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Dear Friends: Please read my October E-Newsletter to learn about what I'm doing on your behalf in the Capitol and at home in the 23rd Senate District. In this Issue
On October 8th, after a record setting delay, the State Senate and Assembly were both able to garner the 2/3rds vote necessary to pass a budget. Unlike the Federal Government, the State has to pass a balanced budget every year. The agreed upon budget deal will close California's $18 billion deficit without raising taxes, and without completely decimating the essential programs which keep our state afloat and support the most vulnerable citizens in California (View Summary of Key Provisions Here). Major points of this year's budget include:
Every one of us will be touched by the ongoing impacts of this budget. My Democratic colleagues and I have been forced to cut in areas that we would have never considered if California were not still clawing our way out of one of the worst economic meltdowns in history. However, our ability to soften the blow of these budget cuts was hampered significantly by the requirement of a two-thirds vote. California is one of only three states (and by far the largest) that require a two-thirds vote to pass a budget. To reach the challenging two-thirds vote threshold and the Governor's signature, here are a few of the questionable tradeoffs that were required:
Our budget woes are far from over, however we have succeeded in maintaining California's foundation, and there are several notable victories for working families in this budget. It will take hard work, important reforms to our institutions, and courage from legislators in Sacramento to change the status quo, but I continue to believe we will be able to get California back on track in the years to come and that our future is still bright. I am pleased to share with you that many of my key bills have been signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. If you are interested in reviewing other bills from this legislative session or to follow future legislation, please visit www.sen.ca.gov.
SB 77 SB 435 SB 918
Water Recycling
SB 929
SB 1069 SB 1279 SB 1319 SB 1404 SB 1428 SJR 31 Although the Governor signed ten of my eleven bills, I am disappointed to share with you that he chose to veto one of them. SB 971
The I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project is in full swing. The project will add 10 miles of HOV/carpool lanes to the Northbound I-405, improve bridge infrastructure, widen lanes and add sound walls. This summer, we saw the demolition of the southern half of the Sunset Bridge, the addition of a dedicated right turn lane at Church and Sepulveda, the start of pile driving at Wilshire loops and many other construction activities. Upcoming work includes widening the Santa Monica Bridge, utility relocation and Sunset Bridge reconstruction. At the time of publication, the demolition of the northern half of the Skirball Bridge is scheduled to begin on October 12th and last for seven nights. Please drive safely and check your route before you leave the house. Alternative Energy Vehicles Expo
On October 2nd, I moderated the Tech Review and Debate Panel at the Fifth Annual AltCar Expo & Conference, an annual conference hosted by the City of Santa Monica. I was joined by expert panelists from all areas of creating alternative energy vehicles including, the car industry, alternative fuel researchers, consumer marketing experts and state agencies charged with developing an alternative fuel infrastructure. The panelists discussed the newest technologies to be made available to consumers as early as December of this year. The panelists agreed it is critical that we diversify our fuel base. However, they conceded there is no one sure-fire technology that will replace gas combustion engines. Much of the demand for new technologies will be consumer driven, for example a consumer with shorter commute times may choose a plug-in or hydrogen fuel cell, while a consumer looking to drive cross country may choose an electric gas hybrid. The audience came well-informed and prepared to participate in the discussion, with questions focused on how to solve the problem of alternative fuel infrastructure. Panelists from the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission introduced their plan to coordinate the development of alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure technologies throughout the state. I'm excited to say that consumers will likely have many new vehicle choices in the coming years. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I wanted you to be aware of several events in the District. The "Breast Cancer Educational Forum" is sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the National Council of Jewish Women. The panelists for this forum include breast surgeons, oncologists and cancer survivors. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 19, from Noon to 2:00 pm, at the National Council of Jewish Women, 543 N Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Please RSVP to Ruth Williams, (323) 852-8503 or ruth@ncjwla.org. The Breast Cancer Fund is hosting a webinar, "State of Evidence: The Connection between Breast Cancer and the Environment." The webinar will be on October 21 at 4:00 pm, and will explore the science behind exposure to toxic chemicals and diseases like breast cancer. It will also provide meaningful opportunities to ensure that California's Green Chemistry Initiative truly protects public health. For more information and how to register, click here. A Closer Look at a Field Representative
