• The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance legislation co-authored by Sens. Kamala Harris (D-California), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) that would criminalize lynching, attempts to lynch, and conspiracy to lynch. The Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2018 would be the first successful anti-lynching legislation in U.S. history if approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. "Lynching is a dark and despicable part of our country's history. These were acts of violence, needless and horrendous acts of violence that were motivated by racism. And we must acknowledge that, lest we repeat it," Harris said in a statement. "These were crimes that were committed against innocent people. These are crimes that should have been prosecuted. ... With this bill, we have a chance to speak the truth about our past [and] make clear that these hateful acts should never happen again."
• After Congress passed the America's Water Infrastructure Act, a bipartisan bill that helps provide funding to states for drinking water infrastructure and wastewater and stormwater management, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) praised the legislation for also reauthorizing state programs and authorizing 12 new water resource development projects in California. "I'm pleased it includes my provision that moves us closer to creating a new loan program for water storage, water recycling, groundwater recharge, and other water supply projects," Feinstein stated, adding, "As our climate continues to change, it's important that we prepare for more severe droughts and increased flooding. This bill invests in a number of projects that will help California prepare for that future while providing us with access to more water now, and I'm proud to support it."
• Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) defended his incumbency from Santa Barbara businessman Justin Fareed, the Republican challenger for the House's 24th District, during a televised debate by KSBY News on Oct. 14. In his opening statements, Carbajal touted funding accomplishments and "working in a bipartisan fashion whenever possible" in Congress, and work to protect Social Security and Medicare and acquire more funding for drought mitigation and renewable energy. Fareed countered during his opening remarks, putting a focus on Carbajal's support for sanctuary policies, criticizing votes on public safety and tax relief. The two sparred over sanctuary policies and immigration, how to mitigate the closure of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, gun control, health care, and other topics. During closing statements, Fareed said that he wanted to focus on "law and order" and "our local economy," saying, "I love the Central Coast and I love this country, and I will make sure that I am serving your voice well and with honor." Carbajal closed saying, "There is a real contrast between my opponent and I," mentioning his support of abortion rights, banning offshore oil drilling and fracking, and "saving" the Affordable Care Act and Social Security, and pointed to Fareed's opposite positions on those policies. Voters in the 24th District, which includes Santa Barbara and SLO counties, will decide between Carbajal and Fareed on Nov. 6.
• Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill authored by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) into law on Sept. 27 that will help homeowners pay for repairs that will make their homes more fire resilient. SB 465, the Wildfire Safety Finance Act, allows the expansion of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs by local governments to support homeowners in high fire hazard areas in building fire safety improvements. "California must do more to make communities first resilient in light of the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires," Jackson stated. "With the governor's support of SB 465 today, California homeowners can get help paying for repairs that will better prepare their homes for the next major fire, which could save lives and help reduce the spread of these fires." The PACE program provides financing to property owners for water and energy efficiency improvements and earthquake safety upgrades. The bill adds "wildfire resilience" to the projects eligible for PACE funding.