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Dear Friends: Read my special Earth Day edition April E-Newsletter to get information about what I'm doing on your behalf in the Capitol and in the 23rd Senate District. In this Issue
Climate Change and National Security
Our military leaders are keenly aware of the national security threats posed by climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels. On Friday, March 19, the Select Committee on Climate Change and AB 32 Implementation that I chair held a hearing titled: "Energy Security & Climate Change: Global Problems, Local Solutions". Senator Christine Kehoe hosted the hearing at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. It was truly an eye opener. I learned that our military is moving way ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to converting to non-fossil fuel clean energy and preparing for global tensions that will result from the impacts climate change. The Navy has already reduced their energy consumption 18% since 2003. Among the presenters were high ranking acting and retired military leaders who all stressed the dangers of our nation's over-reliance on foreign oil, both because of the strategic and military challenges it poses and because of risks to the economy.
The Secretary of the Navy has committed that by 2020 half of the Department of the Navy's total energy consumption will come from alternative sources. That's a much more aggressive target than California's landmark clean energy law, AB 32. But military leaders believe that the overwhelming risks to national security mean that aggressively cutting back on fossil fuels will keep Americans at home, and those serving overseas, safer. "We can't drill our way to sustainability and prosperity", said retired Vice Admiral McGinn, and added that whenever we buy a tank of gas "part of that money inevitably is getting to states that fund terrorism." This hearing clearly demonstrated that it's vital to the health of our families, the health of our economy and the security of our nation to continue to move toward a cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy future. California Green Energy Summit
The direct link between clean energy and jobs was on full display at this year's California Green Energy Summit in Sacramento. More than 200 small and large businesses dedicated to a prosperous and clean energy future set up booths at the annual summit. From alternative energy vehicles, sustainable building supplies, and energy efficient light bulbs, to innovations in storm water retention, entrepreneurs showcased their energy saving and renewable products and proved that clean tech is the growth sector that will lead to California's economic recovery.
I was honored to be a featured speaker at this event and to have the opportunity to meet some of the people, especially the youngsters, who are embracing this new economy. Alec Loorz, a sophomore at El Camino High School in Ventura spoke to attendees about empowering youth to tackle climate change. I also had the opportunity to meet a group of sixth graders from Paradise Intermediate School in Northern California who attended the conference as part of a school project. The students were all assigned areas of research and put together presentations to give to their classmates. It's inspiring to see how many young people understand the urgency of climate change and get that this is not just an environmental issue. Clean Cars Law Goes National
Eight years after California took the lead in the fight against climate change and adopted my Clean Cars Law (AB 1493), our first-in-the-world greenhouse gas emissions standards have become the national standard. The Obama Administration announced last week that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the first ever national limits on global warming pollution from new vehicles. At the same time, the Department of Transportation announced that the U.S. car and light-truck fleet must reach an average fuel efficiency of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This is wonderful news for consumers, the economy, our nation's security, the auto industry, and the environment. This regulation will reduce air pollution, reduce consumer costs at the pump, and create new jobs. President Obama said the new standards "will reduce our dependence on oil while helping folks spend a little less at the pump". According to the EPA, the new standards will:
A recent report found that Californian drivers will save 1.6 billion gallons of gasoline by 2016, saving $4 billion at the pump, while reducing 14 million tons of global warming pollution the equivalent of removing nearly 3 million cars from the road for a year. Automobile companies now have certainty on rules that will apply all across the country. While these regulations can be met with existing, cost-effective technologies, it is my hope that they will lead to new, job creating product innovations that will strengthen the U.S. auto sector and provide improved products to American car buyers. It is rare that a regulatory action will result in such a big win for the environment, industry, the economy, national security, and consumers in one package. Calabasas Earth Day Celebration
I had a wonderful time meeting people and talking to business owners at the Calabasas Earth Day Festival last weekend. The event took place at Las Virgenes Creek and was a celebration of the growing and diverse environmental interests found throughout our region. It was great to see so many families come out to enjoy some music, check out the display of eco-friendly vehicles and take part in the live animal show. The festival included education displays from community groups, environmental organizations, and environmentally-conscious businesses. I think everyone walked away with some wonderful ideas on how they can help our environment. Earth Day in Your Community Here are some other Earth Day events happening throughout the 23rd Senate District: Encino
Malibu Malibu Lagoon Cleanup:
Santa Monica Topanga Van Nuys
West Hollywood District wide Ca$h for energy Efficient Appliances
