Pimping and other exploitative crimes are now second biggest revenue source for gangs in San Diego County

April 8, 2011 (San Diego) – To help law enforcement tackle the growing problem of gang-related criminal sexual exploitation and human trafficking, Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today was joined by San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore to support AB 918. 

The bill, authored by Block and sponsored by San Diego County, would give law enforcement better tools to combat criminal street gangs that commit the crimes of pimping, pandering or human trafficking--the second biggest income source for local gangs.

March 30, 2011 (Sacramento)--Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced today that the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, which he chairs, has approved his bill to improve the campus climates for LGBT students at public colleges and universities. AB 620 would require the California State University and California Community Colleges, and request the University of California, to adopt policies on harassment, intimidation and bullying in their student codes of conduct.

Commutation Transparency Legislationl Sponsored by San Diego County District Attorney

February 17, 2011 (San Diego)--Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) today joined with San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (AD-75) to announce legislation that would provide notification to victims and their families when the Governor considers an application for commutation of a sentence.

In December, outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger provoked outrage locally when he commuted the sentence of Esteban Nunez, son of a former Assembly Speaker. Nunez pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the near-fatal stabbing of Louis Don Santos, 22, near San Diego State University.

January 28, 2011 (San Diego) – Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed state budget will impact people throughout California. Assemblyman Marty Block (D-78th Assembly District) wants to know your views on this important issue. He will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, February 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School at 6702 Wandermere Drive, San Diego (off Navajo Road in San Carlos).

December 15, 2010 (Spring Valley)– To help make the holiday season brighter for low-income families in his district, Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) will sponsor the “Holiday Helping Hands” Event on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 12-1:30 p.m. (while supplies last), at the Family Health Centers of San Diego at 8788 Jamacha Road, Spring Valley. 

In partnership with the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Block will distribute toys to children and families at the health center.  He will also donate baby clothes and supplies to the health center’s Holiday Baby Boutique Program to assist expectant mothers and newborn babies.

October 12, 2010 (Bonita) – Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) is co-sponsoring a ree workshop for homeowners on Saturday, October 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bonita Library, along with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego’s Pro-Bono Program and the Housing Opportunities Collaboration.

October 1, 2010 (Sacramento) -- Legislation by Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78)  to restore special education funding to cash-strapped school districts was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. AB 184 prevents the California Department of Education from requiring school districts to repay the state for Special Disabilities Adjustment funds that districts received in the prior fiscal year and already spent to enrich the classroom experience for special-needs children.

“AB 184 is a life saver for some of our neediest students across the state and provides immediate assistance to school districts already struggling to make ends meet and maintain high quality instruction,” said Block.

September 24, 2010 (Sacramento) --Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) announced that his AB 2314 has been signed by the Governor. A bipartisan measure overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature, this legislation makes it easier for disabled veterans to receive a special property tax exemption available to them by extending the time frame for filing a claim.

Public invited to meet elected officials and candidates

August 23, 2010 (Sacramention)--Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) announced today that AB 184 has cleared the Legislature and is now awaiting action by the Governor. The bill prevents the California Department of Education from requiring school districts to repay the state for Special Disabilities Adjustment funding that they received in the last fiscal year and already used to teach special-needs students in their classrooms.

Flurry of new charter approvals raises questions over state funding priorities in an era of budget shortfalls

East County Magazine Special Report

By Miriam Raftery

 

August 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – In the 2009-2010 school year, California approved more than 88 new charter schools at a cost of tens of millions of dollars. Recent charters approved include middle schools opening in districts that already have schools with high academic achievements--new charters with oversight provided by a district with middle school test scores that rank in the bottom 10% statewide.

These findings, discovered by East County Magazine, raise serious questions about budget priorities at a time when the state faces a $20 billion deficit.  What are the long-range consequences of approving numerous charters, all entitled to a portion of public education funds? 

 “I believe that the PACE program is critical to stimulating our local and statewide economy. I’m glad to see this lawsuit filed so that this novel program can continue.” --San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, joining Brown at today's press conference in San Diego

July 14, 2010 (San Diego) – California Attorney General Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown today filed a lawsuit against mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for blocking the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs nationwide.  View a video of today's press conference in San Diego:

July 9, 2010 (Sacramento) --Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) announced today that AB 2674 has been signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. This legislation closes a loophole in state law that allowed a spouse convicted of soliciting the murder of a husband or wife to reap financial benefits such as community property in retirement and pension benefits from the injured spouse.

2 BILLS BY BLOCK TO HELP LOCAL STUDENTS WILL BE HEARD WED. IN SACRAMENTO

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2010 (San Diego) – “What was once my dream had become a nightmare on the day I was notified that I was denied admission,” Donna Chanthalangsy, a student who had met all requirements for admission to San Diego State University. “I was angered, saddened and disappointed.”  She is among 1,740 local students rejected by SDSU due to a last-minute rule change made by SDSU president Stephen Weber.