(Sacramento)– Support for a state budget that reflects real California values is growing throughout the state. From Southern California, through the Central Valley and along the California Coast to the San Francisco Bay Area and the rest of Northern California people are calling on state lawmakers to approve a new state spending plan that funds education, health care, transportation and care for the elderly, blind and disabled. In this Assembly Access video real Californians, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and other top Democratic Assemblymembers make it clear it’s “our values and our future” that must be included in the state budget.

More budget information from the Assembly Democrats can be found here

Mike Davis Gets Bill Approved Protecting California’s Troops and Their Jobs 
Written by LA Sentinel Staff Writer, on 08-07-2008 02:08
Favoured 35

Assemblyman Mike Davis announced recently that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 2449 (Davis). “This bill will help protect the jobs of our military men and women who have fought and are fighting for our country, so that we enjoy the freedoms that we hold sacred,” Assemblyman Davis said today.

Assemblyman Mike Davis is very adamant about supporting our nation’s military men and women. Current California law allows District Attorneys to help National Guardsmen and Reservists who are seeking redress from employers not complying with USERRA provisions.

AB 2449 (Davis) will expand that same option to City Attorney’s, thereby allowing them to act on behalf California National Guard members and Reservists. This will extend another option for service members and allow them to process their grievances in a timelier manner.  Assembly bill 2449 is another step in helping those serving the United States uniformed services by protecting their rights under the Federal USERRA law.

Governor Signs Bill Tackling Graffiti And Vandalism In Our Streets
 
 
July 30, 2008 – Assemblyman Mike Davis announced today that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 2609 (Davis), which will make it mandatory for a court to order a defendant convicted of vandalism consisting of defacing property by graffiti to clean-up or repair the property. If the court finds that graffiti cleanup is inappropriate, the court shall consider other types of community service, where feasible.

Vandalism is crime that continues to blight communities throughout California. Currently, California law provides that a Court may render community service as punishment for acts of vandalism. However, community service is not a requirement and its imposition is at the courts' discretion. Recent research has consistently shown that court-mandated community service has a restorative effect on the offenders, their victims, and the community.

In the City of Los Angeles vandalism of murals or any property can result in emotional distress and a general feeling of anxiety regarding community safety. In addition, vandalism clean-up, such as graffiti removal, diverts City funds and resources originally intended for other community needs.

“Graffiti is a complex problem and I believe that the best way for the perpetrators of these crimes to compensate the City for their destructive behavior is for them to perform mandated community service. When someone’s caught committing graffiti, they would be issued with a ‘clean-up’ order by the court requiring them to come back and clean up the vandalized property or engage in other forms of community service. By having to clear up the mess, they would realize how much effort and cost is involved in tidying up after them,” Assemblyman Davis stated. 

AB 2609 – a bill sponsored by the City of Los Angeles. It passed out of the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support.

Protecting California’s Troops and Their Jobs

Mike Davis
Member
California State Assembly
Current California law only allows district attorneys to act on behalf of service members who are seeking redress from employers not complying with The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994 provisions. Elements of USERRA are contained in California law and act as further employment protection for service members serving in the United States uniformed services. Supporting our military in this way is a small price for us to pay for the work these men and woman have done to protect our freedoms and our country.

My bill, AB 2449, updates and amends the law to allow any city prosecutor to act on behalf of California National Guard and Reserve members. The intention is to allow for greater and quicker access for service members and allow them to process their grievances in a timelier manner.

Recently in San Diego a military member who was a reservist was not afforded his re-employment rights under the federal USERRA Act. Current state law allows the county District Attorney to take action against the employer of an active military member. However, the District Attorney was backlogged and not able to take up the case. The reservist went to his City Prosecutor and asked for help whereupon he found out that state law authorizes only the County District Attorney to take these actions and not the City Prosecutor. There are usually three to four cases per year in most counties.

