Measure on Pesticide Research Center Advances in Assembly

A center for pesticide research would be established within the University of California under a bill (AB 4161) sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar), a foe of aerial malathion spraying, to combat the Mediterranean fruit fly.

“In 1982, after the malathion aerial bombardment in Santa Clara, myriad committees, boards and task forces made innovative proposals to improve the state’s ability to respond to any new infestations of the Medfly or other exotic pests,” Katz said.

“None of the necessary research has been accomplished in the eight years since. And once again, California taxpayers are shelling out millions of dollars on the same knee-jerk pest eradication program, urban dwellers are being doused with pesticides, and agriculture is threatened with costly embargoes.”

Agricultural representatives oppose Katz’s measure because they believe malathion is the best way to cope with the Medfly threat to the livelihood of their constituents.

The bill already has cleared the Assembly Agriculture Committee by a 6-3 vote. The next stop is a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee. GOVERNOR

Signed into law a bill (SB 752) by Sen. Dan McCorqoudale (D-San Jose) requesting a pilot program to let persons over 62 obtain state park passes at a reduced cost for use during off-peak hours at specified facilities.

Will speak at an Armenian International College commencement ceremony in La Verne on Sunday.

ASSEMBLY Floor Action

Discrimination: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 42-21 vote a bill (AB 3090) by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) to require the state Franchise Tax Board to publish an annual list of the names of private clubs that it determines restrict membership on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin.

Pap Smears: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 62-2 vote a bill (AB 2542) by Assemblyman Sally Tanner (D-Baldwin Park) to require private health insurance plans to pay for annual Pap smear tests to detect cervical cancer.

Nurses: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 58-7 vote a bill (AB 3306) by Assemblyman William H. Lancaster (R-Covina) to raise the minimum educational level from 10th grade to 12th grade to qualify for training as a licensed vocational nurse.

Landscape Architects: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 63-1 vote a bill (AB 3330) by Assemblyman Robert C. Frazee (R-Carlsbad) to mandate landscape architects to provide customers with detailed written service contracts.

Lottery: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 56-2 vote a bill (AB 2842) by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson) to require the state Lottery Commission to develop a model agreement for dividing the prize among group members who purchase a winning ticket. SENATE

Committee Action

Liquor Tax: The Constitutional Amendments Committee approved a proposed ballot measure (ACA 38) by Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese (D-San Jose) to impose a $188.5-million-per-year excise tax on alcoholic beverages. A 3-0 vote sent the legislation to the Appropriations Committee. Meanwhile, a proposed rival November ballot initiative to tack on an additional $730 million in liquor taxes is in the works. Capital Fact

What’s the most heavily traveled highway link in the United States? The East Los Angeles freeway interchange, which connects the Golden State, Santa Monica, Pomona and Hollywood freeways, is the first-prize winner, according to the state Department of Transportation. The department reported that an average of 547,500 vehicles per day passed through it last year, which represented an increase of 15,500 vehicles over 1988.