Wilson Urged to Declare State of Emergency for Citrus Loss

Republican Gov.-elect Pete Wilson has been asked to declare a state of emergency in response to multimillion-dollar damages to California citrus crops caused by recent freezing weather. Wilson could act on the request after he takes office today.

Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R-Santa Rosa), who chairs the lower house’s rural caucus, made the request in a letter to the incoming governor. It was also signed by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno).

Exceptionally low temperatures caused citrus crop losses in the San Joaquin Valley estimated at $500 million, a figure that could grow to more than $1 billion, according to the letter. More than 15,000 farm workers are expected to be out of work for months.

“A ripple effect will result in increased unemployment, families forced to turn to the counties for various types of public assistance, and an economic downturn to local businesses,” Hansen said.

Under a state of emergency, low-interest loans are made available to people in need of financial assistance.

GOVERNOR

Wilson will be sworn into office on the state Capitol steps at 11 a.m. today. He also is scheduled to deliver his first State-of-the-State message at a joint legislative session on Wednesday evening and submit his 1991-92 proposed state budget to lawmakers on Thursday.

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

Cosmetic Surgery: AB 190 by Assemblyman Charles Quackenbush (R-Saratoga) would require physicians and surgeons to inform patients in writing of the risks and possible adverse side effects of plastic or cosmetic surgery before performing an operation.

Law Enforcement: AB 183 by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach) would make it a misdemeanor offense for law enforcement officers to use force that causes pain to people who are passively participating in a lawful assembly.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

Drugs: SB 141 by Sen. Daniel Boatwright (D-Concord) would permit law enforcement officers to seize and sell automobiles, boats and airplanes used in the unlawful possession of illegal drugs sold within 1,000 feet of a public school or park. The forfeiture action would be in addition to criminal penalties resulting from the offense.

College Athletes: SB 140 by Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) would prohibit professional agents from improperly approaching or signing college athletes who are still eligible to play. Violations call for fines up to $10,000, and contracts would be declared null and void. The state of Texas has such a law.

Museum: SCR 11 by Sen. Art. Torres (D-Los Angeles) urges that the Southwest Indian Museum in the city of Los Angeles be kept where it is and would invalidate all proposals to move it. Some museum trustees want to move it, but others are opposed.

MISCELLANY

An Episcopal priest, the Rev. Canon Winifred Gaines, has been named the first woman chaplain of the state Senate by the Rules Committee. Gaines, 62, the pastor of the Trinity Cathedral Church, will lead the Senate in prayer at the beginning of each session and counsel members. She said she didn’t know if saying a short prayer would accomplish very much, “but I’m looking forward to trying.”

Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) has split the Finance and Insurance Committee into two panels for the 1991-92 session. The key lower house committee handles many so-called “juice” bills, so named because they can be used to squeeze contributions from special interests. Assemblyman Steve Peace (D-La Mesa), once a member of the so-called rebel Democratic “Gang of Five” that unsuccessfully sought to unseat Brown in 1988, will head the Banking, Finance and Public Indebtedness Committee. Assemblyman Burt Margolin (D-Los Angeles) was picked to chair the Insurance Committee. Margolin’s committee will hear his bill requiring employers to provide basic health insurance benefits for their workers.

Capital Fact

The official state animal is the grizzly bear, whose picture appears on the state flag and state seal, but is now extinct in California.