California Needs a Comprehensive Response to the Fentanyl Crisis Based on Evidence
California, like much of the country, is facing a catastrophic fentanyl crisis. The drug — which can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine — has become the fastest-growing cause of death for young people in our state.
Because of its extreme potency, fentanyl is frequently added to other drugs to make them cheaper and more powerful. Most victims consume it accidentally because the drug is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making it incredibly difficult to detect and all the more dangerous to our young people.
Remaining CA LGBTQ Bills Survive 1st Chamber Votes
Another six bills related to LGBTQ issues or health concerns are moving on this legislative session in the California Legislature. Lawmakers in the bills' houses of origin adopted them by their June 3 deadline to do so this year.
All 20 pieces of legislation the Bay Area Reporter is tracking this year are moving forward. Many build on LGBTQ laws previously enacted by state lawmakers that focused on issues impacting public schools and foster youth, with several others related to ending the HIV pandemic.
Lawmakers Endorse Finding a Permanent Home in the State Budget for Homelessness Programs and Affordable Housing
Sacramento — More than two dozen state lawmakers are calling on the Assembly and Senate budget committees to include a permanent funding stream of $3 billion annually in the state budget to help cities tackle two of the state’s top priorities, increasing the supply of affordable housing and reducing and preventing homelessness.
The bipartisan group of Assembly Members and Senators signed on to a letter authored by Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is championing the League of California Cities' budget ask for ongoing funding.
Zbur Pens Four New Bills to Tackle Homelessness
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, D-West Hollywood, has unveiled a series of bills aimed at addressing California’s homeless crisis.
With over 170,000 homeless people, California has a disproportionate 30 percent of the nation’s homeless population. At least 10,000 people newly experienced homelessness between 2020 and 2022, and 64 percent of low-income households are rent-burdened and at serious risk of losing their homes.
California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur Visits with Park La Brea Residents
Last week, California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur visited Park La Brea for an informal chat with residents and members of the Park La Brea Residents Association.
Zbur, the freshman representative from the 51st Assembly District (a long, narrow strip stretching from Santa Monica northeast to Griffith Park, including the western 2/3 or so of our general Greater Wilshire area), was just elected to the office in November, so last week’s talk gave him and his field representative Sherwin Shamoeil a first chance to check in with a few local constituents after just a few months on the job.
Assemblymember Zbur's Safe and Supportive Schools Act Passes Out of the Assembly
SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-West Hollywood/Santa Monica) announced today that his legislation, the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, successfully passed out of the Assembly.
Assemblymember Zbur's California Offshore Wind & Jobs Act Passes Out of the Assembly
SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-West Hollywood/Santa Monica) announced today that his California Offshore Wind & Jobs Act achieved a significant milestone as it successfully passed out of the Assembly.
Los Angeles Dodgers Are Sharply Condemned For Rescinding Invitation To LGBTQ Group
In the wake of the Los Angeles Dodgers rescinding their invitation to The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence (TSPI) yesterday, the team received sharp condemnation from the Los Angeles and greater California community. This decision occurred only two days after Florida Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to Major League Baseball complaining about the group’s inclusion in the ceremony where they would have received an award for their service to the community and then tweeted about it. His accusation, leveled from 2,577 miles away was joined the next day by a similar accusation from a group called The Catholic League which has headquarters in New York City and a group called CatholicVote.
Assemblymember Zbur Issues Statement in Response to Decision by Los Angeles Dodgers to Disinvite Non-Profit Organization "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" from Pride Night
Sacramento, CA — In response to the Los Angeles Dodgers' decision to disinvite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to their Pride Night, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-West Hollywood/Santa Monica) issued the following statement: