Deficiencies in assisted living homes to be addressed

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

This is an update to a previous blog post.

In response to a three-part series by The San Diego Union Tribune, lawmakers have pledged to take action and ramp up efforts so the area’s assisted living home do not fall short.

The findings from the investigation, which was done by the U-T in conjunction with the CHCF Center for Health Reporting at USC, shocked legislators. It showed that people accused of abuse and neglect are rarely prosecuted, and the maximum fines are staggeringly low.

It is inexcusable that people who abuse and neglect those that they are supposed to be caring for are not being properly prosecuted. Thankfully it has now been brought to the attention of lawmakers. This can pave the way for stronger legislation and action to protect those who are being harmed.

Remembering 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

On September 11, 2001, 12 years ago today, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists, and thousands of innocent lives were lost.

We take today to mourn and remember those who were lost, and celebrate the fact that we have men and women who are willing to fight for their country. Tonight an evening colors ceremony will be held to recognize all those who died and those who lent their support.

Elder abuse is rarely investigated

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

Elder abuse and sexual assault are rarely investigated at assisted living homes in California.

There are about 12,000 complaints each year, but members of law enforcement have referred only 82 to state prosecutors as cases since 2002.

This raises serious issues concerning the integrity of the Department of Social Services and their regulatory system. At the same time, there have been examples of administrators that operate and staff that work at these senior care facilities who have not served the public well. These may be isolated cases, but it strains credulity there are not sufficient safeguards employed to prevent the number and frequency of injuries and tragedies.

Long-term inmates move to county jails

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

Governor Jerry Brown’s plan to ease state prison overcrowding has created other problems.

Now, county jails that are not built to hold long-term prisoners are being forced to take felons with long sentences. Sheriffs say that these prisoners pose security threats and are more than the jails can handle.

Though it is good to think of solutions to overcrowding, it is irresponsible to send dangerous criminals to facilities that are not equipped to hold them.

California may begin using digital license plates

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

California may try a pilot program that would test digital license plates.

The effort would cut down on processing and shipping costs. The initial program would have up to 160,000 California drivers participating. The bill passed through the Assembly, 71-3, and will return to the Senate for a final vote.

While the program would certainly save money and perhaps streamline the process, there is also privacy to think of. Some groups have pointed out that digital plates may allow the government to track motorists.

Bill would allow multiple legal parents

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

A measure that would allow for a child to have more than two legal parents is headed to the governor’s office.

If passed, this would make California the fifth state to pass such a law. Delaware, Maine, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania already allow for more than two legal parents. The bill would mark a change in regards to the role of parenting in our culture but would likely be used rarely.

Fort Hood shooter receives death sentence

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

Maj. Nidal Hasan was sentenced to death for his 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood after mounting barely any defense while representing himself.

Some posit that Hasan seeks to be a martyr, which is why he represented himself and did not call witness, give a testimony, or make any statements other than taking responsibility for the shooting. He admitted to his guilt, saying that he was a soldier who switched sides, and that he wanted to protect Islamic insurgents abroad. He had tried to plead guilty before the trial started but was unable to do so.

Hasan has been accused of seeking the death sentence, but his former attorney said that he doesn’t have a death wish. It is hard to believe that he does not, however, after choosing to represent himself and not mounting any sort of defense.

The military justice system has a lengthy appeals process, so it may be years or decades before Hasan is put to death, if the sentence stands.

Governor proposes new prison plan

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

In response to a federal court order to reduce California’s prison population, governor Jerry Brown proposed a $315 million plan to send inmates to vacant county cells and private prisons. He hopes to avoid what he says would be a mass release of dangerous felons.

Brown says that public safety is paramount and that the state has the money to implement the plan.

Whatever happened to enhancing the probation system and having one-on-one probation officers to help in the rehabilitation process? What about teaching working skills in jails and prisons like they did in the 50’s so inmates can earn a living and become productive citizens? The prison system needs an overhaul, but one must question if this is the right way to do it.

$1-million arrest warrant issued for suspected killer

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

Authorities are searching for Dantjier Domenick Powell, who is wanted in connection with the murder of YouTube reality show star Domonique Newburn.

Newburn was found dead in her apartment on August 20. The transgender woman appeared in the premiere episode of “Hollywood Houseboys,” a program following the lives of young, gay black men trying to make it in LA.

According to the police, Powell may have been in a relationship with Newburn. This is a tragic story, and our hearts go out to Newburn’s family and friends.

Fewer teens, more seniors behind the wheel

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Caroline Anderson - Senior Support Specialist

In California, fewer teens are driving and seniors are hanging onto their driver’s licenses.

The number of drivers age 85 and older has jumped by 75 percent over the last decade, because people are living longer, healthier lives. Studies have also shown that drivers over 85 are most likely to be at fault in a car accident, and more likely to be injured. Teens are more likely to to be involved in crashed with injuries, and twice as likely to get traffic tickets, studies show.

One big factor in the decline of teen drivers is the difficulty of getting a license, and the restrictions placed on teen drivers. Now many people are opting to get their licenses at age 19 or 20 instead of at 16.

These restrictions will hopefully help keep the roads safer and cut down on reckless driving.

Ratings and Reviews