Water rates, pedestrian safety, crime, access to health care, and graffiti—these were just a few of the topics that came up in my first town hall since being elected to the State Assembly. Leaders from various city departments, including Recreation and Parks, the PUC, SFPD, the San Francisco Public Library provided updates and answered questions from neighbors on various issues.  The meeting, which took place at Lawton Alternative Elementary School, is the first in a series of town halls that I am hosting around the district over the next few months.  Town halls are a great way for residents to voice their concerns and inform our office of not only problems that may be happening in the district, but also to tell us about what’s working in your neighborhood.  Hearing from you on what’s going on in our neighborhoods will provide us with valuable information to make sure that everyone’s quality of life is improving and the necessary state resources are directed to where there is need.

Toxic Toys Update — Last month, the State Assembly became the first legislative body in America to pass legislation banning phthalates, dangerous toxic chemicals used in baby toys and child care products.  AB 1108, which I authored after passing a similar ordinance on the Board of Supervisors, only received 36 votes on the first try on the Assembly floor and was placed on reconsideration.  The chemical industry was strongly opposed to the bill, but after a week of heavy lobbying with the proponents and with the help of Speaker Fabian Núñez, AB 1108 passed by a vote of 41-31.

The historic vote came in the wake of a powerful declaration by the world’s leading environmental scientists who warned that exposure to common chemicals including phthalates makes babies more likely to develop an array of reproductive health problems later in life.  On May 24, at the International Conference on Fetal Programming and Development Toxicity, 200 scientists also urged leaders not to wait any longer to take action.   The bill is now in the Senate, awaiting a hearing in the Environmental Quality Committee.

Summer Internships — My Office is looking for students who would be interested in volunteering as interns in our district office, located in downtown San Francisco. Our internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn and serve through first-hand participation in government service and the legislative process.  The program is designed for both college and high school students.  Legislative internships are looked highly upon during the college admission process and when applying for a job after graduation.  Interested students are encouraged to contact my district director Bob Twomey, at 415-557-2312.