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Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, 5050 El Camino Real, Suite 117, Los Altos, CA 94022
www.assembly.ca.gov/ruskin, Assemblymember.Ruskin@assembly.ca.gov, (650) 691-2121

The Ruskin Report
January 2008
Volume 4 Issue 1

Ruskin Helps Launch Universal Waste Recycling Program

The press conference featured (left to right)Kevin McCarthy,  executive director of the South Bayside Waste Management Authority, the agency which provides the curbside pick up; Jill Matherson, manager at IKEA; Pat Foster, vice-mayor of East Palo Alto; and Leonard Robinson, deputy director of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), the agency responsible for universal waste disposal in the state.

On December 11, 2007, Assemblymember Ira Ruskin held a press conference in East Palo Alto to announce a new curbside collection program for universal waste products.  Residents in the southern half of San Mateo County may now recycle batteries and cell phones along with their other recyclables.  Just put these universal waste materials into a zip-lock bag and set the bag on top of your mixed paper recycling.

Universal waste consists of many everyday products, like batteries, cell phones, and other small electronics.  Toxic materials from these products, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead leech out of these products over time, and when they are put into landfills, can contaminate the soil and groundwater.  Many counties have drop-off centers, but very few curbside programs have been initiated anywhere in the country.

Assemblymember Ruskin has been a leader on universal waste issues in California.  He spearheadedthe passage of several bills dealing with toxic materials and will be introducing a bill to help recycle mercury in old thermostats.  Mr. Ruskin also served as Chair of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee from 2004-2006.

Ruskin Announces Opportunities For Students

Cal Grants for
Undergraduates Available

Assemblymember Ira Ruskin wants to make sure that students in our district who are considering college next year, and their parents, are aware of free Cal Grants, up to $9,700 a year. These grants never have to be paid back and are available through the California Student Aid Commission.  Cal Grants are good at all UCs, CSUs, community colleges, and most private, career, and technical schools in California .

To apply, students can contact Assemblymember Ruskin’s office or visit the web at: www.calgrants.org.  The deadline to apply is March 2nd.  There are also workshops available (January and February) in many locations throughout the bay area. Visit the website for more information.

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get money for college. If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit two forms by March 2, you are guaranteed a Cal Grant.		 Assembly Fellowship Program


Assemblymember Ruskin announced the availability of applications for the 2008-2009 Assembly Fellowship Program.  The 11-month fellowship program gives college graduates the opportunity to become full-time Assembly staff members working on fiscal and policy issues in an Assembly Member’s capitol or committee office.  Fellows participate in a weekly academic seminar, earning 12 graduate credits from California State University , Sacramento .  Fellows are paid a monthly stipend of $1,972 per month, plus health, dental and vision benefits. 

To be eligible applicants must have earned their undergraduate degree by September 2008.  No specific field of study is preferred.  Applicants from all majors, individuals with advanced degrees, and mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply.  Applications are available at Assemblymember Ruskin’s office. 

Applications for the 2008-2009 Assembly Fellowship Program must be postmarked by February 27, 2008 .


District Office:
5050 El Camino Real,
Suite 117
Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone: (650) 691-2121
Fax: (650) 691-2120
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0021
Phone: (916) 319-2021
Fax: (916) 319-2121

Email: assemblymember.ruskin@assembly.ca.gov
Web Site: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/ruskin/