November 2007

Never Again!

"When I heard the tragic news about the November 7th oil spill in San Francisco Bay, I'm sure that my reactions -- shock, sadness, and outrage -- were similar to yours. In the three weeks since the spill, my staff and I have focused on making sure the essential cleanup work is getting done even as we work to uncover exactly what went wrong. I feel a great sense of urgency in this regard because large cargo ships and tankers are moving in and out of the Bay every day. I'm participating in a Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee hearing on the oil spill this week, and working with Assembly Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Loni Hancock on a package of bills that will implement reforms identified in our oversight hearings. We should do whatever it takes to make sure this type of tragedy never happens again.

On other fronts, the special legislative sessions on health care and water are winding down. As a member of the Assembly's working group on water, I've explored the potential for a compromise water bond that would address the critical needs of the Delta while also providing a fair and fiscally responsible framework to support high priority regional water needs around the state. Unfortunately, I see little hope for such compromise at this point, mainly because the Governor insists on $3.5 billion in special earmarks for 2-3 new dams, whereas Democrats are focused on solutions to the Delta crisis and believe dams should be required to compete with other projects on factors like cost-effectiveness and the ability to actually meet state and regional water needs. On health care, I'm more optimistic. There is potential in the days ahead for a compromise with the Governor. The compromise plan is not perfect, but I view it as a significant improvement over the status quo in terms of coverage and affordability for millions of Californians. Stay tuned.

Finally, for those of you who interact with my district offices you will see some changes in the days ahead. I've hired two very talented new staffers: Marin Field Representative Jenny Callaway (formerly of the San Rafael School Board), and Office Manager Risa Deferrari. And I'm pleased to report that my Sonoma District Office which was previously in Santa Rosa has now been relocated to Petaluma. Moving that office further south and into the borders of my district was one of my campaign promises and it will help me and my staff better meet the needs of southern Sonoma County residents."

Jared

Huffman Responds to Spill

Cosco Busan Oil Spill in the San Francisco Bay Area

As you are no doubt aware, on Wednesday, November 7th the container vessel Cosco Busan collided with the Bay Bridge, spilling at least 58,000 gallons of fuel into the Bay. Though there is no structural damage to the Bay Bridge, the oil spill was not contained and the tragic results included significant damage to wildlife and the environment, and the closure of this year's crab fishing season. Thanks to the work of emergency officials and scores of amazing volunteers, almost all of our beaches have been reopened, but much work remains to deal with the many adverse effects of the spill. If you are interested in helping, or if you want to receive more information, you can click U.S. Coast Guard or visit the CA State Assembly Emergency Response Website.

District Office in Petaluma!

Assemblymember Huffman now has an office in the City of Petaluma. Constituents in Sonoma County are encouraged to contact this office with any concerns, issues or questions that they may have with the state.

New location:

Petaluma District Office:

11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 773-0606
Fax: (707) 773-1033

**Please do not send mail to this address.  All mail should be sent to the San Rafael District Office.

Contact: Lisa Badenfort

Comcast Education Forum Airs this Month

Assemblymember Huffman was joined by Sonoma County School Superintendent Dr. Carl Wong, and Christine Carter, Superintendent of the Reed Union School District, for a Comcast, roundtable discussion about education. The taped discussion, which will be shown this month throughout both Marin and Sonoma counties, covered a number of topics including achievement gap, workforce preparation and teacher retention. Please check in to your local Comcast listings for date and times.

Assemblymember Huffman Commemorates Veterans Day

Huffman reminded members of the community earlier this month to remember those veterans that have helped to shape this country and protect its freedoms. California has the largest U.S. veterans' population in the nation, with some 3.5 million armed services veterans. This is over 13 percent of the nationwide veteran population and about 20 percent of the state's total population.

California's veterans have served with valor in the Mexican War, the Indian Wars, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Today, future veterans are serving with distinction in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Let's not forget the historic contributions to peace made by California's veterans, nor should we ever forget the veterans themselves. Showing support for our veterans means a lot more than issuing statements on Veterans Day; it means working month after month on efforts to help them lead successful lives after they have served their country.

Veterans Day is a day to remember and to honor all the courageous men and women of the armed services who so bravely gave of themselves to defend America and the freedoms we hold so dear.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month

This month is National Adoption Awareness Month, and Assemblymember Huffman is promoting adoption awareness in the local community and throughout the state. He wants to urge individuals to focus on the adoption of foster care children. With adoption backlogs throughout California, Adoption Awareness Month and the holiday season provide opportunities to finalize adoption proceedings and to give children permanent families for the holidays.

According to adoption agency staff, the majority of children presently coming into the foster care system are children with special placement needs, including older, school-age children, children of color, physically disabled or mentally challenged children or children with emotional and/or behavioral problems.

Moreover, adoption experts say there is also a pressing need to find adoptive homes for sibling groups, so children from the same family can remain together.

For more information or to be assisted in contacting child placement agencies please call the Assemblymember's office at 415-479-4920.

"There Oughta be a Law...or Not" Contest

Assemblymember Huffman is still accepting entries in his second annual "There Oughta Be A Law...Or Not" contest this month. The contest invites citizens of the 6th Assembly District to submit ideas for new state legislation or to repeal laws. Each applicant is asked to fill out a questionnaire describing the law they believe "ought to be" or a repeal of a law that "ought not be." Applicants are encouraged to be as thorough as possible when explaining their bill ideas in order to understand the issue. The winners may have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, and could have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on their bill in the State Capitol. They will also have lunch with Assemblymember Huffman, and receive an honorary plaque.

The inception of the program comes with the hopes to educate the community on the legislative process, and to give citizens in the district a new avenue to have their voices heard.

Application forms for this year's contest may be downloaded at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a06/pdf/AD06LawContest.pdf. The public may also call Assemblymember Huffman's district office at (415) 479-4920 to request a form. The deadline for all entries is December 15, 2007.

Marin Forum - Assemblymember Huffman spoke at the Marin Forum this month. The Marin Forum is an organization of 35 men and 35 women, representing a variety of business & professional fields, who are involved in community affairs. Huffman spoke about a number of state issues including healthcare, budget, water and local issues.

Stop telemarketers from calling! - Assemblymember Huffman recently filmed his latest public service announcement explaining ways to sign up for the "Do not call" list. The 30-second commercial will be airing on Comcast cable throughout the district next month. To view the PSA please click here.

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 www.assembly.ca.gov/Huffman.

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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