There was also a report from Washington, DC stating that there was another case in June 2000 where an Air National Guardsman from Alaska, who lost his federal job while on active military duty, waited more than seven years to get relief under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Only months after the Government agency where his case had languished for seven years referred it to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), a settlement was reached in March of 2008 providing him with full back pay and restored benefits. Personally, I feel that cases of this nature should never happen with our men and women who strive to protect this nation.
The California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC), based on their collective experience spanning five major wars, know that due to the current conflict, instances similar to the reservists in San Diego are bound to occasionally become an issue. A reservist or Guardsman losing his or her job or losing pay or benefits can face devastating harm to his or her family. Health care coverage can be dropped, homes can be lost, and families can be displaced.

AB 2449 (Davis) is sponsored by the California State Commanders Veterans Council and has great support from the City Attorney’s of Los Angeles, San Diego, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, the Sacramento City Council, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Armed Forces Retirees Association of CA, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Marine Corps League, and the Legion of Valor.

AB 2449 successfully passed out of all committees in the Assembly and the Senate as well as the Senate floor and Assembly floor without a single “no” vote. I represent the 48th district in Los Angeles and I am very adamant about supporting our nation’s military men and women who not only have volunteered to serve their country, but also protect this state in times of flood, fire and other natural disasters.

Assemblyman Davis Announces $1.9 Million
For Hollyhock House Restoration Project


July 28, 2008 – Assemblyman Davis – On Thursday, Jul 24th, the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) Board approved $1.9 million of funding for the restoration of the Hollyhock House at the Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles, California.

“The decision reached today by CCHE takes us one step further in protecting this treasured landmark with cultural and historical significance. Hollyhock House is significant in the narrative of California’s rich history, because it commemorates the leadership of early visionaries like Frank Lloyd Wright who have established a legacy in California architecture.” Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) stated.

Built between 1919 and 1921 for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, Hollyhock House was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Los Angeles. Its namesake is abstracted and geometricized in much of the house’s design, including exterior walls and interior furniture.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances of the house, it remains a breathtaking example of Wright’s extraordinary ability to relate the house to its site, offering a linked continuum of private and public spaces--including a gorgeous roofs cape that overlooks the city.

Since 1978, the non-profit organization Friends of Hollyhock House (FOHH) has worked to increase the public's awareness of the history of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House and Aline Barnsdall's contribution to the city of Los Angeles. The organization has raised funds for restoration projects, established a library of Wright monographs, and organized lectures and public events promoting the house.

The U.S. Department of Interior designated Hollyhock House a National Historic Landmark in 2007. It is the seventh site in the City of Los Angeles to receive that designation.

Assemblyman Mike Davis was appointed to the CCHE Board on July 22, 2008 by Speaker of the California State Assembly, Karen Bass.

The California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) was established in 2004 to fund projects through a competitive grant process to tell the stories of California as a unified society and of the many groups of people that together comprise historic and modern Cal

Assemblyman Mike Davis hosted his 2nd "Year Round Jobs Initiative" at the USC Galen Center on July 19, 2008
 
 
July 19, 2008-Los Angeles- California Assemblyman Mike Davis (48th District) held his second “Year Round Jobs Initiative” promoting interview and resume-writing techniques. The job fair was held on Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center at 3400 S. Figueroa. It sought to connect prospective employers with job seekers in positions ranging from entry level, to professional and technical.

The brief opening program featured remarks by Assemblyman Mike Davis and job fair partnering agencies. Gloria Smith, a manager with the Employment Development Department, Carolina Castillo with USC’s External Relations, and Mareta Papu the Center Director of the South East Los Angeles-Crenshaw Worksource Center also gave welcoming remarks and offered the job seekers words of advice and encouragement.

There were sixty-three participating employers, which included Panda Express, the Holiday Inn and the Internal Revenue Service. There were over six hundred job seekers in attendance throughout the duration of the fair. Vicki Muse from the IRS remarked that she was very impressed with not only the job fairs participating employers, but with the quality of job seekers, adding that she had met with and done preliminary screening with over forty qualified applicants. Similar sentiments were expressed by representatives from AEG, Auto Club of Southern California, Aegis Ambulance, Time Warner, SMS Transportation, Servicon Systems, and Forever 21.

