Bill would authorize local takeover of Tiburon Boulevard section

The town of Tiburon is moving a step closer to taking over the downtown section of Tiburon Boulevard from the state, which has overseen the road — also known as Highway 131 — for more than 50 years.

At the request of town officials, Assemblyman Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, has introduced a bill authorizing state highway commissioners to transfer the downtown section of the boulevard to the town. The bill, AB 747, will be discussed at an Assembly transportation committee hearing April 15.

Assembly Panel Approves Levine's Proposed Ban on Plastic Grocery Bags

Assembly Bill 158 (Levine) Approved by Assembly Natural Resources Committee

Today the Assembly Natural Resources Committee passed AB 158 (Levine), which would provide a statewide ban on single-use plastic grocery bags.

"I am pleased that this important bill has cleared its first legislative hurdle. The elimination of plastic bags is inevitable and it is time for a statewide solution to this problem," said Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael). "To continue to allow the use of plastic bags would ignore the convincing body of global evidence proving that these bags are having a drastic effect on marine environments."

Levine needs to build political coalitions behind his bills

Marin and Sonoma's new state Assemblyman Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, just threw three bills in the legislative hopper.

All are substantial. They nicely balance the interests of the political coalition that elected Levine and that he'll need as he goes forward.

PD Editorial: Independent members for pension board

A federal grand jury indictment charging two ex-CalPERS officials with fraud is yet another argument for greater public oversight of the state's public employee retirement system.

The indictment, unsealed Monday in San Francisco, names as defendants Federico Buenrostro, a former chief executive of the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and Alfred Villalobos, a former CalPERS board member.

Editorial: Renters deserve relief from smoking

Fewer than 14 percent of Californians smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products.

While they have the right to choose the risks of smoking for themselves, they do not have the right to impose their smoke involuntarily on others. That is why California has statewide laws that ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars.

Now legislators are considering taking the next step – apartments and condominiums. With shared walls, floors, ceilings or ventilation systems, the drift of smoke is palpable in neighboring units.

Assemblymember Marc Levine holding Petaluma Office Hours

Assemblymember Marc Levine will be holding office hours in Petaluma on Saturday, March 16.

Assemblymember Levine will be available from 1pm to 3pm at the Petaluma Library. No appointments are necessary.