Latest News
Assemblymember Chesbro Honors Great California Coastal Conservationist, Peter Douglas
(Sacramento) -- Peter Douglas, the long-time Executive Director of California Coastal Commission, died of lung cancer at the age of 69. Douglas made it his mission to keep California's beautiful beaches open to the public. California State Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (N-North Coast) honored Douglas's life and legacy on the floor of the California Assembly. Learn more in this Assembly Access Video.
Assembly Public Safety Committee approves Chesbro bill to protect public and forests from illicit drug operations
SACRAMENTO – The Assembly Public Safety Committee today gave unanimous, bipartisan support to a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D – North Coast) to crack down on offenders who pollute the environment and endanger the public by growing or manufacturing illegal drugs on forest lands.
“This bill is not about the legal production or use of medical marijuana under California law,” Chesbro told the Committee. “This bill is about pollution and illegal diversion of waterways, and the increasing violence that is occurring in our forests. AB 2284 is the direct outgrowth of two hearings I held this year as Chair of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture. At the hearings, fisheries experts, the Department of Fish and Game and environmental groups described the increasing threat that illegal drug production represents, especially to endangered species such as the Coho salmon.
Chesbro congratulates Westside Community Improvement Association
Eureka group gets $3.3 million Prop 84 grant for Jefferson Community Center
SACRAMENTO – Calling it “a victory for the community,” Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D – North Coast) today announced that the Westside Community Improvement Association has won a $3,305,560 state grant to build a community center and park at the former Jefferson School site on Eureka’s West Side.
“This grant will directly benefit all of Eureka, not just the West Side,” Chesbro said. “The community owes a huge ‘thanks’ to Heidi Benzonelli, president of the West Side Community Improvement Association, and the Redwood Community Action Agency, who worked so hard to complete a successful grant application on a short deadline.”
Chesbro to hold hearing on sustainable winegrowing practices
SACRAMENTO – North Coast Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro will chair a hearing on sustainable winegrowing practices in California on Thursday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. in room 126 of the State Capitol.
“California’s wine industry has been a national leader in the organic and sustainable agriculture movement,” Chesbro said. “The First Assembly District has the largest number of wineries and vineyards in the state and I am pleased to say that most of these vintners have a high degree of consciousness about how their industry affects the environment. This is important, because California’s wine industry has a huge economic impact - not just in this state but the entire nation – a $61 billion industry that creates jobs, generates tourism and contributes significantly to the tax base.”
Chesbro bill to reimburse counties for portion of manhunt costs clears committee
SACRAMENTO – A bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to reimburse Mendocino County for part of the cost of an extensive manhunt in 2011 cleared its first hurdle today, winning approval from the Assembly Local Government Committee.
“Last year a heavily armed killer on the loose in the back country forced Mendocino County to mount a massive manhunt involving 30 law enforcement agencies that lasted for weeks,” Chesbro said. “Mendocino County is a small rural county that doesn’t have a large budget. This bill will reimburse Mendocino County for a portion of the costs incurred – the cost of feeding and housing officers from outside agencies who responded to the county’s mutual aid request.”
Chesbro honors Debra Broner of Smith River as Woman of the Year
March 26, 2012. Debra Broner of Smith River, center, is awarded a certificate recognizing her as Woman of the Year for the First Assembly District on the Assembly Floor by, from left, Assemblymembers Holly Mitchell and Connie Conway, Assembly Speaker John A. Peréz and First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro.
SACRAMENTO – For her years of community service and advocacy for women, public education and protecting the environment, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D – North Coast) has named Debra Broner of Smith River as Woman of the Year for the First Assembly District.
“For more than twenty years Debra Broner has been an active volunteer making her local community better,” Chesbro said. “Debra is a volunteer on multiple levels. She is a former board member and president of the Del Norte Senior Center in Crescent City. In addition, Debra has been active helping schools find qualified school board candidates to fill these important positions – many of whom are now serving in that capacity – and is a strong advocate in ensuring a quality education for all of our students.”
