On April 25, local political organization Santa Maria Valley Republicans Inc. will host a Republican candidates forum at the Santa Maria Terraces senior living community, 1405 E. Main St., in Santa Maria. According to a press release from Santa Maria Valley Republicans Inc., Republican candidates for the following offices have been invited: Santa Barbara County 5th District Supervisor, Santa Barbara County Treasurer, 33rd District State Assembly, State Controller, Secretary of State, and 23rd Congressional District. Attendance costs $25 and includes a buffet dinner and wine bar. Seating is limited. Contact Kristine at 937-7999 or e-mail her at klm@hardincoffin.com to RSVP.
Earlier this month, Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee passed AB 1963, as known as the Farmworker Health Act. Authored by Assembly member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), the measure is designed to reduce pesticide poisoning in California by streamlining the state government’s tracking of pesticide usage and exposure. “Farm workers are regularly exposed to potentially harmful pesticides risking birth defects, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and other life threatening diseases to help bring food to our tables,” Nava said in a release to the media. “It is critical that we provide this vital workforce with the best possible protections from chemicals that adversely affect their health.” If signed into law, AB 1963 would update current legislation by requiring electronic reporting of lab results to designated state health agencies. The measure now moves to the Assembly Health Committee for consideration.
This article appears in Apr 15-22, 2010.
