KQED: Friedman Questions Effectiveness of Chevron Oil Spill Penalty

The heads of the state legislative committees that oversee much of California's oil and gas industry are questioning whether a fine issued by state regulators against Chevron this week, for a massive uncontrolled release of crude petroleum in a Kern County oil field, will be effective.

California's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources on Wednesday announced that it slapped the San Ramon-based oil giant with a $2.7 million fine for illegally allowing releases of large amounts of oil at one of the company's well sites in the Cymric Oil Field between May and July.

Op-Ed: The Lifeblood of our Democracy

The free exchange of ideas and opinions, of fact-based independent reporting and the ability to illuminate issues from the world stage to the local, are not only what ushered in the founding of our nation, but are the breath that has kept it alive all these years. 

Since first being elected as your State Assemblymember in 2016, I have been given the privilege of writing opinion pieces in this paper. These op-eds have given me an opportunity to explain my perspective and to explore topics in-depth with the people of our district. 

ABC 7 KRCR News: Governor Signs Friedman’s Bill Reducing Fire Hazard in At-Risk Communities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is adopting nearly two dozen new laws aimed at preventing and fighting the devastating wildfires that have charred large swaths of the state in recent years, killing scores and destroying a Sierra foothills city last fall.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced signing the 22 bills Wednesday, saying several will also help the state meet its clean energy goals.

He said they largely enact recommendations from a June report by a governor's task force and build on $1 billion in the state budget devoted to preparing for wildfires and other emergencies.

KQED: Friedman Urges Governor Will Sign Much-Needed Wildfire Legislation

After 86 people in the town of Paradise lost their lives in a massive wildfire last year, California lawmakers vowed to prepare the state for future infernos. But while millions of dollars are going toward new firefighting crews and technology, some say the state is overlooking an area in dire need of help: making homes and buildings safer.

California Moves One Step Closer Towards Safe Streets

SACRAMENTO – Legislation introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) that will put the brakes on illegal street racing and reckless driving on California’s roads has passed the legislature with broad, bipartisan support and now heads to Governor Newsom for his signature.

 

Friedman Bill to Curb the Damage Done by Wildfire Heads to Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1516, a measure by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) that will make homes and communities more resilient to wildfires.

            During 2017 and 2018 California experienced the largest fires ever recorded in its history. In 2017, over 1.3 million acres burned in high-severity wildfires and over 10,000 structures were destroyed. In 2018, over 1.8 million acres burned and over 22,700 structures were destroyed. Over one hundred Californians have died from wildfires over the last two years. The legislation was inspired by the findings of firefighting experts after investigating the sites where these wildfires had hit the hardest.

The End of Fur: Friedman’s Fur Ban on Way to Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, California took one final step closer towards becoming the first state in the nation to ban the sale and manufacture of fur.

            On a 27-8 vote, Assembly Bill 44, by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), passed the Senate Floor and then passed a concurrence vote in the Assembly. The bill is now on the desk of Governor Newsom, awaiting his signature.

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