In the News 2010

Yee bills protecting women become law Jan. 1 (Half Moon Bay Review)

December 29, 2010

State Sen. Leland Yee notes that several bills he authored will become law on Jan. 1, including a pair aimed primarily at helping women who have been abused.

Yee's SB 677 allows courts to seize any property, such as house or automobile, used in the commission of human trafficking. Yee says thousands of people are spirited into the United States every year for sexual exploitation or forced labor. The bill also adds civil penalties of up to $25,000.

New California laws take effect in New Year (News10)

December 27, 2010

Michelle Ponto

SACRAMENTO, CA - Several bills are set to become law on Jan. 1. These new laws range from protecting victims of human trafficking and domestic violence to allowing low-emission vehicles access into highway carpool lanes.

"These new laws will help children, bring greater transparency to government, protect consumers, safeguard the environment, and improve our economy," said Senator Leland Yee.

Locals Played Part in DADT Repeal (NBC 11)

December 22, 2010

By MATT BAUME
Today's repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell will have repercussions around the world, from distant war zones to right here in San Francisco.

President Obama signed the repeal into law today at the Interior Department. The military is now required to complete an existing plan to end anti-gay discrimination, while also demonstrating that the army's efficacy isn't damaged.

It's the result of a last-minute move by Congressional Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, to make good on a promise to end the policy by the end of this year.

EDITORIAL: Shining a light on state universities (Long Beach Press Telegram)

December 20, 2010

If you're a California lawmaker, one good thing about the transition to a new governor is the opportunity to try, try again.

Legislation that was vetoed by one governor might be looked at more favorably by another.

Of course, when it's legislation we don't care for, which would include most of the proposed laws put forward by our state's bloviating pols, this second chance for success is no bargain.

New license causes large DMV backlog (San Mateo Daily Journal)

December 14, 2010

By Bill Silverfarb Daily Journal staff

The Department of Motor Vehicles is suffering a massive backlog in issuing driver's licenses due to new security features that protect against fraud and counterfeiting.

"We are still looking at six weeks to renew," DMV spokeswoman Jan Mendoza told the Daily Journal yesterday.

The manufacturer may be having some "growing pains" or "startup issues" related to the high-tech licenses, Mendoza said.

Staff in the office of state Sen.

EDITORIAL: In public (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

December 13, 2010

A new governor, another chance to open foundations' records
You've got to admire state Sen. Leland Yee's persistence.

Twice the San Francisco Democrat has tried to eliminate a loophole in state law that allows university auxiliaries and foundations to manage tens of millions of dollars in secret. And twice Gov.

California college disclosure bill revived (Sacramento Bee)

December 13, 2010

By Susan Ferris

It ended up twice vetoed. But it was a bill that gained traction after students demanded to know how much Sarah Palin was paid to speak at a California State University campus fundraiser this year.

Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, has reintroduced a bill that would force more disclosure of information from private foundations linked to public higher education.

EDITORIAL: Second chance for legislators, juveniles (Ventura County Star)

December 10, 2010

Last August, the California Assembly failed to pass legislation that would allow for the review of cases involving juveniles sentenced to life without parole, potentially resulting in a new sentence.

The Star supported the legislation, the Fair Sentencing for Youth Act, and believed the Assembly made a mistake letting it die during the final days of the session. Now, the members have a second chance to get it right.

The bill's original author, state Sen.

EDITORIAL: Murderer, and model prisoner (Los Angeles Times)

December 08, 2010

Sara Kruzan's case shows why juveniles should not be sentenced to life without parole.

Sara Kruzan was 16 when she lured her former pimp into a motel room, shot and killed him and took his money. The terrible crime was committed in Riverside County by a girl who had been sexually molested and physically abused since her earliest days, raised by an addicted mother, gang-raped at 13 and at the same age sent into the streets to make a living as a prostitute by the man she would eventually kill.

But teenagers change.

EDITORIAL: Shining light on state universities (San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

December 05, 2010

If you're a California lawmaker, one good thing about the transition to a new governor is the opportunity to try, try again.

Legislation that was vetoed by one guv might be looked at more favorably by another.

Of course, when it's legislation we don't care for, which would include most of the proposed laws put forward by our state's bloviating pols, this second chance for success is no bargain.