther, Liberty's Manager of Customer Care. "Please contact our business office if you ever have questions about your account or service."

About Liberty Utilities

Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 12 states, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to over 750,000 customers across the United States. With a local approach to management, service and support, we deliver efficient, dependable services to meet the needs of our customers. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through walk-in customer centers, locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com<http://www.LibertyUtilities.com>.
​

Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio Blasts Proposed “Water Tax” as Just Another Way to Hose TaxpayersCarl DeMaio, Chairman of Reform California, blasted a proposal cooked up by Gov. Gavin Newsom to impose a tax on water. The so-called “Water Tax” would be a new tax imposed on every water bill in California and would be added on top of the actual cost of water consumed by each Californian. California already has some of the highest water rates in the nation!
DeMaio is launching a campaign to block the Water Tax from taking effect and is urging all Californians to join is effort.
“This outrageous Water Tax must be stopped because it is just another way out-of-touch Sacramento politicians are trying to hose taxpayers,” said Carl DeMaio. “The Water Tax is unfair and unnecessary and will just be yet another blow to working families who already struggle with high cost-of-living,” DeMaio concluded.
DeMaio’s campaign includes an immediate grassroots effort to contact Sacramento legislators to urge them to oppose the Water Tax. If the Water Tax passes, DeMaio proposes legal action and a possible ballot initiative to reverse the tax.

Summer bulbs: natural talents for the ‘New Frontiers’ garden trendThree garden trends are being forecast for 2019: ‘Harvesting Elements’, ‘Soft Landing’ and’ New Frontiers’. Discover the role summer bulbs can play in the ‘New Frontiers’ trend.
 Embrace the chaosTogether, these three trends are being called ‘Cutting Strings’. In other words, the time has come to break with old patterns and set out in new directions. Since change is happening at breakneck speed, old ties have to be severed. Although change is fun and exciting, it also causes stress and it makes you lose sight of the big picture. Because certainties are no longer certain, chaos develops. But no change means no innovation! This is why embracing chaos will facilitate innovation.
 Green environments are essentialWe’re being confronted with a tsunami of technology. Although it makes our everyday lives a lot easier, this technological wave also leads to a need for healthy living conditions: we have to find the right balance between body and mind. On a practical level, this means alternating high-tech with a generous exposure to the wonders of nature. When it comes to this, the energizing allure of summer bulbs is essential. In the garden, they provide exactly what we want: a fresh, bright futuristic setting.
 Natural talentsSummer bulbs such as lilies, dahlias and gladioli add to today’s trend for a futuristic look. Combining flowers in utopian colors and ultra-unique shapes produces a feeling of technological advancement along with that relaxed, unhurried atmosphere we need so much. Cool pastels graduating from light to dark mixed with vivid intense colors make a garden look fresher than ever. Dahlias and lilies are natural talents in this regard.
 
Would you like to know more about the kinds of summer bulbs and how to plant them? Take a look at www.bulb.com.

State Agencies Host Four Cannabis Permitting Workshops in May and June 
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) are hosting several cannabis permitting workshops in May and June.

"These free events are designed to help cultivators through the state licensing process," said James Rosauer, CDFW Cannabis Program Supervisor. "Participants can ask specific project questions and meet staff face to face. There is no better time to get help with a state cultivator license."

CDFA will provide an overview of the state's cannabis cultivation licensing program and review the requirements for a cannabis farming license. CDFW will cover Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements and how to limit environmental impacts. SWRCB will review policy and permitting, and other important information. Computers will be available for applicants to apply for water permits. Other agencies may include CAL FIRE, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Franchise Tax Board among city and county representatives. 
 
These free workshops are ideal for new and existing cannabis cultivators, and those interested in the topic. Attendees will have time to talk with state agency staff about individual projects after the presentations.


The free workshops are scheduled on the following dates and times.


Thursday, May 9
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Arts and Community Building
10400 Heather Avenue
California City

Tuesday, May 14
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Mateel Community Center
59 Rusk Lane
Redway

Thursday, May 16
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
County Library Community Room
995 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo

Tuesday, June 25
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Natural Resources Building - First floor auditorium
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento
 
All state agencies encourage cannabis cultivators to obtain all necessary state licenses and county permits, as well as implement best management practices to reduce environmental impacts. Following these recommendations can help cultivators avoid common pitfalls that may lead to enforcement actions.

