Government Watch

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo, earned a 100 percent pro-choice rating on the recently released NARAL Pro-Choice California Legislative Scorecard. Yee’s commitment to women’s rights and reproductive health was evident by his votes on key bills before the Legislature this session.

The NARAL scorecard was based on the following bills:

• AB 1511, the Stronger Families for California Act, to decrease teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections by establishing a public education campaign giving parents the tools to talk about sexual health

• AB 629, the Sexual Health Education Accountability Act, to establish baseline standards for sexual health education programs in order to decrease rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases

• SB 22 to begin expansion of the breast-feeding peer counseling program at local agency Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) sites, general hospitals and special hospitals that provide maternity care, in order to improve breast feeding rates among mother and infants

• AB 43 (co-authored by Yee) to enact gender-neutral marriage and provide that marriage is a private and personal civil contract between two persons, regardless of sex

County government

• Sustainable San Mateo County is seeking nominations for its 2008 Sustainability Awards for forward-thinking organizations and individuals.

The Sustainability Awards honor and publicize businesses, government programs, community groups, and individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices in their work. Nominees’ actions should support the key elements of sustainability: social equity, economic vitality, and a healthy environment. For information on how to submit an application visit www.sustainablesanmateo.org. Self nominations are welcome. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 28.

City government

• The San Bruno City Council will vote on a three-year agreement with the San Bruno Park School District expiring on Aug. 30, 2010. The agreement calls for the city to perform a limited level of field maintenance with the district paying a portion of the cost. The district will pay $9,940 during the 2006-2007 fiscal year. The portion will increase 5 percent annually to cover inflation. Next year, the district will pay $10,461. The city will bear all additional costs with field maintenance.

At the same meeting, the council will hear an update on the use of barbecues at parks. The update will ban portable barbecues, require the use of only provided grills, and require permits for special events.

The council meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the senior center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno.

• The Millbrae City Council will vote on a two-year contract extension for City Manager Ralph Jaeck through Oct. 1, 2009.

As of Jan. 1, 2007, Jaeck was making $13,439 per month. The new contract includes an 8 percent increase starting July 1, 2007; an increase in his general leave of absence shall increase to 19.34 hours per month; and a 5 percent salary increase as of Jan. 1, 2008.

At the same meeting, the council will discuss extending a field-use agreement with the Millbrae Elementary School District.

The council meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 at city hall, 621 Magnolia Ave., Millbrae.

Education

• The San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees approved a contract with the San Mateo Elementary Teachers’ Association Thursday.

The three-year contract covers 2006 to 2009 starting with a 6.35 percent salary increase starting mid-year during the previous school year, according to a joint press release. A 2 percent increase will be applied beginning in July 2007 with an additional 1 percent increase during the middle of the current school year. Stipends for $1,000 were added for teachers holding certain extra training.

An increase during the 2008-2009 school year will be generated by a formula aligned with the state funding. There will be continued effort toward collaboration in addressing special education, teacher support and professional development issues.