Legislative Wrap-Up: Olive Oil, Crop Grants, AIDS Programs

Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation sponsored by State Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) that strengthens California's olive oil industry.

SB 250 establishes a state commission to coordinate efforts by state olive growers and oil manufacturers.

“Establishing this commission is a vital first step toward protecting consumers and providing California’s olive oil industry a fair playing field where they can grow and thrive,” said Wolk.

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) announced that every member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has signed on as co-authors of a bill Thompson authored on intelligence information sharing.

H.R. 3103 would require that information regarding Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court decisions be shared with Congress.

Thompson also announced $800,000 in 2013 Speciality Crop Block Grants to assist farmers to grow speciality crops and find markets for their products.

In Northern California, funds will go to the Sonoma Valley Vintners Association, Solano Grown and North Coast Opportunities Inc.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) helped introduce legislation that would boost U.S.-sponsored programs to combat the spread of AIDS worldwide.

The PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act would extend authorities and strengthen oversight to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) congratulated Jensen Ranch Elementary School in Castro Valley for being named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School by the federal Department of Education.

“I applaud the faculty, staff and students at Jensen Ranch Elementary School in Castro Valley on this well-deserved national honor,” said Swalwell. “Schools like Jensen Ranch provide an exemplary education to our children and spark a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives."

Swalwell also announced a $125,000 grant to a San Ramon consulting firm that helps bio-tech companies.

The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence helps bio-tech manufacturing firms implement business practices to increase productivity, quality and profitability.

Rep. Mike Honda (D-San Jose) held an anti-bullying forum on Tuesday at Independence High School in San Jose.

The forum focused on privacy, safety and bullying, especially in the digital age.