To learn more about CDFW's role in cannabis cultivation, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/cannabis or email AskCannabis@wildlife.ca.gov.


To report environmental crimes or a black market grow, please call the CalTIP hotline at (888) 334-2258 or text "CALTIP" followed by a space and the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).

# # #

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. House Democrats passed the legislation with mostly partisan support. This legislation would allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to have unprecedented control over the internet, including content moderation, new taxes and fees, and other new regulations which would stifle job growth and innovation.
 
LaMalfa said: “I believe in a free and open internet. Many of my Democrat colleagues claim that they do as well, yet the bill they passed today would accomplish the exact opposite. Let’s call it what it is: a blatant federal government takeover of the internet. It would have drastic consequences on American innovation. Under this plan, a panel of unelected bureaucrats will have nearly limitless authority to regulate, tax, and moderate content on the internet. The FCC would essentially have the ability to regulate the internet like it’s a 1930s phone company. This would be harmful to all Americans – especially those in rural areas with fewer options, where smaller ISPs will be unable to afford costly regulations and inevitably pass that cost onto consumers. This approach would stifle the already free and open internet, and I strongly oppose it.”
 
Under H.R. 1644:

• A panel of five unelected bureaucrats at the Federal Communications Commission—not the free market—would have unprecedented power to control the internet, including setting prices, moderating content, and imposing new regulations. This sort of centralized control would stifle American innovation, limit consumer choice, and put the U.S. at a global disadvantage.
• Rural communities would suffer most. Many rural areas are served by smaller Internet Service Providers, who cannot bear the costs of burdensome regulations in the same way as bigger companies. As a result, they would be forced to pass along added expenses to consumers, resulting in higher prices for worse service in rural communities. In addition, higher regulatory costs mean ISPs would no longer have revenue to continue investment in improving and expanding rural broadband infrastructure in underserved communities across America.
• Taxes and fees would go up. Democrats want to recategorize the Internet under current law so that home internet and phone data plans could both be taxed, just like a cable bill.

 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
 
###
 

By Colleen Sheehey-Church
My son Dustin had unforgettable, fiery red hair and a huge, goofy grin. He loved to make people laugh. One summer night shortly after graduating high school, Dustin got a ride with a 19-year-old driver who had alcohol and drugs in her system.
Seat-belted and sober, Dustin was riding in the back seat when the driver lost control of the car, ran into an embankment and launched the car into a river. The driver and front seat passenger escaped. Dustin could not, and he drowned.
As the immediate past president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), I represent hundreds of thousands of people like me whose lives have been tragically, irreversibly changed by someone else’s decision to drive while impaired. To end impaired driving, we need to talk about it, and since April is Alcohol Awareness Month, there’s no better time to have this discussion.
Impaired driving is a complex issue that grows more urgent by the day with the increasing prevalence of drug-impaired driving. Drugged driving is finding its way into the evening news and morning headlines across the country as a growing number of Americans get high and sometimes even overdose behind the wheel. Even more troubling, these drivers often combine substances like alcohol, marijuana and opioids, which exponentially increases their impairment and the likelihood of causing a fatal crash.
Our response to this issue must be comprehensive. The United States has been successful over the past three decades in drastically reducing the number of impaired-driving fatalities through effective legislation, increased enforcement, stepped-up education campaigns, changing societal norms and a greater recognition of the need for addiction treatment. Impaired-driving fatalities dropped for years but have recently begun to tick back up. Far too many Americans—10,874 in 2017—lose their lives each year to completely preventable crimes.
DWI courts are uniquely positioned to have one of the greatest impacts on impaired driving in our communities because they specialize in targeting and treating the population that poses the greatest threat to our safety: repeat impaired drivers with a substance use disorder.
We know that the first arrest is rarely the first time someone has driven impaired. In fact, studies estimate that an impaired driver has done so more than 80 times before getting caught. We also know that for many of these high-risk, high-need individuals, punishment alone simply will not change their behavior. DWI courts combine evidence-based treatment to address their substance use disorder with structure and strict accountability to change the behavior that attends it, including close supervision and tools like ignition interlock.
Research confirms that this approach significantly reduces impaired driving: participants in DWI courts are up to 60 percent less likely to reoffend than those sentenced to jail or standard probation.
Unfortunately, there are just over 700 of these programs in the entire country, far too few to serve every eligible offender. The National Center for DWI Courts is committed to expanding DWI courts to make our roads and communities safer, and I’m honored to partner with them in this work.
As a nation, we must have a greater sense of urgency. We must wage an unrelenting battle on the devastating, 100-percent preventable crime of impaired driving on our roadways. Clearly, our work is far from finished. But together, with your help, we can create a world with no more victims.
Colleen Sheehey-Church is the immediate past National President of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving
​

