STATE SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM DON PERATA TODAY APPOINTED SENATOR JEFF DENHAM TO CHAIR THE SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE. THE APPOINTMENT OF DENHAM MARKS THE FIRST TIME IN THE LAST THREE DECADES THAT A MINORITY PARTY MEMBER WILL CHAIR THE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE. DENHAM, IS A CENTRAL VALLEY FARMER WHO OWNS AND OPERATES DENHAM PLASTICS, AN AGRICULTURAL CONTAINER SUPPLY BUSINESS IN SALINAS. HIS FIRM IS A PIONEER IN THE FIELD OF PLASTICS RECYCLING AND CONTAINER LOGISTICS. ALSO TODAY DENHAM RE- INTRODUCED LEGISLATION IN ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO REIMBURSE THE COUNTY OF STANISLAUS AND THE CITY OF MODESTO FOR THE COSTS OF INVESTIGATION IN THE MURDERS OF LACI AND CONNER PETERSON, AS WELL AS THE PROSECUTION OF SCOTT PETERSON.