Key Southern California Air Quality Board Likely To Change Political Focus
The board's membership shifted to the right last year and fired the executive officer even though public health and clean-air advocates credited him for years of air-quality improvement. But vacancies are expected to change the board again this week. Also, outlets report on homeowner association use of pesticides, new laws for e-cigarette sellers and ramifications of heavy marijuana use.
Orange County Register:
Changes Coming To SoCal Air Quality Board
Republicans are expected to lose control of the South Coast Air Quality Management District board when an outspoken liberal Democrat is sworn in this week to serve on the panel. The district regulates air pollution in the sea-to-mountains air basin covering Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. (Danelski, 1/3)
Los Angeles Times:
Homeowners Have A Legal Right To Be Notified When HOAs Spray Pesticides Near Their Units
There is a new California law that governs homeowner association use of pesticides, including aerosol pest sprays and total release foggers, but the statute does not apply to owners. (Vanitzian, 1/1)
Modesto Bee:
E-Cigarette Sellers Now Need State License
Stanislaus County health officials lauded state legislation that went into effect Monday that requires sellers of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and other related products to pay a $265 annual licensing fee. Gov. Jerry Brown on May 4 signed into law state Senate Bill No. 5 and Assembly Bill No. 11, requiring that e-cigarettes be regulated the same as other tobacco products. (1/2)
KPCC:
HighQ: Can DCFS Take Away Your Kids If You Smoke Marijuana?
Even though marijuana is legal in California, it's still possible for the Department of Children and Family Services to remove kids from the home for parental marijuana use, according to Dr. Charles Sophy, the department's medical director in Los Angeles County. (Margolis, 1/1)