by Elisabeth Pinio
Dennis Herrera
The Harvard Club of San Francisco hosted its Early College Awareness Program at Everett Middle School on Saturday, April 28. Students and their families received valuable information and insight on preparing for a college education. Most of the teens will be the first in their families to attend college.
“I found out what I could do to prepare for my future, how I could get to the college of my dreams, and what can help me achieve my goal,” said one student from last year’s event.
Many that participated in the half-day seminar were school principals, guidance counselors, volunteers, and representatives of local organizations that provide guidance to San Francisco youth. The theme of the seminar was motivation, and inspiration.
National Town Hall meeting on federal Real ID ACT
The nation’s only open meeting on the REAL ID act took place Tuesday, May 1 on the campus of the University of California, Davis. The meeting will be conducted by Department of Homeland Security, and facilitated by the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
The REAL ID Act will require all California residents with a driver license or identification card to be recertified in a DMV field office. Individuals must bring identification documents, such as a certified birth certificate, an unexpired U.S. passport, proof of a social security number, and proof of address documents.
U.S. Congress hearing on witness protection
San Francisco District Attorney, Kamala D. Harris, was selected to testify before the United States Congress House Judiciary Committee to improve the protection of witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement to prosecute violent crime. DA Harris was invited to speak on behalf of the nation’s prosecutors.
Witness intimidation has been a problem throughout the state of California as well as the United States, as witnesses who provide incriminating information to the police face threats of murder and violence against them and their families.
Check N’ Go and Money Mart, sued for illegal business practices
City Attorney Dennis Herrera pressed charges against storefront lending institutions Check N’ Go and Money Mart for illegal, fraudulent business practices. The businesses, prizedby some for their short-term loans and convenience, were cited for unlawful interest rates on loans to low-income customers.
First Bank of Delaware, an affiliate based in Wilmington, Del., has also been named as a defendant in the case for aiding and abetting the instutitions’ lending scams.
Toxic Toy bill passes in assembly
During a legislative hearing on April 24, the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxics Materials Committee passed AB 1108. Authored by Assemblywoman Fiona MA (D – San Francisco), this bill will prohibit manufacturers from using phthalates, a toxic chemical found in baby toys.
Passing AB 1108 has opened the floodgates for further scrutiny on chemicals used in children’s toys. “I thank my colleagues on the committee for moving in a direction that will protect the health of children.” Assemblywoman Ma said in a statement.
