The Assembly Committee on Appropriations will be the next stop for the June 2006 amended version of SB 412 (Figueroa, 2005-2006). Given the venue of the committee, letters in opposition to SB 412 should focus on the adverse economic and financial impacts to the many small, private massage schools in California and to the student and community needs that these schools serve. While SB 412 is technically a title act, via its interactions with local massage laws, it will likely act as a defacto licensing act.
Phasing out of the 250 hour entry tier eliminates the pay-as-you-go means of entering massage practice. Most students, whether looking at full-time careers or very limited and focused part-time work, will be forced into relying on student loans. By eliminating the pay-as-you-go, modular/sequential educational paradigm, SB 412 will force smaller schools to compete head-on with accredited business colleges; to the detriment of both. If SB 412 passes as amended, most smaller massage therapy schools will likely close. With them will go the years of their owner's experience and the commitment to massage as a life practice. Given that the extra training hours don't address any specific safety issues or require any specific outcomes of training, this is a high cost to school owner's, students, and the communities benefiting from massage practitioners.
Every attempt was made to work with Senator Figueroa and her staff on this issue and to document the importance of the 250 hour tier to students and schools. The final wording, however, ignored our concerns. This is unfortunate — a lot of people worked hard to strike a consensus agreement within the profession itself. We cannot find satisfaction with the good parts of the bill knowing that it is ultimately framed to destroy the educational/economic niche relied on many students and schools. You can help retain the diversity and content quality of massage education by writing a letter opposing SB 412 to the chair of the Appropriations Committee and to your assemblymember, particularly if the are on the Appropriations Committee. A "cc" to the Governor's office would also be helpful.
For more information on these issues, please visit the California Alliance of Massage and Bodywork Schools (CAMBS) and the Massage Politics Sheet. Information on the members of the Assembly Committee on Appropriatons is immediately below. Email links, website links, and links to envelope files are included. You can find out who your representatives are at Project Vote Smart, using their 9-digit zip-code search and our page on Assemblymember Contact information.
District 49, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0049
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: 916-319-2049
Fax:916-319-2149
Email:
assemblymember.chu@asm.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a49/
District — Assemblywoman Chu represents Alhambra, El Monte, South El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel and San Marino. District offices are in El Monte and Monterey Park.
Focus — Assemblywoman Chu concentrates on the environment, health issues, K-12 education, civil rights, and women's issues.
District 36, (Republican)
State Capitol, Room 6031
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0036
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2036
Fax:(916) 319-2136
Email:
Assemblywoman.Runner@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=36&Lang=1
District — District offices are in Victorville and Lancaster.
Focus — Much remains to be done to unshackle businesses from crippling taxes, fees and regulations, thereby unleashing the capacity to create good jobs and produce real wealth for Californians. I need to know how I can work most effectively in Sacramento to help you and your business succeed.
District 47, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0047
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2047
Fax:(916) 319-2147
Email:
Assemblymember Bass@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a47/bio.htm
District — District office is in Los Angeles (90036). The 47th AD includes the cities of Los Angeles and Culver City, as well as the communities of Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, View Park, Cheviot Hills, Westwood-UCLA and Windsor Hills.
Focus — Assemblywoman Bass founded Community Coalition to improve the quality of life in South Los Angeles and served as the executive director for 14 years. She also served on the Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Gangs, Youth and Violence, which founded the L.A. Bridges after-school gang prevention program. She played a key role in several community initiatives beyond the Community Coalition including, Friends of Crenshaw/Dorsey Community, Workplace Hollywood, the Human Services Alliance, African-American Voter Representation Education Program, Liberty Hill Foundation and Homeless Health Care.
District 1, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2001
Fax:(916) 319-2101
Email:
assemblymember.berg@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a01/
District — The 1st district stretches from the Oregon Border south to include Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, and Trinity Counties as well as parts of Sonoma County.
Focus — Patty Berg came to the State Capitol with a wealth of experience working to solve problems in her community. She was the founding Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties for 19 years. Patty was a regional leader advocating for policy change in Sacramento and Washington, DC on issues related to aging. Patty has a history as a strong advocate for women's rights and a woman's right to choose.
