California Police Chief- Fall 2013 CPCA_2017_Spring Magazine.v3 | Page 26

LEGISLATIVE DAY
On May 10th, a wave of navy blue descended upon the State
Capitol. Chiefs from across the state joined legislators and state
officials for Cal Chief’s 4th Annual Legislative Day to
discuss high-priority legislation and issues.
Chiefs heard from Senators Mike
McGuire and Jim Nielsen as well
as Assemblymember Jim Cooper
and Medical Cannabis Regulation
Bureau Chief Lori Ajax before heading
over to the Capitol for a live DUID
demonstration, tour of the Capitol
and meetings with legislators. Senator
Jim Nielsen and Assemblymember
Jim Cooper were presented with Cal
Chiefs’ Legislator of the year awards
for their support, collaboration and
legislative leadership.
“This year’s legislative day really
highlighted the shifting dynamics at
the State Capitol in response to the
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new Presidential Administration. We
had great discussions on the need to
balance the safety concerns of our
communities and political support for
legislation like SB 54 and the need to
protect public safety,” explained Chief
Jennifer Tejada, chair of Cal Chiefs’
Law and Legislation Committee, “as
the political rhetoric continues to heat
up, it is critical that chiefs inform their
elected officials about the real impacts
of their legislation” continued Tejada.
Chiefs were able to network
with each other and share strategies
for success when contacting their
legislators about legislation of
consequence, as well as meet with the
legislators in a relaxed setting at one of
the many bars within walking distance
of the Capitol.
“My first visit to the State Capitol
was earlier this year after being
appointed as chair of the marijuana
policy committee. Being able to
connect with chiefs who have been
visiting the Capitol for years gave me
some new tools and strategies that
I will be sure to use during my next
conversation with my state Senator”
said Chief Chris Dewey.
In addition to networking and
presentations from elected officials,