He was part of the Democratic leadership, majority leader in 1972, and helped establish California's occupational health and safety regime.
He received the George Moscone Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service in 1978, from an association of consumer lawyers in Los Angeles.
[4] When John Moreno, the first term Mexican American Assemblyman for the 51st District sought reelection, he faced both Dionisio Morales and Jack Fenton.
His investigation, and civil litigation, found negligence by the contractor (Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company) and state inspectors.
Dixon Arnett (R-Redwood City) introduced emergency legislation to recognize death when brain activity ceased.
After the California State Senate passed the bill, Arnett flew to Chicago to secure Governor Ronald Reagan's signature giving force to the law.