Assemblyman Davis again partnered with the EDD, Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, Mothers in Action, Brotherhood Crusade, South East LA-Crenshaw Worksource Center, and the University of Southern California to “bring the jobs to the community.”

Mandatory Community Service Needed to Combat Graffiti and Vandalism in California

Mike Davis
Member
California State Assembly

The City of Los Angeles strongly believes that murals and other public art found throughout the City are an integral part of cultural expression in our communities. The murals have been created throughout Los Angeles by artists from diverse artistic and cultural traditions and backgrounds.

While the City properly restores and protects its murals for the benefit of the community, they are subjects to acts of vandalism. Vandalism of murals or any property can result in emotional distress and a general feeling of anxiety regarding community safety. Graffiti is often the first sign that gangs are imposing on a neighborhood. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), gangs use graffiti to send messages about turf and advertising their exploits. Graffiti identifies territorial boundaries, lists members, and communicates with rival gangs. In addition, vandalism clean-up, such as graffiti removal, diverts City funds and resources originally intended for other community needs. As a result, there are concerns over protecting City murals and property from vandalism. I believe that the best way for the perpetrators of these crimes to compensate the City for their destructive behavior is for them to perform mandated community service.

AB 2609 (Davis) amends Section 594 of the Penal Code to make it mandatory for a court to order a defendant convicted of vandalism, consisting of defacing property by graffiti, to clean up or repair the property when appropriate and feasible.

Vandalism is crime that not only affects the City of Los Angeles, but continues to blight communities throughout California. Graffiti vandalism has a significant social and financial impact on the community through negative perceptions of crime and safety, the direct costs of graffiti removal and the indirect costs relating to a devaluing of property and the loss of business revenue in graffiti prone areas. For example, the LAPD notes that schools pay out millions of dollars each year to clean up graffiti, repair buildings, or replace vandalized equipment. That means less money for new books, computers, sports equipment, and student activities. Local governments (and their taxpayers) pay the bills for broken street lights, stolen signs, and vandalized parks. Businesses pass the costs of vandalism on to customers through higher prices.

Currently, California law provides that a Court may render community service as punishment for acts of vandalism. However, community service is not a requirement and its imposition is at the courts' discretion.

Recent research has consistently shown that court-mandated community service has a restorative effect on the offenders, their victims, and the community. The Constitutional Rights Foundation notes that benefits of court-mandated community service include: gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions on others; learning about the legal and judicial system; forming meaningful working relationships with community groups and individuals; and developing a personal stake in the well-being of their communities.

AB 2609 promotes the rehabilitation of criminal offenders by requiring the offender to address the harm caused by the crime through reparation. This prevents recurrence. When someone is caught committing graffiti, they would be issued with a clean-up order by the court requiring them to come back and clean up the vandalized property. The point is to get the offender to realize the true cost of their behavior on the community for the purpose of deterring the person from engaging in future behavior. By having to clean up the vandalized property, they would realize how much effort and cost is involved in tidying up after them. Furthermore, AB 2609 will still allow the court to examine the defendant’s potential for rehabilitation, or lack thereof, when considering whether this mandatory sentencing is appropriate.
Graffiti is a complex problem, but it goes without saying that we need to find a way to get those who create it to realize the impact that their behavior has, if we are going to get them to change it. AB 2609 is aimed at accomplishing just that.

AB 2609 is headed to the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for signature. It is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles and is supported by numerous law enforcement associations including: L.A. County Probation Officers Union, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, Los Angeles Police Protective League, the California Police Chiefs Association, and the California Peace Officer’s Association.

Assemblyman Mike Davis, 48th District And Judy Chu Ph.D. Host Free Tax Seminar For Nonprofit And Exempt Organizations


Los Angeles, CA – The Free Tax Seminar for Nonprofit and Exempt Organizations, part of the public education project provided by the State Board of Equalization, had over 300 participants in attendance on Friday, July 18, 2008, at the Los Angeles Southwest College Theater.

