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Joe Simitian

New California laws beginning in 2013

By: Mike Billings 12/29/12 7:12 PM
With the new year comes the new laws. Here are some of those going into effect in 2013. Read More

California education cuts could hit young students the hardest

By: Amy Crawford 01/17/12 5:00 AM
San Francisco schools
Kindergarten teachers and advocates for early education are protesting Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to defund a kindergarten program that would serve children whose fifth birthdays come after a new cutoff date for entry.  “It’s balancing the budget on the backs of these kindergartners and their families,” said state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, a member of the Senate Education Committee. Read More

Peninsula speed restrictions could push high-speed rail to San Francisco off fast pace

By: Will Reisman 07/13/11 4:00 AM
High-speed rail
A high-speed rail compromise designed to please Peninsula lawmakers and save billions of dollars has some backers of the project fearful the alignment will jeopardize the future of the swift-moving trains in San Francisco. On Thursday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority will consider a proposal responding to concerns that an elevated railway would create barriers and lower property values within Peninsula communities. Read More

Proposal could slow high-speed rail in Peninsula

By: Will Reisman 05/04/11 10:25 PM
High-speed rail
A high-speed rail proposal backed by Peninsula lawmakers would shave more than $4 billion off the cost of building a track between San Jose and San Francisco, but critics said it couldn’t attain the speeds voters demanded in a 2008 ballot measure. Read More

The 33 percent non-solution to the state’s energy

By: K. Lloyd Billingsley 05/01/11 9:30 PM
California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed SB 2X by  state Sen. Joe Simitian, mandating that 33 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2020, an increase of 13 percent from the previous mandate of 20 percent. This signals bad news for California but reveals a key dynamic of our ruling class. “It’s about California leading the country,” Brown told reporters at the signing ceremony. “It’s America potentially leading the world.” Read More

New year brings new law targeting cyberbullying

By: Andrea Koskey 12/31/10 5:00 AM
San Francisco, cyberbullying, suicides
Facebook profiles can be set up within minutes to catch up with old friends, but they can also be used to spread rumors and maliciously hurt people. Starting Saturday, however, using a fake online profile or e-mail address to harm others can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail. The law that creates the new penalties is one of hundreds in California that is taking effect in the new year. Read More

Schwarzenegger approves bill to protect privacy of FasTrak customers

By: Staff report 10/04/10 12:00 AM
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday signed a bill that aims to protect the privacy of drivers who use the FasTrak payment system. SB 1268, by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, requires FasTrak to give subscribers notice of the company's privacy practices, according to a release. "Relatively obscure transportation agencies have personal data and travel histories for well over a million Californians," Simitian said. Read More

Pension-spiking bill clears Legislature

By: Examiner Staff 09/01/10 12:00 AM
AP file photo
A bill by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, to curb “pension spiking” in the state’s two largest pension systems has passed the Legislature and now moves to the governor’s desk. Pension spiking is the practice of boosting an employee’s final salary before retirement by cashing out on vacation time or administrative leave, among other methods. Read More

Simitian gets Crime Fighter Award

By: Staff report 04/18/10 12:00 AM
AP
Joe Simitian, the Democratic state senator from Palo Alto, received the 2010 Crime Fighter Award. The organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California is honoring Simitian for sponsorship of legislation to benefit youth and public safety. The FCIKC is a bipartisan, anti-crime organization of 400 sheriffs, police chiefs, district attorneys and victims of violence dedicated to reducing crime by supporting early investments in kids. Read More

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