Legislative Wrap-Up: What Elected Officials Were Doing This Week

Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) - Lee was honored this week with Planned Parenthood’s 2013 Champion for Women’s Health Award.

State Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) held a hearing on Wednesday to look into the impact of media violence on public safety. Hancock said questions have been raised after nationally publicized shootings about the effect repeated exposure of violence has on young people and marginalized individuals.

State Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) applauded a report released by the Interagency Task Force on Refinery Safety. The report recommends increasing staffing at Cal OSHA and adjusting the penalties for refineries that don't comply with regulations. The report was in response to the fire at the Chevron refinery fire in Richmond almost one year ago.

Rep. George Miller (D-Concord) announced a $856,000 federal grant for the El Cerrito Fire Department. The funds will be used to purchase vehicles to enhance the department's firefighting capabilities as well as quicken its response time.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) led a congressional hearing with the Homeland Security Committee to discuss how social media and other technology can help government with disaster relief. 

State Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro)- Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation authored by Corbitt to protect borrowers who lose their homes after foreclosure.