Assemblyman Mike Davis (48th District) and Judy Chu, Ph.D., Chair of the State Board of Equalization co-sponsored the free tax seminar. Workshops provided information and an opportunity to ask questions on the following topics: Property Tax Exemptions, Grant writing, Sales and Use taxes for nonprofits, Tax laws and Compliance for nonprofits, and recent developments in charity law.

“Dr. Judy Chu is working on improving the collection of taxes we are owed. She is also reaching out to the many diverse communities of our state through tax assistance programs and seminars for small businesses and non-profit organizations,” stated Davis. Davis continued, “Those who attended the free tax seminar were pleased and considered it an overwhelming success.”

Assemblyman Davis is continuously committed to projects and programs that promote education, health care reform, economic development and transportation for his constituents and the greater Los Angeles community.

Assemblyman Mike Davis Applauds Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for Signing Anti-Elder Abuse Bill
 
 
SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblyman Mike Davis, announces that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law Assembly Bill 1424, tough new anti-elder abuse legislation designed to bring stay-away orders in elder abuse cases in line with those for domestic violence.

“As the senior community grows so do reports of elder abuse,” Assemblyman Davis stated.  “With more than 3.7 million Californians 65 or older, California has the largest senior population in the nation, and it will increase 112 percent from 1990 to 2020. This new law will assure that victims of elder abuse are afforded adequate protections against recurring exploitation,” Assemblyman Davis continued.

“According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 90 percent of the perpetrators of elder abuse are family members, including spouses and adult children.  Creating a misdemeanor penalty for the violation of a stay-away order is critical in elder abuse cases because these family members can have a harmful impact on the victim’s ability to lead a healthy life, free from fear.  I applaud the Governor for signing AB 1424 into law” Assemblyman Davis concluded.

The measure passed through the California Legislature without opposition (35-0 in Senate; 76-0 in Assembly) and was sponsored by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.  Other groups in support include, the California District Attorneys Association and Crime Victims United. The measure will take effect on January 1, 2009.

Bill to Hold Owners of Substandard Buildings
Accountable Passes the Assembly
 
California State Assemblyman Mike Davis is pleased to announce that his bill, AB 2925 targeting owners of substandard properties and holding them accountable has passed the Assembly.

AB 2925 will require an owner of a property that is uninhabitable or otherwise found to be in substandard condition, to provide their local enforcement agency with current contact information and a plan of correction.  “Shelter is one of the basic needs for survival and yet the inability to find safe and sanitary housing is a serious problem. The situation is particularly severe for low-cost families in urban areas of our state” stated Assemblyman Davis.

Substandard properties cause blight and increased crime in the neighborhoods in which they are located. They are also a drain on municipal resources, requiring repeated inspections and extreme remedies like receivership to restore the buildings to productive use.

“We must take action to hold owners of such properties accountable and thereby keep our neighborhoods free of the negative impacts of deteriorated and blighted buildings” stated Assemblyman Davis.  “We owe it to the people forced to live in these homes to take steps to hold the persons who own them accountable” concluded Assemblyman Davis.

Assembly Bill 2925 is supported by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Housing California, California Alliance for Retired Americans, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Davis Announces $500,000 to USC to Protect State’s Electrical Grid from Disasters

Energy Commission Funding Used to Secure State’s Electrical Grid from Terrorism
Sacramento - Assemblyman Mike Davis (D-48) announced that the National Center for Risk Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) at the University of Southern California (USC) has been awarded $500,000 to develop strategies and protective measures to ensure the security of California’s electricity transmission grid from terrorist attacks.

“This research illustrates the importance of protecting the integrity of California’s electricity infrastructure,” said Davis.  “By studying how to minimize potential terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events on the state’s electrical grid, we are demonstrating our commitment to keep a smooth, uninterrupted source of power available to all consumers,” he added.

The proposed research aims to implement the recommendations of a previously-funded project by developing measures to prevent significant events on California’s power grid and minimizing the impact of terrorist events or other hazards on the grid through strategic analysis.  By using 3-D infrared imaging and computer modeling, CREATE will study failures on large transformers.  The center will also develop a diagnostic security system for monitoring electrical substations and networks.  The award, to be paid out over two years, follows a previous $100,000 contract which produced an assessment on the vulnerability and security of California’s electric grid.

