COVID-19 Updates

In an abundance of caution, the Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles have implemented major public gathering restrictions limiting events to no more than 250 persons and have asked that non-essential travel be limited or postponed.

Los Angeles Unified School District has also announced all schools in LAUSD will remain closed for a two- week period.

Statement on the Passing of James W. Sweeney

Upon hearing of the passing of James W. Sweeney, a Board Member with the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), I was struck by Mr. Sweeney’s vast and impressive legacy – filled with accomplishments in finance, government, social and cultural advocacy and youth mentorship.

His accomplishments included being the founder and managing general partner of Sweeney and Associates, an advocacy and small business consulting firm; being the first graduate in U.C. Riverside’s history to graduate with three majors: Political Science, Sociology, and Black Studies.

Statement Regarding the Appointment of Amanda Ray as CHP Deputy Commissioner

As the Chair of the Assembly's Public Safety Committee, I wish to congratulate Ms. Amanda Ray on becoming the first female African American CHP Deputy Commissioner in the agency's 91-year history.

Ms. Ray's appointment by Governor Newsom recognizes her 30 years of solid service with the CHP and is a testament to Ms. Ray's dedication to public safety and service.

 

Where We Stand: The Fight for Social Justice Has Many Fronts

By Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr.

Every year the United Nations (UN) asks world leaders to reflect on the issue of social justice and create programs that focus on eradicating poverty in their respective countries. The UN’s Annual World Social Justice Day (every February 20) is a day to remind ourselves at the local level that inequalities in poverty, exclusion, gender equality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections exist and are on the rise.

Statement By Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer on Dismissal of Cannabis Related Convictions

Today’s announcement by Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey to dismiss nearly 70,000 marijuana related convictions dating back as far as the 1960’s is a step in the right direction in applying fairness under the law.

Individuals charged with possession and/or distribution, prior to the voter approved enactment of 2016’s Proposition 64, have paid a severe price having been charged with a felony, lessening their ability to obtain employment or find proper housing.

CA Changes At-Risk to At-Promise

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The term “at-risk youth” was commonly used in both penal and education codes in California – until now.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that went into effect on Jan. 1 that officially wiped the phrase from the state’s language. The phrase will now be replaced by “at-promise youth.”

New Bill to Increase Fines for Allowing Illegal Cannabis Dispensary Operations

Landlords Will Be Assessed Penalties for Providing Space to Illegal Shops

LOS ANGELES, California – (February 6, 2020) – A new law (AB 2094) proposed by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles) would increase fines up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per violation for landlords who knowingly provide space to cannabis dispensary shops operating without proper licensing from the state, county and/or city.

“As the Chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, I am concerned about the prevalence of the illicit cannabis market,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “The voters and the Legislature have spent time and careful consideration in drafting regulations that ensure the health and safety of Californians.  Law-abiding businesses have spent time and resources to become compliant with cannabis regulations yet are struggling to compete with the illegal market because they can offer a cheaper product to consumers. This measure is crucial to helping the legal cannabis market grow in California and rewarding businesses that play by the rules.”