Around the Island

The City of Alameda supports state legislation that meets our shared priorities.

In Alameda, your elected Mayor and City Councilmembers adopt policies and programs that best serve Alamedans. But sometimes, state or federal policies determine what the City of Alameda can do. In those cases, the City can advocate for itself and our residents and businesses. That process starts with the City Council’s adopted Legislative Agenda, which details the City’s priorities and supports measures that promote social equity, enhance the quality of life of Alameda residents, and address ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. With the City’s priorities in mind, we review hundreds of bills each year to determine which are aligned with Alameda’s interests. We then consider sharing our support (or opposition) as these bills make their way through the legislative process.

Catalytic converters

For example, to help curb the theft of catalytic converters, the City supports legislation that restricts their sales. This year, two of the bills that the City supported passed the legislature and are on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting action. AB 1740, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), requires a core recycler who accepts a catalytic converter to include a written record of the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN), along with a copy of the title. SB 1087, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), prohibits a person or core recycler from purchasing a used catalytic converter except from specific sellers.

Pedestrians and bicyclists

The City supports measures that make Alameda safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and increase enforcement of speed violations. AB 1909, authored by  Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), changes the rules and restrictions on bicycle operations to increase bicyclist safety. AB 2000, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), prohibits the exhibition of motor vehicle speed in a parking lot if the violation occurs as part of a sideshow. Both measures were passed by the legislature and are on the Governor’s desk awaiting action.

Firearms

The City supports gun safety, common-sense gun laws, and policies that keep guns out of the wrong hands. AB 2156, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), will expand prohibitions on the manufacture of firearms without a state license. AB 2239, authored by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego), creates a 10-year firearm prohibition for individuals convicted of child or elder abuse involving violence. Both bills have been signed into law.

Policing

The City supports policing and racial equity outcomes consistent with the actions taken by the City Council and legislation that addresses systemic racism and promotes social equity. AB 2147, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), prohibits a peace officer from stopping a pedestrian for illegally crossing the street (jaywalking) unless there is an immediate danger. AB 2773, authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), would require a peace officer making a traffic stop to state the reason for the stop before asking further questions unless the officer reasonably believes that withholding information is necessary. Both bills were passed by the legislature and are on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting action.

Public land

Sometimes the City works with lawmakers to sponsor a bill, for example, AB 2319, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland). The Surplus Land Act is existing state law intended to make public lands available for affordable housing before being sold to private parties. This bill changes the definition of “exempt surplus land” to include the former Alameda Naval Air Station, meaning that Alameda Point properties will be exempt from the Surplus Land Act process if the City satisfies certain affordable housing requirements. The City can therefore proceed to sell or lease the land consistent with previously approved plans, bringing new housing units and economic development to the City of Alameda. This bill passed the legislature and is on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting action.

Reproductive rights

And sometimes the City supports legislation that requires voter approval, for example, SCA 10, authored by Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), which amends the California Constitution to prohibit the state from denying or interfering with an individual’s reproductive freedom, including their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion. This measure passed the legislature and has been placed on the November 2022 ballot.

Budget Act of 2022

Finally, the legislature is responsible for passing a balanced budget that reflects California’s values. This year, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2022, allocating $1.8 million of State funds to Alameda’s Fire Department-led CARE Team (Community Assessment Response & Engagement), a 24/7/365 alternative response for individuals facing a mental health crisis. Many thanks to Assemblymember Bonta for championing funding for this critical project as part of the budget process.

To review a current list of bills that the City supports, visit www.alamedaca.gov/legislativeaffairs.

Sarah Henry is Communications & Legislative Affairs Officer for the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].