September 2020 District Report

A Message from Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

We’re experiencing record wildfires and a continuing coronavirus pandemic as we head into September. The dual emergencies make for a challenging fall.

But there are steps we can take to protect ourselves from infection and the devastating blazes. During Emergency Preparedness Month, please take a moment to review the basics such as creating defensible spaces around our homes, registering for emergency alerts and forming evacuation plans.

At the same time, wear a mask in public to protect yourself from the virus and keep physical distance from people outside your family. It is the only way to fight infection.

Your safety remains my focus in Sacramento. As of this writing, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed my maternity care access and equity bill. Five others await his pen including wildfire readiness proposals and a bill to allow seniors and people with disabilities to receive care in their homes, avoiding exposure to coronavirus.

I'm eager to hear your ideas and available to help you with state agencies. You can contact me by visiting my website or by calling my offices.

In this Issue:


Sincerely,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Legislative Update: Wildfire Safety, Maternity and Senior Care

Despite a legislative season shortened by the pandemic, it has been a productive session. Six of my bills were approved by the Senate and Assembly and are expected to be signed. I’ve co-authored two others that also should be signed into law:

SB 214 Community Care Transitioning: Allows seniors and people with disabilities to receive care in their homes, improving their lives and reducing their risk of exposure to coronavirus.

AB 323 Newspaper Carriers: Gives local newspapers an extra year for compliance with AB5, the new gig-worker law, sparing them expenses that could put them out of business and affect the future of community journalism (co-author).

SB 800 Horse Racing Safety: Protects horses and jockeys by improving veterinary medical review before races and increasing transparency in drug testing.

SB 872 Disaster Insurance Streamlining: Expands the definition of additional living expenses that must be paid to homeowners for losses incurred in a state of emergency. Requires advance payment for temporary housing and eliminates inventory forms for lost contents.

SB 909 ‘Hi-Lo’ Evacuation Alert: Authorizes the use of the European-style siren in emergency vehicles for evacuations from emergencies such as wildfires.

SB 918 UC Davis Wine Sales: Allows viticulture students to sell surplus wine to generate funds that would support the department.

SB 1237 Maternity Care/Equity: Expands the use of nurse-midwives to fill a statewide shortage of gynecological care that effects rural and inner-city women the most.

AB 1506 Police Review: Requires the state attorney general to investigate police shootings involving people who were unarmed (co-author).

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September is Emergency Preparedness Month

With dual emergencies in the coronavirus pandemic and unprecedented wildfires, it is a good time to remember our shared responsibility to protect ourselves. It’s also helpful to note important services offered by California Office of Emergency Services, Cal Fire and Department of Public Health.

COVID-19: Wear a mask. Practice social distancing. Avoid gatherings. Stay home if you feel sick. Details are here https://covid19.ca.gov/

Wildfires: Register for disaster alerts. Create a defensible space around your home. Pack a go-bag in case of an evacuation. More useful tips: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/

Cal-OES: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/ICESite/Pages/Preparedness-Month.aspx

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Delta Waterway Cleanup

The annual Delta cleanup rite, held this year on Saturday, Sept. 26, will be modified because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of gathering in large groups at centralized cleanup spots, this year’s effort will be self-guided and remain close to home. The Delta Protection Commission says cleaning local parks, neighborhoods and street gutters helps protect Delta waterways and our oceans because trash travels through storm drains to  creeks, rivers, our beaches and beyond.

For more information on how to participate: http://delta.ca.gov/cleanup/

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Child Passenger Safety Week

Recognizing the value of properly installed car and booster seats in safeguarding children, we passed a resolution designating the third week of September as Child Passenger Safety Week.

We know that putting in car seats correctly can save lives. All too often they are improperly installed and children are injured or even killed. My hope is to bring awareness to this situation and prevent the future tragic loss of life.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, AAA and the California Highway Patrol will encourage people to sign up for their free car seat inspections.

The resolution as sponsored by AAA Northern California with the support of public safety advocates and the Automobile Club of Southern California.

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Submit your idea for a new law

Do you have an idea for a new law or a change to existing law that will help our state better serve the public? All constituents are invited to submit ideas and proposals of their own for a new state law.

Click here to submit your ideas for consideration.

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In the News

Here is some of the latest news coverage in the district that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.

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