The Leno Report - October 2005
In this issue:
- IN HISTORIC FASHION, LEGISLATURE APPROVES LENO’S MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL
- LBGT PRIDE PARADE 2005
- SPECIAL ELECTION UPDATE
- CHINESE ART EXHIBIT
- BAYVIEW MAGIC BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM
- HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY FOR ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES
- GOVERNOR SIGNS EIGHT BILLS FROM ASSEMBLYMAN LENO
- HARVEY MILK CLUB HONORS LENO AS “LIFETIME FRIEND AND CHAMPION”
- LGBT CAUCUS PRIDE EXHIBIT AT THE CAPITOL
- LENO RECEIVES MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMUNITY CENTER AWARD
- STAFF NEWS
- IN MEMORIAM—MOTHER BROWN
Welcome to the Fall Edition of my quarterly e-newsletter! I hope this edition of ‘The Leno Report’ provides you with the latest information on my activities as your State Assemblyman in Sacramento and San Francisco, and how you can get involved in the budget and legislative process. You can also access my news releases and learn more about my legislation by visiting http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/. If you would like further information on topics discussed in this newsletter or any other issue, please feel free to contact me at (415) 557-3013. Your calls are always welcome.
Sign up to receive ‘The Leno Report’: If you have been forwarded this e-mail newsletter and would like to be added to the list to receive The Leno Report, or if you would like to be taken off the list, please e-mail Assemblymember.Leno@assembly.ca.gov with the subject line: “The Leno Report.”
Assemblyman Mark Leno speaking to the Assembly before the historic vote was taken.
California solidified its position as a civil rights leader this past September when, for the first time in U.S. history, both houses of the state legislature approved a bill allowing lesbian and gay couples to enter into the civil institution of marriage.
The State Senate and Assembly approved Assemblyman Leno’s Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, AB 849, on votes of 21-15 and 41-35 respectively. AB 849 amends Section 300 of the Family Code to define marriage as a civil contract between two persons instead of a civil contract between a man and a woman.
The bill also reaffirms that no religious institution would ever be required to solemnize marriages contrary to its fundamental beliefs. AB 849 was sponsored by Equality California (EQCA), the statewide LGBT civil rights advocacy organization and has 23 Assembly co-authors, 8 Senate co-authors and over 220 organizations in support.
After the historic vote was taken in the Assembly, Leno shared his thoughts. “This is a moment that millions of gay and lesbian couples, families and friends have been dreaming about - when their elected representatives stood up for their very right to exist, to form loving relationships, to raise families, to care for one another, and to participate as equals in our society.
Assemblyman Leno celebrates after the vote with Mark Guzman and his husband Scott Coatsworth from EQCA’s El Dorado County Chapter.
It reaffirms the treasured American value of liberty and justice for all, and is a victory for millions of Californians who were born gay or lesbian and have spent their lives being treated differently because of it. The legislature has recognized that the conservative values of commitment, responsibility, monogamy and love should be encouraged by state laws for all citizens.”
Equality California’s Geoffrey Kors followed up by saying, “Today in California, love conquered fear, principle conquered politics and equality conquered injustice. For the first time in our nation's history, the people's elected representatives have taken a stand to protect all families and ensure equality for all.”
Unfortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger missed a historic opportunity to sign this civil rights measure when he vetoed it on September 29th. Leno responded, “In vetoing this bill approved by duly elected representatives of the people, the Governor has failed his test of leadership and missed a historic opportunity to stand up for the basic civil rights of all Californians. He cannot claim to support fair and equal treatment of gay people and veto the very bill that would have provided it to them. While we are extremely disappointed, we have not lost faith, and our struggle continues. We will not give up until our relationships and families are treated as first class, just like everyone else. Let this veto be our inspiration to share the fact of our love, our families and our children with all of California. We will continue to fight until our relationships are treated equally and we gain access to the rights and responsibilities of marriage, so that we may create loving, committed, stable homes for ourselves and our children. We will overcome this veto. We will reach our goal of equality and fairness for all Californians and their families despite Arnold Schwarzenegger. Liberty and justice will prevail despite the Governor’s lack of leadership.”
Prior to the governor’s veto, many newspapers from around the state and country urged the governor to sign AB 849, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, San Jose Mercury News, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Also, check out the television commercial urging the Governor to do the right thing. For more information click on AB 849’s sponsor organization, Equality California (www.eqca.org).
Assemblyman Leno hosted a large contingent of community friends and neighbors as they ‘trucked’ down Market Street. This year’s official Pride theme was “Stand Up. Stand Out. Stand Proud.” Here you can see how Team Leno personified that spirit.
Leno was honored after the parade with the “Absolutely Fabulous Individual” award by the Pride Committee. For more information, go to www.sfpride.org. If you would like to join the Team Leno contingent in the Parade next year, please call (415) 557-3013.
