Wahab's surprisingly contentious caste bill receives a committee vetting
Alameda County wants to charge misdemeanors to sideshow spectators; EBMUD declares “Stage 0” drought; Esteen to challenge Miley in tricky ALCO D4
LEGISLATURE
STATE SENATE
—CASTE BILL—Never known to run from a good fight, state Sen. Aisha Wahab has a controversy piece of legislation on Tuesday’s Daily File. Wahab’s SB 403, legislation that would ban discrimination on the basis on caste, will be heard this morning (around 9 a.m.) before the State Senate Judiciary Committee.
—The bill has upset some Indian American conservatives in Fremont, who say its discriminates against Hindus. The intent of the bill, though, is to protect lower-caste communities from discrimination in the state. Wahab labels the bill civil rights’ legislation.
—Meanwhile, Hindus in Fremont cajoled Wahab’s political rival, Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, to issue a city proclamation “condemning Hinduphobia,” clearly meant to undercut Wahab.
—Some of the same detractors of SB 403 are threatening a recall effort against Wahab.
COUNTY NEWS
ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
—PRICE OF ADMISSION—A proposed ordinance for unincorporated Alameda County is targeting spectators at sideshows. The often dangerous sideshows that have occurred with more regularity on the streets of the unincorporated areas would punish spectators with a misdemeanor with up to six month prison time, and up to a $1,000 fine.
—The ordinance will be vetted at Wednesday night’s Alameda County Board of Supervisors Unincorporated Services Committee in San Lorenzo.
—The proliferation of sideshows in the East Bay, in particular, Oakland, has long vexed elected officials and local law enforcement. Gun violence has also become more prevalent at these events, according to law enforcement.
—A multi-jurisdiction agency named the Alameda County Regional Sideshow Enforcement Team (RESET), which includes the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, in addition, to the San Leandro and Hayward Police Departments, will attempt to prevent and reign in sideshows.
MORE INSIDE:
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EBMUD declares drought is effectively over
CITY NEWS: Might Coliseum Authority renew A’s lease?
Who is the Chronicle’s secret City Hall source detailing A’s ‘plump and dump’ plan?
Union City’s proposed garbage and recycling rate increases
ELECTION 2024: Miley has a challenger, but beating him won’t be easy.
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