State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
Tel: (916) 319-2001
Fax: (916) 319-2101
District Offices
Humboldt:
(Also represents Del Norte and Trinity Counties.)
710 E Street, Suite 150
Eureka, CA 95501
Tel: (707) 445-7014
Fax: (707) 445-6607
Mendocino & Lake:
311 N. State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Tel: (707) 463-5770
Fax: (707) 463-5773
Sonoma:
50 "D" Street, Suite 450
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Tel: (707) 576-2526
Fax: (707) 576-2297
Latest News
It's done: Alton highway junction now officially 'Roger Rodoni Memorial interchange' Full Legislature approves Chesbro resolution less than a month after introduction
SACRAMENTO – The interchange under construction at Alton in Humboldt County will be called the “Roger M. Rodoni Memorial Interchange.” Continue reading
Chesbro bill to allow Smith River Rancheria to join Del Norte airport authority receives overwhelming bipartisan support
SACRAMENTO – The state Senate voted 72-0 to approve a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) authorizing the Smith River Rancheria to join the joint powers authority (JPA) for the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority. AB 2166 is now on the governor’s desk. Continue reading
Chesbro bill to protect state lands from encroachment wins Senate approval
SACRAMENTO – The State Senate has approved a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that allows the State Lands Commission to fine those who build or own unlawful structures on state lands. AB 2664 awaits action by the governor. The bill also includes a six-month amnesty period to allow violators to comply with the law. Continue reading
Senate passes Chesbro bill to improve, maintain campgrounds in State Demonstration Forests
SACRAMENTO – The state Senate has approved a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) authorizing Cal Fire to maintain and improve campgrounds on state forest lands through, for the first time ever, collecting camping fees that state forest campgrounds traditionally have not collected. Continue reading
Legislature approves Chesbro resolution urging Congress to establish climate change framework
SACRAMENTO – Both houses of the Legislature have approved a resolution by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) urging the United States Congress to establish a comprehensive framework to adapt the nation’s natural environment and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. Assembly Joint Resolution 26 is now on the governor’s desk. Continue reading
Governor signs Chesbro bill allowing breweries to hold 'beer-maker dinners'
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 2134, a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that allows breweries to connect directly with customers through “beer maker dinners” – an effective marketing tool the wine industry has enjoyed for years. Continue reading
Chesbro asks Resources Secretary for 6 month delay of North Coast MLPA process
SACRAMENTO – Citing concerns about how the Marine Life Protection Act is being implemented on the North Coast, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has asked California Resources Secretary Lester Snow to delay the process for at least six months to ensure that environmental protection is balanced with traditional access rights. Chesbro made the request in a recent meeting with Snow. Continue reading
Assistance for Unemployed California Residents - Information & Referrals
The State of California and partner organizations provide a wide range of services to help people who have exhausted, or may soon exhaust, their unemployment insurance. Unemployed individuals may be eligible for assistance to meet basic needs as well as other services such as health care, counseling, employment and training assistance. In many parts of California, you can call 2-1-1 to learn about resources in your community or contact the agencies & organizations listed below directly to inquire about their programs. Some programs may have eligibility criteria.
Click here for Information & Referrals
Extention of Unemployment Benefits
I am pleased to inform you that 429,000 unemployed workers in California who have experienced recent disruptions in federal unemployment insurance benefits will now see their access to benefits restored. On July 22, 2010, President Obama signed federal legislation (H.R. 4213) that reauthorizes access to federal extended unemployment benefits.
This new legislation restores access to federal unemployment benefits retroactive to June 2, 201 0, and extends that access through November 30, 2010. This will help 429,000 people. However, the new federal law does not add any weeks of benefits beyond the current maximum of 99 weeks. Thus, another 150,000 long-term unemployed who have already received the maximum 99 weeks of benefits, will not regain eligibility for benefits.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) which administers the unemployment insurance program in California has informed us that the vast majority of benefit checks to the 429,000 people will be mailed within the next 10 days.