District 58, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0058
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2058
Fax:(916) 319-2158
Email:
Assemblymember.ron.calderon@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a58/
District — Assemblyman Calderon proudly represents the cities of Montebello, Pico Rivera, portions of City of Industry, Downey, La Mirada and Whittier. In addition, he also represents the communities of Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, South San Gabriel, South San Jose Hills, Valinda and portions of East Los Angeles.
Focus — Assemblyman Calderon's legislative package demonstrates his dedication to developing an honest and balanced State budget, promoting economic development through retention and growth opportunities for all businesses, strengthening state and local infrastructure, and protecting the rights of consumers.
District 50, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0050
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2050
Fax:(916) 319-2150
Email:
assemblymember.DeLaTorre@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a50/
District — Assemblymember Hector De La Torre represents the southeast Los Angeles County area cities of Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Downey, Lynwood, South Gate, and the unincorporated communities of Florence-Graham and Walnut Park.
Focus — While serving as the citys representative to the Executive Board of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Assemblymember De La Torre played a key role in developing plans to improve the I-710 Freeway. A strong advocate for urban parks, De La Torre served on the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Mountains and Rivers Conservancy where he supported the preservation of open space throughout the district. De La Torre aims to bring health care solutions to the residents of the 50th Assembly District and is honored to serve on the Select Committee on the Los Angeles Health Care Crisis. He will fight to re-invest in our educational system and tackle local infrastructure needs during his legislative tenure. He will seek out innovative solutions to address the economic needs of the region, while protecting the local environment.
District 63, (Republican)
State Capitol, Room 3149
Sacramento, CA 95814
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2063
Fax:(916)319-2163
Email:
assemblymember.emmerson@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=63&Lang=1
District — Proudly Serving: Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Redlands, San Bernardino, Highland, Loma Linda, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley, Riverside. District office in Rancho Cucamonga.
Focus — Assemblyman Emmerson has a long history of active service to our community. From his leadership to establish the dental hygiene program Riverside Community College to helping rehabilitate Redlands Fire Station 1 to serving on the Alumni Association of Loma Linda University, its clear Dr. Emmerson has a proven record of making the Inland Empire a better place to live. Active in his hometown of Redlands, Bill serves with the Kiwanis Club and as a volunteer with the Redlands Bicycle Classic. Assemblyman Emmerson co-authored legislation to institute a "pay as you go" approach to funding much-needed infrastructure projects across California.
District 66, (Republican)
State Capitol, Room 4158
Sacramento, CA 94249-0066
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2066
Fax:(916) 319-2166
Email:
Assemblymember.haynes@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=66&Lang=1
District — Proudly Serving: Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, and Lake Elsinore. District office in Temecula.
Focus — Assemblyman Haynes is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Riverside Youth Service Center, and is past Chairman of the Moreno Valley Community Assistance Program -- an organization dedicated to providing food and gifts to the communitys underprivileged families and children at Christmas. Ray was a member of Rotary Club, has served as a Planning Commissioner, organized the Riverside based Committee for No New Taxes -- dedicated to fighting tax increases, served as treasurer for Citizens for Property Rights -- to protect fifth amendment constitutional guarantees, and served as a delegate to the California Republican Party, where he serves as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee.
District 54, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0054
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2054
Email:
Assemblymember.Karnette@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a54/
District — Assemblywoman Karnette's district includes the cities of Avalon, Long Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, Signal Hill and portions of Los Angeles County. She is the only member of the Legislature whose district includes portions of both the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.
Focus — Ms. Karnette's interest in transportation issues, particularly relating to the movement of goods, will be a primary focus of her legislative agenda in the Assembly. Representing both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, she will be working to improve transportation conditions at the ports and the connecting ground corridors. As Chair of the Select Committee on Ports, Karnette will examine the economic and environmental impact of Ports throughout California, as well as the security challenges posed by incoming and outgoing cargo. A former school teacher, Betty's legislative history in education reform is significant and will continue to be a cornerstone of her work in the Legislature. Assemblymember Karnette has a rich and varied background of community involvement and public service. As a classroom teacher for over 30 years, she taught math and science to generations of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Betty's activism and commitment to young people extended beyond the classroom and her participation in the community eventually led her to election to public office. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Young Horizons, a Long Beach non-profit corporation providing diversion activities, parenting skills and childcare for at-risk youth. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Children's Clinic and is also an Associate Board Member for Sage House in San Pedro, which provides adult day care programs.