Assembly committee approves Chesbro joint-authored state parks bill
SACRAMENTO – A bill to rescue California's world-renowned state parks jointly authored by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D – North Coast) and Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) cleared its first hurdle today, garnering unanimous bipartisan support from the Assembly's Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
Chesbro and Huffman presented the bill, AB 1589, at a hearing of the Committee today.
"The California State Parks Stewardship Act of 2012 is ground-breaking legislation that will reform how California funds and manages its state parks," Chesbro said. "There is no more important resource to the North Coast than its state parks. They are essential to the economies of local communities throughout the First Assembly District. AB 1589 will create lasting security for the California State Parks system and it will save the state money in the long-term."
Continue Reading...Giving kids a head start by encouraging them to read
During a recent visit to Discovery World Preschool in Ukiah, Assemblymember Chesbro read "The Little Engine That Could" and "Llama Llama Red Pajamas" to Head Start children, in an ongoing effort throughout the 1st Assembly District to encourage young people to get excited about reading.
Breaking SMART in Sonoma County
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro spoke at a recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Pathway Project, which will connect Santa Rosa to San Rafael by rail. Chesbro praised the local governments and agencies involved in SMART for coming together to shepherd the project from concept to reality.
Fortuna FFA Leaders Visit Capitol
Fortuna High School students Cameron Dale (left foreground), Casey Eicholtz and Emily Janowski, vice presidents of the Humboldt-Del Norte Section of the Future Farmers of America, visited Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro at his Capitol office to talk about the future of agriculture in California during a recent FFA conference in Sacramento.
Chesbro introduces bill to help counties pay for manhunt costs
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has introduced AB 1863 to reimburse Mendocino County for the cost of an unprecedented manhunt for the killer of Fort Bragg City Council member Jere Mello and Matthew Coleman. The proposed legislation also sets up a system for reimbursement of future manhunts requiring mutual aid.
“Mendocino County was forced to stage a massive and costly manhunt for a heavily armed killer who terrorized the entire region for weeks,” Chesbro said. “Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman and county officials shouldn’t have to think about the cost of the manhunt. In these situations, the main priority should always be public safety not budget concerns.”
Chesbro thanks governor for signing SB 81
SACRAMENTO – Praising the Governor for his swift action and understanding of an issue of critical importance to rural California school children, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today thanked Jerry Brown for signing SB 81, the bill that restores this year’s funding for the Home to School Transportation program. The signing came in time to save districts on the brink of firing their school bus drivers.
“I am thrilled that the Legislature and Governor were able to come together to restore the funding that gets California’s students to school,” Chesbro said. “Home-to-School Transportation is an essential service in my district. This bill was signed just in time to save the jobs of many school bus drivers and ensure that there is no interruption in getting kids to school.”
SB 81 replaces the $248 million cut to the Home-to-School Transportation program made by Governor Brown, with a smaller, more equitable reduction across all school districts in California. SB 81 moved quickly through the Legislature and made it to the Governor’s desk in just three days.
As a budget bill, SB 81 will go into effect immediately.
Assemblymember Chesbro: Transportation funding Crucial to Rural School Districts
Sacramento - Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has been leading the fight to save Home to School Transportation funding. Gov. Jerry Brown cut the funding for the program that keeps our yellow school buses rolling, which disproportionately impacts rural and low income students. But the Assembly Budget Committee, with a bipartisan vote, approved SB 81, which would undo the governor's action and replace the $248 million dollar cut to the transportation program with a smaller, more equitable reduction across all school districts in California. "Eliminating the school bus system creates dangerous situations for many children in California, but for my district it means it would be impossible for many children to attend school at all," said Chesbro, who is a member of the Budget Committee. Chesbro asked the Committee to use its influence to fast-track SB81 to the Assembly Floor for a full vote as soon as possible. Here's more in this Assembly Access video.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Chesbro, Huffman Author Major Legislation to Rescue State Parks
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymembers Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Jared Huffman (D- San Rafael) have introduced ground-breaking legislation to revive California’s ailing state parks system.