For more details about the restoration of extended unemployment benefits visit EDD's website which provides details on how extended unemployment insurance claims will be processed, and when benefits will be mailed to claimants. The website is updated weekly with new developments affecting the unemployment insurance program. Also see our resource guide entitled "Assistance for Unemployed California Residents."
Gov signs Chesbro bill to help open space districts preserve more rural lands
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a bill authored by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that gives open space and parks districts more tools to preserve and protect rural lands. Continue Reading
Chesbro Resolution to designate State Route 53 in Lake County as "Veterans Memorial Highway" signed into law
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a resolution authored by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that designates Highway 53 “Lake County Veterans Memorial Highway.” Assembly Concurrent Resolution 136 also serves as a tribute to Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson of Clearlake and Sgt. 1st Class David J. Hartman, the son of a Kelseyville family, who recently gave their lives in the service of this country. Continue Reading
California League of Conservation Voters Honors First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
SACRAMENTO – The California League of Conservation Voters and Green California honored First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) for his outstanding environmental voting record at a reception Tuesday night in Sacramento. Continue Reading
Chesbro, Aanestad join forces to save Humboldt Creamery contract with Pelican Bay State Prison
Decision will save a local business and North Coast jobs
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) announced today the California Prison Industry Authority (PIA) has agreed to allow Pelican Bay State Prison to continue buying Humboldt Creamery milk from a Crescent City supplier for at least another year. Continue Reading
Assembly approves Chesbro-Ruskin bill to preserve state's Climate Action Team
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly has approved a bill jointly authored by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) that will ensure California is prepared to cope with climate change in the coming decades. Continue Reading
Assembly Appropriations approves Chesbro Product Stewardship Bill
SACRAMENTO - The Assembly Appropriations Committee today approved a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that would create the California Product Stewardship Act.
AB 2139 would establish an Extended Producer Responsibility framework with a single law to cover a wide array of toxic products that are banned from landfills. These products include hypodermic needles, antifreeze, and small propane tanks. Under an Extended Producer Responsibility Framework, manufacturers would be required to take more responsibility for disposing of products after consumers are through with them. This includes increasing the recyclability of products and reducing packaging. Continue Reading
Chesbro helps make the case that methadone treatments save money
First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro joined former National Drug Policy Director Barry McCaffrey, patients and military veterans in a news conference Wednesday to warn that the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to eliminate methadone treatments for former addicts may cost the state more than it saves. “We need to step back and analyze the long term budget impact of cutting methadone programs,” Chesbro said at the conference. “What may seem to save money will cost the state more in the long term. Cutting methadone is not the solution.” Methadone maintenance treatments are crucial to help addicts get off powerful narcotics such as heroin and Oxycontin. Critics say eliminating the $53 million the state spends on these programs could cost as much as $85 million in federal funds, plus drive up medical costs and immediately increase crime. Sacramento’s News Channel 10 has the complete story.
Chesbro honors Borges Family Creamery at Legislature's Small Business Day
First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro, right, presents a certificate to Joey and Maria Borges at the Legislature’s Small Business Day on May 25.
SACRAMENTO – North Coast Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro was so impressed when he met Joey Borges of Smith River at a recent economic summit in Del Norte County that he decided to honor the Borges Family Creamery as First Assembly District Small Business of the Year at the State Legislature’s California Small Business Day on Tuesday, May 25. Read more
Assemblymember Chesbro honors Eureka '9-1-1 Hero'
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) this week presented Isaac Rosser of Eureka with a “9-1-1 Heroes” resolution honoring his quick thinking and calm demeanor that helped save his mother’s life during an emergency call in March. Read more
Chesbro announces support for Caltrans' Richardson Grove improvement project
Says it will help North Coast small businesses preserve and create new jobs
Expresses confidence the realignment of Highway 101 poses no threat to old growth
SACRAMENTO – Following Caltrans’ release of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Richardson Grove Highway Improvement Project, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) announced his support for the project. He said the project poses no threat to the old growth redwood trees in Richardson Grove. Read more
Chesbro questions plan to spend $41.6 million on IHSS anti-fraud measures
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro chaired a hearing of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1, Health and Human Services, Wednesday May 5. At the hearing, Chesbro, sitting in for Subcommittee Chair Dave Jones, grilled representatives of the Department of Social Services (DSS) for their proposal to spend $41.6 million to fingerprint and photograph disabled Californians who receive In-Home Support Services (IHSS) for the purpose of detecting fraud. Chesbro reminded the DSS representatives that the Legislature last year had authorized $8.2 million for anti-fraud measures, and the authorization was for fingerprinting only, not photographs. Chesbro also questioned a proposal to spend up to an additional $5 million to purchase sophisticated fingerprinting cameras, designed for military use in Iraq, which cost $5,000 each. A number of Californians who receive IHSS services testified at the hearing they felt like they were being treated like criminals just for being disabled. Chesbro said there has never been any proof of widespread fraud in the IHSS system. He asked the DSS representatives to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the proposal and return with it to the next Subcommittee meeting in two weeks.
