Monthly Archives: July 2012

Uncategorized

The TRUST Act: Good for all Californians.

By Danielle Riendeau, Communications Coordinator, ACLU of Northern California

On Wednesday, July 18th the ACLU and community members gathered to support Juana Reyes, who is facing deportation after an arrest for selling tamales outside of the Florin Rd. Walmart in Sacramento and to urge the passage of the TRUST Act.

Juana Reyes is your neighbor, your friend, or your family member. The food vendor and mother of two was recently arrested, chained and held in immigration detention for two weeks (while her children were taken away and placed in foster care) – all because she was selling tamales in front of a Sacramento Walmart.

In fact, she’s been a food vendor for years – the trouble only came when a new security guard tried to remove her from the premises, and local police threw trespassing and “interfering with business”charges at her. Just like that, Juana was locked away, even though the charges were minor and eventually dropped. Her story is a bold reminder of just how desperately we need to fix the broken immigration detention system in California.

The passing of the TRUST Act – AB 1081, authored by Assembly member Tom Ammiano – in the state senate on July 5th was a bold, groundbreaking step forward. The act seeks to mitigate the failures of the utterly broken Secure Communities (S-Comm) program and help ensure fair treatment for law-abiding people in all communities around California.

S-Comm is a federal program that was purportedly aimed at deporting serious and violent felons. Instead, it has become a racial profiling nightmare for communities all over the state. People have been locked up and thrown out of the country for minor violations, and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s massive dragnet has even ensnared US citizens, thanks to database snafus.

On the whole, S-Comm has resulted in the deportations of over 75,000 Californians – more than any other state. It has torn families apart, made entire communities afraid of reporting crime to the police, and threatened public safety.

The TRUST Act will restore good faith and transparency between our communities and local police by limiting local jails from holding people on immigration-based detention requests when they pose no risk to public safety. It will allow local police to do their jobs and focus on public safety – for everyone in the community.

This doesn’t mean it’s a done deal yet – the act still needs votes and the governor’s signature. Call the governor today and urge him to support the TRUST Act, and help make California a safe place for everyone who lives here.

Uncategorized

Brown Signs HSR Funding Legislation

Would start building in Central Valley

by Brian Leubitz

High speed rail in California has more than its share of opponents.  But today, it gets started in earnest:

With his most public cheerleading yet for California’s bullet train, Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed the $8 billion bill to kick off high-speed rail construction as he lobbied to win back voters who are increasingly skeptical of the rail line.

Brown’s day-long, dual-city signature event began during a morning press conference at Union Station in Los Angeles and is set to be followed by another gala with supporters at the future Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. The locations were fitting in many ways since the stations will serve as the two endpoints of the $69 billion line, though Brown had to fly between events.

The centerpiece of SB 1029, however, is $6 billion to start building the first tracks in the Central Valley early next year. The remaining $2 billion will beef up transit while laying the groundwork for high-speed rail in the Bay Area and Southern California, including electrification of the existing Caltrain line between San Francisco and San Jose.(SJ Merc)

So, today is in many ways a momentous one. It means more jobs in the short term, and better infrastructure for more jobs in the long term. It means a future of a more connected California.

“California’s communities will be transformed and linked across the state.  And our nation will enjoy increased global competitiveness, reduced dependence on foreign oil, and more affordable and convenient transportation options for all Americans,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Using current day thinking, analysts predict poor ridership and many want to just stay with the status quo.  Unfortunately, the status quo, unless we like aging infrastructure and enormous traffic delays, isn’t really an option. Not building HSR demands big road and airport expansion projects. Plus, there is the fact that we’ve probably hit peak oil and gas won’t be getting substantially cheaper from here on out. Mass transit must become more efficient. That means everything from bus and commuter rail to HSR.

But HSR would offer California a unique proposition. Northern and Southern California, two very distinct centers of innovation would be even more easily linked. No other location in the world would offer similar resources. Now, HSR is just one step in increasing our competitiveness. We have to recommit to both K12 and higher education. But the cards are all still out there for an even more vibrant California, we just have to play the right ones.