District 18, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0018
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2018
Fax:(916) 319-2118
Email:
Assemblymember.Klehs@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a18/
District — The 18th Assembly District includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo.
Focus — In 1978, Johan Klehs became the youngest person ever to serve on the San Leandro City Council. A first generation American, Klehs' father was a carpenter and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up in San Leandro, he worked his way through high school and college. Academic scholarships helped him graduate from California State University, Hayward with a BA in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration. Assemblyman Klehs is the author of some of California's most progressive laws including the Hate Crimes package, the ban on assault weapons, and protection of victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Additionally, Klehs eliminated outdated and biased labor restrictions for women in the work force. Klehs was honored as "Legislator of the Year" by many California groups including police officers, the disabled community, credit unions, the California Abortion Rights Action League and the California Teachers Association.
District 13, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0013
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2013
Fax:(916) 319-2113
Email:
Assemblymember.leno@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a13/
District — Assemblyman Mark Leno represents the 13th State Assembly District, which encompasses the eastern portion of San Francisco, including the neighborhoods of the Bayview, Bernal Heights, Castro, Chinatown, Cow Hollow, Duboce Park, Excelsior, Fillmore, Financial District, Glen Park, Haight, Hunters Point, Marina, Mission, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Panhandle, Park Merced, Potrero, Russian Hill, South of Market, Telegraph Hill, Tenderloin, Treasure Island, West of Twin Peaks and the Western Addition.
Focus — During his first term, Assemblyman Leno was successful in getting 28 bills passed by the legislature and signed into law, including laws that protect Californians from gender based discrimination in housing and employment, amend the Ellis Act to preserve affordable housing for seniors and the disabled, streamline the administration of rapid HIV tests to at risk populations, allow rehabilitated drug offenders to access food stamps and allow San Francisco to build large-scale solar systems on public buildings. He also served as chair of the Select Committees on LGBT Families and Childhood Obesity & Related Diabetes. Lenos current legislative package includes proposals to allow California farmers to grow industrial hemp, reinstate parental rights for legal orphans, collect more information on the safety of taser usage, reform the three-strikes law, provide a funding source for the arts in California, reinstate San Franciscos vehicle license fees to pay for critical city services, sell hybrid vehicles over the internet, protect the local Dungeness crab industry, and allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in the state.
District 10, (Republican)
State Capitol, Room 5175
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0010
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2010
Fax:(916) 319-2110
Email:
Assemblymember.nakanishi@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=10&Lang=1
District — Proudly Serving: Lodi, Rancho Cordova, Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Ione, Jackson, Sutter Creek, Plymouth, and Amador City. District office is in Lodi.
Focus — Alan Nakanishi was born and raised here in the Valley, where he attended local schools. He worked his way through college, stacking cans at Del Monte Cannery, picking pears in Courtland, and picking grapes in Lodi. Assemblyman Nakanishi earned his B.A. in Chemistry at Pacific Union College, and his M.D. from Loma Linda University. Following his medical internship at USC Medical Center, he served two years as a Major in the U.S. Army, leading a surgical department at McDonald Army Hospital. Since 1971, Alan Nakanishi has practiced medicine in Stockton, with a home in Lodi. He is the co-founder of Delta Eye Medical Group, a six-physician group with offices in Lodi, Stockton and Tracy. Assemblyman Nakanishi also frequently travels to Baja and Monterey, Mexico, where he donates his time and skill conducting clinics for resident physicians at hospitals.
District 6, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0006
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2006
Fax:(916) 319-2106
Email:
Assemblymember.nation@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a06/
District — Assemblyman Joe Nation is in his third and final term representing Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties.
