The Holiday Season is a time to reflect and to give thanks for another year. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to author legislation this year that puts people back to work, creates safer communities, improves public health and makes California a better place to live, work and raise families.

Senator Padilla with iron workers at the SB 292 signing ceremony in downtown Los Angeles.

One of my bills that Governor Brown signed this year will help put thousands of people back to work in our City. SB 292, legislation will elevate and expedite judicial review of the planned downtown football stadium project while establishing groundbreaking environmental protections. The entire project is a $1.2 billion private investment for our City and region.  It is estimated that 12,000 jobs will be created during construction and 11,000 permanent jobs upon completion of the project. This project will be a huge boost for our local economy for the years to come.

In 2010, I authored legislation that would enhance public safety and protect victims of crime by outlawing the smuggling, possession and use of cell phones in prison. This bill was vetoed by then Governor Schwarzenegger. I was determined to protect our communities so I re-introduced the legislation in 2011 and added urgency language that would have it take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. On October 6, 2011 Governor Brown signed my legislation into law. SB 26 imposes stiff penalties on anyone caught with an illicit cell phone in a California prison. I was pleased to work with Governor Brown and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to realize this important step forward for public safety.

I am also proud to have authored SB 332, which will allow California families the option of smoke-free multi-family housing. Currently, a landlord may include terms in a rental agreement such as restrictions on pets, noise, and specific furniture such as waterbeds. Despite the negative health effects of secondhand smoke, there is nothing in current law that explicitly permits a landlord to restrict smoking.  Secondhand smoke travels in and out of open windows and doors, through shared ventilation systems, walls, ceiling crawl spaces, light fixtures, plumbing and even baseboards. SB 332 was signed by Governor Brown in September and will go into effect on New Year’s Day. Californians living in an apartment will have more options to protect their health and that of their children.

San Fernando Valley native Lt. Jason Julao retires
from the United States Navy

Senator Padilla honors Lt. Jason Julao with a proclamation from the California State Senate.

I was truly honored to speak at the retirement ceremony of Lieutenant Jason Julao at the Encino Armed Forces Reserve Center. Lt. Julao proudly served our nation for 22 years in the United States Navy. I first met Jason as a classmate at San Fernando High School.  Jason’s career began with the U.S. Navy two weeks after graduating from San Fernando High School.  It is no coincidence that I too felt a call to public service. Jason excelled in everything he was assigned and rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the US Navy.  I can only imagine the depth of sacrifice that Lt. Julao and his family have made for our nation.  I wish my friend Jason, a healthy and successful future.

AQMD Air Quality Institute Briefing

Last month the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) representatives came to the Valley to talk about the future of our region’s air quality.  The Air Quality Institute was held at Galpin Motors in North Hills, where experts briefed local leaders regarding the District’s Air Quality Management Plan.  Local residents and business leaders shared their ideas and vision for better air quality in the Valley.  Carolyn Casavan, President of the San Fernando Valley Green Team, helped shape the morning’s discussion to include clean energy and ways to improve the business climate in the Valley.  As we work to improve the economy in Southern California, we must also work to improve the environment.  Economic growth and a cleaner, healthier environment are not mutually exclusive. For more information on AQMD’s Air Quality Management Plan please visit www.aqmd.gov.

Tour of Panorama City Mission Tortilla Plant

Senator Padilla with Plant Manager Alvaro Pelayo.

I recently toured the Mission Tortilla plant located in Panorama City. The plant opened its doors in 2010 and employs over 400 people! The plant produces over 4 million tortillas a day. With tortillas sales up, the Panorama City plant is a 24 hour operation with no signs of slowing down. Currently, Mission Tortillas is planning to expand production to include tortilla chips and tostadas.  As I toured the plant, it was clear that safety, cleanliness and teamwork are taken very seriously at Mission Tortillas.  The Panorama City plant is LEED Gold Certified, which means the building was designed to meet high environmental standards.  It’s great to have a company like Mission Tortillas in the Valley demonstrating that environmental standards and economic growth go hand in hand.