How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Community
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“This measure is about enhancing quality of life for people with mobility issues,” Sen. Dodd said. “It allows power wheelchair users to get their wheelchairs fixed in an efficient and timely manner when things go wrong. By doing so, it ensures those who rely on wheelchairs can be operating as soon as possible.”
Under existing law, manufacturers of power wheelchairs are not required to provide information or replacement parts directly to consumers or independent repair shops.
Colorado became the first state in the nation to address the issue, adopting a right-to-repair laws that granted wheelchair owners and independent shops access to parts, manufacturer software, specialized tools and other items needed to ensure timely and affordable wheelchair repair.
In California, Sen. Dodd has introduced Senate Bill 1384, which would ensure the same right to repair for California wheelchair users and streamline the process for getting complex rehabilitation technology repaired.
Among other things, it requires independent repair shops to require written notice to consumers before conducting repairs and establishes guidelines on what parts can be replaced.
The bill is supported by advocates including Sacramento disability rights activist and wheelchair user Russell Rawlings. It is expected to be heard in committee in about a month.
“If you have a power chair and are using it daily, it needs regular maintenance,” Rawlings said. “But the industry as it stands has very little interest in making repairs. There can be months if not longer of wait time. This bill seeks to change that by making it easier for owners and smaller shops to fill the repair need. Also, power chairs are increasingly controlled by software that is currently restricted to a small number of vendors. Owners having access to these tools would enable more freedom and ability to control their driving experiences.”
Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Specifically, AB 2839 prohibits a person from knowingly distributing digitally modified and materially deceptive communications about candidates running for office, elected officials, elections officials, voting procedures and sites, and equipment used to conduct an election.
These prohibitions would apply to AI-generated deepfake audio, images, and videos, 120 days before an election inclusive to 60 days following the election.
The bill is timely, following an AI-influenced general election in Argentina and coming weeks after a deepfake audio recording impersonating President Biden which sought to discourage Democratic voters from voting in the New Hampshire primary election.
“There have always been bad actors who try to wreak havoc on elections. I remember an election where people distributed door hangers which gave people the wrong polling location in order to disrupt the election outcome,” said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. “But now the widespread access to generative AI is making that type of damage so much more sophisticated and easier to disseminate.”
Assemblymember Pellerin served as the chief elections official in Santa Cruz County for 27 years. She also served as President of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials from 2010 to 2012 and currently chairs the Assembly Committee on Elections.
“Getting the right information to voters is crucial to a functioning democracy, and it becomes very difficult to ensure the integrity of the election when these deepfakes are spread online to intentionally misinform voters,” said Assemblymember Pellerin.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
It will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
They will serve spaghetti and garlic bread, with salad and dessert.
Fiddler and Marsha will perform.
The event is free to all veterans, with a $10 donation requested for non-veterans.
The Moose Lodge is located at 15900 East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
For more information, call the lodge at 707-998-3740.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County Registrar of Voters Office
Representatives of the Lake County Grand Jury, political party county central committees, local clubs, media and other groups or individuals expressing an interest in observing Election Day activities will be invited to participate.
The purpose of an election observer panel is to provide the public with the opportunity to observe and make suggestions on ways to improve the election process; maintain the integrity of the election process; build voter confidence and encourage voter and public participation in the election process.
Typically, members of the panel visit one or more polling places on Election Day and then visit the central ballot counting center located in the Registrar of Voters Office, 325 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport, to observe the tabulation of ballots on election night.
Panel members are also invited to observe the processing of vote-by-mail ballots at the Registrar of Voters Office.
Members of the panel will be provided with the information they need to participate in these activities.
Anyone interested in serving on the election observer panel should contact the Registrar of Voters Office by phone, email, or in person.
Please respond with names and mailing addresses of those interested by Feb. 26.
For more information, call the elections office at 707-263-2372 or toll-free at 888-235-6730.