Assembly Bill 1589, the "California State Parks Stewardship Act of 2012," proposes to reshape the relationship between State Parks and state government and establishes a blueprint to stop park closures and ensure their long-term viability.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Chesbro urges governor to act quickly and sign SB 81
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) urged Gov. Jerry Brown to act quickly and sign SB 81, the bill to restore school transportation funding. Following the vote on the bill, Chesbro requested that the bill be fast-tracked in order for it to get to the governor as soon as possible. Shortly after the bill passed the Assembly this morning, it was heard and passed in both the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and then in the full Senate.
“I am grateful that many of my colleagues joined me in getting SB 81 passed so swiftly,” Chesbro said. “Quick passage of this bill is especially important because of the impacts on children and their educational opportunities. Many school districts in my area are considering laying off personnel and some have already sent out pink slips.”
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Chesbro wants school transportation funding bill fast-tracked
SACRAMENTO – In a bipartisan vote, the Assembly Budget Committee voted today to advance legislation to restore funding for school transportation. Speaking as a member of the Committee, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) urged Chairman Bob Blumenfield to use the Committee’s influence to expedite Senate Bill 81 to the Assembly Floor for a vote.
"It will make the difference between kids missing school and people getting laid off if we don’t move it to the Floor as quickly as possible," Chesbro said.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Save Our School Buses
Assemblymember Chesbro addressed a crowd of about 200 Southern Humboldt County residents who traveled to the Capitol for a rally to keep school buses on the road. Chesbro told the crowd he had just talked to Governor Jerry Brown and that the governor said he was getting the message of how important school buses are to rural California and that he is open to working with Chesbro and the Legislature to find a solution.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Chesbro Shares Governor's Optimism for California's Future
But disappointed Brown did not address issues facing rural California
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement today in response to Gov. Jerry Brown’s State of the State Address today:
"I applaud Governor Brown's optimism for California's future as he expressed it in his speech today. But I am disappointed the governor failed to address the problems facing the North Coast. He needs to pay more attention to how some of his proposals affect rural California. He didn't address the new unfair fire fees imposed on rural residents. And he didn’t address the hardship caused by eliminating funding for school buses in rural school districts. These are inequities that need to be resolved.
I strongly support putting Governor Brown's revenue proposal on the ballot because it is what my constituents want. I spent most of this fall traveling throughout the First Assembly District. Everywhere I went constituents told me they want to have a voice. They don't want cuts just forced on them. These are really tough choices. Voters really want to be involved."
AUDIO: Chesbro comments on Gov's State of the State speech. (:53)
http://www.asmdc.org/audio/20120118SOTSReactChesbro1.MP3
AUDIO: Chesbro comments on Gov's revenue initiative. (:37)
http://www.asmdc.org/audio/20120118SOTSReactChesbro2.MP3
VIDEO:
http://vimeo.com/35287997
Tuesday, January 10 2012
Chesbro will work to help restore redevelopment in upcoming session
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement today on the State Supreme Court’s recent decision that eliminated redevelopment in California:
"The State Supreme Court's decision failed to recognize the benefits that redevelopment has had on our small rural communities. I am committed to going back to the drawing board and working with the leadership of the Legislature and the Governor to seek a workable compromise that will allow a scaled back form of redevelopment to help create local jobs."
Monday, January 09 2012
Chesbro urges Gov. Brown to restore home to school transportation funding
Program cut triggered last month disproportionately hurts rural communities
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today urged Gov. Jerry Brown to reevaluate his elimination of Home-to School transportation funding, highlighting the severely detrimental impact the elimination of this program will have on low-income students and students who live in rural, remote areas of California.
In an attempt to convince the governor to reconsider his action Chesbro is spearheading an effort with a letter to the governor, stating: “We are writing to request that you reconsider your recent action to eliminate funding for Home-To-School Transportation. Your decision to completely eliminate this funding for this important program disproportionately affects low-income and rural students throughout California.
Tuesday, November 15 2011
Chesbro reads to Head Start children in Del Norte
Tsinte Steinruck places a necklace made by the children over the head of Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro at the Howonquet Head Start and Early Learning Center.
A state assemblyman spoke to Smith River children Thursday about the importance of reading — sometimes in more than one language.