League of Women Voters of Humboldt County State of the Community Luncheon
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro attended the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County State of the Community Luncheon on April 23 at the Adorni center in Eureka. Here, Assemblymember Chesbro is pictured with (from left) Elizabeth Conner of the Healthy Humboldt Coalition, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Marilyn Miles, 7th District Assemblymember Noreen Evans and Danielle Vigil Masten of the Hoopa Tribe’s Stop the Violence Program. At the luncheon, the LWV honored the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project and Rose Baker, president of the New Directions of Humboldt Foster Parent Association and a county juvenile justice commissioner, for her work as an advocate for foster youth.
Chesbro bill to protect public health and fight the spread of communicable diseases wins Assembly approval
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly has approved a bill by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that seeks to shield the public from communicable diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Read more
Assemblymember Chesbro to present Waste Reduction Awards to Mendocino County businesses Granite Construction Co. and Fetzer Vineyards
MENDOCINO COUNTY – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) will present awards recognizing the positive environmental stewardship of two local companies during Mendocino College’s Earth Day ceremonies on Thursday, April 22. Read more
Assembly Health Committee Approves Chesbro Bill Requiring Health Insurers to Maintain Access to Local Physicians
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly’s Health Committee has approved a bill by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that would require health plans to maintain sufficient provider networks to ensure their customers have access to physicians. Read more
Chesbro bill to protect public health and fight the spread of communicable diseases wins Assembly approval
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly has approved a bill by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that seeks to shield the public from communicable diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Read more
Chesbro to chair Assembly Natural Resources Committee
SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez has appointed First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to chair the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture. Read more
Betty Chinn receives 'Woman of the Year' Award in Assembly
From left to right, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez presents Betty Chin of Eureka with a resolution honoring her as Woman of the Year for Assembly District One as First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro of Arcata, who nominated Chinn, and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Lori Saldaña look on. Chinn was honored this morning on the Assembly Floor for her work providing relief to homeless in Humboldt County for more than 20 years.
Photo by the State Assembly Speaker’s Office of Member Services
SACRAMENTO – The California State Assembly today honored Betty Chin of Eureka as Woman of the Year for District One, for her work providing nourishment, clothing and dignity to the homeless in Humboldt County. Read more
Rural counties name Chesbro legislator of the year for 2009
January 26, 2010
SACRAMENTO – The Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) has awarded First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Second District Assemblymember Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) the Patti Mattingly Award for 2009. Read more
Letter to Humboldt County residents from Assemblymember Chesbro urging those who suffered quake damage to hire licensed contractors only
As damage estimates continue to climb after Saturday's powerful 6.5 earthquake just off our Humboldt coast, it is essential that local residents who suffered property damage hire licensed, qualified, professional contractors to do repair work. Anyone who contracts for more than $500 worth of work and materials is required by law to be a licensed contractor. Scam artists and unscrupulous, unlicensed contractors, who do shoddy work and then disappear, prey on situations like this.
