Just as an abysmally short commercial salmon season concluded in the region, federal officials recommended a $1.4 million grant toward a creek restoration project aimed at rejuvenating the dwindling species and reducing flooding in Pescadero.
Fish die-offs and road closures have plagued the coastal area for years, prompting a local nonprofit to begin a dredging and sediment reuse project along a nearly 8,000-foot stretch of riparian habitat.
I recently served on a panel of speakers at a self-driving car event in Silicon Valley and met a fellow panelist, Assemblyman Marc Berman, known for his savvy awareness about self-driving cars. During the panel, Marc offered numerous insights that showcased his prowess in understanding the nature of where self-driving cars are today and where they are heading.
STATE RECOGNITION ... Ada's Cafe was selected by state Assemblyman Marc Berman as the 24th Assembly District's Small Business of the Year. Representatives from the coffee shop went to Sacramento on Monday, June 5, where they received the award during a lunchtime ceremony attended by about 500 people. Berman recognized the business for its commitment to hire adults with developmental disabilities and its research in best practices to provide "meaningful employment" for them.
Federal transportation authorities announced Monday that Caltrain will get the $647 million it needs to electrify the commuter line, which runs from San Francisco to Gilroy. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao will sign a deal disbursing the money over the next five years. The federal dollars will cover about a third of the $2 billion project. The state and local government agencies will have to drum up the rest of the money.
With many having spoken out about the government’s inability to adequately examine prevalent issues regarding teen depression, Marc Berman — a former Palo Alto city councilman now serving in the California State Assembly — proposed a suicide assessment bill that was passed by the State Assembly Education Committee last week.
Lawmakers representing San Mateo County in the state’s Capitol were cautiously optimistic following the governor’s updated budget proposal that included increased spending for child care, education and transportation. However, there’s a long road ahead as they seek to balance federal uncertainties with hopes for meaningful solutions to address the housing crisis.
Thursday marked Gov. Brown’s May revise, a $124 billion general fund proposal updated from what he unveiled in January.
Earlier today, a resolution introduced by California Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) to declare May 6, 2017 as the first Moyamoya Disease Awareness Day passed in the Assembly and Senate. Rare diseases such as Moyamoya typically struggle to get publicity and are seldom rewarded with legislative action recognizing their existence, which is what makes this resolution so significant.
Former Palo Alto City Councilman and state Assemblyman Marc Berman is proposing legislation that would require school districts to consider a student's risk for suicide before expelling them for substance abuse. Palo Alto Weekly file photo.
Under a proposed state bill being sponsored by a former Palo Alto city councilman, school districts would be required to consider an important question before expelling them for substance abuse: Is the student at risk for suicide?
On Dec. 5, 2016, the Capitol welcomed legislators who won their seats in the November 2016 elections. The Assembly swore in 22 new members, four of whom have previously served in the Legislature. In the Senate, three legislators with no former Capitol experience took their oath of office alongside six who had served in the Assembly.
Monday was a big day for Puente de la Sur Executive Director Rita Mancera. One of the South Coast’s most visible public servants, Mancera was honored as the Woman of the Year in the 24th Assembly District. Assemblymember Matt Berman presented her with the recognition during ceremonies at the Assembly in Sacramento. "It is an honor to pay tribute to Rita's exceptional work in the 24th Assembly District,” Berman said in a prepared statement.