Wesley Chesbro read a story to children at the Howonquet Head Start and Early Learning Center.
"One of my favorite things to do is read, and I hope you grow up to be the same way," Chesbro told the group of 3-5-year-olds.
Tuesday, November 01 2011
Chesbro skeptical whether closing parks will save state money
Audio: Chesbro questions whether closing parks will save money
Audio: Chesbro expresses concern about illegal activity in closed state parks
Audio: Chesbro discusses impact of proposed park closures on Mendocino County
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today continued to question whether closing state parks will actually save the state money and expressed concerns about potential damage from marijuana grows and other criminal activity in parks slated for closure.
Chesbro also condemned the potential economic impact to North Coast counties at a hearing today at the Capitol that examined the state's unprecedented move to close 70 of California's 279 parks.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Chesbro Applauds Gov's Appointment of Caroll Mortensen to Head CalRecycle
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast), author of California's newly adopted landmark recycling law (AB 341) and Chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement regarding the appointment of Caroll Mortensen as director of the State's Department of Resource Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle):
"Caroll Mortensen is an outstanding choice to lead California's recycling efforts," Chesbro said. "As a state, we are about to move to the next level of waste reduction and recycling with a national leading goal of cutting our waste stream by 75 percent.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Law alters mental health funding
Legislation proposed by a North Coast lawmaker that was signed into law is expected to increase federal funding for mental health services delivered by California public agencies by millions of dollars.
By aligning state and federal reimbursement rules for mental health services delivered through Medi-Cal, county agencies could receive higher payments for services delivered to people who suffer from severe mental illness or emotional disorders.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
California adopts new recycling goal with signing of Chesbro bill
A new law that was proposed by a North Coast lawmaker seeks to maintain California's status as the nation's recycling leader by setting an ambitious new goal of keeping 75 percent of the state's trash out of landfills by 2020.
To help accomplish that unprecedented feat, schools, stores, offices, government buildings and apartment complexes for the first time will have to develop recycling programs by July 1, 2012.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Chesbro calls for action to end abuse of the CARE Program and the Energy Savings Assistance Program
SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) is requesting that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopt regulations to eliminate the abuse of the CARE and Energy Savings Assistance Programs by indoor marijuana growers.
"I have been in contact with the PUC and will be working with them to solve this problem. I am considering introducing legislation if further authority is needed," Chesbro said.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Chesbro considers options after veto of tsunami relief bill
SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) which would have ensured that Del Norte County be reimbursed for the estimated $1.3 million in local recovery costs incurred by the tsunami that occurred on March 11. Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement:
"As the author of AB 1429, I am deeply disappointed in the Governor's veto and my heart goes out to all those who continue to be affected by the damage the March 2011 tsunami caused. I worked very hard to get this bill through the Senate and the Assembly overwhelmingly with bipartisan support."
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thirteen Chesbro bills signed by the Governor Del Norte tsunami relief only bill vetoed
SACRAMENTO – Thirteen bills by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) were signed by Gov. Jerry Brown and two resolutions were adopted. Only one Chesbro bill was vetoed: the bill to provide tsunami relief for Del Norte County.
"I am very happy that the Governor signed almost all of my bills," commented Chesbro. "My only regret is that he vetoed AB 1429 which would have provided Del Norte with much needed funding to rebuild the harbor after this year's tsunami disaster. His veto was very disappointing."
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Chesbro disappointed with Gov Brown's veto of tsunami relief bill
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that would have ensured that Del Norte County be reimbursed for the local recovery costs incurred by the tsunami that occurred on March 11.
"I am disappointed that Governor Brown decided to veto Assembly bill 1429. He obviously did not understand the importance of this bill and its impact on Del Norte County," Chesbro said. "This bill would have ensured that Del Norte County's disaster response and rebuilding costs were fully covered as the region’s most important economic driver, the Crescent City Harbor, is rebuilt."
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Chesbro green jobs bill signed by Governor Brown AB 341 will create thousands of environmentally friendly recycling jobs
SACRAMENTO – A green economic stimulus bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that will create thousands of new recycling jobs in California was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown today. The bill will move California beyond the current 50 percent waste reduction standard and establish a new 75 percent statewide recycling goal.
