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In California, Hotels and Rentals Must Reveal Fees Upfront. What Does That Mean for You?- New York Times

Two new laws target surprise charges like resort fees, cleaning fees and service fees, forcing companies to tell you about them before you book, even if you live elsewhere. Here’s what you need to know.

 

Derek M. Norman, The New York Times

Last May, Samir Bhavnani, a 47-year-old tech executive from San Diego, was planning a trip to Palm Springs, Calif., where he planned to propose to his girlfriend. He found the perfect spot on Vrbo: It offered a “spa in a grotto,” a slide and a swim-up bar and had plenty of five-star reviews.

He decided to book two nights, at $595 a night. But somehow, the total came to about $2,300.

Bill looks to equip mental health patient advocates - San Mateo Daily Journal

Legislation to address caregiver concerns with involuntary detention

Ana Mata, San Mateo Daily Journal

As the state and county continue to pursue policies expanding the parameters for involuntarily detentions in cases of mental health or substance abuse concerns, local leaders are looking to make sure loved ones can be informed advocates.

When former San Carlos Mayor Laura Parmer-Lohan experienced firsthand how out of the loop a caretaker can be when a loved one above the age of 18 is involuntarily detained, or 5150’d, she felt something had to change.

Assemblymember Berman Reacts to State Audit of VTA

SACRAMENTO - The California State Auditor released of a comprehensive state audit of the Santa Clara County Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) yesterday, an audit that was conducted at the request of Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). The State Auditor reviewed VTA’s governance structure, project planning and management, financial viability, and fiscal oversight.

Assembly Approves Bill to Shield Elections from Deceptive Online Deepfakes

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Assemblymember Berman (D-Menlo Park) announced the passage through the Assembly of AB 2655, which will protect election integrity by requiring large online platforms to restrict, for a limited period, the posting and distribution of deceptive and digitally altered or created images, audio, or video recordings meant to give the impression that a candidate

Bipartisan Retail Theft Package Advances

SACRAMENTO – Today the Assembly passed AB 3209, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) and Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), which will authorize a court to impose a Retail Crime Restraining Order upon conviction, or following two or more citations, for a theft offense, vandalism within the store, or battery on an employee within the store.