A statue of former governor and President Ronald Reagan was approved with Gov. Jerry Brown's signature on Friday, as Brown noted he would like to raise taxes like Reagan did.
"Even in those days he demonstrated courage and unique leadership ability - even to the point of raising California taxes when he saw they were needed," said Brown, according to a story in the Sacramento Bee.
The statue will be paid for with private funds. Even so, do you think a statue of The Gipper is appropriate? Let us know in the comments!
Other bills signed this week included:
- A new, state-run retirement savings plan for the private sector, according to the Washington Post.
- No more open carrying of rifles and shotguns in California cities, according to the LA Times.
- Legislators might have a tougher time raising fees at University of California schools. A bill signed this week said university officials must consult students and justify their need for fee hikes before putting them into place, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
- Foster parents and caregivers now are required to take training in "cultural competency and sensitivity" regarding gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual kids, according to the Chronicle.
- High speed rail officials must disclose any financial stakes they have in the plan, according to the Los Angeles Times.
- Students will have free access to online textbooks, according to the Sacramento Bee's Capitol Alert.
- Employers and universities can no longer ask workers, potential employees or students for their e-mail or social media logins or passwords, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
- Brown signed 19 bills easing the way for more solar power and other renewable energy in California, according to the LA Times PolitiCal.
- California has a new marine reptile: the leatherback sea turtle. Read more in LA Times PolitiCal.
- No more using dogs to hunt bobcats and bears: read more in the Sacramento Bee.
- Graduation rates and the number of students headed to college now will be figured into school rankings. Read more in the SacBee Capitol Alert.
- Are you a victim of corporate fraud? Restitution now should come faster than before, according to the SacBee Capitol Alert.
- State parks won't close for another two years, if at all, after the scandal this year involving a discovery of tens of millions of unknown dollars in the state parks fund. Read more in LA Times PolitiCal.
- Driverless cars are now OK, at least if you have one like the Google guys. Read more on Santa Cruz Patch and in the Contra Costa Times.
- Partying with a friend who goes into a coma? You won't be punished after calling 911 if emergency responders find a small amount of drugs. Read more in HealthyCal.org.
- Party bus operators are now responsible for underage drinking on board: in the San Jose Mercury News.
- Domestic violence victims will receive more protections under a new law covered in the LA Times PolitiCal.
- The state's campaign disclosure website is about to get a facelift, thanks to lobbyist and political candidates. Read more in LA Times PolitiCal.
- Nurse practicioners and others can perform non-surgical abortions. Read more in SacBee Capitol Alert.
- Eighteen bills will help veterans and those in the military receive more benefits, including help with education and finance. Read more in LA Times PolitiCal.
- Workers comp is getting an overhaul. Read more in the Associated Press story.