Field Representative Jason Levin, San Fernando Valley native, covers his home turf by connecting with community groups, neighborhood councils and constituents. Learn more about Jason's role in my office and some of his background. Q: What areas do you cover in the 23rd Senate District? A: I cover the areas of the San Fernando Valley that lie within the City of Los Angeles, essentially north of Mulholland and East of Valley Circle - including Chatsworth, Canoga Park, West Hills, Warner Center, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks (my hometown), Studio City and Universal City. Q: What experience do you have in the area? A: I have a personal stake in the betterment of the 23rd Senate District, not just as a Californian, but as a lifelong resident of Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley. I'm a "Valley boy," and it is an honor to serve the interests of my community as a Field Representative in Senator Pavley's office. Q: Do you have any specific projects that you are working on for the Senator? A: I am focusing on the Los Angeles River revitalization plan. Senator Pavley's District includes much of the River, including the river headwaters in Canoga Park through Studio City. The River is more than a flood channel. It is important to Senator Pavley that Angelenos are aware of the recreational potential of the river and its value in controlling stormwater and groundwater recharge. Q: Did you study political science in school? A: I did not major in political science in college. I got a BA in history from George Washington University in D.C. Q: What's your favorite spot or activity in the San Fernando Valley? A: I love eating in one of the many Israeli restaurants lining Ventura Boulevard. One Chicken Schwarma pita, please! If you are a resident of the area that Jason covers, please feel free to touch base with him at jason.levin@sen.ca.gov. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Celebrates 30 Years of Protection
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 Agromin. Bill Camarillo, CEO, accepted the award on behalf of Agromin. The company is headquartered in Oxnard and has been developing and manufacturing soil products for 30 years. Agromin's products are manufactured in part with recycled yard clippings and green waste that reduces greenhouse gases, saves space in our landfills and helps meet environmental standards. The company continues to promote green living by giving back to the community. Several times a year Agromin provides free bags of compost or other materials to Oxnard residents. Beverly Hills 9-11 Memorial Groundbreaking
On the morning of September 11, 2010, I attended a memorial dedication and groundbreaking at the Beverly Hills Fire Department. The future memorial will include a large piece of steel from the World Trade Center towers purchased by the Fire Department and the City of Beverly Hills. They are still accepting donations to complete the project. Assemblymember Feuer, Mayor Delshad and Beverly Hills City Councilmembers also participated in this important event. The ceremony was conducted by Fire Chief Tim Scranton and began with a performance by the Beverly Hills High School Madrigals under the direction of Joel Pressman. CSUCI and Smithsonian Bracero Program
Now through the end of October, take some time to learn about local history. The Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964 exhibit will be visiting the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus. CSUCI students contributed to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History exhibit by collecting oral histories from local Ventura County braceros. The Bracero Program began as a temporary stopgap measure during World War II to supply Mexican workers with agriculture and railroad jobs. It became a guest worker program that lasted until 1964, and it is estimated that 6.4 million contracts were awarded during the length of the program. The Braceros suffered through poor working conditions, low or no wages and workplace abuse. When the program concluded many Braceros chose to stay in the US through their employers, some remaining locally in Ventura County which today continues to be a thriving agricultural economy. Events in conjunction with the exhibit can be found at the CSUCI website. Moving Lives Forward – San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center
Last month marked the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. In celebration of the month, my staff joined the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center for their event, "Moving Lives Forward". The event honored the 40th Anniversary of the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, and those who have successfully completed programs through the center. Also honored where businesses and community members that continually support the efforts of the center. Since 1970, this non-profit agency has provided exceptional services to the mental health community, and supported those in need in the San Fernando Valley area. For more information on resources and rehabilitation and recovery programs in your area, please visit the Recovery Month website. Other treatment options in the 23rd Senate District include CLARE in Santa Monica and Alcoholics Anonymous.
With great sadness I report the sudden passing of Ron Schafer, Superintendent of the Angeles District of California State Parks. Ron passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2010, after suffering a stroke just a few days prior. Since 2002, Ron has overseen the Angeles District, which encompasses 18 parks in the Los Angeles area. He chaired the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Board since 2008 where he focused his energy on building partnerships and strengthening relationships that helped establish new state parks. Ron's passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an unforgettable mark on the public lands in my Senate district. I join in extending my most sincere condolences to Ron's family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.
Save the Date!
Please RSVP to Kara Seward at kara.seward@sen.ca.gov or (310) 314-5214
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