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is working with local media, city and county building departments, chambers of commerce and realtors to educate Humboldt County residents on how to protect themselves. There is a button in the upper right corner of this website that links to the CSLB's Humboldt County Earthquake Emergency Page. There you will find a video on how to protect yourself from unlicensed contractors and you can check contractor license numbers or file a complaint online. Read more
Chesbro earns high marks from consumer, environmental groups
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) received high marks for his votes on environmental protection, senior citizen, consumer protection and social justice bills in the recent legislative session. Read more
Senate approval of Chesbro amendment creates jobs immediately
SACRAMENTO – The State Senate Thursday afternoon approved legislation amended by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to include the ratification of a gaming compact that creates good-paying jobs in Lake County before the end of this year. The Senate’s approval of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal gaming compact came a week after Chesbro shepherded the ratification through the Assembly. Read more
Habematolel gaming compact in Capitol Weekly
The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake tribe’s gaming compact could be ratified by the Senate this week after Assemblymember Chesbro shepherded it through Assembly last week, writes Malcolm Maclachlan in Capitol Weekly. Maclachlan notes the compact is unopposed, which is rare for gaming pacts. It will also create jobs immediately in Lake County, which has been hit hard by the economic downturn. Read the story here.
Chesbro will look into Attorney General’s lawsuit against Humboldt dairies
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today released the following statement on the lawsuit by the California Attorney General’s office against the former members of the Humboldt Creamery Association.
“I’m very concerned about this lawsuit. The family dairies who comprised the Humboldt Creamery Association have already had a rough year. I will be working with the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Food and Agriculture to see what can be done to mitigate the situation.”
Assembly approves Chesbro amendment for gaming compact
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly Thursday night approved Senate Bill 89, which was amended by First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to include ratification of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribal gaming compact. Chesbro sought the amendment during the special session Thursday night because the ratification, when approved by the Senate next week, will immediately create good-paying jobs in Lake County. Read more
Chesbro: Pérez excellent choice for Assembly Speaker
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement today on the election of John Pérez to Speaker of the State Assembly:
“I am pleased to support Assemblyman John Pérez as the new speaker of the Assembly. Mr. Pérez was my first seatmate on the Assembly floor. I was immediately impressed with his intelligence and leadership. As a result of his outstanding work prior to being elected to the Assembly, he is known and respected throughout my district by both the environmental community and our labor organizations. As a freshman member, I am supportive of electing a Speaker who can serve for the full five years. This will allow the Assembly to work effectively with both the Senate and governor due to his tenure and experience.”
Chesbro: Water Bond a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement explaining why he voted against the Water Package on the floor of the Assembly and why he opposes the $11.1 billion water bond.
While I strongly support removing the Klamath dams, the Water Package, including the Bond measure, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Funding removal of the Klamath dams while at the same time threatening the flows in the Trinity River is a fool’s bargain. We need to find a way to fund dam removal that doesn’t put the Trinity and our other North Coast rivers at risk.
Joint Committee Hearing on Marine Debris: Its Impacts and Strategies for Its Reduction
(SACRAMENTO) - The Assembly Committees on Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials and Natural Resources are conducting a joint informational hearing on Marine Debris, Its Impacts, and Strategies for Its Reduction. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at the Santa Monica Public Library.
Rodman Slough on Clear Lake will benefit from habitat restoration under AB 74, the Middle Creek and Hamilton City Flood Damage Restoration and Ecosystem Act.
Governor signs Chesbro bill to restore Lake County wetlands
Project will fight chronic algae infestations and stimulate the local economy
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill this fall by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-First District) that will restore 1,400 acres of wetlands in the Clear Lake Basin. AB 74, the Middle Creek and Hamilton City Flood Damage Restoration and Ecosystem Act, will restore Clear Lake habitat that includes open water, seasonal wetlands, in-stream aquatic habitat, shaded aquatic habitat and perennial wetlands.
“The governor didn’t sign many bills this year, but by signing AB 74 he clearly recognized the importance and public benefit of this bill,” Chesbro said. “In addition to wetland restoration, habitat improvement and increased flood protection, the project funded by this bill will have a significant positive financial impact on the county.