"Recycling is a powerful fuel that helps propel California's economic engine," Chesbro said. "California's commitment to recycling has created 125,000 new jobs over the past two decades. The industry generates $4 billion a year in salaries and produces $10 billion worth of goods and services annually.
Monday, September 12, 2011
7 Chesbro bills hit the governor’s desk and 8 already signed into law
SACRAMENTO – Seven bills by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) were passed last week by the Legislature and are now on Governor Brown’s desk awaiting signatures. One such bill is AB 341 which will create thousands of new recycling jobs in California and will move California beyond the current 50 percent waste reduction standard toward a new 75 percent recycling goal.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Gov signs Chesbro bill allowing Smith River Rancheria to join Del Norte airport JPA
SACRAMENTO - Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that allows the Smith River Rancheria to join the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority and other local joint powers agreements involving sewer, water and transportation management.
Continue reading...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Chesbro gets funding for Del Norte homicide cases included in budget deal
Ensures county remains solvent; DA can prosecute Wyatt case
SACRAMENTO – Efforts by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) during the state budget process paid off for Del Norte County, which will receive up to $700,000 to help prosecute several high-profile murder cases.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Jack Alderson: Veteran of the Year for the First Assembly District Chesbro honors former Harbor District CEO for his Navy and public service
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today honored U.S. Navy (Ret.) Lt. Cmdr. Jack Alderson of Fortuna as the First Assembly District's 2011 Veteran of the Year.
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro, left, presents a Resolution from the State Assembly to Jack Alderson of Fortuna, whom Chesbro chose as the First Assembly District’s 2011 Veteran of the Year. Alderson served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his Navy career, Alderson went on to serve as CEO of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District for 22 years. (photo credit: Chesbro staff)
"It is my pleasure to give this recognition to Jack, who served his country for 21 years in the Navy and when he retired devoted his life to public service in port and harbor management," Chesbro said. "Jack has such tremendous energy, remaining actively involved as an advocate for veterans and serving in the California Senior Legislature to this day."
Alderson's service in the U.S. Navy included an assignment to the Persian Gulf region, where he was an advisor to the Imperial Iranian Navy in the early 1960s. Alderson was one of just three enlisted men and the senior American office on the river between Basra and Kuwait during the "Kuwait Emergency" in 1961 when Iraq threatened to occupy Kuwait the first time.
Alderson also served as Officer in Charge of the 5th Army Tug Division during Project SHAD – a highly secretive series of Cold War era tests the Department of Defense conducted in the 1960s, often without the knowledge of servicemen, to identify the vulnerabilities of U.S. warships to attacks with biological or chemical warfare agents.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Gov. Signs Chesbro Bill to Ratify Upper Lake Gaming Compact
SACRAMENTO – A new casino on the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Rancheria is one step closer to ground-breaking after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill today by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to ratify the Tribe's gaming compact.
Because it was an urgency bill, the compact becomes law immediately.
"With the governor's signature, the only remaining hurdle is to get final approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior, with which the Tribe has already worked out an agreement," Chesbro said. "The jackpot will be two to three hundred construction jobs for Lake County residents while the casino is being built. When the casino opens, the tribe will create an estimated 145 permanent, full-time jobs with benefits."
Monday, June 06, 2011
Chesbro honors Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg as Small Business of the Year for the First Assembly District
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) on Monday honored Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg as the Small Business of the Year in the First Assembly District at California Small Business Day in Sacramento.
"Small businesses are the anchor of California's economy and their success is critical to the prosperity of the state," Chesbro said. "Bear Republic Brewing Company is a family owned business that treats its employees like family and is like family to the community. The Norgrove family took a home brew hobby and developed a personal style for their award-winning hand-made ales and lagers that are renowned locally, nationally and internationally. The Norgroves also built a brewpub restaurant that offers healthy food choices for the entire family that locals call home and where visitors feel at home."
