California Domestic Workers Rally for Workplace Protections
Dozens of domestic workers gathered at the state Capitol grounds on Tuesday, advocating for enhanced workplace protections. The rally, attended by several hundred domestic laborers, aimed to urge state lawmakers to pass legislation that would provide health training and safety equipment for workers in the domestic sector. The bill, introduced by State Sen. María Elena Durazo, seeks to address the concerns raised by workers such as Aminta Morales, a Guatemalan immigrant who cleans houses in San Francisco. Morales expressed her worry about the potential health hazards she faces due to exposure to cleaning chemicals. The rally participants displayed banners reading “racist” and “injustice” before cleaning them up, symbolizing their call for fair treatment.
Governor Gavin Newsom had previously vetoed a version of the bill in 2020, arguing that turning private households into worksites would be burdensome for renters and homeowners. However, Durazo’s office has revised the bill in response to the governor’s concerns. The legislation is currently on the suspense file, and the California Legislature is set to vote on it with minimal discussion this Friday.
Additionally, Democratic State Senator Monique Limón joined forces with restaurant workers and the nonprofit organization One Fair Wage to promote Senate Bill 476. The bill proposes that restaurants, rather than workers, should bear the cost of mandated food safety training. This initiative was prompted by a report by The New York Times, which revealed that funds from a training program called ServeSafe, operated by the National Restaurant Association, were redirected towards lobbying efforts against minimum wage increases. Supporters of the bill argue that restaurant owners should take responsibility for training costs, as it ensures the safety and well-being of both employees and customers.
In other legislative developments, Bakersfield Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains joined a crime victims group and the state district attorneys association to oppose Senate Bill 94, authored by Democratic Senator Dave Cortese of Santa Clara. This bill would give prisoners serving life sentences without parole the ability to petition courts for resentencing. Bains argued that such a measure would disregard the rights of crime victims and potentially reintroduce dangerous individuals back into communities.
The possibility of legalizing psychedelic mushrooms in California is also under consideration. State Senator Wiener’s SB 58 seeks to decriminalize the possession and consumption of specified quantities of substances such as psilocybin. While some studies have suggested potential therapeutic benefits, critics caution against unrestricted access to hallucinogens. The resolution faces opposition from advocacy groups such as the California Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education, which argue that expanding usage could lead to adverse events.
Lastly, rural desert regions in the Coachella Valley were heavily affected by Tropical Storm Hilary. Despite causing significant damage, undocumented farmworkers in the area find themselves ineligible for most federal and state disaster aid programs. The state’s Office of Emergency Services is working with Riverside County to address the situation, while advocates are calling for an expansion of the storm assistance program beyond previous incidents. The response from Governor Newsom’s administration is currently uncertain.
As Friday approaches, the deadline to apply for individual federal aid for those impacted by the winter storms of February and March draws near. The state has approved $37 million so far for affected individuals.
