SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, today announced the introduction of SB 1196, which will streamline the creation of accessory dwelling units by accelerating utility service connections.
SB 1196 would direct the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish clear timelines for utility hookups for ADUs, also known as backyard cottages or “casitas,” and institute penalties for utilities that fail to provide timely service connections.

SFO incident shines a spotlight on necessity of tracking ICE activity

Viral video of ICE brutally detaining a woman and child at San Francisco International Airport is a preview of ICE’s new expansion to airports across the country.

State government should function to serve the people. Instead, residents have encountered a lack of transparency and inconsistent enforcement of policies that have severely impacted tenants' health, financial stability, and access to affordable housing.

SB 934 protects survivors of conversion therapy by allowing them to seek justice and compensation in court through malpractice claims, protections for LGBTQ youth against this deeply harmful and ineffective practice.

Calls for Chavez name to be removed and state holiday ended

Sacramento, CA — Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) today announced new legislation designed to strengthen accountability for investor-owned utilities, align executive incentives with the interests of ratepayers, and identify cost savings across California’s electric system. SB 905 proposes several reforms intended to control the growth of electricity costs while ensuring utilities deliver reliable service and responsible investment in the state’s energy infrastructure.

The recent news involving a longtime labor leader, Cesar Chavez, and the incredible courage of respected voices like Dolores Huerta and other victims, who recently came forward about their abuse, is deeply troubling and heartbreaking. 
As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how difficult it can be to tell your story and find the courage to come forward publicly. I commend the courage of Dolores Huerta and those who have shared their experiences — we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. 

Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes issued a statement in in response to a New York Times investigative report detailing allegations of abuse by César Chávez, including harm against young girls and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the California State Senate voted to advance SB 1009, authored by Senator Josh Becker (D–Menlo Park), to strengthen protections for California’s youth in detention and ensure young people are only held in custody when it is truly necessary.