Videos: Environment (most recent first)

Senator Simitian presents his SB 1399 for a vote in the Senate Energy, Utilities, and Commerce Committee. Richard Treanor, Sunnyvale homeowner, speaks on behalf of the bill. SB 1399 would make amendments to California's Solar Shade Act that would clarify and rationalize the rules for resolving disputes between neighbors about trees that shade solar panels.

Senator Simitian presents his SB 1582 for a vote in the Senate Public Safety Committee. Ken Carver, president of International Cruise Victims, and Laurie Dishman, victim of a sexual assault aboard a cruise ship, speak on behalf of the bill. SB 1582 would require all cruise ships entering or exiting a California port to have on board a sworn peace officer who could enforce both public safety and environmental laws.

Senator Simitian and Ruth Coleman, Director of State Parks, discuss the possible closure of 48 state parks to address the state's severe budget deficit on Simitian's monthly television show "Capitol Focus."