April 04, 2019 01:11 PM, Updated April 04, 2019 04:56 PM

‘Secret’ DMV office could be shut down, under plan from Kevin Kiley

California's Department of Motor Vehicles operates a special office to assist lawmakers, Capitol staff members and constituents. It could soon be shut down if lawmakers support a bill from Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, R-Granite Bay. By Bryan Anderson

It’s all but impossible to find for those who don’t know what they’re looking for.
Room 121 rests at the end of an isolated hallway across the street from the Capitol, is locked at all times and has no signage whatsoever. The only indicator of its existence is a peephole outside the front door.
The special Department of Motor Vehicles office is closed to the public, and if one Republican gets his way, it will be closed to the lawmakers and Capitol staff members using it.
“There’s a secret DMV across from the state Capitol with streamlined service that’s only available to members of the Legislature and a select group of political insiders,” said Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley of Granite Bay. “This is supposed to be a government of the people, by the people and for the people, not an oligarchy where a gilded political class enjoys privileges that aren’t available to the people that we represent.”
The three workers inside the office serve an important purpose, though. Despite perceptions that lawmakers flood into the office to renew their licenses and enjoy special perks, the vast majority of their time is spent addressing concerns from Californians who ask their state lawmakers for help sorting out their problems with the DMV.
While it wouldn’t comment on Assembly Bill 862, the DMV said in a statement the office “serves as a primary point of contact for more than 10,000 constituent services questions and concerns sent to legislative offices each year.”
The department added that about 90 percent of the work the staff does in the office “is related to assisting customers who have contacted their state representatives to resolve DMV issues.” Among many things, the employees review records, assist with license suspension issues and help customers make appointments.
Kiley’s proposal would prevent the DMV from operating any office that is closed to the public. He still wants the DMV to handle concerns lawmakers get from their constituents, but he wants the employees transferred from the “secret” office to DMV headquarters in Sacramento.
“We are closing down the office as much as it operates as a DMV field office,” Kiley said. “But in terms of fielding constituent concerns, that is a more general function that will continue to operate.”
Kiley is in the midst of a special election campaign against fellow Republican Assemblyman Brian Dahle for the Senate seat vacated by Board of Equalization member Ted Gaines. Their election is scheduled for June 4.
Even if the bill passes and the office closes, there’s nothing that would prevent lawmakers from accessing special DMV privileges. They’d still be able to make what some describe as “manager’s appointments,” which allows them to bypass long lines.
Still, these special appointments are mostly given to ordinary DMV customers who bring their concerns to lawmakers and staff members. Many lawmakers, including Kiley, Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, and Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, refuse to take advantage of the perks and instead choose to wait in regular DMV offices.

