A new state law intended to get more school youngsters vaccinated against diseases may actually have the opposite effect because of the regulations putting the law into effect.
From Capitol Weekly's Greg Lucas: "A 2012 bill, which took effect Jan. 1, requires parents seeking an exemption from vaccinations against diseases like measles and whooping cough, to first talk with a health care provider about the risks and benefits of vaccines.
But the form designed by the Brown administration to prove the conversation took place includes a “religious exemption” that easily allows any parent to not only avoid having their children inoculated but avoid talking to health care officials at all.
“We disagree with the decision to include an option to exempt a child from immunization if a parent or guardian is ‘a member of a religion which prohibits (them) from seeking medical advice or treatment from authorized health care practitioners,’ “ wrote Catherine Flores Martin, executive director of the California Immunization Coalition, in a statement last fall when the form was finalized."
Cal/OHSA, the state's office that inspects work places to ensure employees' safety, isn't doing its job, according to a new study by a former official.
From the LAT's Jessica Garrison and Merc Lifsher: "The health and safety of California workers are being threatened because of an inadequate number of state workplace inspectors, a new report says."
"Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a nonprofit whistle-blower group in Washington, says it plans Tuesday to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, contending that California's version of the agency no longer meets minimum standards."
"The complaint is based on a new report analyzing staffing at the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health, known as Cal/OSHA, that found that the state has fewer workplace inspectors than a quarter-century ago."
The Bay Bridge project seems to be a full-employment act for reporters. The latest:: The recent rains caused hundreds of leaks and there were signs of active corrosion.
From the Chronicle's Jaxon Van Derbeken: "A supposedly watertight steel chamber supporting the roadbed of the new Bay Bridge eastern span sprang hundreds of leaks during the first big storm of the rainy season, Caltrans officials said Monday."
"They denied that the water was already causing damage to the $6.4 billion project's backbone structure, but one expert who viewed photographs of the steel said they showed signs of "active corrosion."
"We're taking this issue very seriously - it is something that, if left unaddressed over several years, could become an issue," said Richard Land, Caltrans' chief deputy director..."
The state Senate, which in recent months has been touched by scandal, thinks it's time to clean up its act with new ethics rules and has set up a committee to study the issue.
From the LAT's Patrick McGreevy: "With the state Legislature being rocked by scandal after scandal, the leader of the Senate has assembled a group of lawmakers to come up with recommended changes in state ethics and campaign laws, officials announced Monday."
"The Senate Ethics Working Group was formed by Senate President Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento)..."
"The group is being led by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and includes Democratic Sens. Ellen Corbett of San Leandro, Kevin de León of Los Angeles, Bill Monning of Carmel, Jerry Hill of San Mateo and Richard Roth of Riverside."
A major Sacramento-based lobbyist faces a $135,500 fine for making improper contributions to politicians stemming from fund-raising parties he threw at his home.
From the Bee's Laurel Rosenhall: "Lobbyist Kevin Sloat has set a new record in California, agreeing to pay the state a fine of $133,500 -- the largest ever for violating state laws that regulate lobbyists."
"Sloat's agreement with staff of the Fair Political Practices Commission says he acknowledges hosting numerous political fundraisers that counted as prohibited campaign contributions,and arranging and giving gifts to California lawmakers in violation of state law. The state'sPolitical Reform Act prohibits lobbyists from giving campaign contributions to officials they are registered to lobby, and limits gifts they can give to $10 a month."
It's election time -- again -- in San Diego, this time to pick a replacement for ousted Democrat Bob Filner, who was forced from office because of numerous sexuazl harassment allegations.
From UT San Diego's Craig Gustafson: "San Diego County Registrar of Voters Michael Vu predicted a turnout of between 45 and 50 percent of registered voters and said more than half the votes cast will be by mail or absentee ballot...."
"The mayoral election will only be the beginning of a political shake-up at City Hall."
"The inauguration ceremony for the new mayor will likely be held in early March after election officials certify the results. The rest of the council would then have 30 business days to appoint someone to fill the mayoral winner’s spot on the nine-member legislative body. And there could also be as many as three hotly contested council races in the June primary as Democrats try to hold on to their current 5-4 council majority."