Founded in 2004, the USC-based CREATE was established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and has partnerships with New York University and the University of Wisconsin. The Center is a leading academic research program for modeling the risks and vulnerabilities of terrorism, assessing the direct and indirect consequences, gauging their economic impacts, and evaluating the effectiveness of counter measures.

This project is funded from the Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program.  The PIER program supports energy research, development and demonstration projects that improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, affordable and reliable energy services and products to the marketplace.  The PIER program annually awards up to $80 million to conduct public interest energy research.

Los Angeles Sentinel
Mike Davis Delivers Jobs to the 48th District 
 
by Francis Taylor, Sentinel Staff Writer
Oct 25, 2007 at 11:45 AM

Delivering on a campaign promise to bring jobs to his constituents in the 48th Assembly District, California Assembly member Mike Davis recently hosted a job fair, along with Mothers In Action, the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, the Los Angeles Sentinel, and the State of California Employment Development Department, in Exposition Park where over 70 employers were poised to offer actual jobs to the hundreds of job seekers.

“This on-site hiring opportunity is important for the community,” Davis said. “Individuals must not only go to the Employment Development for jobs, we must bring jobs to the community and the only employers that were invited to participate in today’s job fair are those with actual positions they expect to fill.”

Situated on the grounds of the California African American and Science and Technology Museums, Davis actually set-up the job fair in front of the Rose Garden in Exposition Park. The weather was typically Southern California pleasant and the men and women who came to meet the various employers, fill out applications and participate in preliminary interviews appeared well dressed, with a positive attitude, and seemed to be putting their ‘best-foot-forward.’

Gloria Smith, manager of the Crenshaw office of the Employment Development Department (EDD), was among the first to greet the job-seekers as they arrived with resume in-hand. “I am pleased to be here as a representative of the EDD in partnership with Mike Davis, Mothers In Action, the Brotherhood Crusade, and the Los Angeles Sentinel to match jobs with people,” she said.

With the broad cross-section of employer representatives, job candidates could apply for and get information about a variety of positions from administrative and clerical jobs and an array of transportation positions to law enforcement, food service, emergency response technicians and many others.

Bobbie Holmes, a nursing professor at Los Angeles Southwest College, served as a “Mike Davis” volunteer at the job fair and was among the others who greeted each job aspirant as they arrived. She said, “I am here today to support Mike Davis and the others in giving a great opportunity for people in our area to find jobs.”

“It is good that Davis knows the needs of our people,” she added, “and that he brings the resources to the community to meet those needs.”

Jean Adenika, also a volunteer and a math and science professor at California State University-Los Angeles, captured the essence of what Davis intended and what, in fact, he accomplished at the job fair.

“I am here to assist my community members in finding jobs,” she said. “Mike Davis made it clear to the prospective participants that he did not wish to showcase any employer unless they had real jobs now. He told them do not come unless they were prepared to make employment offers.”

Job seekers unable to attend the job fair may wish to apply directly to the companies who participated in this event as follows:

AEG Entertainment, Aegis Ambulance Service, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Allied Barton Security, American Girl, Los Angeles Archdiocese, AT&T, Atlantic Express, Bank of America, Brinks, California—Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation—Highway Patrol and Science Center, Coalition of Mental Health Professionals, Command Guard Services, Dav El Transportation Network, DWP, Dollar/Thrifty Automotive Group, Donor Services Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Expo Construction Authority, Lens Crafters, and Fatburger.

Additional employers included; Higher Los Angeles, Home Instead Senior Care, Impact Resource Group, Islas Windows, Jobbing.com, Koo Koo Roo Restaurants, La Parrilla Restaurant, LAPD & LAFD, LA Airport Police, LA County Fire and Sheriff Department, LA County Department of Social Service, LA County Police Office of Public Safety, Los Angeles Trade Tech, LAUSD “We Build” Program, Los Angeles World Airports, Lowes Home Improvement, Macy’s, MTA, MWD, Mike Diamond Plumbing, PV Jobs, Sears Home Services.

