InMenlo: “With UN Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres warning that the latest IPCC report is a ‘Code Red for Humanity,’ it is time for all of us to embrace innovative solutions,” said California State Senator Josh Becker, one of the event’s guest speakers. “Cities and counties have a unique catalyzing role to play in reducing the worst effects of climate change. I’m pleased to join this expert panel and invite Bay Area elected officials to attend this virtual event and participate in the discussion of ideas that could be equitably applied in their communities.”
In the News
Mountain View Voice: Ramirez was next in line for mayor going into the Jan. 11 council meeting and was the expected appointment, but colleagues nevertheless emphasized that he was the right person for the job...Several state and county elected officials chimed in as well, including State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), who praised the city's efforts in launching interim homeless housing and standing up against hate targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
San Mateo Daily Journal: Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday released his initial budget proposal for California’s 2022-23 budget, with state legislators from San Mateo County happy with spending addressing COVID, climate change and education. State Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, commended the budget and its work to address decarbonization, wind energy, long-duration energy storage, education and transportation. He highlighted $22.5 billion for Climate Action investments, including $6.1 billion proposed over five years to catalyze the transition to zero-emission vehicles and $2 billion in clean energy investments.
Daily Post: State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, said he is particularly excited about $22.5 billion in climate change-related spending, including $6.1 billion proposed over a 5-year period to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions vehicles, and $2 billion to advance building and industry decarbonization, wind energy, long-duration energy storage and more. The governor’s economic opportunity investments include $500 million for job training for workers in the green economy.
SFGate.com
By Olivia Wyncoop, Bay City News Foundation
California nonprofits that participated or aided in last year's attack on the U.S. Capitol may lose their tax-exempt status via a new bill introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, on the anniversary of the insurrection.
Half Moon Bay Review: The city of Half Moon Bay last week announced a partnership with a local nonprofit that will run a four-month pilot to replace armed San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputies with mental health specialists for certain types of nonviolent emergencies. The city is looking for grants from the county and state that could keep the program going and expand its hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staff is eyeing opportunities from the California Department of Social Services, which has a new grant program established through Assembly Bill 118 and co-authored by Sen. Josh Becker, whose district includes the Coastside.
Climate Online: The 12th annual Hanukah Festival, organized by Chabad MidPen of Redwood City, was celebrated Dec. 5 in Courthouse Square. The attendees enjoyed food, entertainment and games which were available preceding the lighting of the menorah by State Senator Josh Becker. The menorah was wrapped in handmade scarves, mittens and hats to be given out to homeless people.
San Mateo Daily Journal: Sixteen-year-olds are old enough to drive, they are old enough to pay taxes, and they are even cognitively equal to most 18-year-olds in society. So why can’t they vote? This question is what Vote16 SMC aims to answer with its nonpartisan initiative to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections in San Mateo County...