Health

California Legislature Passes Strict School Vaccine Bill

Published

11 years ago

June 30, 2015

State Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, right and Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, talk with the media after their measure requiring nearly all California school children to be vaccinated, was approved by the state Senate Monday, June 29, 2015, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

JULIA HOROWITZ, Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers on Monday sent the governor a contentious bill that would impose one of the strictest school vaccination laws in the country in reaction to a recent measles outbreak at Disneyland.

The Senate reaffirmed the bill striking California’s personal belief exemption for immunizations on a 24-14 vote. Mississippi and West Virginia are the only two states with such strict requirements in place.

Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown has not said if he would sign it. Although the bill passed the Senate and the Assembly with bipartisan support, it did not pass with a two-thirds threshold that would be needed to override a governor’s veto.

Parents opposed to the bill vowed to take legal action even though the issue has been upheld in court, including by the Supreme Court.

“I will sue to put my child in school,” said Jude Tovatt of Roseville and the parent of an 8-year-old child. “I will not run from the state that is our home.”

Other parents cheered the legislative vote and immediately turned their attention to swaying Brown.

“I know that he is very pro-science and that’s really what this bill comes down to: leadership in public health, and supporting evidence-based science,” said Hannah Henry, mother of four from Napa who started Vaccinate California, a parental group in support of the bill.

Brown has 12 days to decide the bill. The governor’s office immediately began receiving petitions from both sides.

“The governor believes that vaccinations are profoundly important and a major public health benefit, and any bill that reaches his desk will be closely considered,” governor’s spokesman Evan Westrup has repeated in recent days.

Democratic Sens. Richard Pan of Sacramento and Ben Allen of Santa Monica introduced the measure after the outbreak of measles at Disneyland in December infected over 100 people in the U.S. and Mexico. It applies to public and private schools, as well as day care facilities.

“The science remains unequivocal that vaccines are safe, that vaccines save lives,” Pan said.

If the bill becomes law, medical exemptions would still be granted to children with serious health issues.

Children whose parents refuse vaccination can try to obtain a medical exemption or be homeschooled. Otherwise, school-age children who currently claim a personal belief exemption will need to get fully vaccinated by kindergarten and seventh grade, the state’s two vaccine checkpoints.

The measure has prompted the most heated legislative debate of the year with thousands of parents taking to social media and flooding the Capitol in recent weeks to oppose the bill at legislative hearings. They and some lawmakers say that the state is eliminating informed consent and trampling on parental rights.

Sen. Joel Anderson, R-Alpine, said the measure should have had provisions in place for parents who opt to take their children out of school, rather than get them vaccinated.

“It doesn’t provide that the districts in any way are financially responsible for those students who are denied a public education,” said Anderson.

The Senate voted Monday on changes made to the bill in the Assembly that make it easier to obtain medical exemptions. The amendment would allow doctors to use a family’s medical history as an evaluating factor.

The bill authors also agreed to establish a grandfather clause, allowing students who currently claim a personal belief exemption to maintain it until their next vaccine checkpoint.

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NPRC Elder Justice Symposium Invites Community to Join Effort to Protect Alameda County Elders

“Two of our most vulnerable populations are elders and the disabled, and many times that combination resides in one individual,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “At our symposium, NPRC will bring decision makers and elders together in one space for a day to develop strategy and policy to protect and empower.”

Published

6 days ago

August 19, 2026

bpusa-syndication

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) will host an Elder Justice Symposium on Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oakland City Hall, bringing elders, families, advocates, policymakers and community leaders together to address elder abuse, financial exploitation and problems within probate and conservatorship systems.

The symposium is designed to inform and empower the community while developing strategies and policies to better protect Alameda County’s vulnerable elders and disabled residents.

Dennis said NPRC has drafted proposed legislation intended to make conservatorship a true last resort by adding safeguards before and after a petition is filed. Proposals include mandatory private mediation before entering probate and placement of an ombudsman in probate proceedings to advocate for the rights and interests of prospective or current conservatees.

The coalition also wants stronger protections for elders’ estates and assets, arguing that money accumulated over a lifetime should be preserved for elders, families and intended beneficiaries rather than unnecessarily depleted by court-related expenses.

NPRC meets monthly through Zoom and has expanded into a national coalition because elder abuse, financial exploitation and guardianship and conservatorship concerns extend well beyond Alameda County.