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Chesbro denounces attempted water grab in HR 1837
SACRAMENTO – Today California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird testified before the Water and Power Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee regarding House Resolution 1837, an attempt by Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, to divert more Northern California water to the San Joaquin Valley. As chairman of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and a signatory to a letter from the Legislature opposing HR 1837, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) released the following statement:
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Chesbro congratulates Ukiah High Environmental Club for climate award... Students' campaign to reduce use of plastic bags led to City Council action... Assemblymember invites students in Club to the Capitol for a day...
SACRAMENTO – North Coast Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro today congratulated the Ukiah High School Environmental Club for winning an award from the California Air Resources Board for leadership in the effort to reduce the use of environmentally destructive single-use plastic shopping bags.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Assembly passes Chesbro tsunami relief bill without opposition Del Norte County stands to recoup $5 million in losses from state
SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly today unanimously approved a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to ensure the state fully reimburses Del Norte County for the amount of losses incurred by the tsunami that struck the Pacific Coast on March 11.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Marine and green: Off-shore highways as alternative transportation
Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District Commissioners Mike Wilson and Richard Marks (far left and far right), Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro and Humboldt Marine Logistics President Stephen Pepper attended the 11th Annual California Maritime Leadership Symposium Wednesday at the Sacramento Convention Center. Chesbro and Pepper spoke to a panel about efforts to establish a marine highway on the West Coast.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Humboldt Maritime Logistics President Stephen Pepper were featured speakers on the topic of creating a Pacific Coast marine highway at the 11th Annual California Maritime Leadership Symposium Wednesday in Sacramento.
Wednesday, April 28, 2011
Chesbro assisted living community safeguard bill advances
SACRAMENTO – A bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) to safeguard against assisted living communities continuing to charge after a resident dies won unanimous, bipartisan approval from the Assembly's Health & Human Services Committee Tuesday, without opposition.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Chesbro bill targets poachers who use illegal means to deplete big game
SACRAMENTO – Supported by hunters and environmentalists alike, Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro’s effort to deter the poaching of valuable big game trophy animals won unanimous support today from the Assembly’s Judiciary Committee.
Tuesday, April 20, 2011
During a tour of Crescent City Harbor on April 20, Assemblymember Chesbro and other legislators, staff and local officials study before and after photos of the harbor, which was destroyed by a tsunami surge that struck the Pacific Coast following the 9.0 earthquake off Northeastern Japan in March. Crescent City suffered the most damage in the United States as a result of the tsunami that surged across the Pacific Ocean in a matter of hours. Damage is estimated at nearly $21 million. Because of the scope of the destruction, Gov. Jerry Brown has asked for federal disaster assistance to help rebuild Crescent City's harbor, which is home to a fishing fleet that is an important driver of Del Norte County's economy.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Gov. Brown signs renewable energy bill coauthored by Chesbro
MILPITAS – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) joined Gov. Jerry Brown today at a bill signing ceremony for ground-breaking legislation that commits California to investing in green, renewable energy. Chesbro was coauthor of state Sen. Joe Simitian’s Senate Bill 2X, which requires utilities to get at least 33 percent of electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020.
“When the governor signed SB 2X today, California confirmed its position as the world leader in green energy technology,” Chesbro said. “This breakthrough legislation will create a large number of new living-wage jobs, attract new businesses to California, preserve the environment, improve air quality and protect public health.”
Senate Bill 2X applies to all electricity retailers in the state – investor-owned utilities (IOUs), municipal utilities and independent sellers. The current 20-percent renewable energy requirement applies only to investor-owned utilities and independent sellers. Municipal utilities have adopted renewable energy goals, which only some have met. Achieving 33 percent renewable energy by 2020 is a key element of the state's plan to meet the limits on greenhouse gas emissions established by AB 32.
“This bill will bring many important benefits to California, including stimulating investment in green technologies in the state, creating tens of thousands of new jobs, improving local air quality, promoting energy independence, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Gov. Brown said in his signing statement. “It will ensure that California maintains its long-standing leadership in renewables and clean energy.”
Senate Bill 2X does not require utilities to reach the goal at any cost. The PUC must approve renewable energy contracts, and utilities may be granted exemptions if the price of energy, or the difficulty of moving it into the state’s grid, make the cost excessive. For these reasons the bill was endorsed by the PUC's Division of Ratepayer Advocates and consumer watchdog The Utility Reform Network (TURN).
