State

Today, the Legislature passed AB 827, authored by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) and sponsored by Equality California. AB 827 offers more support and provides safer learning environments for LGBTQ students by ensuring that schools provide 7th – 12th grade teachers information on school site and community resources available to their LGBTQ students. “I can tell you first-hand that school climate has a direct impact on how well students learn and interact with their peers,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell, a classroom teacher, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee.“LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide […]

Late last week, Equality California joined Assemblymember Chiu and a coalition of LGBT and family advocates to urge Governor Jerry Brown to sign Assembly Bill 960, the Equal Protection for All Families Act. The bill was approved by the Assembly on Monday with bipartisan support, and it now heads to the Governor’s desk. AB 960 updates California’s assisted reproduction laws to help ensure that all families, including LGBT families, are equally protected by law. The bill is co-sponsored by the Equality California (EQCA), National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Our Family Coalition (OFC).Specifically, AB 960 updates current assisted reproduction […]

Legislation that modernizes California’s privacy laws to keep up with emerging technologies passed a key Assembly committee today. Senate Bill 178, authored by Senator Leno, protects Californians against warrantless government access to private electronic communications such as emails, text messages and GPS data that are stored in the cloud and on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other digital devices. The bill passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a 5-0 vote. “California’s privacy laws have not kept up with technological advances, as is illustrated by the fact that a letter in your desk drawer at home enjoys more privacy protections than […]

  Kiehl’s Since 1851, the New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care, is gearing up for its 6th annual LifeRide for amfAR — the two-week philanthropic motorcycle ride across several states to raise funds and awareness for AIDS research. The ride will kick off in Denver  Aug. 4, and will travel through Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles before making its last stop at the Kiehl’s store at Fashion Valley in San Diego Aug. 15 for a special finale celebration event. Kiehl’s President Chris Salgardo and amfAR CEO Kevin Frost will be leading the ride heading to America’s Finest City, […]

The Gaslamp Quarter Association has announced that the tradition of displaying 124 rainbow flags for San Diego Pride along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter will continue this year from July 12 to 31. The rainbow flags are presented by San Diego Pride, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally. This year marks the second year the Pride flags will be showcased in the Gaslamp Quarter. Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego Pride officials, and members of the LGBT community kicked off this San […]