Environment

Urging Regulators to Shut Down Refiner After Leak That Endangered NorCal Community

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Refineries

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today. On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility. The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

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“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog. “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely. Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog. The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011. This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said. Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker. “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

 

Uncategorized

Urging Regulators to Shut Down

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today.  On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility.  The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog.  “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely.   Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog.  The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011.  This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said.  Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker.  “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

– 30 –

Uncategorized

Urging Regulators to Shut Down Refiner After Leak That Endangered NorCal Community

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today.  On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility.  The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog.  “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely.   Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog.  The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011.  This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said.  Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker.  “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

– 30 –

Uncategorized

Urging Regulators to Shut Down Refiner After Leak That Endangered NorCal Community

Refineries

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today.  On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility.  The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog.  “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely.   Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog.  The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011.  This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said.  Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker.  “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

– 30 –

Uncategorized

Urging Regulators to Shut Down Refiner After Leak That Endangered NorCal Community

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Refineries

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today.  On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility.  The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog.  “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely.   Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog.  The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011.  This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said.  Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker.  “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

– 30 –

California

Analysis of California State Assembly 2012 races

Here is my analysis of the Assembly races. I will start with listing by rating.

GUARANTEED DEM – 15

SAFE DEM – 32

LEAN DEM – 2

TOSS-UP – 3

LEAN GOP – 1

LIKELY GOP – 2

SAFE GOP – 19

GUARANTEED GOP – 6

The Democrats’ best-case scenario, winning all the seats that lean their way and the toss-ups, is status-quo 52-28, while the Republicans’ best-case scenario is 49-31.

Now, on to the races.

California’s 1st State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Northeastern corner (Redding)

November ballot: Rick Bosetti (R) vs. Brian Dahle (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 58-31

Governor 2010: Whitman 53-37

President 2008: McCain 53-41

California’s 2nd State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: North Coast (Santa Rosa)

November ballot: Wesley Chesbro (D-inc) vs. Tom Lynch (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 57-32

Governor 2010: Brown 59-33

President 2008: Obama 67-29

California’s 3rd State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Northern Sacramento Valley (Chico, Paradise, Oroville)

November ballot: Dan Logue (R-inc) vs. Charles Rouse (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 57-32

Governor 2010: Whitman 52-39

President 2008: McCain 53-44

California’s 4th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Western Sacramento Valley (Davis, Napa)

November ballot: Mariko Yamada (D-inc) vs. John Munn (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 54-37

Governor 2010: Brown 57-36

President 2008: Obama 65-32

California’s 5th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Northeastern San Joaquin Valley, Sierras

November ballot: Frank Bigelow (R) vs. Rico Oller (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 58-32

Governor 2010: Whitman 53-39

President 2008: McCain 53-44

California’s 6th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Roseville, Folsom

November ballot: Beth Gaines (R-inc) vs. Regy Bronner (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 60-32

Governor 2010: Whitman 57-37

President 2008: McCain 55-42

California’s 7th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Sacramento, West Sacramento

November ballot: Roger Dickinson (D-inc) vs. Jonathan Zachariou (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 58-33

Governor 2010: Brown 65-29

President 2008: Obama 67-30

California’s 8th State Assembly District – TOSS-UP

Geography: Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova

November ballot: Ken Cooley (D) vs. Peter Tateishi (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 48-43

Governor 2010: Brown 50-43

President 2008: Obama 52-45

Description: This is probably the dictionary definition of “swing district”.

California’s 9th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Lodi, Elk Grove, part of Sacramento

November ballot: Richard Pan (D-inc) vs. Tony Amador (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 51-41

Governor 2010: Brown 58-36

President 2008: Obama 59-38

California’s 10th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Marin County, southern Sonoma County

November ballot: Michael Allen (D-inc) vs. Marc Levine (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 66-27

Governor 2010: Brown 68-27

President 2008: Obama 76-21

California’s 11th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Antioch, Fairfield, Vacaville

November ballot: Jim Frazier (D) vs. Mike Hudson (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 51-41

Governor 2010: Brown 55-39

President 2008: Obama 60-37

California’s 12th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Eastern San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties

