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Former California lawmaker Alan Sieroty passes away; remembered for contributions to creation of the Coastal Commission
Former state Sen. Alan G. Sieroty, a Democrat from Beverly Hills who championed disability rights and efforts to protect California’s coast, died Saturday at the age of 93. Sieroty passed away of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to his niece Eve Meltzer and longtime friend Evan Kaizer.
Sieroty, whose family founded the Eastern Columbia department store chain, had a notable political career. He was elected to the California state Assembly in 1966 and served until 1977, when he was elected to the state Senate.
“He was just a brilliant legislator in a time when you could actually work across the aisle to get things done,” said Kaizer, president and CEO of the Sieroty Co., a Southern California real estate firm for which Sieroty served as chairman of the board.
“He authored over 100 bills,” Kaizer said. “He was responsible for so many important environmental pieces of legislation.”
One of Sieroty’s most impactful accomplishments was his role in the initiative and legislation that led to the creation of the California Coastal Commission, according to Kaizer.
“One of the things that brought Alan incredible pleasure was being at the beach … and seeing people enjoy the beach and knowing that he had a little small place in creating those open spaces,” Kaizer said.
When Sieroty retired from the Senate in 1982, the California Legislature honored him by naming a state beach in Tomales Bay State Park in Marin County after him.
Sieroty was also known for his love of art and jazz music. In the days before he passed away, he enjoyed listening to George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” as shared by his niece. Kaizer also mentioned Sieroty’s generosity in sharing his love of jazz by giving out copies of new albums to friends and family.
Aside from his political career, Sieroty served on the boards of several nonprofits, including the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California and the Venice Family Clinic. Recently, he and his family collaborated with the homelessness services nonprofit L.A. Family Housing to repurpose a former motel into a temporary housing facility for unhoused seniors named the Sieroty.
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Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in hot water recently after admitting to shooting her “untrainable” hunting dog. The controversial incident sparked public outrage, but it did not stop her from attending a gathering of California Republicans, where she received a warm reception on Saturday.
Noem, known for her stance on gun rights and conservative leadership, addressed more than 200 people at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and preserving American values amidst challenging times.
Although she did not directly reference the dog-shooting incident in her speech, she alluded to the controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize her dog named Cricket due to its poor hunting skills and an unfortunate incident involving farm chickens.
Attendees at the luncheon received a copy of Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward,” which she promoted during her remarks. Despite the backlash, she remained firm in her convictions.
Noem’s focus shifted to her leadership in South Dakota, particularly her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her decision to deploy the state’s National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She raised concerns about drug cartels exploiting Native American tribal lands in her state and criticized the federal government for its inaction.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Noem commended former President Trump for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. She highlighted Trump’s unconventional approach to politics as a sign of his genuine character.
State Republican Party delegate Anna Bryson expressed admiration for Noem’s financial policies and tax reduction efforts. She acknowledged the dog-shooting incident but credited Noem for her commitment to sound fiscal management.
The convention, attended by over 800 delegates and guests, marked a significant gathering for California Republicans. Despite past protests during Trump’s appearance in Burlingame in 2016, the event with Noem proceeded smoothly with no major disruptions.
Noem’s resilience amidst adversity and her unwavering commitment to her principles garnered both admiration and scrutiny at the California Republican Party convention.
Times staff writer Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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