State Senate Committee Votes to End Vaccine Personal Belief Exemption
A controversial bill that would end non-medical vaccine exemptions in California passed its first of many legislative hurdle Wednesday. The Senate Health Committee approved the bill in spite of strong opposition from hundreds of parents at the hearing.
Central Coast Congresswoman Lois Capps Announces Retirement
The race has begun to replace Central Coast Congresswoman Lois Capps, who announced her retirement in a video Wednesday. Democrats have just a three-point registration advantage in the 24th district. Helene Schneider, the Democratic mayor of Santa Barbara, and Republican Justin Fareed quickly announced their intention to run. Some have hinted that Capps's daughter Laura could also run for the seat.
Community College Initiative Makes Slow Progress in Reducing Dropouts
Community colleges have been in the spotlight recently as an affordable, accessible path to higher education. President Obama wants to make these two-year degrees free to anybody who wants one. But if that plan is going to work in California, community colleges need to address a big problem: low graduation rates.