November ballot: Kristin Olsen (R-inc) vs. Christopher Mateo (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 57-34

Governor 2010: Whitman 53-39

President 2008: McCain 52-45

California’s 13th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Stockton, Tracy

November ballot: Susan Talamantes Eggman (D) vs. K. “Jeffrey” Jafri (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 51-40

Governor 2010: Brown 55-38

President 2008: Obama 61-36

California’s 14th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Concord, Martinez, Vallejo

November ballot: Susan Bonilla (D-inc)

Senate 2010: Boxer 61-32

Governor 2010: Brown 62-32

President 2008: Obama 69-29

California’s 15th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Berkeley, Richmond

November ballot: Nancy Skinner (D-inc)

Senate 2010: Boxer 84-12

Governor 2010: Brown 84-12

President 2008: Obama 87-10

California’s 16th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Livermore, San Ramon, Walnut Creek

November ballot: Joan Buchanan (D-inc) vs. Al Phillips (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 50-45

Governor 2010: Brown 51-45

President 2008: Obama 60-37

California’s 17th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Eastern San Francisco

November ballot: Tom Ammiano (D-inc) vs. Jason P. Clark (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 80-11

Governor 2010: Brown 82-13

President 2008: Obama 87-10

California’s 18th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Oakland

November ballot: Rob Bonta (D) vs. Abel Guillen (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 81-13

Governor 2010: Brown 82-13

President 2008: Obama 85-12

California’s 19th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Western San Francisco, Daly City

November ballot: Michael Breyer (D) vs. Phil Ting (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 70-21

Governor 2010: Brown 72-23

President 2008: Obama 78-19

California’s 20th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Fremont, Hayward

November ballot: Bill Quirk (D) vs. Jennifer Ong (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 67-26

Governor 2010: Brown 67-27

President 2008: Obama 73-24

California’s 21st State Assembly District – LEAN DEM

Geography: Merced County, western Stanislaus County (Ceres, Modesto, Patterson)

November ballot: Adam Gray (D) vs. Jack Mobley (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 49-42

Governor 2010: Brown 47-45

President 2008: Obama 54-43

Description: The statewide numbers show that this is a swingy district, and while the Republican got almost 45%, the remaining 55% was split among 4 Democrats.

California’s 22nd State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: San Mateo County (San Mateo, Redwood City)

November ballot: Mark Gilham (R) vs. Kevin Mullin (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 64-30

Governor 2010: Brown 64-31

President 2008: Obama 72-25

California’s 23rd State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Fresno, Clovis

November ballot: Jim Patterson (R) vs. Bob Whalen (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 62-31

Governor 2010: Whitman 58-36

President 2008: McCain 53-45

California’s 24th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Silicon Valley (Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale)

November ballot: Richard Gordon (D-inc) vs. Chengzhi “George” Yang (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 66-28

Governor 2010: Brown 64-31

President 2008: Obama 73-23

California’s 25th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Newark, Milpitas, Santa Clara

November ballot: Bob Wieckowski (D-inc) vs. Arlyne Diamond (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 63-29

Governor 2010: Brown 61-33

President 2008: Obama 68-28

California’s 26th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Inyo County, Visalia, rural Kern County

November ballot: Connie Conway (R-inc) vs. Jonathan Louis Sosa (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 61-29

Governor 2010: Whitman 55-37

President 2008: McCain 57-41

California’s 27th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: San Jose

November ballot: Nora Campos (D-inc) vs. Roger F. Lasson (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 66-26

Governor 2010: Brown 64-29

President 2008: Obama 70-26

California’s 28th State Assembly District – LEAN DEM (but no chance of going GOP at all)

Geography: Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga

November ballot: Paul Fong (D-inc) vs. Chad Walsh (NPP)

Senate 2010: Boxer 58-34

Governor 2010: Brown 57-38

President 2008: Obama 67-30

Quite unusual, though this is not the first time a “minor party” (in this case, none at all) candidate has a fighting chance against a major-party incumbent. Fong only got 54% in June, so this may be the only race in which top-two potentially worked to a non-major party candidate’s benefit.

