(The Center Square)—A bipartisan coalition of California lawmakers has introduced a bill to strengthen penalties, including potential felonies, for purchasing sex from 16- and 17-year-old children. The legislation also would make loitering to purchase prostitution a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine.
Introduced by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, and state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, Assembly Bill 379 would close loopholes left open by forced amendments to Grove’s earlier legislation on the purchase of sex from children.
“I made a promise that I would never stop fighting for all children in the state of California, and I intend to do just that,” said Grove in a statement. “I am thrilled to partner with Assemblywoman Maggy Krell, a former federal prosecutor who handled major sex trafficking cases, to ensure children of all ages are equally protected under the law and to provide resources to support survivors who have endured this horrific crime.”
Last year, Democrats forced amendments to Grove’s Senate Bill 1414, which originally would have made attempted or successful solicitation of sex with a minor for money a felony with a prison sentence ranging from two to four years, a fine not exceeding $25,000 and registration as a sex offender.
The forced amendments made buying sex from children 15 or younger a “wobbler” felony or misdemeanor with prison time possible but not guaranteed, and purchasing sex from 16- and 17-year-old children a misdemeanor. The amendments also limited sex offender registration to perpetrators with a prior conviction for purchasing sex from a child 15 or younger and with over a 10-year age gap, meaning a 25-year-old could purchase sex from a 15-year-old without registering as a sex offender.
In 2023, Democrats initially quashed SB 14, which made trafficking children a “serious” felony eligible under the state’s three-strikes law, before national outrage brought the bill back to committee and led to the bill’s eventual passage.
Krell and Grove’s statement also noted that California’s new 2022 law making it no longer a misdemeanor to loiter to commit prostitution has made it “more difficult for law enforcement to intervene and investigate sex trafficking cases,” and that since then, “the sex trafficking industry has openly flourished.”
Decriminalization bill author state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, argued that making loitering to commit prostitution a crime contributes to “discrimination on the basis of gender, race, class and perceived sex worker status – in particular, targeting Black women and members of the transgender community.”
Elected officials in Los Angeles have also shared their concerns about the decriminalization’s negative impact on women, children and other vulnerable members of the community as public prostitution becomes normal across vast swathes of the city.
“This is another soft on crime bill out of Sacramento leading to more crime on the streets of Los Angeles, and unfortunately in many cases it’s women and vulnerable people who are the victims of this,” said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park to The Center Square. “It’s unfortunate that lawmakers don’t anticipate the consequences of many of the laws they pass.”
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