Focus — Born and raised in Texas, Nation worked as a flight attendant to put himself through college. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.A. in Economics, German and French. He earned a Masters in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and was one of twelve students nationwide to be accepted at RAND Graduate School, where he received a Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis. He then pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at Stanford University. Nation is Owner and Managing Director of a small business, California Data & Analysis, an economics and public policy consulting firm. He is also Director of RAND California, RAND Texas, RAND New York and RAND Florida, which provides online sources of statistical data for all four states. Nation has focused on legislation that improves education, the environment, transportation, consumer protections, business and economic development, and health care. He is an outspoken advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability within state government and he has worked closely with Governor Schwarzeneggers office on guaranteeing local control rights when negotiating Indian gaming locations.
District 55, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0055
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2055
Fax:(916) 319-2155
Email:
Assemblymember.Oropeza@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a55/
District — Jenny Oropeza represents Carson, portions of the cities of Long Beach and Lakewood and the South Bay communities of Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and Rancho Dominguez.
Focus — Jenny Oropeza is a Latina role model and policy leader in diverse areas like air pollution, highway funding, radiation exposure, sexual violence on campus, election reform, homebuyer rights, military defense and national security.
District 48, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O Box 942849
Sacramento, CA> 94249-0048
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2048
Fax:(916) 319-2148
Email:
Assemblymember.ridley-thomas@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a48/default.htm
District — The 48th District includes Arlington Park, Athens, Athens-Westmont, Canterbury Knolls, Chesterfield Square, Country Club Park, Exposition Park, King Estates, Koreatown, Lafayette Park, Leimert Park, Magnolia Square, Morningside, Manchester Square, North University Park, St. Andrews Square, University Expo Park West, University Park, Vermont Knolls, Vermont Square, Vermont Vista, West Adams, West Park Terrace and Wilshire Center.
Focus — In his first term in the Assembly, Mr. Ridley-Thomas chaired the Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. As Chair, he convened hearings on small business, workforce development, international trade and tax expenditures. He authored Assembly Bill 1643 protecting small businesses and independent contractors and Assembly Bill 1389 requiring the Public Utilities Commission to monitor the public utility's California workforce and the amount of capital investment they made in California during the preceding 12-month period.
District 76, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0076
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2076
Fax:(916) 319-2176
Email:
Assemblymember.saldana@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a76/
District — District 76 consists of the central and northern portion of San Diego, including the communities of Clairemont, Bay Park, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Tierra Santa, Serra Mesa, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, City Heights, Old Town, Normal Heights, Mission Hills and Downtown San Diego.
Focus — Believing in the importance of a skilled and educated workforce to San Diegos economy, Ms. Saldaña has devoted much of her 20-year career as an educator in San Diego to workforce development and programs providing educational, vocational and public service opportunities for at-risk youth. Additionally, she has spent a majority of her career in education as a professor of Business Information Technology throughout the San Diego Community College District.
District 73, (Republican)
State Capitol, Room 4116
Sacramento, CA 95814
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2073
Fax:(916) 319-2173
Email:
Assemblymember.walters@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=73&Lang=1
District — The district includes the communities of Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo.
Focus — Mimi Walters possesses a background in both business and local government. Her professional career has included time with the firm of Drexel, Burnham & Lambert as an Investment Executive and then subsequently joining Kidder Peabody & Company. Mimi began her service on the Laguna Niguel City Council in 1996. She served as Mayor in 2000. As a Councilwoman, Mimi was a leading voice for fiscally responsible government and local control. As a Director of the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA), Mimi helped defeat efforts to convert the El Toro Marine Air Base into a commercial airport. She was named Chair of ETRPA in January of 2003. Mimi is a founder of the California Womens Leadership Association (CWLA) and has served on the Boards of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the Laguna Niguel Republican Women Federated, the American Cancer Society, and the South Coast Medical Center Foundation.
District 12, (Democrat)
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0012
Envelope (PDF file)
Phone: (916) 319-2012
Fax:(916) 319-2112
Email:
Assemblymember.yee@assembly.ca.gov
Website:
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a12/
District — District 12 includes the cities of San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, Colma, and parts of unincorporated San Mateo County.
Focus — During his tenure in the Assembly, Dr. Yee has fought for children, mental health services, working families, the environment, and civil rights. He has been named "Legislator of the Year" by the California School Nutrition Association, California Psychiatric Association, Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, and Mental Health Directors Association.