Press Releases

Pasadena – Statement from Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) on the extension of public comment period for the 710-freeway draft environmental impact report:

"I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has agreed to extend public comment period for the 710-North draft environmental impact report to 120 days. Since last April I have been working in conjunction with my constituents and local governments in my district to urge Caltrans to extend the public comment period to 120 days.

Pasadena – State Assemblymember Chris Holden will honor Pasadena community activist Stella Murga as his “Woman of the Year” for her outstanding accomplishments in the 41st Assembly District. Each year the Assembly honors women of distinction who enhance the quality of life for others in their Assembly districts.

A first-generation Mexican-American, Stella Murga has spent more than 20 years working with young people with a focus on student achievement. She established the Adelante Youth Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on guiding youth to develop their full personal, academic and career potential.

Under Stella’s direction, Adelante Youth Alliance produces the two largest college and career conferences in California.

“Our state has a rich history of women who have made lasting contributions to their communities through their public service and activism,” said Assemblymember Holden.  “Stella Murga exemplifies that spirit through her work advocacy for better education for all of California’s young people.”

Ms. Murga will be honored during ceremonies at the State Capitol on Monday, March 9.

Sacramento – There is a growing segment of the used car market that targets those with poor credit.  It’s called “Buy Here, Pay Here” and it appeals to those who can’t get a car anywhere else because they don’t have the cash or the credit. These are the lenders of last resort for many Californians. But the cost for this kind of credit is steep with exorbitant interest rates and can be a vicious cycle for poor workers who need a car.

SACRAMENO - Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) has introduced legislation that would update the Algebra I high school graduation to ensure students meet the mathematics high school graduation requirement.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) today announced staff additions at his Capitol and district offices.

Kayleen Maya-Aviles joins the Pasadena office as district director. Maya-Aviles, who started January 26, spent more than two decades working in community-based public affairs, most recently as vice-president for Valencia & Company where she focused on outreach efforts for such diverse clients as KPCC radio, Metrolink, and the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Azusa. She built her early career as field deputy to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. She replaces Bobi Johnson who takes over as Principal Consultant to the Majority Floor Leader covering regional transportation issues including the 710 Freeway, Metro Gold Line expansion, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and Ontario Airport.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) today introduced Assembly Bill 148 to offer an alternative solution to school construction funding in both K- 12 grades and community colleges.

“California schools are in terrible shape and lack the funds to make necessary repairs. Toilets are clogged, roofs leak, and students swelter in hot classrooms. The Governor’s budget proposal does not provide a sustainable solution for our children. AB 148 will begin discussions about the future of school financing, which may include both bond financing or tax financing, and also streamline the state facilities program, currently a burdensome layer of bureaucracy,” said Assemblymember Holden.

Pasadena - “I echo the Governor Brown’s sentiment that ‘self-discipline and real prudence’ are essential to keep our budget balanced and maintain the progress California has seen in the past few years. I thank the Governor for his leadership on the Rainy Day Fund and for following through on his promises to voters by saving $2.4 billion for future economic downturns.

Sacramento - Today, Speaker of the California Assembly Toni G. Atkins announced the members of the Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2015-16 legislative session. Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) has been appointed Assembly Majority Floor Leader; The Majority Floor Leader represents the Speaker on the Floor and expedites Assembly floor proceedings. Holden previously served as Majority Whip under Speaker Emeritus John A. Perez and as Assistant Majority Leader. He was first elected in 2012.

Leondra R. Kruger has been selected by Governor Brown for a vacancy on the California Supreme Court.  The Governor’s nomination will be submitted to the State Bar’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and must be confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.   Ms. Kruger is a member of the Washington, D.C. and California Bar Associations and is admitted to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.