You will soon be able to trade in your old refrigerator, washing machine, and room air conditioner for new energy efficient models and cash in on $35.2 million of federal stimulus rebates. Beginning on April 22, Earth Day, The California Cash for Appliances rebate program, which is being implemented by the California Energy Commission, will offer cash incentives to consumers to improve California's long-term energy efficiency goals. You can earn $200 for refrigerators, $100 for clothes washers, and $50 for room air conditioners. You must live in California, make the purchase from a California retailer between April 22 - May 23, 2010, and prove that you've recycle the replaced appliance. You'll be able to find eligible appliances at most major appliance retailers, just look for the Cash for Appliances logo. For other rules and more information about the program you can call 916-654-4984 or log on to www.cash4appliances.org. Sustainability Award
Each month I recognize a business, person, or organization in my district that is dedicated to preserving our environment by living and working responsibly. This month I'm proud to announce that I presented an Environmental Sustainability Award to Valley Cultural Center in Woodland Hills. Their 35th Anniversary season of Concerts in the Park, now known as Concerts on the Green, has transformed this celebratory occasion into an opportunity to be good stewards to the environment while continuing to sustain the arts. Through offering the new "Green Village" area, they are educating the public on carbon footprint reductions while supporting eco-friendly businesses. In addition, their efforts in reducing waste through on-site recycling stations and the environmentally friendly concert programs are truly admirable. The State of California commends you for being an inspiration to the people of the 23rd State Senate District. Zenergy House: A Green Remodel
Last Friday I joined actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. in Studio City for a grand opening tour of the Zenergy House, L.A.'s first comprehensive green remodel. Zenergy House was conceived as a living example and educational tool for the average person to learn about and incorporate greener elements into their home environment. The project's major improvements address the mechanical systems, lighting, energy management systems, building envelope, ventilation, water conservation, appliances, interior finishes, and renewable energy. The home also showcases green furnishings, textiles, art, and wallpaper. It is a great example of some of the small and large steps homeowners can take to "green" their home. For a complete listing of materials and technologies used in the home please visit: www.ZenergyHouse.com. I was proud to present Zenergy House with a Sustainability Award.Malibu Bike Route The City of Malibu was recently warded $900,000 for bike route improvements from the CalTrans Highway Safety Improvements Program. The money will be used in part for striping modifications and additional signage along the five mile stretch between Trancas Canyon north to the Malibu City limits - part of the "California Coastal Bicycle Route". City funds will supplement the grant to complete the work which is expected to begin next fall and be completed by summer 2011. This is a pilot project and will set a precedent for the rest of the California Coastal Bicycle Route. Honoring Ventura County Firefighters
The Ventura County Fire Department recently held their 14th Annual Awards Ceremony. They honored nearly 30 firefighters, dispatchers, employees and civilians during the ceremony. As the keynote speaker, Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza highlighted the efficient, professional and life-saving day-to-day efforts of the Ventura County Fire Department that have touched his life and so many others in Ventura County. The ceremony highlighted courageous acts in the line of duty. My staff was on hand to congratulate the award recipients and present them with a certificate for their service. Thank you to all of those who serve and protect our communities. Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month, a global effort to raise awareness and world attention on the issues affecting those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. ASDs now impact one out of every 100 children in the United States and are the fastest growing serious developmental disability, making these disorders more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Most school districts in California have seen a doubling of students with ASDs in the past five years. The number of Californians with ASDs who are served by the State Department of Developmental Services now exceeds 40,000, which is a number that has more than tripled since 1998 and has increased more than 12 times from what it was in 1987. Many Californians are not adequately informed about ASDs and the value and importance of early identification, assessment, and treatment of these disorders. The Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders has been established in order to promote policies and legislation and to better assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. I'm proud to be a member of this committee which has set up a new website at www.senate.ca.gov/autism. Sen. Pavley receives Friends of Children Award
While it was first announced in February, Senator Pavley was recently presented with the 2009-2010" Special Friend of Children Award" by the National Association of School Psychologists. This award is given once a year to an individual or group that supports political action and advocacy on behalf of children in order to improve education and mental health services for children, youth and their families. Senator Pavley was nominated for this award by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) for her leadership in the passage of AB 2513. AB 2513 required the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene an advisory committee to develop specific recommendations that would identify the means by which schools can better serve students with autism. As a result, school districts like the Ventura Unified School District are now working to better train teachers to meet the needs of students with autism. In announcing the award, the National Association of School Psychologists praised Senator Pavley’s efforts to bring greater attention to the important issues impacting students with autism, including the possible link between environmental contaminants and neuro-developmental disabilities. “Senator Pavley has been a real leader in creating breakthroughs for children with Autism,” said Jeff Frost with CASP. “Her work in the State Assembly led to a groundbreaking study calling for a clearinghouse for autism best practices and for targeted training for teachers. CASP was honored to nominate her for this prestigious award.” Oxnard interchange groundbreaking
