Latest news with #AnnaCaballero
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
California Proposes Major Drinking Water Change: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A bill introduced in California by state senators Anna Caballero and Alexandra Macedo, a Democrat and Republican, respectively, would give water agencies immunity from civil lawsuits regarding chromium-6 contamination in their supply if they are actively working on plans to address the issue. Caballero argued California Senate Bill 466 is needed so water agencies can concentrate on removing the potentially cancer-causing contaminant from their supply, rather than spending their limited resources on legal cases. Newsweek contacted state Senators Caballero and Macedo for comment on Thursday via telephone and voicemail message outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters Chromium-6 is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer in humans when inhaled or ingested in certain amounts. During the 1990s, a case against Pacific Gas and Electric over contamination of its water in Hinkley, California, with chromium-6 resulted in a $333 million settlement and formed the basis of the 2000 movie Erin Brockovich. According to the Los Banos Enterprise, a newspaper serving the town of 50,000 in central California, water testing has uncovered chromium-6 levels in the settlement above the legal California limit of 10 parts per billion. What To Know Senate Bill 466 would protect water suppliers from civil lawsuits over chromium-6 in California, provided they are either implementing a state-approved compliance plan to reduce chromium-6 levels from their water or are waiting to see if a proposed plan is approved. However, the powers of state regulators are not impacted. The legislation has been endorsed by the City of Los Banos and passed by the California Senate, and is currently making its way through the California State Assembly. Stock photograph showing water running from a tap. Stock photograph showing water running from a tap. show999/GETTY According to the Los Banos Enterprise, city officials estimate reducing chromium-6 levels in water supplied to the town to the state-regulated level will cost around $65 million, around half its annual budget. Los Banos is expected to submit a compliance plan later in 2025 to the State Water Resources Control Board. If Senate Bill 466 is passed, this would protect water suppliers to the city from civil lawsuits while they work to reduce chromium-6 levels. In 2019, the Environmental Working Group concluded that chromium-6 is in the drinking water consumed by more than 200 million Americans. What People Are Saying Addressing The Fresno Bee, state Senator Caballero said: "The goal of SB 466 is not to block accountability, but to make sure resources go toward fixing the problem — not fighting premature lawsuits while a water system is actively working under state oversight to meet the standard. "This bill strikes the balance between protecting public health and giving water providers the time and tools they need to deliver safe water without diverting funds to litigation when they are already doing everything required by the state to comply." Speaking to non-profit news website CalMatters, Los Banos Mayor Michael Amabile said: "I really don't want to go down as the mayor that quadruples water rates, so I need the help from the state." In a report, California state Senate Judiciary Committee staff wrote: "Immunity from liability tends to strip incentives to act with reasonable care by taking away the consequence of having to pay for any damages caused by doing otherwise." In an opinion piece for the publication The Fresno Bee writer Tad Weber said: "A water department as large as Los Banos cannot be brought into legal jeopardy over an inability to pay for a new treatment system that must go online in mere years. Cleaning out chromium-6 will take some time — and money. "Caballero's bill seeks to be a buffer while still ensuring the state does not lose any enforcement capability. As strange as it is for a senior Democrat in the Legislature to argue for protecting water agencies with contaminated supplies, in this case it makes sense." What Happens Next The California State Assembly is expected to vote on Senate Bill 466 in August.