SACRAMENTO (April 3, 2019) — Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and parents who have lost their children to drunk driving today joined California Senator Jerry Hill and traffic safety partners in calling for a state law that lowers the threshold for impaired driving in California to .05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). MADD also strongly supports Senator Hill’s legislation that would require ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers, which would make California the 34th state with an all-offender ignition interlock law.
Senator Hill has authored SB 545, the Matthew Klotzbach Mandatory Ignition Interlock for DUI Offender Act of 2019. Matthew, 22, was riding home with his family after an outing when a drunk driver crashed into their car. Senator Hill also co-authored AB 1713, Liam’s Law, with Assembly Member Autumn Burke. Liam’s Law would lower California’s DUI threshold to .05 blood-alcohol concentration. It is named in honor of 15-month-old Liam Kowal, who was killed after a hit-and-run drunk driver struck his stroller in a crosswalk.
“We are so grateful to Senator Hill for both of these initiatives. Passing ignition interlock laws for all offenders in every state is one of MADD’s top priorities and the Matthew Klotzbach Law is long overdue in California,” said MADD National Board Member Carol Leister. “We want to do everything we can to stop these tragedies. That’s why MADD made the decision this year to support any state that seeks to lower the BAC threshold to .05. A cornerstone of MADD since our founding in 1980 is to prevent drinking and driving, which both of these laws will help accomplish.”
Senator Hill is a longtime champion of drunk driving reform. He worked with MADD and the Klotzbach family for years to pass California’s current ignition interlock law, which requires ignition interlocks for some, but not all, drunk driving offenders.
“The laws named in honor of Matthew Klotzbach and Liam Kowal will save lives,” said Senator Hill. “Drunk driving and the death and injuries it causes are entirely preventable. There is no reason for another family to suffer the loss of a child and other loved ones. We have the tools and the means to stop these tragedies now.”
Last month, Kentucky became the 33rd state to require ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders. If passed, the law named in honor of Matthew Klotzbach would make California the 34th state. Five other states are considering similar legislation to Matt’s Law, including Michigan, South Carolina, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
“This legislation is personal. Matthew Klotzbach is my son. He is gone because a convicted drunk driver made the choice to drive drunk again – this time on a suspended license meant to keep him off the road,” said Mary Klotzbach, Matthew’s mother and former MADD National Board member who cofounded the Bay Area chapter of MADD and has worked with her husband Tom for 12 years on this legislation. “An ignition interlock law like the one authored by Senator Hill would have saved my son’s life.  Every drunk driving death is preventable. But this fact compounds the grief my family and I will live with for the rest of our lives.”
Drunk driving is still the leading killer on our roads, and the numbers are going the wrong way. In 2017 alone, drunk driving killed almost 11,000 people — a 9 percent increase since 2014, when the number of people killed by drunk driving had dropped below 10,000.
Studies show that if all states lowered the impaired driving threshold to .05 BAC, more than 1,700 lives would be saved per year. In December, Utah became the first state in the nation with a .05 BAC law. New York, Michigan and Oregon are considering similar proposals this year.
“Few bills can be as scientifically and statistically proven to directly save lives as Liam’s Law,” said Marcus Kowal, Liam’s father. “This law is for all innocent lives lost and for other families not to have to experience the devastation drunk driving causes.”
The National Transportation Safety Board has included the .05 BAC threshold on its “Most Wanted List” of traffic safety recommendations for the past six years.
“Since 2013, the NTSB has advocated for a BAC of .05 or lower because it will save lives by encouraging people to separate drinking from driving. You can drink responsibly. You can drive responsibly. But you can’t responsibly drink and drive,” said NTSB Member Jennifer Homendy.
 
Said Alex Epstein, director of Transportation Safety for the National Safety Council: “We know we have to do more to change our culture and expectations around drunk driving. The science is clear on drinking and driving. Our countermeasures must reflect this.”
 
Peter Kurdock, General Counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, agreed: “The data and research behind an all-offender ignition interlock device (IID) requirement and a .05 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) limit are crystal clear. These laws reduce drunk driving crashes, fatalities and injuries, and they are urgently needed.  Advocates commends the leadership of Senator Jerry Hill and Assembly Members Autumn Burke and Heath Flora for sponsoring proven legislation to curb drunk driving on California roads.  And, we urge the legislature to take swift action to stop these preventable fatalities.”
Drunk diving killed 1,120 people in California in 2017, accounting for 31% of all traffic deaths. California consistently has the second highest number of drunk driving deaths in the country.
“AB 1713 will thankfully prevent about 10% of alcohol-related collision fatalities in California every year,” said Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director of Alcohol Justice and a leader of California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA). “We say, 'Point .05 saves lives!’”
For more information on ignition interlocks, visit madd.org/interlock. For information on .05 BAC, visit madd.org/05.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save nearly 380,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.
 
 
 
 

 
The California Tax Foundation released its Tax and Fee Report this morning, and it’s a doozy.
 
In just three months, Capitol Democrats have introduced a staggering $6.2 billion in new taxes.
 
From a regressive tax on drinking water to attacks on Prop. 13’s taxpayer protections, ordinary Californians will pay the price if Democrats get their way.
 
“The families we serve need to live within their budgets. Assembly Republicans believe it’s time for state government do the same,” said Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron. “As the affordability crisis continues to worsen, big tax increases would pour fuel on the fire. We need to stand up for the middle-class Californians who are getting driven out of state by constantly rising costs.”
 
And by the way…these new taxes would be on top of the record $21.4 billion surplus the state currently enjoys.