A variety of topics raised during a public meeting with State Sen. Brian Jones recently at the Lakeside Community Center included questions about canceled fire insurance, public school curriculum, and the senator’s recent vote against AB 44, a measure regarding the use and sale of fur products.
During the Aug. 22 meeting several people attempted to ask questions about the California State Fur Ban act, which prohibits the sale of new animal fur products, and why he voted against the measure. Jones told the group of about 20 protestors that a conversation he had with a member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce convinced him to oppose the ban after he was told it would have a negative effect on certain communities.
Across the room, a different set of activists wanted to know what it would take to legalize ferrets in the state. Jones told ferret activists such as Pat Wright and Bonnie Meyer there was not enough interest in Sacramento to push for legislation to legalize the animals as pets.
Other attendees turned their attention to more local matters such as unforeseen cancellation of homeowners’ fire insurance, an issue that has recently plagued Alpine and Lakeside.
Jones said that under current legislation, the state does not have the jurisdiction to dictate a standard of regulation to independent insurance companies; he also said that he believes that is as it should be. He did, however, suggest residents contact his Director of Constituent Services Lori Brown to seek possible solutions.
Jones also fielded questions and comments about new guidelines meant to aid educators teaching sex education. In May the state Board of Education passed the 2019 Health Education Curriculum Framework for California Public Schools, a nonmandatory guide intended, in part, to encourage education that is more inclusive of diverse student populations such as the LGBTQ community in grades as early as kindergarten.
“There’s a whole new sex-ed referendum to begin as early as kindergarten… The only answer I can give you is to take your children out of public schools,” said Jones, later adding: “It is really disappointing that in our culture right now, that is being recognized as the biggest social concern.”
After taking in the applause that greeted those remarks Jones tried to appease any teachers that may have been in the room by saying he was sure they were doing the best they could.
Connie Phillips of Ramona asked what could be done by the state to get more services to under served, disabled young adults. Jones did not answer her directly but suggested she visit Brown at the constituent services table.
The next public meeting with Jones is scheduled for Nov. 14 in Santee. Constituents can attend and share ideas for future legislation.
