Californians Want Budget to Reflect Their Values

(Sacramento)– Support for a state budget that reflects real California values is growing throughout the state. From Southern California, through the Central Valley and along the California Coast to the San Francisco Bay Area and the rest of Northern California people are calling on state lawmakers to approve a new state spending plan that funds education, health care, transportation and care for the elderly, blind and disabled. In this Assembly Access video real Californians, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and other top Democratic Assemblymembers make it clear it’s “our values and our future” that must be included in the state budget.

More budget information from the Assembly Democrats can be found here.

Healthy Air Living Week in the San Joaquin Valley
July 7 - 13

Assemblymembers DeSaulnier and Arambula Celebrate Bike-to-Work Day in this Week’s Democratic Radio Address 
English | Spanish

Assemblymember Juan Arambula Answers the Call on New Cell Phone Law

California Law will now require all drivers over the age of 18 to use hands-free cell phone devices while operating a vehicle.  The second law prevents drivers under the age of 18 from using their cell phones while behind the wheel.

“Many drivers may not know about the two new laws, leaving them surprised when they are pulled over by a law enforcement officer. I want to make sure our drivers know about the new laws and are prepared when it takes effect,” said Assemblymember Arambula.

The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.  The fine for the first offense is $20 and $50 for all additional convictions. But the cost of those fines could go up with the addition of penalty assessments.

Taking the Secret Out of the “Secret Army”

(Sacramento) - State Assemblymember Juan Arambula says its time California students learn about the “Secret Army” of Southeast Asians who helped the United States military during the Vietnam War. As we learn in this Assembly Web Report, AB 2064 would require the State Board of Education to adopt textbooks and instructional materials that fully explains the personal sacrifice and courage of ordinary citizens of Southeast Asia who were called upon to participate and provide intelligence to the United States.

Fire Safety Through Voluntary Tax Check Offs

(Sacramento) – The mother of two young girls who died in a house fire because their home was not equipped with a smoke detector is lending her support to legislation from California Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-Fresno). Arambula’s Assembly Bill 1812 will create a new tax check off program to fund the installation of smoke detectors in low income families’ homes statewide. Sylvia Escalante says she’s supporting AB 1812 because she doesn’t want other families to experience a similar tragedy to the one that took her eight and nine year old daughters’ lives. AB 1812 has already been approved unanimously by the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Here’s more in an Assembly Web Report.

Hmong Community Rally for Justice

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Telephone Town Hall on Gang Violence & Prevention

On Friday, February 1, 2008 I held the first-ever Telephone Town Hall on Gang Prevention in the City of Fresno.  Local law enforcement leaders from around my Thirty-First Assembly District came together to answer concerned citizen’s questions on gang prevention and intervention and help explain what they are doing to combat this growing problem.

The Telephone Town Hall received more than 2000 callers who either listened to the meeting or participated by asking a question.  The town hall offered participants an easy and accessible way to take part in the Town Hall without leaving the comfort of their homes. 

I invite you to listen to this ground breaking town hall and see what other concerned citizens, like yourself, are saying about gang violence.