Greetings, friends and family! I am happy to give you this update on our activities in the district. We ended session successfully with eleven bills signed by Governor Newsom that are going to make a big impact on California’s advancement, equity, and environmentalism. Take a look at some of the work I have been doing to ensure our community is cared for both in legislation and in practice.
ALTADENA
Library Expansion
In 2021, I secured $250,000 toward the Altadena Library District, and now big things are happening! The library recently announced the installation of two AutoLend library vending machines, which will operate as community outreach kiosks, allowing library cardholders to browse, reserve, collect, and return materials at their convenience, 24/7. Libraries are important resources to help promote scholarship and academia within communities. I am glad to see the Altadena Library taking new approaches to reach our constituents and making learning and research even more accessible.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
UAW Strike
From the Capitol to the streets, I will stand alongside our workers until they are given respectable treatment and livable wages. I started the month by hitting the streets of Rancho Cucamonga with UAW workers negotiating their contracts and calling for the automobile giants to pay wages that will allow them to do more than barely survive. I listened as advocates shared the heartfelt testimonies that have led them to this moment. Our workers are foundational to our success as a state and nation. When they hurt, we all hurt. Thus, whether it takes legislation or me removing the tie to grab a picket sign and march, I will do whatever it takes to ensure worker’s rights.
SIERRA MADRE
Legislative Update
It is always a pleasure to visit my friends in Sierra Madre. This month, I joined Mayor Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Kriebs for a weekly city council meeting to address concerns, hear updates on the city, and share how my work in the Capitol will help improve our district. I am also proud to see the work that is being done within Sierra Madre to curb the issues that residents are having with bears, including the installation of citywide bear-proof waste bins. My team and I have been in communication with The Department of Fish and Wildlife to help support these efforts and ensure the safety of this community.
MONROVIA
State of the Schools
Congratulations, Monrovia High School, for being ranked amongst the top 40% of high schools nationwide by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best High Schools list. The Monrovia Unified School District continues to be a driven community of dedicated teachers, students, and faculty who exemplify excellence. A special thank you to the President of the Board, Traci Gholar, for hosting this month’s State of the Schools and displaying our incredible students' progress and achievement. I am pleased to share that my bill, AB 368, establishing College and Career Access Pathways Partnerships, was signed and chaptered this month. Together, we will continue to create endless avenues to success for our students.
LA VERNE
Check Presentation for Las Flores Park
Even with the state budget being tight this year, my team and I have stayed dedicated to taking care of our local cities. For this reason, I am proud to have helped the city of La Verne by securing $1.5 million to go toward Las Flores Park and the Aquatic Center. This money will help several entities that use these facilities, aid in the continuation of events and programming, and create a safer environment for attendees. I am excited to see these renovations put to work and to watch this space grow and serve the citizens of La Verne.
CALIFORNIA
AB 1228
This year, we made history for the state of California and the country by passing the most impactful fast food workers minimum wage law in history. Governor Newsom made the trip to Los Angeles at the end of September to sign the bill and seal the deal. I am proud to say that my legislation will impact hundreds of thousands of workers across the state by raising their pay to at least $20/hour by next year. This victory for workers will hopefully inspire other states to reconsider the standards by which they care for their workers. Thank you to the workers who missed days of work and vital paydays to strike, lobby, and help achieve this vital win.
BILLS, BILLS, BILLS
It’s time to start prepping next year’s legislation and continue on the road to creating solutions. To view the full rollout of my bills that are now signed and chaptered, click here.