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SF Welcomes Pilot Program That Increases Pay To Low-Income Jurors

‘Be the Jury’ aims to explore if demographics can be improved

San Francisco officials on Tuesday applauded a state bill recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that would increase pay for low-income residents serving on jury duty.

Assembly Bill 1452, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, establishes the Be The Jury pilot program through a partnership with the San Francisco Superior Court, compensating low-income jurors on criminal trials with $100 per day of jury service.

Newsom signed the bill on Friday, and the program is likely to start in January.

San Francisco To Start Paying Low To Moderate-Income Jurors Higher Daily Rate Under New Pilot Program

Higher Pay For Jurors To Be Tested in San Francisco

With the Governor’s signature on AB 1452 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), San Francisco will soon begin paying low to moderate-income jurors $100 per day – up from $15 a day. The pilot program called Be The Jury seeks to determine whether higher pay leads to more racial and socio-economic diversity in juries.

“The legal system is full of inequities, and juries lacking diversity exacerbate that. I thank the Governor for seeing the need for change and allowing our city to explore whether higher pay improves demographics. Studies show when juries are more reflective of the communities they serve, they spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt, which help defendants get a fair trial,” said Ting.

Governor Signs Ting Bills Targeting Harmful “Forever Chemicals” That Come Into Contact With Our Food

Governor Signs Ting Bills Targeting PFAS Chemicals

Sacramento – With the Governor’s signature today on two bills by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), consumers will have less exposure to “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re harmful and linked to health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, thyroid disease and vaccine interference; yet they’re added to food packaging, cookware, and many other products we come into contact with on a daily basis.

“PFAS chemicals have been a hidden threat to our health for far too long. I applaud the Governor for signing AB 1200 and 1201, allowing us to target, as well as limit, some of the toxicants coming into contact with our food,” said Ting.

Podcast: The Push To Decriminalize Jaywalking

Asm Ting Discusses His Bill, AB 1238

[Listen here.] Rules against jaywalking are rarely enforced, but in many places, when someone does get a ticket, it’s more likely than not a person of color — and the penalty is steep. Jaywalking tickets disproportionately affect communities of color in California’s biggest cities. Critics say that’s because of systemic racism, and state lawmakers want to address the disparity. A bill awaiting the signature of Gov.

Grade Change Requests Extended to Oct 1

Grade Change Requests Extended to Oct 1
School Districts Can Also Extend Further

 

AB 104 temporarily enabled students to request a "Pass" or "No Pass" option for grades earned in the 2020-21 school year. AB 167 (Education Omnibus) was signed by Governor Newsom on September 23rd, carrying a provision to extend the deadline. School districts are now required to allow high school students to submit their grade change request at least through October 1st. School districts also have the ability to extend the deadline for grade change requests even further, if they choose. For Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. 

Editorial: Trying To Cross The Street Shouldn’t Be A Crime

Publication: LA Times

California has recognized that there are environmental, public health and mobility benefits to getting people out of cars and into other modes of travel, including biking, walking and taking public transit. Yet in too many instances, state law still favors cars.

Rounds 8 & 9 Are Now Open For COVID-19 Relief Grants

Cultural Institutions, Small Businesses & Nonprofits Can Apply By Sept 30

The COVID-19 Relief Grant has been created for small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the pandemic or health/safety restrictions. Funds are awarded in amounts up to $25,000 to underserved micro- and small businesses throughout the state. Round 8 is specifically for cultural institutions. More information can be found here.

 

Legislature Approves Higher Standards For Compostable Products

Publication: SF Gate

Cracking down on "greenwashing," the state Legislature approved a bill Thursday that raises standards for what products can be labeled as compostable.

Assembly Bill 1201, dubbed the Better Composting Standards Act, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk to be signed by Oct. 10. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, is designed to help consumers determine what products are and aren't environmentally friendly and to reduce harmful chemicals from contaminating compost.

Bill That Could Legalize Jaywalking In California Headed To Gov. Newsom’s Desk

Publication: CBS 13/Sacramento

Justifying jaywalking? It’s a controversial crime that many people just simply ignore, but now California could soon make it legal to cross outside of a crosswalk.

It’s a crime many people admit doing and now, California state lawmakers have voted to legalize crossing the street mid-block if no cars are around.

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The bill’s author, Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), says jaywalking tickets have become a way for police to unfairly target minorities.

WATCH: State Jaywalking Bill Advances

Publication: NBC 4 Los Angeles

With the CA Legislative session ending at midnight, attention now turns to bills awaiting the Governor’s signature. One in particular would decriminalize jaywalking. Beverly White reports for NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2021.