India Today
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Indian-Americans in California alarmed as Senate advances transnational repression bill
The Indian diaspora, including Hindus, have expressed serious concern over the "rapid advancement" of California Senate Bill, SB 509. The bill, which claims to address "transnational repression", is seen by some sections of the Indian community as a "potential threat to the civil liberties and safety of minority communities".The bill, which was passed by the Senate and is being rushed through the Assembly, according to two advocacy groups, The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).advertisementSB 509 aims to counter foreign governments or agents who threaten, surveil, or silence people living in California. While this goal seems noble, critics say its language is overly broad and could unintentionally target members of immigrant communities. The bill has been referred to the Assembly's Emergency Management Committee as of June 9, 2025. If it clears the Assembly, it will move to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for final WAS THE BILL INTRODUCED?SB 509 was authored by Senator Anna Caballero and co-authored by Assembly members Esmeralda Soria and Jasmeet Bains. Bains is the first Sikh-American in the California bill aims to train California law enforcement to detect tactics used by foreign governments to silence diaspora voices, including digital surveillance, coercion, and momentum grew after the US Department of Justice accused an ex-Indian official of plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh the bill draws support from groups like Sikhs for Justice, critics argue it risks misuse and overlooks rising anti-Hindu VOICES RAISED AGAINST THE BILL?The Indian-Americans, including the Hindus and Sikhs who opposed the bill, argued that it risks indoctrinating local police with dual loyalty tropes, thus painting diaspora community members as being "proxies" of foreign CoHNA and HAF are intensifying their outreach efforts to halt its and HAF have shown concerns after their proposed changes reflecting the concerns of the community were rejected."CoHNA and HAF are alarmed by the swift advancement of California Senate Bill 509 (SB 509), a dangerous piece of legislation that, under the guise of addressing 'transnational repression', threatens the safety and civil liberties of minority communities, especially Hindus and Indian Americans," CoHNA said in a statement issued on provisions of the bill require the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to develop an awareness protocol for law enforcement by July 2026 to enable local police to recognise and respond to incidents of "transnational repression", which the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines as foreign governments reaching the US to intimidate or harm members of their diaspora."In collaboration with the HAF, CoHNA had earlier submitted a series of amendments, reflecting the community's concerns. All have been rejected. Now, the bill is being rushed through the Assembly after it passed the Senate vote without any effort to address community concerns," the statement CoHNA and HAF felt their concerns had been ignored by the bill's authors — Senators Anna Caballero and Assembly members Jasmeet Bains and Esmeralda Soria, CoHNA the lawmakers have doubled down on legislation that could unjustly label peaceful advocacy efforts as foreign interference, placing innocent Hindu Californians at risk of undue scrutiny and profiling, the statement Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation and a Civil Rights Attorney, reiterated, "SB 509 lacks the adequate guardrails necessary to prevent training on transnational repression from being politicised.""More dangerously, under the guise of protecting 'dissent', SB 509 would empower law enforcement to criminally prosecute diaspora groups and community organisations who merely speak out against terrorism and extremism, by accusing them of being foreign 'agents' or engaging in 'transnational repression' on behalf of a foreign country," Kalra added.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California Sen. Anna Caballero announces historic run for state treasurer
State senator and former Salinas mayor, Anna Caballero is running for California state treasurer. If Caballero is successful, she will be the first Latina elected state treasurer in California history—adding to a career of firsts. "I've dedicated my life to public service—from representing farmworkers to becoming the first Latina Mayor of Salinas, to leading major investments in healthcare, housing, and education in the State Senate," Caballero stated on social media Wednesday. "Now I'm running for State Treasurer to put working families first and recommit to the California Dream." Before she made history in 1998 as the first woman elected mayor in Salinas, Caballero worked as a lawyer representing farmworkers with California Rural Legal Assistance and co-founded a law firm providing affordable legal services to working families, according to her state senate bio. She also founded Partners for Peace, a nonprofit that aimed to reduce youth violence by supporting afterschool programs and other youth initiatives across the Salinas Valley. Caballero got her start in politics serving on the Salinas Planning Commission before being elected to Salinas City Council in 1991. After serving for 15 years on the Salinas City Council, Caballero went on to become the first Latina elected to represent the 28th Assembly District in 2006. Five years later in 2011, she was appointed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown to his cabinet, serving as secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. There, Caballero oversaw 16,000 employees and a $27 billion budget—managing civil rights enforcement, consumer protections, building standards, pension funds and the licensing of over 3.4 million professionals statewide. Caballero returned to the Assembly in 2016, before being termed out in 2018, when she once again made history as the first Latina elected to represent California's 12th Senate District. She currently serves as representative for the 14th Senate District, post-redistricting. Her term ends in 2026. The state treasurer acts as the state's banker and manages California's finances. The office has grown since it was established in 1849 as part of the California Constitution to act as steward of public funds. In 2024, the Office of the State Treasurer served as agent for sale on "$20.6 billion of bonds on behalf of the state, state agencies and state financing authorities, managed trillions in banking transactions, and managed an investment portfolio that finished the year with $155.4 billion in assets," according to the state treasurer's office. The state treasurer also serves as the chair of 17 boards, commissions, and authorities. The current state treasurer, Fiona Ma, cannot run again due to term limits. Ma has declared her intention to run for lieutenant governor. So far, along with Caballero, former mayor of Oakland Libby Schaaf and current member of the California State Board of Equalization, Tony Vazquez are also running for state treasurer. The statewide primary election is scheduled to take place on June 2, 2026. The top two vote-getters will then move on to compete in the general election in November. This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Former Salinas mayor declares run for California state treasurer
