CCCOC and all,

 

 

Call To Action - Letter Writing and Transportation Committee Hearing

 

 

 

The scheduler for Assemblywoman Linda Halderman, District 29 Fresno/Clovis; called a couple of days ago to elicit our support for AB 1535, Linda's HOV bill.  It does not have an organizational sponsor and she needs us to do some grassroots networking/letter writing to impress upon the Assembly Transportation Committee that we back this bill.  It shouldn't be a problem to pass - just need to show that the people support it.  This can be another WIN for our rights!  Letters need to be sent out ASAP, on Club/Organizational letterhead if you got it.  Letters can also be Fax'd to 916-319-2193.  We need to work on this FAST.    
 
Assemblywoman Halderman, has been very supportive of our civil rights and has voted yes on AB 1047 (Motorcycle checkpoints) and AB 695 (Helmets).   

Assemblywoman Halderman will be speaking to the Central CA COC on Sunday March 18th to answer questions and request our support of AB 1535.  We will be presenting her with a plaque of appreciation for leading off the CA Motorcycle Freedom Rally and supporting our rights in Sacramento.
 
AB 1535 goes before Bonnie Lowenthal and the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday March 19, so you can see - time is critical.  I plan to head up there and welcome any of you who care to join me.  

Attached are the sample letter of support and the fact sheet.  
 
Thank you all for your  time and consideration.
 
Unity and Strength,
Helldog, President
True Heart WMC
CCCOC U.S. Defender
helldog@wildblue.net

 

The following CTA is being sent to you on behalf of Moony, State Cmdr, California US Defenders 

RE:  AB1535 -- HOV Signs

 

Unit Commanders,
We just learned that Assemblymember Linda Halderman has authored AB 1535 -- this bill would require that as HOV
(High-Occupancy Vehicle) lane signs are replaced, the new signs include language stating that motorcycles are permitted.  

There is currently no requirement that the signs indicate that motorcycles are permitted. HOV lane usage by motorcyclists has become a safety concern as many drivers do not look for motorcyclists in the HOV lanes or are unaware that motorcyclists are permitted.

While this bill is common sense, the Assemblywoman does not have an organizational sponsor and needs grassroots networking to impress the Assembly Transportation Committee -- it is vital that we let them know that motorcyclists throughout the state back this bill.

AB1535 goes before Bonnie Lowenthal and the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday March 19, so you can see - time is critical.  Please contact Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal by Monday, March 13 to voice your support of AB1535.

A sample letter is attached for AB 1535 (Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes); also attached is a fact sheet on the bill attached for anyone who would like to read up on the legislation. 

Letters can be mailed to the address on the sample letter or faxed to the Committee at:  916.319.2193.  The main thing is to that we get on on this immediately and get it done by March 13.
  

With respect,
 
PITA
 ____________________
US Defenders
Midnite Riders MC

P.S.  It's important to note that Assemblymember Linda Halderman is a huge proponent of retaining, reclaiming and fighting for our civil rights.  She has supported the motorcycle community on several civil rights issues specific to motorcyclists; most recent legislation has been AB1047 (anti-motorcycle only checkpoints) and AB694 (anti-helmet). 

 

---------------------------------March 8, 2012

 

The Honorable Bonnie Lowenthal, Chair
California State Assembly Transporation Committee
1020 N Street Room 112
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: AB 1535 (HALDERMAN) – SUPPORT

Madame Chair,
I write to you today in strong support of AB 1535 which will be heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee on March 19, 2012.
AB 1535 would require that as HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lane signs are replaced, they include language stating that motorcycles are permitted.
Upon their introduction, HOV lanes included signs stating that motorcycles were permitted to use them with the words “Motorcycles OK.” These signs have been replaced over the years and the language has been omitted. This bill will clarify current law and require that all sign replacements in the future carry the “Motorcycles OK” language.
Lack of adequate notification about motorcycles’ permission to utilize HOV lanes puts California’s motorcyclists at risk, in addition to discouraging a fuel efficient form of transportation. HOV lane usage by motorcyclists has become a safety concern as many drivers do not look for them in the HOV lanes or are unaware that motorcyclists are permitted.

I support AB 1535 which has been introduced to ensure that all motorists are safe while traveling in HOV lanes and understand the rules of motorcycle usage within them.
Sincerely,

 

(NAME OF SUPPORTER)
(TITLE OR ORGANIZATION)
(ADDRESS)

 

cc:        The Honorable Linda Halderman, M.D.

California State Assembly – 29th District
            State Capitol, Room 5126

 

 

US Defenders

The status on AB 1047, the No Federal NHTSA Funding for Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints Bill, is as follows:

Bill was read on the Senate Floor on 1/17/12; subsequently sent to the Senate Rules Committee for review and assignment to the Senate Transportation & Housing Committee.
Next step is to contact members of the Senate Transportation Committee with either a phone call, letter or email, urging their support of AB1047
The word we're getting is that, contingent upon when the Committee reviews this bill, it will most likely be voted on sometime in February
Of the utmost importance -- Please contact the Committee Chair by letter, phone, fax or email.  For phone, fax and address info, simply click on the link referenced below.  If you desire to send an email, follow the instructions on the legislator's page under the "Contact Us" or "Contact Me" tab.

In addition to contacting the Committee Chair, if any of the members listed represent your district, please send a copy of the letter to them as well.  Instructions for finding one's district number are also listed below.

Committee Members
Senator Mark DeSaulnier (Chair) - SD07
Senator Ted Gaines (Vice Chair) - SD01
Senator Tom Harman - SD35
Senator Robert Huff- SD29
Senator Christine Kehoe - SD39
Senator Alan Lowenthal - SD27
Senator Fran Pavley- SD23
Senator Michael Rubio - SD16 (Fresno - Bakersfield)
Senator Joe Simitian - SD11
 
To find your district's representative
Click on the following link:   http://senate.ca.gov 
Scroll to the bottom of page to "Find my Senator" and click on either "By District Number" or "By Your Address"
Type in requested info, search will bring up your district's representative's name along with a link by which they can be contacted
Folks, we're really close to getting this bit of legislation done -- please encourage all US Defenders to follow through with this CTA.  
--  Moony, State Commander U.S. Defenders.

Unity and Strength,
Helldog, President
True Heart WMC.CCCOC U.S. Defender,

helldog@wildblue.net      559-452-0175