Leno was honored after the parade with the “Absolutely Fabulous Individual” award by the Pride Committee. For more information, go to www.sfpride.org.
If you would like to join the Team Leno contingent in the Parade next year, please call (415) 557-3013.
It’s official. Ignoring public opinion, Governor Schwarzenegger has chosen to call for a special election to be held November 8th. In doing so, he has unilaterally forced California’s local governments, already strapped for cash, to spend $55 million for an election Californians don’t need or want. Our own City of San Francisco will be forced to spend $1.2 million we could otherwise use to hire more police officers, fix our roads and expand our homeless shelters. Instead of working with the Legislature in good faith to address the complex issues facing the state, the Governor has spent the last year raising campaign dollars to fight teachers, firefighters and nurses in his special election. Even while polls show that nearly two-thirds of Californians oppose a special election, the Governor, choosing to ignore the public’s true best interests, has thrust us into an election that is neither about saving the state money nor improving the quality of life for our citizens.
Despite all of this, the election will take place November 8th. Here is a list of the initiatives that will appear on the ballot. For more detailed information, contact the Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-6814 or (http://ss.ca.gov/elections/statewidespecial.htm), or the San Francisco Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375 (http://www.sfgov.org/site/election). The last day to register to vote for the November 8th election is October 24th.
- Proposition 73: Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Waiting Period and Parental Notification. Initiative Constitutional Amendment
- Proposition 74: Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal. Initiative Statute
- Proposition 75: Public Employee Union Dues. Required Employee Consent for Political Contributions. Initiative Statute
- Proposition 76: School Funding. State Spending. Initiative Constitutional Amendment
- Proposition 77: Redistricting. Constitutional Amendment
- Proposition 78: Prescription Drugs. Discounts. Initiative Statute
- Proposition 79: Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates. Initiative Statute
- Proposition 80: Electric Service Providers. Regulation. Initiative Statute.
Francisco Hsieh, Board of Equalization
Acting Member Betty Yee, Dong, and Leno.
Assemblyman Leno hosted a display of the
“Chinese Crystal Color Porcelain: Traditional Forms with
Modern Technology” exhibition in the State Building in
San Francisco during July. This cultural program
showcased the art of Deng Nian Dong from Beijing, China.
Assemblyman assists youth with their
wristbands during the distribution.
Assemblyman Leno works
with Supervisor Sophie Maxwell
and other volunteers in the
backpack distribution.
Assemblyman Leno was on hand to help B-MAGIC (Bayview’s Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in our Communities) distribute 1,500 backpacks and school supplies to community youth as they headed back to school. Held at the Martin Luther King Pool in Bayview Park, the annual event hosted a full day of activities, educational opportunities, community outreach, and fun for kids and adults alike. For more information about MAGIC, please visit www.bayviewmagic.com.
Assemblyman Leno on stage with Actor Alec Mapa; API Wellness Center’s Executive Director John Manzon-Santos; Actress Amy Hill and her daughter.
Assemblyman Mark Leno joined the API Wellness Center (http://www.apiwellness.org/) and its Banyan Tree Project in launching their first annual Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. A panel discussion included Olympic Medalist Greg Louganis, former pro-football player Esera Tuaolo, Actors Russell Wong, Alec Mapa, and Amy Hill, Helen Zia, Dr. Steven Tierney of the San Francisco Department of Health, and San Francisco Human Rights Commissioner Cecilia Chung and her family.
Additionally, the API Wellness Center held Mix ’05, its 8th Annual Community Awards and Silent Auction, where Louganis was among the honorees.
Assemblyman Leno with Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis.
AB 220 - Intimate Partner Battering Syndrome
This new law will provide consistency in the California Codes by changing remaining references to “Battered Women’s Syndrome” to “intimate partner battering and its effects.”
AB 404 - Bailbonds Online Curriculum
This new law will permit the completion of bail agent continuing education requirements through the Internet while also clarifying that education requirements for initial licensure must be completed in face-to-face classroom instruction.
AB 1099 - Solar Tax Exemption
This new law removes the sunset clause on a tax exemption for the construction or addition of solar energy systems on public or private buildings.
AB 852 - San Francisco Bar Pilots
This new law will assist the Board of Pilot Commissioners with the modernization of existing pilot ships.
Assemblyman Leno shepherded his full package of Foster Care Youth initiatives into law this year:
AB 519 - Reinstating Parental Rights for Legal Orphans
In cases of child abuse or neglect, existing law had set timeframes in which parents must make substantial progress in meeting the requirements of their family reunification plan or face termination of parental rights, thereby freeing the child for adoption. This new law will allow the court to reinstate parental rights upon petition by the child or the child’s attorney only if, after three years past the termination of parental rights, the child still has not been adopted, and reinstatement of parental rights is found to be in the best interests of the child.