“Members share horror stories of being isolated from their parents and children, many times physically abused and overmedicated; seeing estates drained for court costs, and assets that parents spent decades saving to leave a legacy depleted instead and going to strangers,” said Venus Gist, an NPRC co-facilitator and former victim of the probate system. Gist said she spent more than $80,000 trying to protect her parents’ estate.

“Eighty thousand dollars is nothing compared to the people in our group losing millions and having to sell their businesses and homes to pay court fees,” she said.

The symposium will also examine forms of elder exploitation including telephone scams, bank fraud, identity theft, family financial abuse and exploitation by trusted individuals. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs involving caregivers, financial professionals, health and social service workers, attorneys and guardians.

NPRC is seeking a California lawmaker willing to champion legislation that strengthens elder protections and increases accountability in the conservatorship process.

The symposium follows Supervisor Nate Miley’s 23rd Annual Healthy Living Festival on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Oakland Zoo. The free event for adults 55 and older will feature health screenings, vaccinations, nearly 100 community resource booths, lunch, entertainment and complimentary zoo admission for eligible attendees.

Dennis said the two events offer a comprehensive two-day focus on elder well-being.

“The health fair will cover the physical care of our elders, and the next day NPRC’s symposium will cover the mental and social health,” Dennis said. “Together, we are offering a comprehensive two days of care for Alameda County elders.”

Both events are free, and advance registration is recommended because space is limited. Community members, elders, families, advocates and public officials are encouraged to participate. Breakfast and lunch will be served at both events.

For registration: Sign-up is required via Supervisor Nate Miley’s Eventbrite page NPRC registration is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/elder-justice-symposium-tickets-1998385423597?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Episode 4: Grow Stronger After 50

INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER — Episode 4 of the Second Half of Life Podcast features hosts Thomas Griffin and Andrea McGordon in conversation with Joel Hungate, Assistant Vice President of Strategy & Integrated Wellbeing at Hancock Health. Hungate, a biomedical engineer, health adventurer, and Netflix-featured survivalist, discusses reinvention, personal reflection, confidence, and building lasting health beyond age 50.

Published

6 days ago

August 19, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Strength doesn’t disappear when you turn 50- it evolves. Just as growth is a lifelong journey, becoming stronger happens every day. The second half of life is not the beginning of decline; it is the horizon of a stronger, healthier, more confident, and happier version of yourself.

In Episode 4 of the Second Half of Life Podcast, hosts Thomas Griffin and Andrea McGordon sit down with Joel Hungate, Assistant Vice President of Strategy & Integrated Wellbeing at Hancock Health, biomedical engineer, health adventurer, and Netflix-featured survivalist, for a compelling conversation on reinvention, personal reflection, confidence, and building lasting health after 50.

Drawing from his professional expertise and extraordinary life experiences, Joel challenges many of the myths surrounding aging and demonstrates that the years after 50 can be filled with purpose, adventure, and renewed strength.

The Door Doesn’t Shut at Your Second Half

One of the most memorable moments from the conversation came when Joel Hungate shared a simple yet profound truth:

“The door doesn’t shut at 50.”

Far too many people believe that once they reach the second half of life, opportunities begin to disappear. Joel offers a refreshing perspective, reminding viewers that age does not determine potential. Instead, the years after 50 present an opportunity to reflect on your experiences, redefine your purpose, and confidently pursue new goals.

Whether you’ve always wanted to travel, learn a new skill, improve your health, or simply become the best version of yourself, your second half is not a limitation; it’s an invitation.

Watch the first short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTp_tFVgb55Ux1GWmQnLRHp2YTVdl68k/view?usp=drivesdk

Find a Version of Strength Training That Works for You

When people hear the words strength training, many immediately picture lifting heavy weights in a gym. Joel Hungate believes strength looks different for everyone.

You don’t need an expensive fitness membership to become stronger. Walking after dinner, climbing stairs, carrying groceries, hiking with friends, cycling, resistance exercises, or simply staying physically active can all help build strength and preserve independence as you age.

Joel encourages people 50 and over to find a form of movement they genuinely enjoy because consistency not intensity, is what transforms health over time. One practical habit he recommends is taking a walk after dinner, a simple routine that benefits both physical health and overall wellbeing.

Watch the second short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/188dzfMoEbNOxzjXxde2-j4xochFL8lHQ/view?usp=drivesdk

A Way Out of the Frailty Epidemic

Frailty has become one of the greatest health challenges affecting those over 50, yet many people don’t realize that it is not an inevitable part of aging.

