Government Watch

If Yee's bill is approved by the Assembly and signed into law, it would allow counties to begin using online voter registration for the 2012 presidential primary and general election. Paper registration would still be available.

o On Tuesday, the California Senate unanimously approved legislation authored by Yee to require PG&E and other gas utility companies to install automatic and remotely-controlled shutoff valves throughout California's pipelines.

Senate Bill 216 would require installation of automatic or remotely-controlled valves on all pipelines that cross an active seismic earthquake fault or are located within a high consequence area. Under the bill, automatic or remotely-controlled shutoff valves would be required every 2.5 miles in the highest density areas; every 4 miles in medium density areas; every 7.5 miles in low density areas, and every 10 miles in extremely low density areas. Currently, federal regulations only require manual shutoff valves in these locations, according to Yee's office.

The bill will now be considered by the state Assembly.

o The California Senate approved legislation authored by Yee to bring greater transparency and accountability to California's public higher education institutions - University of California, California State University, and the state's community college system.

SB 8 will ensure UC, CSU and the community college auxiliaries and foundations adhere to state public records laws. Under SB 8, all other financial records, contracts, and correspondence would be subject to public disclosure upon request, according to Yee's office.

o A bill by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, bill aimed to increase breast cancer detection passed the state Senate. Senate Bill 173 requires that following a mammogram individuals with dense breast tissue be informed that: They have dense breast tissue; that dense breast tissue can obscure abnormalities (i.e., cancer) on a mammogram; and that, they may wish to discuss the potential value of additional screening(s) with their doctors, according to Simitian's office.

City government

o The San Carlos Planning Commission will choose a new chair, vice chair and representative to the Residential Design Review Committee. It will also review the city's capital improvement program for fiscal year 2011-2012 to determine if it conforms to the general plan.

The Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. Monday, June 6 at City Hall, Second Floor Conference Room 207, 600 Elm St., San Carlos.

o The San Carlos Patrol Bureau of the county Sheriff's Office will hold its third annual town hall meeting, providing attendees crime statistics and trends, prevention strategies, emergency preparedness information and answering questions. Capt. Greg Rothaus will preside at the meeting which is 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at City Hall, 600 Elm St., San Carlos.