2016-03-22 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regarding the statewide regulatory framework for medicinal cannabis, Casey Elliot reported a package of three bills, AB 243, AB 266 and SB 643, was signed into law and is now in the process of being implemented by the State. He also mentioned the State's first Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation Chief was hired in February. Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento asked if any of the new regulations impact the City. Casey Elliot responded the State is interested in keeping local control intact but some items, such as taxes, may put pressure on cities. He also mentioned the high likelihood of an initiative qualifying for the November ballot regarding recreational marijuana use. Casey Elliot commented that in the wake of high profile violence involving assault weapons, numerous gun control bills have been introduced in Legislature with some receiving enough support to move forward. Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento remarked on the relationship between the release of low or mid-level offenders due to Proposition 47 and the increase in crime in Santa Ana and wondered if realignment funds are available from the State. Casey Elliott stated the Governor has not proposed additional realignment funds in the current budget but rather may pursue a ballot initiative to provide more rehabilitation to offenders while they are incarcerated. Cori Williams reviewed Townsend Public Affairs grant coordination efforts mentioning the City was awarded a total of $13,674,000 in Active Transportation Funding; $11,519,000 from the statewide Active Transportation Program and $2,155,000 from the SCAG Active Transportation component. The next grant cycle in 2017 will have application deadlines in 2016 and Townsend Public Affairs will work closely with the City during the submittal process. Cori Williams mentioned new funding available through the California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program by the Department of Parks and Recreation for heavily populated, low-income urban areas with high unemployment and youth crime rates. Qualifying projects must include a water conservation component. Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, Gerardo Mouet, commented the department is very interested in the grant and has determined Santa Anita Park would be the most competitive for this opportunity. Casey Elliot stated Assemblymember Anthony Rendon was officially sworn-in as the new Speaker of the California Assembly in February and due to the new term limit rules he could be Speaker for the next eight years. Speaker Rendon has indicated he will not author any bills this year and instead will focus on the State budget and helping advance State priorities. Casey Elliot mentioned several categories of legislation which have been introduced this year including affordable housing, medicinal cannabis, and gun control. This is the second year of a two-year session ending in August 2016 and there will be no hold-over legislation. Items will need to be voted on or be reintroduced in January 2017. Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento asked Townsend Public Affairs to keep the City informed on affordable housing, gun control and redevelopment legislation. In relation to water conservation, Cori Williams reported the State Water Resources Board voted in February 2016 to extend Governor Brown's conservation mandate until October 31, 2016. The only modifications to the mandate affect the total conservation adjustment credit and the supplier conservation standard. Legislative Council Committee Minutes March 22, 2016, Page 3