California’s 29th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Santa Cruz, Monterey

November ballot: Mark Stone (D) vs. Tom Walsh (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 61-31

Governor 2010: Brown 62-32

President 2008: Obama 71-26

California’s 30th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: San Benito, Salinas, Morgan Hill

November ballot: Luis Alejo (D-inc) vs. Rob Bernosky (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 57-35

Governor 2010: Brown 58-35

President 2008: Obama 66-31

California’s 31st State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Western Fresno County

November ballot: Henry Perea (D-inc)

Senate 2010: Boxer 46-44

Governor 2010: Brown 53-39

President 2008: Obama 59-38

California’s 32nd State Assembly District – LIKELY GOP

Geography: Kings County, Bakersfield, Delano

November ballot: Rudy Salas (D) vs. Pedro Rios (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 48-41

Governor 2010: Whitman 49-41

President 2008: Obama 52-45

Description: I don’t see how Salas can overcome a 60-40 deficit, even if Democratic turnout was reduced in June.

California’s 33rd State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Most of San Bernardino County (Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Barstow)

November ballot: Tim Donnelly (R-inc) vs. John Coffey (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 58-31

Governor 2010: Whitman 53-35

President 2008: McCain 55-41

California’s 34th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Bakersfield

November ballot: Shannon Grove (R-inc) vs. Mari Goodman (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 66-25

Governor 2010: Whitman 60-31

President 2008: McCain 63-34

California’s 35th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria

November ballot: Katcho Achadjian (R-inc) vs. Gerry Manata

Senate 2010: Fiorina 51-40

Governor 2010: Whitman 50-42

President 2008: McCain 49-48

California’s 36th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Steve Fox (D) vs. Ron Smith (R)

November ballot: Lancaster, Palmdale

Senate 2010: Fiorina 53-37

Governor 2010: Whitman 48-40

President 2008: McCain 49-48

California’s 37th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard

November ballot: Das Williams (D-inc) vs. Rob Walter (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 52-40

Governor 2010: Brown 52-41

President 2008: Obama 64-33

California’s 38th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Santa Clarita, Simi Valley

November ballot: Edward Headington (D) vs. Scott Wilk (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 55-37

Governor 2010: Whitman 54-39

President 2008: McCain 51-46

California’s 39th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Eastern San Fernando Valley

November ballot: Richard Alarcon (D-inc) vs. Raul Bocanegra (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 63-27

Governor 2010: Brown 64-27

President 2008: Obama 71-25

California’s 40th State Assembly District – LEAN GOP

Geography: Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Redlands

November ballot: Mike Morrell (R-inc) vs. Russ Warner (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 48-42

Governor 2010: Brown 46-45

President 2008: Obama 52-44

Description: This district looks like Morrell’s old district, except it trades a Republican city for a Democratic one: Upland for San Bernardino. This district is also 47% minority-majority in the citizen voting age population, so June turnout was probably lower than what November’s might be.

California’s 41st State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Upland)

November ballot: Chris Holden (D) vs. Donna Lowe (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 51-42

Governor 2010: Brown 53-40

President 2008: Obama 60-37

California’s 42nd State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Hemet, Palm Desert, Yucca Valley

November ballot: Brian Nestande (R-inc) vs. Anthony Orozco (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 55-37

Governor 2010: Whitman 52-39

President 2008: McCain 52-45

California’s 43rd State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Burbank, Glendale

November ballot: Mike Gatto (D-inc) vs. Greg Krikorian (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 59-33

Governor 2010: Brown 59-33

President 2008: Obama 67-29

California’s 44th State Assembly District – LIKELY GOP

Geography: Oxnard, Thousand Oaks

November ballot: Jeff Gorell (R-inc) vs. Eileen MacEnery (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 49-44

Governor 2010: Whitman 49-44

President 2008: Obama 55-43

Description: The addition of Oxnard shifted this district from a small Republican registration advantage to a slight Democratic registration. Gorell is moderate and has received the teachers’ union endorsement, so he shouldn’t have much trouble holding this district.