AB 1261 - Improving Foster Youth Educational Outcomes
This law will clarify legislative intent and makes technical corrections to a landmark 2003 legislation that promotes better educational outcomes for foster youth.
AB 1412 - Encouraging Foster Youth Connections with Loved Ones
Current law requires social workers to ask foster youth over the age of 10 and placed in group homes for periods longer than six months about important relationships they may have with adults other than their siblings, so they may maintain those relationships after they have emancipated. This new law will extend that same requirement to every foster youth over the age of 10, regardless of their foster care placement. The new law will also allow the youth to provide input in the formulation of their case plans.
ACR 85 - Court Adoption and Permanency Month
This November 2005 is proclaimed to be Court Adoption and Permanency Month, in which the courts and their local communities are encouraged to join together in activities to expedite permanency of adoption to improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system.
To learn more about Assemblyman Leno’s legislation, visit http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/ Or call his San Francisco office (415) 557-3013. For more information on each bill, just click the bill number.
Assemblymember Mark Leno receives the award from former Club President Robert Haaland.
Assemblyman Leno received the Lifetime Friend and Champion Award at the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club’s 27th Anniversary Awards dinner.
In their program for the evening’s event, they wrote, “The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club wishes to honor the gains that Assemblyman Leno has achieved for our community and his leadership in building our unity and our strength. Whether he is fighting our opponents, pushing for labor, tenant, environmental, or human rights, Mark has been an incredibly effective legislator and organizer. More important, Mark shows true leadership by reaching out to those who have opposed him in the past. Though the San Francisco LGBT community will always have disagreements and as many political opinions as there are colors in the rainbow, leaders like Mark Leno will pull us together when it is most important. For that we thank him, and salute his efforts. He is a true lifetime friend and champion.”
Individual Community Service: Marilyn Wann
Organization Community Service: Unite Here! Local 2
Harry Britt Lifetime Achievement: Geoff Kors
Bill Kraus HIV/AIDS: Cecilia Chung
Queer Cultural Activist: Karlyn Lotney
Harvey Milk In His Footsteps: And Castro For All.
The six-member California Legislative LGBT Caucus proudly hosted the 4th Annual Pride Exhibit in the rotunda of the State Capitol this past June. The exhibit was co-sponsored by California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President pro Tempore Don Perata. It was designed by Lavender Library, Archives and Cultural Exchange (LLACE) with the assistance of the State Capitol Museum, and was on display for the entire month. The exhibit is believed to be the first of its kind in any state capitol in the nation. It shows a timeline of events that affected the LGBT communities around the country. The exhibit also includes the biography of each member of the Legislative LGBT Caucus.
The California Legislative LGBT Caucus was originally formed in June 2002. Its role is to present a forum for the California Legislature to discuss issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all Californians. The LGBT Caucus’ formation made California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT state legislators.
Assemblymembers Mark Leno and Jackie Goldberg; LLACE Board President Michael Colby; Senators Sheila Kuehl; Christine Kehoe; Carole Migden; and Assemblyman John Laird
Assemblyman Leno received an award from the San Francisco Patients' Cooperative and Medical Cannabis Community Center during the 6th Annual Gala on August 27th. He received the award for his continued efforts in favor of the medicinal use of marijuana.
Leno with Sylvia Rose who celebrated her birthday at the Gala.
Rob Tashima, Legislative Aide, left our office in September to pursue a Master’s Degree from the London School of Economics. After over 6 years on Leno’s staff at City Hall and the Capitol, Nathan Purkiss, Senior Legislative Aide, is moving back to San Francisco in October to pursue new career opportunities. We know both of them have wonderful careers ahead of them and thank them for their loyal service. We are also grateful for the contributions of our volunteers and interns, including Philip Meisch in the Capitol Office, Nathan Cameron in the Public Safety Committee, and the following interns in our District Office: Cassidy Clawson, Rakee Matlock, Nichole Schultz, Eric Crawley, and, of special note, Michael Chan, who is now our longest running intern by hitting his 1 ½ year mark in the office.
San Francisco lost an amazing advocate for the local community in August. Barbara J. “Mother” Brown had been a fixture in the Bayview Hunter’s Point with her Mother Brown’s Dining Room serving the poor and homeless in the City. She also found the Bayview Hope Drop-in Center and Homeless Resource Center and the United Council of Human Services. On August 15th, Assemblyman Leno adjourned session in her memory, and we dedicate this edition of the newsletter in her honor. She will be greatly missed.
Last year, Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) sponsored a bill banning two types of toxic chemicals used as fire retardants in foam padding in furniture. These chlorinated and brominated chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects and reproductive disorders; they migrate from furniture to dust particles, are breathed in by children and pets, and are found in the breast milk of nursing mothers. That bill, however, never reached Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk, falling victim to election-year squabbling.
