Bob Tacto's columns

The former California state senator who helped eliminate nonmedical vaccine exemptions should use his congressional position in 2027 to demand answers about the measles crisis, federal health policy, and the future of America's public health institutions. The election of Dr. Richard Pan to the United States House of Representatives in California's 6th Congressional District presents an opportunity to bring an important public health debate from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. Pan, a pediatrician and former California state senator, defeated incumbent Kevin Kiley in the November 3, 2026 election, according to CBS News. His victory is significant not only because of the political change it represents in Northern California, but also because of his legislative history involving one of California's most controversial public health policies: eliminating personal-belief exemptions from childhood vaccination requirements. CBS Sacramento +1 As the United States faces a r...

The City of Fairfield and the greater Solano County community are mourning a heartbreaking tragedy following the shooting at the Solano Town Center on Friday evening, October 30. What should have been an ordinary night of shopping and Halloween preparations turned into a nightmare when gunfire erupted inside the Spirit Halloween store, leaving one person dead and six others injured. First and foremost, my deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Constance Hages, the 31-year-old woman who tragically lost her life. Learning that she was pregnant makes this loss even more heartbreaking. Two lives were taken from this world, and a family has been left to deal with an unimaginable tragedy. May Constance rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her children, family members and everyone who loved her. No family should ever have to experience this kind of pain, and no mother should lose her life under such senseless circumstances. I also want to extend my hear...