Continuing, job seekers may wish to contact SMS Transportation, SCE, the Bas Company, TESCO Foods, Time Warner Cable, US Coast Guard, Universal Studios, USC, UPS, Verizon Wireless, Weingart YMCA, Weiser Security, Workplace Hollywood, Work Source California, V-100 Radio Station, Fedex, Roto Rooter, and the Electrical Training Institute.

Davis was pleased with the employer turn-out as well as the turnout of the residents in his district and others. “It is important that we bring employment information to the community and we will do this at least two times each year.”

“In addition,” he added. “We will follow-up with everyone who came looking for a job and with the employers. If the employers are unable to report any actual hires, they will not be invited to participate in future job fairs.”

Assemblyman Mike Davis Hosts October 20th Job Fair In Exposition Park 
 
California Assemblyman Mike Davis (48th District) will host the “Year Round Jobs Initiative” Job Fair on October 20, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Wallis Annenberg Building in Exposition Park, 700 State Drive, Los Angeles, California 90037.  Over 50 employers, with over 500 jobs, ranging from professional, to technical, to entry level, will be in attendance.

The Job Fair will have workshops, ranging from resume writing, interview techniques and dressing for success.  There will also be free manicures for women and haircuts for men.  Prospective employees should get there early, with resumes in hand.

This job fair brings jobs to South Los Angeles, an often neglected part of town when it comes to jobs.  Assemblyman Davis intends to have these job fairs year round to ensure South Los Angeles has jobs available to residents from numerous employers throughout Southern California.

“I am thrilled with the number of corporations and employers who are participating in our job fair this year. I know the importance of having a job and working your way to success.  I am sure employers will be pleased to talk to and hire a large number of prepared and willing to work residents from our community. Over 500 jobs will be available for those who are looking for work,” remarked Assemblyman Davis.

 This Job Fair is done in partnership with the California Employment Development Department, Southeast L.A.-Crenshaw Worksource Center, Mothers in Action, Los Angeles Sentinel, and the Brotherhood Crusade.

Assemblymember Mike Davis Sends Letter To The California Public Works Board To Protect Allensworth State Historic Park 
 
September 13, 2007—Sacramento—After finding out that Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration had reached an agreement with a local landowner, Sam Etchegary, which would prevent him from operating a livestock facility next to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Assemblymember Mike Davis (D-Los Angeles) sent a letter of support to the California Public Works Board who must approve the agreement before it can be finalized. 

“The agreement reached by the Governor’s administration with Sam Etchegary takes us one step further in protecting this treasured landmark with cultural and historical significance. Allensworth State Historic Park is significant in the narrative of the African-American experience, because it commemorates the leadership of Colonel Allen Allensworth and a group of others who where dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African-Americans when they founded this small farming community in 1908,” said Assemblymember Davis.

“The great progress that has been made today can be attributed to the leadership that the Allensworth’ community has taken in this process and the strong support that we have received from the Governor and certainly the Speaker of the California State Assembly. It is now time for the California Public Works Board to join our effort and lend us its support by approving the agreement made between the Governor and Sam Etchegary, so that it can be finalized,” Assemblymember Davis said.

Per the Governor’s office, “the agreement reached with landowner Sam Etchegary will allow California State Parks to purchase a Land Use Restriction Easement, in perpetuity, for $3.5 million. The agreement is worded to specifically prevent any type of animal operation on the two parcels of land where Earlimart Ranch Dairies proposed to construct a dairy. Both sites are within one mile of the park.”

Mike Davis' August 4th Town Hall Meeting Updates Citizens On Health Care And Crime Prevention Efforts Throughout Southern California 
 
On Saturday, August 4, 2007, California Assemblyman Mike Davis, 48th District, held a Health Care and Crime Prevention Town Hall Meeting at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.