During the conversation, Joel explains how maintaining muscle strength, staying active, and making intentional lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of frailty while supporting healthy weight management.

Rather than accepting weakness as a normal part of growing older, he challenges listeners to adopt habits that preserve mobility, resilience, and independence for years to come.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and capable well into your later years, this conversation offers practical insights that could change the way you think about aging.

Watch the third short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/13BJIGBE68IsEoA3sVaAT8UIBEpepq6A7/view?usp=drivesdk

Eating Better Isn’t the Goal for a Healthy You- Here’s What Is

One of Joel’s most thought-provoking statements during the episode was:

“When we think health is an end goal, it never works.”

Health is not a destination that we eventually arrive at, it is a lifelong journey shaped by daily decisions.

Joel explains that while nutritious eating is important, lasting health is built through a combination of purposeful movement, meaningful relationships, quality sleep, continual learning, and embracing new adventures. Healthy living is about creating a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy life, not simply following another diet.

This refreshing perspective encourages viewers to shift their focus from chasing perfection to building sustainable habits that support long-term wellbeing.

Watch the fourth short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PjaysWUmBOTQunVBqQb6KcgKPHEUL5qM/view?usp=drivesdk

More Than a Conversation- A Blueprint for Living Stronger

Episode 4 of the Second Half of Life Podcast is more than an inspiring discussion- it is a practical guide for anyone determined to thrive after 50.

Joel Hungate shares expert insights, personal experiences, and actionable advice that challenge outdated beliefs about aging. His message is clear: strength doesn’t fade with age unless we stop investing in it.

If you’re ready to eliminate the fear of frailty, build lasting confidence, and embrace the adventure that awaits in the second half of life, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full episode now and discover how to grow stronger after 50.

For more, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.

The post Episode 4: Grow Stronger After 50 appeared first on Indianapolis Recorder.

Based on reporting by Indianapolis Recorder.

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Commentary

Episode 4: Grow Stronger After 50

Published

6 days ago

August 19, 2026

bpusa-syndication

The Door Doesn’t Shut at Your Second Half

One of the most memorable moments from the conversation came when Joel Hungate shared a simple yet profound truth:

“The door doesn’t shut at 50.”

Whether you’ve always wanted to travel, learn a new skill, improve your health, or simply become the best version of yourself, your second half is not a limitation; it’s an invitation.

Watch the first short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTp_tFVgb55Ux1GWmQnLRHp2YTVdl68k/view?usp=drivesdk

Find a Version of Strength Training That Works for You

When people hear the words strength training, many immediately picture lifting heavy weights in a gym. Joel Hungate believes strength looks different for everyone.

Watch the second short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/188dzfMoEbNOxzjXxde2-j4xochFL8lHQ/view?usp=drivesdk

A Way Out of the Frailty Epidemic

Frailty has become one of the greatest health challenges affecting those over 50, yet many people don’t realize that it is not an inevitable part of aging.

Rather than accepting weakness as a normal part of growing older, he challenges listeners to adopt habits that preserve mobility, resilience, and independence for years to come.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and capable well into your later years, this conversation offers practical insights that could change the way you think about aging.

Watch the third short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/13BJIGBE68IsEoA3sVaAT8UIBEpepq6A7/view?usp=drivesdk

Eating Better Isn’t the Goal for a Healthy You- Here’s What Is

One of Joel’s most thought-provoking statements during the episode was:

“When we think health is an end goal, it never works.”

Health is not a destination that we eventually arrive at, it is a lifelong journey shaped by daily decisions.

This refreshing perspective encourages viewers to shift their focus from chasing perfection to building sustainable habits that support long-term wellbeing.

Watch the fourth short clip here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PjaysWUmBOTQunVBqQb6KcgKPHEUL5qM/view?usp=drivesdk

More Than a Conversation- A Blueprint for Living Stronger

Episode 4 of the Second Half of Life Podcast is more than an inspiring discussion- it is a practical guide for anyone determined to thrive after 50.

If you’re ready to eliminate the fear of frailty, build lasting confidence, and embrace the adventure that awaits in the second half of life, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full episode now and discover how to grow stronger after 50.

For more, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.

The post Episode 4: Grow Stronger After 50 appeared first on Indianapolis Recorder.

Based on reporting by Indianapolis Recorder.