by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

In this week’s Democratic weekly radio address, Assemblymembers Mark DeSaulnier (D-Martinez) and Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) celebrate Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16 by highlighting what Assembly Democrats are doing to promote bicycle safety and encouraging all Californians to consider bicycles as a mode of transportation to reduce congestion, clean the air, and improve individual health.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Biometric technology that’s already widely used in consumer products may be the answer to creating a “smart-gun” that could save lives. Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier (D-Martinez) has written legislation (Assembly Bill 2235) to require all newly manufactured or imported handguns in California to be owner-authorized. Biometric technology, such as fingerprint or grip recognition, may be the best way to create owner-authorized guns since it provides a method for uniquely recognizing a person based upon one or more intrinsic physical traits. As we learn in this Assembly Web Report the new law would go into effect 18 months after the state Attorney General reports owner-authorized guns are available for retail sale.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Governor Schwarzenegger's budget strategy is incoherent,according to the San Diego Union Tribune. On one hand, he embraces the"no new taxes" mantra of the GOP. On the other, he he remains "open" tolimited tax increases under the right circumstances. Which is it,Arnold? And more importantly, will you have the courage lead and notjust follow?

The Santra Cruz Sentinel has a similar sentiment, saying both sides must be willing to compromiseduring this year's budget negotiations. We couldn't agree more.Democrats have expressed a strong willingness to consider responsiblespending cuts. Our friends on the other sides need to stop viewingevery tax credit as sacred.

Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier, a Concord Democrat, lays out the choices over this year's budget very clearlyin today's California Progress Report, contrasting Schwarzenegger'sContra Costa press conference with a hand-picked, pro-business audienceand the public event hosted by Democrats at a local school,high-lighting the very real impact of the Governor's proposed cuts. Itreally is about values, as DeSaulnier says — why should the wealthieststate in the wealthiest country in the world be handing out twopink-slips to a single household?

There's more... 

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

In districts across California, the failure of Proposition 93 means dozens of political allies and friends are running against each other thisJune, from the San Fernando Valley race between Lloyd Levine and FranPavley to the four-way sprint in San Francisco and Marin between CaroleMigden (left), Mark Leno, Joe Nation and Joe Alito Veronese, the Los AngelesTimes reports. Keeping track of who is running for what is enough workas it is.

Joe Canciamilla has dropped his bid for the Contra Costa State Senate district, all but handing the primary—and the seat—to current Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier, the CC Times reports. Canciamilla is a dedicated public servant, butthis decision also reveals what a good man he is—many other politicianswould have soldiered on, whatever the consequences.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

A California Assemblymember’s “There Ought to be a Law” contest has produced a real benefit for the disabled. The contest, held by Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier (D-Martinez), brought an entry from his constituent Alisa Rosillo and resulted in an improved disabled parking space law in California. Check this Assembly Web Report to learn more about Assembly Bill 1531, the Disabled Parking Mobility Act.