48th District constituents were provided with up-to-date information on Health Care by a stellar panel consisting of Sharon Grigsby, Chief Network Officer, Los Angeles County Department of Health (MLK-Harbor Hospital Update); Sumi Sousa, Special Counsel to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez (Universal Health Care for Californians); Dr. Wilbert Jordan, Director of the OASIS Clinic (Hepatitis C and AIDS Awareness); Dr. William Releford, Diabetic Foot Institute (Diabetic Amputation Prevention); and Dr. David Martins, THE Clinic (Hypertension).  Diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol screenings were also available to all attendees.

The Crime Prevention panel consisted of LAPD Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger; L.A. Sheriff’s Department Chief Ron Williams; Felicia Cotton, Bureau Chief, Juvenile Special Services, L.A. County Probation Department; Kathy Jett, Chair, Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Rehabilitation Strike Team; and L.A. Deputy City Attorney Sharee Sanders, Los Angeles Safe Neighborhoods’ Division.

“Quality health care and crime prevention are at the forefront of my constituents’ concerns,” said Davis.  “We brought these esteemed professionals and experts to the 48th District so my constituents could directly discover what the state and local governments are doing on these matters, learn about infectious diseases plaguing the community, acquire health tips, and to discover all of the services that are available to them in the district and outlying areas,”  added Davis.

Recommendations from the panelists ranged from: (1) funding Hepatitis C education and prevention; (2) being active in any way, shape or form for 30 minutes a day; and (3) reallocating some funds, earmarked solely for “at-risk” youth, and spending it on programs for the vast majority of youth that stay out of trouble.

California Needs to Create a Judiciary that Reflects its Rich Diversity

Mike Davis,
Member
California State Assembly

California prides itself on its rich history of diversity. In fact, California is one of four “minority majority” states in this country, with a Caucasian population of 43 percent.

Yet a review of the recent California Administrative Office of the Courts’ survey shows a judiciary that remains decidedly Caucasian and male. Specifically, the data indicates that 70 percent of the state's judges are Caucasian and 72 percent are men. These percentages are believed to be even higher because 36 percent of Riverside County judges did not respond to the survey. Riverside County’s judiciary is heavily Caucasian and male.

We need to create a judiciary that better reflects California’s diverse population. California Chief Justice Ronald George noted, “The diversity of California is one of its greatest strengths. . .Having individuals who reflect that diversity reinforce the important message that ours is a system open to all and that individuals drawn from any segment of society can preside fairly and objectively over all claims involving Californians from every background.” Governor Schwarzenegger should take heed with George’s statement and appoint more minority judges.

California needs people from all races and backgrounds to be included. This is particularly true in the criminal justice system, for which our goal is to create public confidence.

Although California’s judges are decidedly Caucasian, California’s prison population is overwhelmingly African-American and Latino. In 2005, according to the California Department of Corrections, 67 percent of all male prison inmates in California were African-American or Latino.

African-Americans are particularly overrepresented in the penal system, representing 7 percent of California’s general population and 29 percent of its male prison population. Latinos represent 35 percent of the general population and 38 percent of the male prison population. This is just one reason why a judiciary that better reflects people that come before the criminal justice system will create an environment of fairness.

I am not saying that only African-American judges can be fair to African-American defendants. However, studies have shown the frequency with which judges hand down disproportionate prison sentences to African-American defendants. Studies further show that African-Americans receive harsher first-time sentences than their Caucasian counterparts. This demonstrates that individuals with similar backgrounds and experiences may be in a better position to determine the appropriate punishment for African-Americans who come before the courts.
While California is pouring over $7 billion into building new prisons and creating accommodations for 53,000 inmates, we need to re-examine our commitment to providing quality education and job opportunities for our youth so that criminal activity will not be an option. Increasing the size of the penal system without adequately investing in our youth is a recipe for disaster that will endanger the very fabric of our great state. The Governor’s program for funding anti-gang programs is only a beginning.

The passage of SB 56 created 50 new trial-court judgeships in California. Furthermore, the State Bar Judicial Council anticipates that an additional 100 judgeships will be approved by the California Legislature over the next two years. This is an unprecedented number of new judges at one time in California.

