New Anti-Gang Legislation Heads to Governor's Desk

As many of you know, our state is engaged in an ongoing battle with gang activity. In Salinas and Watsonville, two cities in my district, gang activity has been increasing at an alarming rate.

In response to this gang activity, earlier this year I introduced SB 492, which passed out of the Legislature yesterday. As you can watch in the above video, I am deeply committed to stopping gang activity, especially around school grounds.

SB 492 will impose a sentencing enhancement for any registered gang member convicted of loitering on school grounds. While this bill certainly isn't the silver bullet in our ongoing fight to end gang violence, it is an important tool for law enforcement and school officials.

Children should not be afraid to go to school, nor should they be forced to witness gang activity happening right outside their classroom windows.

I will continue to work on this important issue to help my district get the tools it needs to help fight gang violence.

Welcome to my blog

Welcome to my newest communications tool. I started this blog to use as a forum for ideas and issues in Sacramento and throughout the state.

We are facing a lot of divisive issues in this state and nation. From budget shortfalls to immigration and government reform, the next few months and years will define the future of our state.

I see this blog as an opportunity to communicate my views and opinions on many of these issues, as well as provide insights into the inner-workings of state government. I hope that you will bookmark this page and check back frequently for updates on issues affecting all Californians.

If you do not do so already, I encourage you to follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/abelmaldonado.

Also, you can follow me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/abel.maldonado.

I have also introduced AbelTV on YouTube in hopes more Californians will have access to the issues we are debating in Sacramento. Follow me at www.youtube.com/senatorabelmaldonado.

As I continue to serve the 15^th Senate District and travel California to learn more about what matters most to our citizens, you can check out photos from events and meetings I attend at www.flickr.com/abelmaldonado.

I started these sites as a way to connect and communicate with you on an up-to-the-minute basis. I hope that you bookmark these sites and check back frequently for updates on issues affecting all Californians.

If you have any suggestions or feedback related to this site, please do not hesitate to email at Senator.Maldonado@gmail.com.

It is an honor and privileged to serve the 15^th Senate District in the California State Senate.