Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli wants to crack down on lawmaker DUI convictions
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ASSEMBLYMAN WANTS HARSHER PUNISHMENTS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS’ DUI CONVICTIONS
Southern California Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, announced Wednesday that he’s written a bill that would “prohibit any member of the California State Assembly from driving a state pool car for a period of three years following a DUI conviction.”
Essayli, a former prosecutor, announced the bill (HR 51) about 3 months after state Senator Dave Min, D-Irvine, was arrested for driving under the influence after an event in downtown Sacramento on May 2. When Min was stopped by California Highway Patrol troopers, he had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit.
“I accept full responsibility and there is no excuse for my actions,” Min wrote on Facebook the day after his arrest. “To my family, constituents and supporters, I am so deeply sorry. I know I need to do better.”
Since Min’s arrest, Republican lawmakers and the CAGOP have referred to Min as “DUI Dave.”
HR 51 has received support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“Limiting access to state pool vehicles in addition to requiring ignition interlocks for all drunk driving offenders will not only hold elected officials accountable,” a representative from MADD said. “But will lead to much-needed change in driving behavior and decision-making that endangers California residents and visitors every day.”
HURTADO FILES FOR REP. VALADAO’S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 22
State Senator Melissa Hurtado, D-Bakersfield, filed paperwork on Wednesday to run in California’s 22nd Congressional District against Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao.
Hurtado represents California Senate District 16 in the Central Valley; she was re-elected in 2022 by just 13 votes. She hasn’t formally launched a Congressional campaign, but said earlier this week that she was “taking a serious look” at a bid for Congress.
District 22 was one of the most consequential elections in the country in 2022, and Valadao’s win helped Republicans take control of the U.S. House. Former Democratic Assemblyman Rudy Salas ran in a tight race against Valadao, and lost by three points. Salas will also run against Valadao in 2024.
PPIC SURVEY SHOWS MORE CALIFORNIANS THAN EVER ARE CONCERNED WITH HEAT WAVES, FLOODING, CLIMATE CHANGE
Just a week after stretches of Northern California endured extreme heat, a statewide survey published by the Public Policy Institute of California shows where Californians stand on the issue of climate change.
A total of 77% of respondents said they believe climate change to be a contributing factor to extreme weather, and 85% of adults are concerned about climate change causing heat waves that are more severe. A record high of 56% of respondents reported being “very concerned” about severe heatwaves (a 7% jump from last year).
The survey also found that specific demographic groups are more likely to be “very concerned” about extreme heat, specifically Democrats, African Americans, and lower-income earners. Women are also more likely to share this belief than men, and renters are more likely to be very concerned than homeowners.
More Californians than ever are also concerned about flooding — no surprise given the dozens of deaths and billions of dollars that historic flooding caused earlier this year.
An “all-time high” of 69% of respondents report being concerned about increased flooding due to climate change — a 13% jump. One-third said they are “very concerned” about it.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Congress, and the constituents I represent, expect an explanation of how this apparent travesty could occur.”
- Rep. Kevin Kiley, in a letter sent Wednesday to the Pentagon, after fallen Roseville U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee’s family had to foot the $60,000 bill to have her remains interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
BEST OF THE BEE
They left their countries, traveled thousands of miles and boarded planes to Sacramento with one goal: to work. But securing jobs is nearly impossible for the 36 Latin American migrants that arrived in early June, via Mathew Miranda
In just a couple of months, Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter will hit the road in search of unhoused pet owners in need of urgent veterinary care — a first-of-its-kind clinic, via Brianna Taylor
A wayward turtle has been safely brought back to its home at the UC Davis Arboretum after residents spotted it walking around C Street in downtown Davis, via Sonora Slater