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Pacific Workers: Proposed SB 555 Could Boost Permanent Disability Benefits for California's Injured Workers
OAKLAND, Calif., April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California Senator Anna Caballero has introduced Senate Bill 555, a critical proposal to reform the state's outdated workers' compensation system—finally adjusting permanent disability benefits to match today's soaring cost of living. Also, if passed, the bill could offer relief to thousands of injured workers who have faced stagnant compensation rates for over a decade. Currently, permanent disability benefits are calculated using a 2012 framework, failing to account for 13 years of inflation and rising living costs. This leaves many workers struggling to maintain their livelihoods, even as costs of living rise. SB 555 proposes to bring these compensation rates into alignment with today's economic reality. In a recent episode of the Work Comp Talk Podcast, attorney Bilal Kassem, President and Co-Founder of Pacific Workers, joined the conversation to discuss the potential benefits of SB 555. Kassem's insights on how the bill could change the compensation landscape for California's workers highlight its transformative potential. 'The current system simply isn't cutting it anymore,' Kassem states. 'Injured workers deserve a permanent disability rate that matches today's cost of living, not outdated figures.' In addition to Kassem's statement, Senator Caballero concluded that 'our economy depends on the workers who keep California one of the most dynamic economy's in the world and when they are injured on the job, they deserve fair compensation that keeps up with real-world costs.' For further insights into how SB 555 could transform workers' rights, please feel free to reach out. About Pacific Workers Pacific Workers is a leading law firm dedicated to advocating for injured workers across California. With a track record of securing favorable outcomes, the firm provides compassionate legal support to ensure clients receive the compensation they deserve. Community Director
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Senator Anna Caballero Introduces Senate Bill 72, Would Secure Long-term Water Supply for California
SACRAMENTO, CA, January 27, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- CA Water for All is excited to share that last week Senator Anna Caballero (D - Merced) introduced Senate Bill 72, which will establish statewide water supply targets while requiring the State, water community, and stakeholders come together to achieve comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions that will transform water management in California, ensuring adequate and reliable supplies across the State. 'CMUA is proud to co-sponsor this vital legislation with the California State Association of Counties and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance. Our state is long overdue for a new strategy on how to best manage our water supply and plan for the future,' said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Executive Director. 'With SB 72, California can finally begin to reverse the trend of overreliance on water cutbacks and rationing by working with the water community to rectify the decades-long, water supply threats that are impacting 40 million Californians and our communities statewide.' SB 72 would secure California's future water supply by doing the following: Establish necessary water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses. Modernize the California Water Plan for a 21st-century climate. Ensure accountability for state agencies on water management issues. Complement and amplify Governor Newsom's Water Supply Strategy, ensuring water supply targets extend beyond any single Administration. 'By establishing a statewide water supply target and transforming the California Water Plan into a strategic action plan to implement the target, we can finally address critical water supply challenges that are a product of climate change, weather whiplash, and an antiquated system,' said Senator Anna Caballero, author of SB 72. 'We cannot afford to wait any longer to plan and implement solutions to address California's water supply needs. I'm proud to author this proposal and look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Newsom on this critical bill.' 'Communities, residents, businesses, the economy, and jobs are threatened across the state as our water supply challenges continue to get worse,' said Craig Miller, General Manager, Western Water. 'By establishing water supply targets, SB 72 will give us a new path forward that will not only bolster the Governor's current Water Supply Plan, but will also create necessary accountability and a commitment from the State, the water community, and all stakeholders to establish necessary change.' As a result of evolving and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California will continue to face an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions. California's current water systems require extraordinary commitment and investment in new water supplies. We all have a responsibility to ensure the future of our water supplies. Policy solutions must be advanced to meet environmental, agricultural and urban uses. Last year, Senator Caballero authored a similar bill that enjoyed unanimous support from the Legislature in both houses but was vetoed by Governor Newsom due to budget concerns and a budget deficit. SB 72 includes many of the same provisions and with a better budget year projected and increased pressure from climate driven wildfires, the coalition is optimistic that the bill can get a signature from Governor Newsom. Co-sponsors of SB 72 include the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB). To learn more about SB 72, visit the state's Legislative Bill Information portal. ### SOURCE: CA Water For All
