Within weeks after the shooting death of Stephon Clark in his grandmother’s Sacramento backyard in March, who was shot eight times by Sacramento police officers who apparently mistook a cell phone for a gun, Assemblymember Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, introduced Assembly Bill 931. AB 931 proposes sweeping changes in state standards for the use of lethal force by police. The bill seeks to overturn the basis for use of lethal force by police from what is considered "reasonable" to what is considered "necessary." 

This election day brought attention to some key local races for city council, water district board of directors and approval of several different tax measures. 

Not fully understanding that “it takes strength to ask for help” continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to reducing veteran suicide. Asking for and getting the help a veteran needs is especially difficult for many combat vets trained to take care of others in their unit above all else, and getting their own wounds treated last, according to Viet Nam War veteran Buzz Gray.

Campaign contributions matter in political campaigns, both large and small. In the three-way race for two seats on the Scotts Valley City Council, Stephany Aguilar received the most money for her campaign- a total of $17,786, with Jim Reed coming in a close second at $17,516.  Derek Timm reported receiving a total of $10,438 for his campaign, all according to the most recent campaign disclosure statements, covering the period to Oct. 20, filed with the city clerk.