May 2007

Moving Along...
"The month of April was the busiest yet for my Capitol staff, thanks to a flurry of hearings and bill deadlines. I'm pleased to have already moved 6 of my bills off the Assembly floor and on to the Senate. In the weeks ahead, I'll work to move several more bills through the Appropriations Committee and hopefully off the Assembly floor, while I also begin the process of presenting bills in Senate committees. Back in the district, I've continued my outreach on public education, touring several more schools in Marin and southern Sonoma. And my district staff has been meeting with groups and individuals about a broad array of issues.

This month begins my sixth month as a legislator - a great time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities I've already faced, and to prepare for the even busier months ahead as the legislative process moves into high gear. At this mid-point of my first year in the Assembly, I'm focused on continuing to learn and grow while also delivering results on legislation and district priorities. I'm extremely grateful for my first-rate staff, and for the tremendous support and friendship I've received from so many of you."

Jared

Budget Update/ May Revise

The May Revision of the Governor's budget still proposes cuts to low-income families, the elderly and disabled. As we work to review and reshape the budget aligning it with the core values of Californians, we'll address not only these issues, but also the Governor's proposed slashing of public transit funding, corrections allocations and cuts to homeless and mentally ill services.

News

Sober Graduations Saves Lives
June is Sober Graduation Month. The program was established by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and has been recognized nationally and internationally as an effective anti-driving-under-the-influence program that targets high school seniors and raises their awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving.

When a teenager is handed a diploma, the future is bright and full of promise. Graduation time is filled with nostalgia, excitement, anticipation and celebration of what the future may hold in store. It is exciting not only for the graduate but for the graduate's family and friends as well.

During one graduation period in California, according to statistics provided by the California Highway Patrol, over 50 drunk drivers in this age group were involved in fatal crashes. The magnitude of the tragedy of losing young lives senselessly due to drunk driving is overwhelming. Occurring at a time of such hope and accomplishment, these young deaths shatter families and traumatize communities.

Planning a "Sober Graduation Night" can help students make the choice to avoid the potential mental and physical pain that results when drinking and driving combine to cause a serious or even deadly accident. Graduation night is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for teenage drivers. For the past 16 years, the CHP has teamed up with parents, schools, community leaders and elected officials to make graduation night safer by planning "safe and sober" parties for seniors.

Businesses and adults who serve alcohol to minors may be held liable for accidents resulting from minors driving while intoxicated.

The following are just a few of the many safe alternatives for graduation night activities:

• Transport graduating seniors to an amusement park, arcade, fun center, athletic event or other entertainment venue;
• Arrange for a carnival at a gymnasium or other school site;
• Have a theme party, such as the 50's, science fiction, movies, etc.; or
• Plan an all night bowling or dance "marathon."

A safe alternative to the traditional graduation night party takes careful consideration and advanced planning. Selecting the activities, chaperones and appropriate facilities is essential. It is, however, also an opportunity to become more involved with other parents, faculty and students - not to mention your own graduating child. You can reduce the possibility of tragedy if you and others are willing to take on this responsibility.

Most teens who drink get their alcohol from "social" sources - parents of other teens, older siblings, and other relatives and friends. We Don't Serve Teens, a new national campaign to reduce underage drinking, is focusing on the social sources that may provide teens with access to alcohol. The message to neighbors, relatives, and friends is "Don't serve alcohol to teens. It's unsafe. It's illegal. It's irresponsible."

For more information on stopping teens' easy access to alcohol, practical tips on talking to kids about alcohol and alcohol advertising, and what to say to friends and neighbors about serving alcohol to teens, visit www.DontServeTeens.gov.

Memorial Day 2007
Like millions of other Americans, Californians will honor its war dead on Monday, May 28th when Memorial Day is celebrated. The sacrifices will be remembered of those who fell at San Juan and Chateau-Thierry . . . at Iwo Jima and the Battle of the Bulge . . . at Heartbreak Ridge and Khe Sanh . . . and the thousands of other names scattered around the world and across the pages of America's history.  And sadly, over the last four years, names have been added to the list of fallen heroes; those lost in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.

This year we should make a special effort to think of Memorial Day as not just a day to tan on beaches along the California coast, or to have a barbecue and a softball game. It should not be just a day of department store sales and grocery specials, but a day of thoughtful remembrance and a day of gratitude.

The price of freedom has never been cheap and none know it better than the millions of patriotic men and women who have worn our nation's uniform to preserve our freedom. None paid more dearly for it than the thousands and thousands who did not return. We pay tribute on Memorial Day to the hardships and sacrifices that were demanded and dutifully accepted by those millions who served and to their families as well.

We want the survivors to know that their service is not forgotten, that we understand and remember that the foundations of American independence, liberty and freedom were built and preserved by those who served. We owe a debt beyond payment to the fallen and to the living for their lasting testimonial of loyalty to this country.

Informational Archives
Secretary of State Debra Bowen has unveiled a new online catalog to the acclaimed collections preserved in the California State Archives. The catalog, at http://minerva.sos.ca.gov, is named "Minerva" and describes all types of records in the archives, from maps and court cases to legislative papers and photographs. Minerva, named for the Roman goddess of wisdom portrayed on the State Seal, is updated almost daily and replaces a paper-based record keeping system. Bowen called the new website,  "A dynamic goldmine for historians, journalists, students and anyone else who just loves California history." 

Around the District

Comcast Education Awards - Huffman honored 4 employees for their work in education, ranging from teaching, classified employee, superintendent and a school board trustee. The event was taped and will be televised on local Comcast Channel 78.

Zero Breast Cancer Awards Dinner - Huffman spoke at the "Honor Thy Healer" Dinner put on by the Zero Breast Cancer Foundation at the Mill Valley Community Center. The event recognized the individuals and who have worked so hard to curb this life altering disease.

Novato Unified School District Tour w/ Supt. Jan Derby - Huffman continued his school district visits this month by attending the Novato Unified School District Tour, seeing multiple schools including: Sinaloa Middle School, Novato High School, Loma Verde Elementary, Rancho Elementary and school sites at Hamilton.

Kentfield School District Tour - Huffman also toured the Kentfield School District with Superintendent Bob Caine on Friday, May 11. Mr. Huffman visited both Bacich Elementary School and Kent Middle School. At Bacich, Mr. Huffman toured the school with Principal Sally Peck, Assistant Principal Holly Edde and student Matthew Peters.

Cotati-Rohnert Park School District Tour - In addition, Huffman toured a number of schools in the Cotati-Rohnert Park School district including Mountain Shadows Middle School, John Reed Elementary School and his District Director, Joshua Townsend's Alma Mater Rancho Cotate High School.

* Huffman has now visited 28 schools in his district!

Rohnert Park City Council Meeting * - Huffman spoke at the Rohnert Park City Council meeting this month and shared with them his legislative agenda along with issues that were important to the city.

* Huffman has now personally appeared at City Council Meetings in all four Sonoma County cities in his district

Novato High School Air Force JROTC Awards program- Huffman presented certificates to five graduating seniors for outstanding achievement to development of the cadet corps.

Use the District Office as Your Resource

Remember if you are having any state issues that we can be helpful with please contact our office. The District Office is here for you and wants to be used as a resource. Please call the District Office numbers below to request assistance.

How to reach me:

Please feel free to visit my website at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a06.

Assemblymember Huffman's Committees:

Chair, Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Member, Assembly Appropriations Committee
Member, Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee
Member, Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee

If you know of anyone who you think would like to receive these newsletters, please e-mail their name, mailing address and e-mail address, and I'll be happy to add them to my list.

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