California’s 45th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Western San Fernando Valley

November ballot: Bob Blumenfield (D-inc) vs. Chris Kolski (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 55-38

Governor 2010: Brown 55-39

President 2008: Obama 64-33

California’s 46th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Western San Fernando Valley

November ballot: Adrin Nazarian (D) vs. Jay Stern (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 66-26

Governor 2010: Brown 67-27

President 2008: Obama 73-23

California’s 47th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino

November ballot: Joe Baca, Jr. (D) vs. Cheryl R. Brown (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 60-30

Governor 2010: Brown 61-29

President 2008: Obama 67-29

California’s 48th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Baldwin Park, West Covina, Glendora

November ballot: Roger Hernandez (D-inc) vs. Joe M. Gardner (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 53-37

Governor 2010: Brown 56-35

President 2008: Obama 61-36

California’s 49th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park*

November ballot: Ed Chau (D) vs. Matthew Lin (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 54-37

Governor 2010: Brown 55-37

President 2008: Obama 60-36

*This is the only majority-Asian district in all of the California U.S. House, Senate, and Assembly districts in population and voting-age population (VAP), and almost majority-Asian citizen VAP. Have there been any other majority-Asian districts outside of Hawaii?

California’s 50th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: West Side L.A. (Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, West Hollywood)

November ballot: Betsy Butler (D-inc) vs. Richard Bloom (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 67-28

Governor 2010: Brown 66-29

President 2008: Obama 74-23

Description: Butler, who barely won in a Beach Cities-centric district in 2010, moved to this West Side-centric district and will face the mayor of Santa Monica. Her other option was the very swingy 66th district, so her chances are nominally better here.

California’s 51st State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Downtown L.A.

November ballot: Jimmy Gomez (D) vs. Luis Lopez (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 77-15

Governor 2010: Brown 77-15

President 2008: Obama 79-17

California’s 52nd State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Chino, Ontario, Pomona

November ballot: Norma Torres (D-inc) vs. Kenny Coble (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 57-37

Governor 2010: Brown 56-35

President 2008: Obama 63-34

California’s 53rd State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Downtown L.A., Huntington Park

November ballot: John Pérez (D-inc) vs. Jose Aguilar (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 76-14

Governor 2010: Brown 77-15

President 2008: Obama 78-18

California’s 54th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Culver City

November ballot: Holly Mitchell (D-inc) vs. Brandon McCowen (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 78-16

Governor 2010: Brown 78-16

President 2008: Obama 84-14

California’s 55th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Diamond Bar, La Habra, Yorba Linda

November ballot: Curt Hagman (R-inc) vs. Gregg Fritchle (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 57-36

Governor 2010: Whitman 56-37

President 2008: McCain 50-47

California’s 56th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Imperial County, Indio, Cathedral City, Blythe

November ballot: Manuel Perez (D-inc) vs. Corky Reynaga-Emett (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 52-40

Governor 2010: Brown 54-39

President 2008: Obama 59-38

California’s 57th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: La Mirada, Norwalk, Whittier

November ballot: Ian Charles Calderon (D) vs. Noel Jaimes (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 54-37

Governor 2010: Brown 56-36

President 2008: Obama 60-36

California’s 58th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Downey, Bellflower, Cerritos

November ballot: Christina Garcia (D) vs. Patricia Kotze-Ramos (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 60-30

Governor 2010: Brown 62-30

President 2008: Obama 66-31

California’s 59th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Part of South Central L.A.

November ballot: Rodney Robinson (D) vs. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 86-6

Governor 2010: Brown 86-6

President 2008: Obama 90-7

California’s 60th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Corona, Riverside

November ballot: Eric Linder (R) vs. Jose Luis Perez (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 50-41

Governor 2010: Whitman 48-43

President 2008: Obama 51-46

California’s 61st State Assembly District – TOSS-UP

Geography: Riverside, Moreno Valley

November ballot: Bill Batey (R) vs. Jose Medina (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 50-41

Governor 2010: Brown 53-39

President 2008: Obama 60-36

Description: Here is another new Riverside district. I’m rating this a toss-up like its Senate and U.S. House counterparts due to the “uncharted territory” and “historic GOP strength” factors. However, Kamala Harris won here in the Attorney General race, so if one of the districts goes DEM, my money is on this one.