The Governor’s judicial appointments must reflect California’s rich diversity. Equally important is addressing the issue of prisons being overpopulated by minorities, particularly African-Americans. This could begin with having more judges that look like the defendants coming before them.

Finally, like many other professions, the judiciary will experience a wave of retirements soon from its baby-boomer member; many African-Americans will be among them. This only increases the need to pay close attention to the number of minority appointments in California’s Judiciary.

Since Schwarzenegger took office in 2003, appointing minority judges has been a challenge. The pressure to keep California’s Judiciary 70 percent Caucasian males is great. Yet, the governor is armed with a very capable and talented judicial appointments secretary, Sharon Majors-Lewis, who also happens to be an African-American woman. Schwarzenegger has also benefited from bipartisan cooperation with Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata on critical issues affecting both our criminal justice system and state’s budget, which provides hope for forging consensus on this important issue.

Therefore, one overwhelming question remains: Will Governor Schwarzenegger distinguish himself by appointing African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and other minorities to diversify California’s Judiciary?

Mike Davis Hosts Judicial Diversity Forum
 
On June 20, 2007, California State Assemblyman Mike Davis (48th District) hosted a Judicial Diversity Forum and Luncheon at the California African American Museum’s Conference Center.  The stellar panel assembled by Assemblyman Davis consisted of Sharon Majors-Lewis, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Judicial Appointments Secretary; Fredericka McGee, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez’s General Counsel; and the Honorable John V. Meigs, Site Judge - Los Angeles Superior Court (Inglewood).  The Masters of Ceremonies for the forum was Michael A. Lawson, Esq., a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

The emphasis of this forum was to encourage Southern California’s minority legal communities to actively seek judgeships; particularly in light of the fact 50 new judgeships were created by the California legislature with the passage of Senate Bill (“SB”) 56and an anticipated 100 more judgeships being created in the next two years. 

While California prides itself on its ethnic diversity, California’s judiciary remains decidedly white and male.  A recent California Administrative Office of the Courts’ survey indicates that 70 percent of the state's judges are white and 72 percent are male. These percentages are believed to be even higher due to the fact that 36 percent of Riverside County judges did not respond to the survey.

“For all Californians to have confidence in the judicial system, we need people from all races and backgrounds to be part of the system,” said Davis.  “This is particularly true when it comes to the criminal justice system.  While California’s judges are decidedly white, California’s prison population is decidedly Black and Latino,” added Davis. 

“We need more minorities to apply to the bench to ensure that we receive our fair share of the new judgeships being created by the legislature, as well being in a position to allow the seats of retiring minority judges to be filled with qualified minority lawyers.  This is a golden opportunity that the African-American, Latino and Asian legal communities cannot let slip away,” said Davis.

Ms. Majors-Lewis, California’s first African American and female Judicial Appointments Secretary, spoke about the judicial application process and Gov. Schwarzenegger’s commitment to appointing qualified and diverse individuals to the bench.

Ms. McGee, a recent California Lawyer of the Year recipient, was instrumental in the passage of SB 56.  Her efforts insured that tracking be maintained on future judicial applications and judicial appointments.

Judge John V. Meigs, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, discussed the many judicial mentoring programs available to attorneys eager to join the bench.

Assemblymember Davis meets with his Korean Advisory Council
 
Assemblyman Mike Davis will hold the second meeting of the 48th AD Korean American Advisory Council at 3pm on Friday, May 25, 2007, at the Pio Pico library, 694 S. Oxford Ave. Los Angeles CA. 90005, 2nd floor meeting room.

At the first meeting the advisory council expressed concerns  for the Korean American community that prompted Assemblyman Davis to invite representatives from the Community Redevelopment Agency, Small Business Administration and the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Association.

The advisory council was assembled to assist and advise the assemblyman on legislative matters and issues affecting his constituents.  At this meeting, members will also plan the upcoming grand opening reception of the 48th assembly district satellite office at the Pio Pico library