Wednesday, April 6 2011
Bill to allow Smith River Rancheria to join Del Norte airport authority breezes through committee with bipartisan support
SACRAMENTO - A bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that would allow the Smith River Rancheria to join the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority won unanimous, bipartisan approval today from the state Assembly’s Local Government Committee.
"Del Norte County depends on the whole community pulling together to make progress toward economic prosperity and the tribal governments are an essential part of this team work," said Chesbro, who presented his bill to the Committee this afternoon. "Elk Valley Rancheria has been a valuable member of the Airport Joint Powers Authority since its inception in 2007. This bill will grant the same status to Smith River Rancheria, which has been invited by all five members of the JPA to join them." Continue reading...
Saturday, April 2 2011
Clear Lake community dedicates education pavilion at State Park
Assemblymember Chesbro attended the dedication of the new education pavilion at Clear Lake State Park Saturday April 2 and spoke briefly about the hard work and dedication of local volunteers. The Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association worked for six years to raise funds for the pavilion, which will serve to educate park visitors about the natural and cultural resources of Clear Lake and the surrounding region. The open-air pavilion will store interpretive equipment such as binoculars and microscopes, and provide a year-round sheltered area for nature studies and activities. The Interpretive Association raised $183,000 to build the pavilion, which included a $60,000 contribution from the California State Parks Foundation.
Friday, March 25 2011
Chesbro introduces tsunami relief bills for Del Norte & Mendocino counties
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has introduced a bill package to help Del Norte and Mendocino counties recover from the damage caused by the March 11 tsunami. One bill would ensure the state covers the entire local government cost of responding to the emergency. The second bill would provide tax relief for those who suffered a significant loss of income.
AB 1429 is the bill to ensure local governments are compensated for the expenses they incurred responding to the emergency caused by the tsunami and its aftermath. Continue reading...
Friday, March 18 2011
Chesbro thanks Governor Brown for granting his request to waive unemployment waiting period for tsunami victims
SACRAMENTO – First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) today thanked Gov. Jerry Brown for acting swiftly to help alleviate some of the economic hardship caused by the tsunami that wreaked havoc on California coastal communities last week. Continue reading...
Monday, March 14 2011
Chesbro vows bipartisan effort to rebuild Crescent City Harbor
The tsunami that hit the coast of California following the 8.9 earthquake in Japan caused major damage to Crescent City's Harbor. Boats were sunk, damaged or grounded, docks were washed away and large amounts of debris floating around the harbor rendered the waters unnavigable immediately after the tsunami surges hit.
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) surveyed damage to Crescent City's Harbor Saturday morning, March 12, a day after a tsunami triggered by the 8.9 earthquake in Japan hit the West Coast. The tsunami surges at Crescent City Harbor topped eight feet, sinking or damaging boats and destroying docks. Chesbro released the following statement after touring the harbor with Del Norte County officials and getting briefed on the damage:
"This morning I saw first-hand the devastation caused by the tsunami surges that crashed into Crescent City Harbor on Friday. This damage represents an immediate loss of income to the people who live here, in a community already hard-hit by the ongoing recession. When I return to Sacramento on Monday, I plan to lead a bipartisan effort to bring the assistance Del Norte County needs to restore its harbor."
First District Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro gets briefed by Del Norte County officials Saturday morning, March 12, about the extent of damage caused by tsunami surges triggered by the 8.9 earthquake in Japan.
Capitol Office:
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
Tel: (916) 319-2001
Fax: (916) 319-2101
Humboldt:
(Also represents Del Norte and Trinity Counties)
710 E Street, Suite 150
Eureka, CA 95501
Tel: (707) 445-7014
Fax: (707) 445-6607
Mendocino & Lake:
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200 S. School St. Suite D
Ukiah, CA 95482
Tel: (707) 463-5770
Fax: (707) 463-5773
Sonoma:
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Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Tel: (707) 576-2526
Fax: (707) 576-2297
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