California’s 62nd State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Inglewood, Hawthorne

November ballot: Steven Bradford (D-inc) vs. Mervin Leon Evans (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 73-20

Governor 2010: Brown 73-21

President 2008: Obama 80-17

California’s 63rd State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Gateway Cities (South Gate, Lakewood, Lynwood)

November ballot: Jack M. Guerrero (R) vs. Anthony Rendon (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 66-24

Governor 2010: Brown 67-24

President 2008: Obama 72-24

California’s 64th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED DEM

Geography: Compton, Carson

November ballot: Isadore Hall (D-inc)

Senate 2010: Boxer 80-11

Governor 2010: Brown 82-11

President 2008: Obama 85-12

California’s 65th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Buena Park, Fullerton, Stanton

November ballot: Chris Norby (R-inc) vs. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 50-41

Governor 2010: Whitman 50-42

President 2008: Obama 50-47

California’s 66th State Assembly District – TOSS-UP

Geography: Palos Verdes, Torrance, West Carson, Beach Cities

November ballot: Craig Huey (R) vs. Al Muratsuchi (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 47-45

Governor 2010: Whitman 47-46

President 2008: Obama 55-42

Description: Huey, who overperformed in a House district special election in 2011, is running in this swingy district, with Democratic-leaning West Carson, the slight-Democratic-leaning Beach Cities (Hermosa/Manhattan/Redondo), the Republican-leaning Palos Verdes Peninsula, and swingy Torrance. Republicans got 60% of the June vote, which seems high for a swingy district, so this district could go either way.

California’s 67th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore

November ballot: Melissa Melendez (R) vs. Phil Paule (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 61-31

Governor 2010: Whitman 57-34

President 2008: McCain 56-41

California’s 68th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Lake Forest, Orange, Tustin

November ballot: Don Wagner (R-inc) vs. Christina Avalos (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 61-32

Governor 2010: Whitman 60-33

President 2008: McCain 52-45

California’s 69th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Anaheim, Santa Ana

November ballot: Tom Daly (D) vs. Joe Moreno (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 56-34

Governor 2010: Brown 56-34

President 2008: Obama 64-33

California’s 70th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Long Beach

November ballot: Bonnie Lowenthal (D-inc) vs. Martha Flores Gibson (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 57-34

Governor 2010: Brown 59-34

President 2008: Obama 67-30

California’s 71st State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: El Cajon, Santee

November ballot: Brian Jones (R-inc) vs. Patrick Hurley (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 61-29

Governor 2010: Whitman 58-32

President 2008: McCain 57-40

California’s 72nd State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Westminster

November ballot: Travis Allen (R) vs. Troy Edgar (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 54-38

Governor 2010: Whitman 55-37

President 2008: McCain 53-44

California’s 73rd State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente

November ballot: Diane Harkey (R-inc) vs. James Corbett (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 63-30

Governor 2010: Whitman 62-31

President 2008: McCain 53-44

California’s 74th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach

November ballot: Allan Mansoor (R-inc) vs. Robert Rush (D)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 56-37

Governor 2010: Whitman 56-37

President 2008: McCain 50-47

California’s 75th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Escondido, San Marcos, Temecula

November ballot: Matthew Herold (D) vs. Marie Waldron (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 62-30

Governor 2010: Whitman 60-31

President 2008: McCain 55-41

California’s 76th State Assembly District – GUARANTEED GOP

Geography: Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista

November ballot: Rocky Chavez (R) vs. Sherry Hodges (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 53-38

Governor 2010: Whitman 52-40

President 2008: Obama 51-46

California’s 77th State Assembly District – SAFE GOP

Geography: Poway, northern San Diego

November ballot: Ruben Hernandez (D) vs. Brian Maienschein (R)

Senate 2010: Fiorina 54-38

Governor 2010: Whitman 55-39

President 2008: Obama 50-47

California’s 78th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Western San Diego, Coronado, Imperial Beach

November ballot: Toni Atkins (D-inc) vs. Ralph Denney (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 54-38

Governor 2010: Brown 54-39

President 2008: Obama 66-31

California’s 79th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Chula Vista, La Mesa, Lemon Grove

