Category: Pat Bates

Orange County Braces for Voter Storm

SANTA ANA, Calif.—There’s at least one thing the heads of the Democratic and Republican parties in Orange County can agree on about Nov. 8’s election—they’re hoping the rain doesn’t depress turnout. “We’re hoping the rain storm doesn’t depress the voter storm,” Orange County Republican Party Chairman Fred Whitaker said. Orange County Democratic Party Chair Ada…


Orange County’s Sen. Pat Bates Runs for Supervisor

Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), who is terming out this year, is running for Orange County supervisor in the Nov. 8 election to be a “significant voice” for District 5 residents. Bates, who previously served as a county supervisor for seven years, said her understanding of how state issues impact local government will help her…


‘Praying for America’s Leaders’: Orange County Mayors’ Breakfast Coming Back to Irvine Sept. 30

Hosted by the nonprofit ministry Orange Coast Christian Outreach, the 57th Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast will be held in Irvine, California, at the Marriott Hotel from 7–9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Local government, religious, and civic leaders will gather with the purpose of “praying for America’s leaders,” according to the event organizer. The Epoch Times…


‘Praying for America’s Leaders’: Orange County Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Coming Back to Irvine Sept. 30

Hosted by the nonprofit ministry Orange Coast Christian Outreach, the 57th Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast will be held in Irvine, California, at the Marriott Hotel from 7–9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Local government, religious, and civic leaders will gather with the purpose of “praying for America’s leaders,” according to the event organizer. The Epoch Times…


California Would Test for Drugs After Fatal Vehicle Collisions Under New Bill

Law enforcement would be required to test for drug use after a fatal vehicle collision under a newly proposed California bill. Senate Bill 925, introduced by Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), seeks to address the increased amount of fatally injured drivers who have tested positive for substances in their system following fatal accidents. “It is…


California Bill Introduced to Grant Tax Credits to Blood Drive Sponsors

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.—Amid a severe blood shortage, California lawmakers introduced a new bill on Feb. 15 to encourage blood donation by granting tax credits to companies and organizations that sponsor blood drives.   Senate Bill 1025, introduced by Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) and coauthored by Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), would encourage the hosting of…


As EDD Problems Persist, California Lawmakers Take Action

As California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) scrambles to resolve the ballooning fiasco resulting from jobless claims during the pandemic, state lawmakers are saying enough is enough. Recently released official reports cite numerous systematic problems with the agency, resulting in tens of billions of dollars paid out for fraudulent claims while needy citizens wait to receive…


Proposed Bill Would Delay Controversial Property Tax Law

A local state senator is working to delay a recently-passed proposition that could cause the taxable value of inherited homes to rise. Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) has introduced of a bill that would delay the implementation of a portion of Prop. 19 until February 2023. “While Prop. 19 is now law, the measure is…


State Senator Promotes Bill to Create Fentanyl Task Force in Southern California

Sen. Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) has introduced a measure in the California Legislature to create a task force in Southern California to combat the region’s growing problem with the deadly opioid fentanyl. Senate Bill 75 (SB 75), a bipartisan measure, would form a task force under the auspices of the California attorney general to coordinate…