News

Assemblyman honors local Gold Star Mother

Julia Conover’s advocacy for veterans, and for the families who have lost loved ones to war, has become well-known in Northern California and in San Joaquin County and Tracy, where she is most active.

California bill would fund scholarships for aspiring Central Valley doctors

FRENCH CAMP, Calif. —

Stockton Assm. Carlos Villapudua wants to bring much-needed physicians to underserved areas of the Central Valley by offering full scholarships to aspiring doctors.

According to his office, San Joaquin County has a dire need for more physicians. For every 100,000 residents in the county, there are only 39 primary care physicians, leading to delays in care. However, if Assembly Bill 2132, known as the “California Future Physician Fund,” is passed by the State Assembly, $20 million would be set aside for scholarships.

California bill that would penalize possession of detached catalytic converters faces opposition

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

A bill that would make possession of a detached catalytic converter a crime and punishable with jail time faced stiff opposition on California's Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Assm. Carlos Villapudua, D Stockton, vied for his bill in front of the Assembly committee, where he spoke about the importance of implementing a bill that cracks down on thefts, so his constituents can feel some relief.

Democratic lawmakers propose $400 tax rebates

Nearly two-dozen state lawmakers unveiled a proposal on Thursday to give California taxpayers $400 rebates to offset spiking gas prices and inflation.

“Too many Californians are struggling to make ends meet right now,” Assembly member Cottie Petrie-Norris (D–Laguna Beach) said at a press conference outside the state Capitol. “We are here to offer help.”

Lawmakers introduce new bills aimed at deterring catalytic converter thefts

One bill would require car dealerships and retailers to mark catalytic converters while the other would require proof of ownership for detached catalytic converters.

STOCKTON, Calif. — It's a familiar crime that takes seconds to commit but leaves victims without a car and out hundreds of dollars in some cases. 

As some police departments in California note an uptick in catalytic converter thefts in recent years, videos showing the at-times brazen thefts have swept the internet and have caught the attention of state lawmakers.

California’s New Employment Tax Credit Proposal

AB 2035 would expand the definition of qualified taxpayer by permitting a taxpayer that is primarily engaged in food services to claim the credit

On February 14, Assembly Member Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) introduced Assembly Bill 2035 to make important changes to California’s existing New Employment Credit (NEC). Under existing law, in both the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation Tax Law, there is a tax credit, the NEC, for tax years 2014 through 2025.

Fill her up: Gov. signs bill that allows for refilling wine bottles


SALINAS – A bill that has its origins in Monterey County, was recently signed into law allowing consumers to bring their own wine bottles to be refilled at participating tasting rooms, reducing waste and expanding business.

“It is important to have a level playing field for all winery establishments. The new legislation allows wineries to reduce packaging waste and cost,” said Heather Brand, owner I. Brand & Family Winery. “This is a win, win situation. We can reduce our environmental footprint and pass savings through to our guests and customers.”

State Allocates $15 Million for Pollinators

Villapudua Leads Critical Investment Opportunity for Agriculture Community

California Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) celebrated the Assembly’s approval of $15 million recently to support our state’s pollinator habitats.

Regional perspectives needed on CPUC - Carlos Villapudua

By: Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua

Warming weather in the San Joaquin Valley used to mean going to the annual asparagus festival, Stockton Heat games and car shows. Due to the global pandemic, housing and unemployment crises, catastrophic wildfires and energy shortages during heat waves, traditional events and daily life for Stockton residents have not been the same.

Changes to police training passes Assembly, moves to Senate: Villapudua explains details

Assemblyman Carlos Villapudua says he doesn't want to see a repeat of “the senseless killing of George Floyd.” 

That is why he is the lead author of Assembly Bill 931, a legislative bill proposing changes to peace officer – including police – training.   

Villapudua, D-Stockton, says the idea is to implement training where officers are encouraged to stand up and intercede if they see a fellow officer potentially violating someone's rights.