In this week's In Focus: SoCal, host Tanya McRae takes a closer look at new legislation rolling out in California, covering a wide range of issues from health care to the workplace to law enforcement.
One new law in effect is AB 1506, also known as the Deadly Force Accountability Act. It established a division within the Department of Justice to investigate deadly-force incidents, upon request of a law enforcement agency or district attorney. The attorney general is required to provide a report and conduct the prosecution of the officers involved if applicable.
McRae sits down with the family of Mely Corado, a Trader Joe's employee who died after being shot by police in 2018 during a pursuit of an armed suspect. Corado's brother shares why he thinks AB 1506 may not be enough to bring about actual change.
McRae also has a candid conversation with newly-elected Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón about the reforms he's bringing about in his office, including ending cash bail and sentencing enhancements.
McRae talks to one couple about how the expansion of paid family benefits will help them welcome their second child. Since 1993 under the California Family Rights Act, only companies or businesses with 50 or more employees were required to allow employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid protected leave to care for their health or a family member's serious health conditions or to bond with a new baby. Now, SB 1383 lowers the employer-size requirement to five or more employees.
McRae also speaks with Jenya Cassidy, director of the California Work & Family Coalition, about how this new law will help millions of Californians. Orange County Rep. Young Kim also joins the show to tell McRae about her top priorities in 2021, including COVID-19 and immigration policies.
Send us your thoughts at InFocusSocal@charter.com and watch Sundays at 9 a.m. and noon.