November ballot: Mary England (R) vs. Shirley Weber (D)

Senate 2010: Boxer 50-41

Governor 2010: Brown 51-40

President 2008: Obama 60-38

California’s 80th State Assembly District – SAFE DEM

Geography: Chula Vista, National City

November ballot: Ben Hueso (D-inc) vs. Derrick Roach (R)

Senate 2010: Boxer 57-32

Governor 2010: Brown 57-32

President 2008: Obama 66-32

Uncategorized

CA GOP Waives the White Flag (On Senate Districting, Anyway)

4 Comments

Prop 40 proponents acknowledge failure, orphan measure

by Brian Leubitz

Earlier in the cycle, Senate Republicans, and the state GOP (along with a few wealthy donors) decided that putting a referendum on the ballot to reject the senate district lines would be a good use of money. Of course, Republicans (in particular Schwarzeneger)were the main supporters of the original initiative to change the redistricting process, but never mind that.

They had intended to get the courts to toss out the old maps for the 2012 election, but during the court case didn’t actually provide a reason to do so. You can read more about the CASupCt’s decision in my summary of the opinion, but long story short the Commission map was just the easiest and most representative map to use. It complied with the equal representation requirement, took a lot of comment about the lines from the public and generally tried to meet the goals of the initiative.

That left the GOP with a very visible problem: what to do about Prop 40? If they actively tried to win on the referendum, we would have another set of maps for 2014. With voters already confused from the once-a-decade redistricting, that hardly seemed wise politically.  Instead we got a ballot statement from the proponents of the referendum that basically said, we’re sorry, this is a waste of time, nothing to see here. In short, they left Prop 40 for dead, orphaning it on the ballot.

Joe Matthews looks at the eternal question of why orphaned/zombie initiatives stay on the ballot, but I’ll put in a point for keeping these measures on the ballot. Let’s say some other group thought that the senate referendum was a good idea, but they saw that the CAGOP was putting it on the ballot. They would have likely abandoned their own efforts. If we allowed the proponents to take measures off the ballot, we would just allow proponents to abandon other potential supporters. There is no hard and fast reason why some other group of supporters couldn’t come in and spend millions of dollars to help get the initiative passed.

IMHO, once the initiative is on the ballot, it belongs to the people. Colorado’s system of requiring both the Legislature and the proponents to agree makes a bit more sense, risks remain.

So, when you get to Prop 40, remember that pretty much nobody wants to see the referendum overturn the maps. But perhaps we get some interesting information on baseline yes/no percentages for referendums?

UPDATE from the comments: DavidT reminds us to vote YES on Prop 40 to keep the maps.

Environment

Urging Regulators to Shut Down Refiner After Leak That Endangered NorCal Community

State Department of toxic Substances Control Must Send “Strong Message” to Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner Over Repeated Safety Lapses, Accidents

Refineries

Consumer Watchdog called on the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, to indefinitely close the Evergreen Oil waste-oil re-refinery in Newark, Ca. in a letter sent today.  On July 6, a pipe leak spewed “superheated oil” and triggered an emergency evacuation of the facility.  The company and Newark police warned the surrounding community, including a nearby elementary school, to expect a wave of “strong odors” from the leak.

Read today’s letter to Raphael here

Consumer Watchdog cited repeated problems at the facility as an example of DTSC’s failure to take tough action against toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations near homes and schools in testimony and a letter presented at Debbie Raphael’s State Senate confirmation hearings in April.

The confirmation letter said several companies, including Evergreen, “appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents.”

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

“Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil,” said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog.  “We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely.   Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable.”

The DTSC has let the company off the hook with consent decrees and hand-slap fines for at least a dozen years, said Consumer Watchdog.  The group called for the new leadership at the DTSC to send toxic industries a strong message that there is a new sheriff in town who won’t allow careless endangerment.

The letter sent today to Director Raphael said in part:

“Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

“Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011.  This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

“At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods.”

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said.  Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

“Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted,” said Tucker.  “The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters.”

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Read Letter to Director Raphael

Also read Consumer Watchdog’s April 9 letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee

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