Senator Benjamin Allen

SACRAMENTO, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) that will require candidates for judicial office to use a ballot title that reflects their actual occupation was signed into law Thursday by Governor Jerry Brown.  Senate Bill 235 (SB 235) will prevent misleading, exaggerated ballot designations among candidates for judicial office that have become commonplace in recent elections.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) to reauthorize and reform the state’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) program was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown.  The program was set to expire at the end of 2017 absent legislative action.  The legislation, Senate Bill 249, will strengthen environmental protection measures within the OHV program.

Sacramento, CA – The California State Senate gave final approval today to legislation, Senate Bill 50, that will be the first law in the country that could effectively block the sale or lease of federal public lands in the state.  Authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica), the Public Lands Protection Act passed on a vote of 28 - 12.

Sacramento, CA – Legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) to reauthorize and reform the state’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) program passed the legislature today.  The program was set to expire at the end of 2017 absent legislative action.  As part of the reauthorization, Allen sought to strengthen environmental protection measures within the program.   Senate Bill 249 was approved by the state Senate on a unanimous, bi-partisan vote of 40 – 0.

Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday, Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica) recognized Westside Food Bank as Senate District 26’s Nonprofit of the Year.  Outstanding nonprofit honorees from legislative districts across the state attended a luncheon in Sacramento.  Executive Director, Bruce Rankin, was unable to attend the ceremony, but was represented by his wife, Catherine Wagar, who accepted the award from Senator Allen.

Sacramento, CA – Senator Ben Allen (D - Santa Monica) will Chair an Oversight Hearing of the Joint Committee on the Arts on Wednesday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Sacramento. The hearing will review newly released economic data from the Otis Report on the Creative Economy.  Additionally, the committee will focus on artist live/work spaces with discussion of safety, policy considerations and building community support and connections.

Press Conference Link: https://www.facebook.com/benallencalifornia/videos/10154624832278581/

Los Angeles, CA – Senator Allen (D – Santa Monica) has named Pacific Palisades resident, Jacqueline Caster, as Senate District 26’s 2017 Woman of the Year. Every year, in a tradition dating back to 1987, the California State Senate celebrates Women’s History Month by recognizing remarkable women throughout the state who make a positive difference in their communities.