Yeah, a measley $2K and/or a year! Sucks! But, this is only a criminal penalty. A civil penalty should definitely also be in order (assault&battery, pain&suffering, emotional distress, etc etc.) Many avenues here too!
Your interpretation seems to be correct, though I still need to read the case law that have applied this Code. The law seems to be applicable to "registered" officials, but I'm sure a good attorney can manipulate something.
However, in delving into the CA law a bit more, if an assault (officials not as a separate class though) occurs on a school campus, fines can reach up to $10,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment. A little better.
I'll keep you all updated as to my findings.