A member of my staff joined city officials and elected officials for the groundbreaking of the Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue Interchange at U.S. Highway 101 Improvement Project on April 1, 2010. The highway improvement project has been discussed for over 20 years. The City of Oxnard placed the project on their Oxnard Vision 2020 plan. Thanks to the city's efforts, help from CalTrans, local support from the Oxnard Harbor District, as well as federal support from Congressman Elton Gallegly and Congresswoman Lois Capps, this project has finally come to fruition. The project improves traffic flow, improves air quality, and makes safety improvements. Curbing teen texting while driving
I recently joined State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, members of the CHP, as well as parents, teachers and students at Taft High School in Woodland Hills on to kick off a new student contest designed to reduce teen texting while driving. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and anything we can do to get young people to put down their cell phones and pay attention to the road will help save lives. Impact Teen Drivers, a public awareness and education program focusing on distracted and reckless driving, came up with the new contest campaign called"Star Sixty Five (*65) to Stay Alive". The basic idea behind the contest is to offer a substantial prize for the development of an application for mobile devices (Droid, iPhone, etc) that will allow users to punch *-6-5 into their phone before entering their vehicle. This will cause all calls to go to voicemail, and all text messages to generate a standard text message response explaining that the individual is currently driving and unable to respond, but will return their call when they arrive at their destination safely. For more information go to the Impact Teen Drivers website or call 916-733-7432. Higher education in Crisis Volunteers and alumni from UCLA met with my staff recently to discuss the University's financial crisis and its impacts on students. It now costs upwards of $10,000 a year to go to UCLA. Since the number of class offerings has been reduced, students are forced to go to school for a 5th and 6th year, which makes it even more expensive and means that fewer new students can enroll. This year the university has a $131 million shortfall. At the same time, they received more applications than any other university in the country - 58,000. I believe that education is the key to overcoming our economic problems, as human resources are California's number one asset. To that end, I will continue to work closely with my colleagues to find the best way to preserve education funding and restore what has been lost in California's public education system. New student union at CSU Channel Islands
Students at California State University Channel Islands are celebrating the grand opening of their new 24,920 square foot student union. The site is the former library, located in the center of campus. It is completely funded by the students. CSU Channel Islands students passed a referendum in 2006 to fund the design, construction, and operation of a new Student Union. Sustainability was a primary focus of the design. A member of my staff was on hand for the recent ribbon cutting ceremony and says the new union - complete with an area for student events and live entertainment, a dining center, and lounges - will be a dynamic center for CI campus life; a place to study, to meet with friends, to grab a coffee, or just relax between classes. Boys and Girls honor Oxnard student
Congratulations to 16-year-old Taylor Penny of Oxnard for being chosen as a finalist for the National Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year program, Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier character and leadership initiative, recognizes outstanding contributions to a Club member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. Taylor, a sophomore at Oxnard High School, was chosen for this honor for her leadership abilities and her willingness to give back to her community. Taylor is a 3.5 GPA honor roll student who is active on cheer squad, is a member of the track team, volunteers with the Red Cross and tutors a special needs student. Her volunteer hours at a local hospital have given her the inspiration to pursue a medical career as an OB/GYN. Helping hands
A couple of weeks ago volunteers, and elected officials across the country delivered meals to homebound persons in their communities as part of "Big Wheels for Meals", an annual event to raise awareness of senior hunger. Staff in my Santa Monica office participated at Meals on Wheels West, which has been providing home-delivered meals in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Topanga since 1974. Many community stakeholders including council members, city staff, and other members of the community assisted with the one-day effort by helping to deliver food to ill, frail, disabled and senior persons. It was also an opportunity for staff to connect with constituents that could not otherwise get out to meet with us. Thanks to Meals on Wheels West for serving the neediest in our community for over 35 years. Woman of the Year
I was proud this year to honor Joan Satt as the 23rd Senate District's Woman of the Year on April 2, 2010. A large group of Joan's family, friends and colleagues attended the event to show their support for her on the special day. Joan has been a leader in developing several city-wide recycling programs throughout Los Angeles County. She began her career at the City of Los Angeles' first commercial and multi family recycling office, The Integrated Solid Waste Management Office. Joan then went to the City of Culver City to head her own recycling program. Here Joan was able to expand the residential recycling program by implementing a single-stream automated system. She also brought recycling to the large facilities such as Sony Studios and others. Joan continues her dedication to the environment and sustainability. She recently became a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. Joan is a Recycling Consultant having worked on programs for Los Angeles County and currently for the City of West Hollywood. Meeting with California voters
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